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The-effectiveness-of-audio-security-surveillance-is-often-underestimated

The effectiveness of audio security surveillance is often underestimated.

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

In the world of security and video surveillance, the value of audio is often underestimated. While audio plays a pivotal role in intercom systems, its significance in broader security and event management contexts is frequently overlooked.

Audio analytics can also enhance situational awareness in areas where video is not allowed. For example, restrooms are a no-go area for cameras, but an analytic that detects glass breaks and yells can prevent such an area from being a complete blind spot.

By effectively addressing privacy concerns, audio analytics allow for the responsible utilization of audio capabilities in security cameras. Pairing AI-enabled cameras with audio analytics is an effective strategy for success.

 

SOURCE: 

Barbosa, R., Enhanced Situation Awareness, 07.24.2024. Security Today. 

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Ways to Defuse a Potentially Dangerous Situations

Ways to Defuse a Potentially Dangerous Situations

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

The unfortunate state-of-affairs surrounding safety and security throughout the country about hostile events has increased in all industries over the years.

Security Details follow these five strategies to defuse a situation from becoming violent. 

  1. Scan for signs of tension.

In order to de-escalate conflict, security officers must first be aware of what that conflict might look like. Raised voices or facial expressions change as anger rises. Brows furrow, lips tend to form a thin line, nostrils flare and the face also may blush and turn redder as anger builds. You may also spot tension in the body with clenched fists, stiff shoulders and even sweating. All of these physical signs may indicate that a situation is heating up and requires intervention.

 

  1. Establish authority and intention.

It’s important to calm those involved without having to take any additional measures. Defusing a situation before it becomes a problem is far superior to reacting to violence as it occurs. 

 

  1. Be calm in your voice and demeanor.

Approach the situation directly, but calmly. Speak with a calm authority. Clearly outline the policy of the event or venue. 

 

  1. Show them that you’re listening.

Active listening is a great tool to help those around you understand that they are being heard. 

 

  1. Define a resolution.

Effectively work through a resolution to make sure things don’t escalate again. The resolution may be that both parties must be removed from the area, facility or event in order to maintain safety. 

 

No two conflicts are alike, and different strategies may be needed in order to resolve that specific dispute. Defusing the situation should be the first step before using other tactics that may intensify a potentially dangerous situation further. Security guards are specifically trained to handle potentially dangerous situations while keeping people safe and secure. 

 

SOURCE: 

Hill, W., Pendants Thwart Panic, 87.01.2023. Security Today. 

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Retailers have become increasingly vulnerable to riots and looting.

Retailers have become increasingly vulnerable to riots and looting.

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Businesses must strike a balance between providing a seamless shopping experience and implementing robust security measures.

Modern surveillance systems incorporate high-resolution cameras that provide clear, detailed footage of your store. AI-powered surveillance can identify suspicious activity, track customer movements, and even analyze customer behavior to optimize store layouts and product placements. 

Staying updated with these technologies is not just a matter of protecting your assets; it’s about providing a secure, enjoyable shopping experience for your customers.

 

SOURCE: 

Wolfe, C., Storefront Security and Emergency Response 2024, 07.09.2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Security Guards Help Retailers Mitigate Shrink At Retail Stores

Security Guards Help Retailers Mitigate Shrink At Retail Stores

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services –

Retailers offering self check-out lanes are more susceptible to “shrink”. Consequently many retailers are eliminating self check-out completely and adding more security guards to mitigate theft to reduce the impact to the store’s bottom line.

 

SOURCE:

Falk, A., Inside Scoop: What’s Happening with Self-Checkout?, Loss Prevention Magazine, 06,28 2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

Why-construction-sites-need-proactive-security

Why Construction Sites Need Proactive Security

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Construction sites are undoubtedly one of the most challenging environments to protect from a security perspective. Construction sites are a virtual free-for-all with multiple points of entry and exits with various contractors and subcontractors coming and going at different times throughout the day.

Without proactive security measures in place, construction sites are at risk from thieves attracted to goods. From materials, tools, equipment and even fuel, thieves can be enticed by open construction sites. These open sites are also at risk of vandalism.

SOURCE: 

Wilmas, J., Why construction sites need proactive security, Security Magazine, 09/30/2022.

 

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Factors to Consider for Your Retail Security System

Factors to Consider for Your Retail Security System

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Physical security solutions for retail offer benefits that go far beyond simply improving security. Today’s systems gather a wealth of data from video surveillance systems, access control, automatic license plate readers, identity management, and a variety of other sensors and systems.

Consider factors such as the size and layout of your property, potential vulnerabilities, and any specific security concerns you may have. Conducting a comprehensive evaluation will help you determine the type and extent of security measures required to safeguard your premises effectively.

 

SOURCE: 

WHITEPAPER: Top 4 Factors to Consider for Your Retail Security System, Loss Prevention Magazine, 06/19/2023.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Supply Chain Logistics Requires a Multi-Faceted Security Approach

Supply Chain Logistics Requires a Multi-Faceted Security Approach

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Supply chain theft has become a global issue and is estimated to cost billions of dollars in losses annually. Retailers are facing numerous challenges in ensuring the safe transport of high value items from manufacturing facilities to their stores as the level of cargo theft increases rapidly.

Protecting valuable cargo in logistics requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses risk assessment, secure packaging, advanced tracking systems, route planning, and well-trained personnel.

 

SOURCE: 

Wolfe, C., WHITEPAPER: Protecting Precious Cargo Throughout the Supply Chain, Loss Prevention Magazine, 04/22/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Do-Armed-Guards-Prevent-School-Shootings

Do Armed Guards Prevent School Shootings?

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

In 2022, there were 51 active shootings that caused injury or death — excluding suicides — in K-12 schools or on school buses. There are roughly 100,000 public schools in the United States, meaning that these incidents are quite rare. Still, widespread worry fuels an active national debate about how to curb these shootings. 

Have guns stopped mass shootings at schools?

There are only a handful of documented cases in which an armed security guard or stationed police officer has stopped a school shooting.

A 2013 study conducted by the FBI analyzed 160 active shooter incidents found that most attacks are carried out in “a matter of minutes,” making it difficult for armed guards to be in the right place at the right time. 

Even when law enforcement was present or able to respond within minutes, civilians often had to make life and death decisions, and, therefore, should be engaged in training and discussions on decisions they may face.

For mass shootings more broadly, there’s evidence that unarmed bystanders have stopped more attacks in these early minutes than armed people. 

 

SOURCE: 

Esposito, L., Yablon, A., Do Armed Guards Prevent School Shootings?, The Trace, 08/14/2023.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Steps-to-Mitigate-Crime-Risks-at-Houses-of-Worship

Steps to Mitigate Crime Risks at Houses of Worship

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Every place of worship is different in physical size and design. Some places of worship may be a single building with just a few attendees, open one day a week. Other places of worship may contain numerous buildings and entrances with hundreds of people attending every day. Some are in peaceful areas, while others are in hostile regions.

When considering how to secure a place of worship, it is very similar to the approaches used to secure any property and the concepts of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) are applicable. The strategic placing of lights, cameras, fences, gates, landscaping, etc. can create an environment that is less appealing for criminal activity.

 

SOURCE: 

Ratliff, P., 4 Steps to Mitigate Crime Risks at Houses of Worship, Security Management, 03/20/2023.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

40-M-Contract-for-Armed-Unarmed-Security-at-County-Facilities

$40 M Contract for Armed / Unarmed Security at County Facilities

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

 

Multnomah County officials recently signed a 5-year, $40 million contract for armed and unarmed security at county facilities. The security details were deemed necessary due to the increased drug use and mental health outbursts have become more acute in public spaces, like the county’s libraries.

 

SOURCE: 

 

Peel, S., Multnomah County Signs $40 Million Contract for Armed and Unarmed Security at County Facilities, Including Public Libraries, Willamette Week, 05/16/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats