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Library-Workers-Call-On-City-Officials-to-Place-Security-Guards-in-System.

Library Workers Call On City Officials to Place Security Guards in System

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

In a dramatic plea for safety, San Francisco librarians are now demanding the city deploy security guards at all library branches, echoing the broader concerns of a community grappling with the city’s rampant drug crisis. 

Business owners and librarians alike report a surge in dangerous incidents, ranging from vandalism to aggressive behavior by individuals under the influence, complicating the narrative of an improving cityscape. This situation has put a spotlight on the urgent need for security measures in public libraries, challenging the efficacy of San Francisco’s current strategies in addressing drug-related issues and public safety. 

The librarians’ call to action underscores a critical juncture in the city’s fight against crime and substance abuse, marking a pivotal moment for local governance and community safety initiatives.

 

SOURCE: 

Angst, M., Scared to deal: Library Staff Security Concerns, San Francisco Chronicle, 04/09/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Guard-Dogs-Employed-to-Provide-a-Physical-Deterrent-To-Shoplifting

Guard Dogs Employed to Provide a Physical Deterrent To Shoplifting

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

In order to off-set shoplifting that costs the retail industry over $100 billion every year, The Home Depot store has deployed guard dogs to protect their inventory.

Two security guards wearing bulletproof vests and MSA Security caps now patrol the store with a trusty German shepherd in tow.

While cameras and other technological anti-theft measures are effective, the more traditional forms of security such as guards and guard dogs will provide a more physical deterrent to thieves.

 

SOURCE: 

 

Crabree, E., Home Depot installs new ‘mobile’ anti-theft measure – but guard insists shoppers will not be physically hurt by scheme, The U.S. Sun, 04/22/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Body-Cameras-Enhance-the-Safety-of-Civilians-Officers

Body Cameras Enhance the Safety of Civilians & Officers

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Incidents of abuse, aggression, and even violence are being experienced by retail professionals more frequently than ever. Alongside other preventative and reactive solutions, technology is coming to the forefront as a way of tackling this growing epidemic.

Body cameras promote transparency by providing an objective record of police-civilian interactions. They help ensure that everyone is held accountable for their actions, provide an unbiased account of events, and help protect agencies from libel. Body cameras enhance the safety of officers and civilians.

 

SOURCE: 

Wolfe, C., Body Cameras: What’s Their Role in the LP Toolkit?, Loss Prevention Magazine, 05/06/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Mindful-Interviewing-The-Cognitive-Technique.

Mindful Interviewing – The Cognitive Technique

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

The cognitive interview (CI) technique: the benefits of mindful interviewing has facilitated authentic recollections from eyewitnesses, guided by principles of “cognitive evidence.” 

Individuals often recount events with false memories. Often eye witnesses believe they saw something, when in fact they didn’t.

“Mindful interview standards’ ‘ reset the individual’s mindset, how the questions are framed, practice intentional listening, and being mindful of cognitive evidence. The authenticity and credibility of the information gathered which is impacted by the interviewer’s style, approach, and sensibilities when conducting an interview. 

 

SOURCE: 

Zamora, G., What Can We Learn from Subject Interviews?, Loss Prevention Magazine, 05/09/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Recognizing-Warning-Signs-of-Workplace-Violence

Recognizing Warning Signs of Workplace Violence

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

There are numerous opportunities in workplaces for publicly humiliating events to occur: poor performance messaging, corrective conversations, negative relationships among coworkers, and disciplinary actions (such as termination of employment) can quickly evolve into situations where an employee feels humiliated, alienated, or even ostracized.

Many of these active shooters were fired or laid off from their employer in the days, weeks, months, and, in some cases, years before carrying out their attacks. The change in their employment status appeared to serve as flashpoints or propellant.

Security and human resources (HR) professionals know well that terminations, disciplinary problems, and conflicts between co-workers (including interpersonal conflicts and bullying) can quickly escalate and amplify pre-existing feelings of animosity and rage. These events can cause an employee to feel publicly humiliated and isolated, fueling a potential attacker’s grievance against a company.

Given that many people who experience conflict or termination at work never become violent, it’s critical to understand why others respond so drastically and severely.

 

SOURCE: 

Gibson, K., Brubaker, L., Simons, A., Publicly Humiliating Events: A Precursor to Workplace Violence?, Security Management, 05/01/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Red-Flags-of-Potential-Violence

8 Warning Behaviors of Potential Violent Attackers

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Mass attackers rarely hide all warning signs of potential violence or conflict ahead of a confrontation. Instead, many present red flags or proximal warning behaviors that together form patterns of risk. 

8-Warning-Behaviors-of-Violent-Attckers

8-Warning-Behaviors-of-Violent-Attckers

The Terrorist Radicalization Assessment Protocol (TRAP-18) identifies eight unique proximal warning behaviors.

  1. Pathway Warning Behavior
  2. Fixation Warning Behavior
  3. Identification Warning Behavior
  4. Novel Aggression Warning Behavior
  5. Energy Burst Warning Behavior
  6. Leakage Warning Behavior
  7. Last Resort Warning Behavior
  8. Directly Communicated Threat Warning Behavior

 

SOURCE: 

Meyer, C., What Are the 18 Behavioral Red Flags of Potential Violence?, Security Management, 11/13/2023.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Retailers-Must-Adopt-Proactive-Security-Measures-to-Combat-Crime

Retailers Must Adopt Proactive Security Measures to Combat Crime

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Beyond the financial implications of theft on retailers’ margins and profitability, the escalating levels of violence and the perception of threats of violence connected to theft are also a significant source of concern for retailers. 

Given the surge in violent incidents, an increasing number of retailers are prioritizing the safety of their staff by adopting a “hands-off” approach when dealing with shoplifters.

A secure perimeter is the first line of defense against external theft, including theft linked to Organized Retail Crime (ORC). ORC groups use tactics like theft and fraud to steal merchandise in large quantities. These groups can be difficult to identify and catch, making it challenging for retailers to prevent these crimes.

It is imperative that retailers adopt proactive security measures in order to combat the ever-evolving threat of retail crime. By integrating new technologies into current security strategies, retailers can not only address security challenges proactively but also fortify their ability to protect assets, fostering a secure environment for the collective safety of customers and employees. This strategic integration marks a significant step toward a more robust and secure future for the retail sector. 

 

SOURCE: 

“Elevating Retail Security: Integrating License Plate Recognition and Audio Detection into Your Safety Strategy”, Loss Prevention Magazine, 12/10/2023.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #secruitythreats

 

Security-for-Educational-Institutions-Necessitates-A-Multilayered-Multifactor-Approach

Security for Educational Institutions Necessitates A Multilayered – Multifactor Approach

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Security in educational institutions goes beyond traditional measures, encompassing a multilayered, multifactor approach that combines technology, personnel training, and emergency preparedness.

According to the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), an independent group dedicated to improving school safety, there are five layers of protection to consider: districtwide, property perimeter, parking lot perimeter, building perimeter, and classroom or interior perimeter.

Policies should be applied identically across all public buildings within the school district. Strong written policies can ensure that people know what to do in an emergency and can support security professionals in their efforts to drive compliance with essential safeguards and accountability. 

To be effective, policies centered on preparedness and prevention, as well as response and recovery, need to be woven into the fabric of the school community.

Layers-of-Protection

Layers-of-Protection

 

SOURCE: 

Grace, G., “Strengthening Schools: A Look at K-12 Security Layers and Emergency Preparedness”, Security Management, 03/01/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #secruitythreats

 

Cannabis-Facilities-Targets-Incentivize-Bad-Actors

Cannabis Facilities Targets Incentivize Bad Actors

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Cannabis remains illegal under U.S. law, federally regulated financial institutions remain reluctant to serve cannabis dispensaries, warehouses, or production facilities. 

As a result of this, grow houses and dispensaries need to operate on a cash basis, making cannabis facilities ripe targets for theft. The easily transportable nature of cannabis goods can further incentivize bad actors to take advantage.  

These unique risks have prompted many U.S. states to mandate that cannabis facilities install cameras or hire guards, among other measures. The risks have also encouraged many cannabis facilities to invest in creative solutions to ward off attacks.  

 

SOURCE: 

Bender, H., “Mastering Access Control Fundamentals for Cannabis Facility Security”, Security Management, 04/15/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #secruitythreats

 

New-Normal-Armed-Security-Guards-In-Schools

New Normal: Armed Security Guards In Schools

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

The Kansas City School system already has armed security guards in the middle and high schools. The school is now looking for their community’s perspective on adding armed security guards to elementary schools.

It is important for students’ parents and staff to feel safe. The upside to the security detail is that they can often get to an incident much faster than law enforcement since they are on mobile patrols already. 

 

SOURCE: 

Abundis, M., “Kansas City Public Schools, families discuss adding armed security guards to elementary schools”, KSHB 41, 10/24/2023.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #secruitythreats