Congratulations to Recent CIPI Graduates

Congratulations to recent CIPI graduates from the program completed April 24 at Yale University's Peabody Museum of Natural History. Special thanks to Rich Boardman CIPMII, CIPI and his staff for their outstanding hospitality and coordination. Also cudos to associate instructors Gary Miville, CIPM II, CIPI and Glenn MacIntyre, CIPI for sharing their special talents. New Haven proved to be a great venue for IFCPP special events. Watch for future announcements in that regard. Next us is MSC on the 28th. Hope to see you
there!

We are especially gratified by the hard work and special efforts put forth by the CIPI candidates and look forward to vastly improving the performance and job skills of security officers working in cultural institutions. The workshops and presentations involved are a learing experience for us all. 

Security & Perceptions

Recent articles in the Wall Street Journal and elsewhere highlight the recurring threat of armed assaults at shopping malls, especially a concern during the  busy holiday season. Between 2009 and 2012, according to J. Pete Blair, associate professor of criminal justice at Texas State University, the rate of shootings at malls and schools tripled, to about 15 a year. So far in 2013 there have been 13 such shootings.

Since common preventive tactics such as bag screening, armed guards, and similar methods may discourage shoppers, mall operators are reverting to less visible means to observe potential threats. One private security firm's Chief Security Officer, Matthew W. Horace, was quoted as saying,

"Would they rather feel safe? Or do they want to see armed guards with machine guns and berets? That's the balance that we all face with safety!"

It's just that kind of uninformed comparison that leads to employers’ reluctance to trust security "professionals" and take measures guided more by profit concerns than realistic threat potential. 

Planned improvements include additional security staff, shatterproof windows, more practice drills and encouraged reporting of suspicious activity. While these measures are helpful, the best practices for prevention should include a strong visible deterrent...but only if the presentation is professional, by fit, alert, and well-trained security staff. We need to get rid of the common image of incompetence. This will only come through better screening, consistent professional training, and constant monitoring. Expanded technology, especially in video surveillance is helpful. But, the human element must be present, alert, and responsive.

Armed security, for many reasons, is usually not a good idea. A police presence, whether on the site or close by, is essential. We firmly believe that the American public would rather feel safe, even if security takes away some elements of convenience.

The news around the world continues to taut the rising terror threat.

Why would we think we're immune? Many business, government agencies. and institutions have grown complacent since recent incidents. But the terror threat is still real, and its worldwide. Terrorist acts are often acts of opportunity. More often, they are committed after periods of observation during which a distinct lack of awareness on the part of potential targets leads towards becoming actual targets. The best prevention steps aren't necessarily costly, but losses after the fact certainly are. Every business, every institution, every public building needs to regularly be concerned about: 

• Perimeter Security - who has access, when do they have access, and how can that access be controlled.
• Staff Awareness - does the regular staff observe suspicious acts or activity, and if observed, is it reported?
• Electronic Security - are current systems adequate, working as they was intended, and regularly tested?
• Consistent Patrols - Are well-trained, properly equipped patrols thorough, visible, and efficient?
• Emergency Preparedness - Is there a plan, are personnel prepared to respond, is other help available?

These are the very basic needs, and strong deterrents to planned acts, as well as acts of opportunity.   Security needs to be visible. When it is visible, it needs to appear capable of taking immediate action. Merely putting someone in a uniform (especially if it doesn't fit) only makes you more vulnerable.  Proper training is essential. We are still a country at war. Think about security planning as the best way to protect the people you care about, if trouble comes to your doorstep. Upcoming programs and conferences provide an excellent opportunity to help you prepare for the worst.

Emergency Preparation

To all of our friends, clients, members, contacts on the east coast, we wish you the best in coping with Hurricane Sandy and its remnants.   While life safety remains our primary concern, protection of assets, from ANY threat, is also important.   This event is of a magnitude beyond expectation.  Response agencies are streteched to their limit.  Unfortunately,  we can't think that the "bad guys" will be too busy surviving to ignore opportunities to commit crimes.  Too late to run system tests...hopefully they're working as intended.  Remind staff remaining on site (cultural properties) that no one should be admitted without proper identification and authority.  This is a time when you are most vulnerable, and outside assistance or response may not be available.

Don't hesitate to call us with any questions or concerns where we may be of assistance.  We wish you the best in getting through this and pray for your safety.  Take care!

LCI, in Conjunction with the IFCPP is now developing a Security Supervisor Training Program for National Certification

While much of LCI’s consulting work involves the assessment of physical, electronic, and operational security, we also take a close look at personnel policies/procedures, and documented training. The security industry continues to grow and expand, primarily in technical fields. The lack of certified training, even professional training, on many levels is still a significant gap often highlighted in news stories and lawsuits. One can't expect professional response without professional education on how to perform that response, followed by practical exercises intended to develop learned reaction. Layne Consultants spends a significant amount of time in the evaluation of, followed by presentation of, professional workshops, seminars, and direct officer training.

Our basic officer training program encompasses everything the beginning security officer needs to provide the employer with necessary protection, while reducing exposure to unnecessary litigation. One question that few employers ask...how do supervisors and managers attain those positions? The answer - usually through attrition. There are few programs devised to develop supervisory skills, especially in guard force management, emergency response, and related fields.

Our management level training has included directors, administrators, and senior managers, as well as mid-level supervisors. We'll let part of the secret out of the bag. LCI, in conjunction with the IFCPP is now developing a Security Supervisor training program for national certification. With the designation of Certified Institutional Security Supervisor (CISS), this specially developed program will be offered at major conferences as well as regional opportunities.

Stay tuned for more!