Workplace violence is still a major concern of management in every type of business.

Workplace violence is still a major concern of management in every type of business. In spite of pressing legislation, consistent attempts at gun control, and better available security technology, attacks can happen ...anytime ...anywhere.

The prevention methods are simple, mostly common sense. In spite of the simplicity, however, many business entities still feel "it can never happen here", and therefore fail to enforce the most basic of common sense measures:

1. Establish, publish, and distribute an objective Workplace Violence policy. Let employees and visitors know there is ZERO TOLERANCE for threats, acts of aggression, physical violence, possession of weapons, or omission of any violent act on company property.
2. Post warnings that anyone on company property is subject to search at any time. Searches include any container, backpack, briefcase, purse, or package. Initiate main entry package inspection as appropriate.
3. Make it mandatory for any employee to report any known act, suspected act, or threatened act of violence. Add appropriate penalties for failure to report. Allow for anonymous reporting directly to senior management.  Investigate all reports immediately.
4. Following professional investigation of events or threats, take immediate action to remove offenders from company property. Ban a return to property for anyone violating this policy. The ban applies to both public and non-public areas.
5. Brief all staff on policies, procedures, and their role in reporting threats and assisting in an emergency evacuation.
6. Review recommended procedures for dealing with an active shooter in the workplace:

                 a.  Evacuate Immediately  (or)
                 b.  Hide in a secure, safe location (or)
                 c.  Take immediate steps to disable or control the perpetrator.

Senior management needs to understand the consequences for failing to act. Simply publishing a policy doesn't get the job done. This very serious subject needs to be discussed at staff meetings, rehearsed in regular drills, and kept at the forefront of emergency planning.

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!

You Won't Want to Miss It!!!

Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa, a 4-Diamond Mission Bay ResortIt's a date! Mark your calendars now for August 4-7 at the Mission Bay Hilton in San Diego. IFCPP's 2013 Annual Conference, Certification Programs, Seminars, and Exhibits will take place at this beautiful location on the waterfront, convenient to many area activities. Winner of the 2012 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award, the Hilton has it all. Check them out, and watch this site for more information on programming, special events, and more.  See more info here...

Are We Doing Enough?

Checking statistics from a number of resources still points to a rising number of incidents of assault, injury, even security officer deaths on the job.  More evident is the rising cost of litigation related to negligence in the fields of expertise where security is expected to excel.

We still find that screening requirements for security officers rarely include physical or psychological examinations, and training at any level is mandated by less than half the states.   Private security is a growing profession.   With rising crime rates and an elevated terror threat, the burden of improving the quality and scope of security service is placed on each employer as well as the contract security industry.

Programs like those offered by MOAB Training, Inc., the IFCPP, and few other organizations are only attended by those whose parent organizations can absorb associated costs.  Too many find, too late, that the cost of defending against lawsuits filed in cases of negligence would have been better directed at a reasonable prevention program...such as basic officer training.  We wouldn't allow our children to drive a car without learning the basics.   The same is true, no matter what the task.  Training is key in every profession, and where life safety is a primary objective, minimal qualifications and basic training are essential.   The return on investment may not always be apparent.  You don't know how much you DIDN'T lose, or how many times you avoided other threats.   Media events feature the stories where things go wrong...not right.  Don't risk finding out the hard way.  Talk to an expert about proper screening, hiring, and training now.