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.

GovSec Conference Presentation

We have mall shootings, we have school shootings, and many other incidents of workplace violence. What we still lack are public awareness, and security officers hired, trained, and equipped to handle most kinds of confrontation. Even law enforcement often lacks in any consistent form of self defense training. Prevention has to start with being alert for impending threats. That was the subject matter discussed at GOV SEC West in Dallas in an opening session, "Officer Safety." A mixed group of law enforcement, private security, and educators participated in this "hands-on" program I presented at the Gaylord Texan. Thanks Gov Sec for another excellent conference opportunity!

Law enforcement agencies around the country have recently completed sweeps of organized retail theft gangs.

Their members include men, women, and children of all ages, races, and origins. Retail theft has long been gaining in popularity because of the relatively minor penalties for those convicted. Minor children are often involved, under instruction of adults, because minors seldom serve time other than juvenile detention.   Cultural properties are as vulnerable as any retail outlet. Especially where gift shops display jewelry, clothing, or other easily traded items. One must start with a careful screening process for staff, and strict controls over money handling and merchandise handling. A thorough understanding of shoplifting laws in your area is strongly recommended. Coordinate both prevention steps and apprehension policies with your security staff and local police. Just “calling security” when an incident occurs is not enough. You need "Probable Cause" to have someone arrested and an understanding of what is necessary for a successful prosecution. No staff member or security officer should have the need to forcibly detain or put his or her hands on any suspect. The start to finish procedure for observing, contacting security and the police, and pressing charges needs to be documented and disseminated. Please contact us if we can answer questions or provide additional information.

Movie patrons pursue wrongful death claims after deadly shootings

Traynom v.  Conemark USA Inc., No. 12-2514 (U.S. District Court for the Distric of Colorado Apr. 17, 2013)  - Source Security Law Newsletter

A federal trial court allowed movie patrons who were injured after a mass shooting at a theater to pursue wrongful death and personal injury claims based on premises liability when it was found that the gunman entered the theater through an unlocked side door.

The theater had off-duty police officers serving as security during weekend and evening shows.  A rear door in the theater was unlocked, unmonitored, and did not have an alarm to prevent re-entry.  The gunman left the theater to put on body armor, came back in, then left and re-entered again with an assault rifle, shotguns, several rounds of ammunition, and tear gas cannisters.   At no time was he approached by a theater employee.  Seventeen people were killed and many more injured.  Theater employees took no action to evacuate the theater after the shooting or to assist injured patrons.

The District Court held a genuine issue of fact existed as to whether the theater acted reasonably in protecting theater goers and in implementing a rapid safety and exit plan during an emergency.

At IFCPP's Annual Conference (August 3-7, 2013) in San Diego, CA, special sessions on protection during special events and protection in public venues will be presented.    Special event security philosophy has remained pretty much the same, until events such as the theater shooting, and the bombings at the Boston Marathon.  Additional measures and advanced tactics are called for.  Join the discussion group and hear the advice of seasoned professionals at IFCPP 2013!