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| IPC International's Security SmartBrief |
| October 1, 2009 |
Stadiums, entertainment venues remain terrorism targets
Federal counterterrorism officials sent alerts to police departments across the country reminding them that because of their importance to the national infrastructure, stadiums are still targets for terrorism. Colleges and universities across the country are beefing up security efforts at their stadiums. USA TODAY (9/23)
California malls benefit from Homeland Security grants
Some shopping centers in California have received Homeland Security grants to help secure their properties from terrorist attacks. The Arden Fair Mall in Sacramento County, for example, has received $100,000, which was invested in a surveillance system. KXTV-TV (Sacramento, Calif.) (9/12)
Fashion retailer exec discusses loss-prevention solutions
Steve Hearn, head of safety and security at fashion retailer Jaeger, explained at a recent industry summit how he went about dealing with an uptick in fraud. Aside from installing more CCTV cameras, Hearn said the company also had to look at the broader picture. The loss-prevention solution at Jaeger was to "look at integrating video analytics to make smarter decisions from its CCTV solution," he said. The Retail Bulletin (9/13)
Other News
Companies should prepare for "crippling" H1N1 impact
The seasonal flu costs $10 billion in direct medical expenses and lost productivity a year, but the H1N1 flu could cause "crippling absenteeism," David Morgan writes. The Chamber of Commerce is advising companies to tell sick workers to stay home, provide good air circulation and encourage hand washing, he writes. Insurance Journal/Reuters (9/18)
Tips for instilling a new safety standard
In order to alter the culture of workplace safety in an office or business, safety officers must first understand the existing culture. This article suggests positive reinforcement as a way of raising awareness, training and measuring new standards of safety. Occupational Health & Safety (9/1)
4 behaviors that build trust
Being trustworthy is an intention but it doesn't by itself build trust, writes Keith Ayers, president of the Australia-based Integro Leadership Institute. Ayers argues that four demonstrable behaviors that build trust are reliability, saying what you mean/meaning what you say, being open and being accepting. BusinessWeek.com/Today's Tip blog (9/21)
Mass notification systems for emergencies are advancing
Mass notification, the practice of sending real-time alerts to a large population in the event of an emergency, has become an emerging standard. Mass messages can now be transmitted with the use of sophisticated applications through digital messaging and interior and exterior broadcast loud speakers. SecurityInfoWatch.com (9/3)
Experts: Tasers are not guaranteed to work
While Tasers work to apprehend criminals the majority of the time, they are not 100% guaranteed to incapacitate an assailant because they are prone to malfunctions. Taser failures are not uncommon, as seen in Jacksonville, Fla., where a 1,200-volt jolt failed to stop a 135-pound burglary suspect. The Florida Times-Union (Jacksonville) (9/11)
Case study: How one grocer updated its surveillance system
In order to complete an upgrade of a grocery chain's surveillance system, F&N Enterprises added up to 64 cameras per store and more than 100 cameras at each of the retailer's distribution centers. The hybrid video system offered ease of use as well as full location coverage. Security Products online (9/2)
Panel to decide fate of color-coded terror alerts
The Obama administration has created a special security panel to determine the usefulness of the color-coded terror alert system created in the previous administration. The panel is deadlocked on the issue of whether to keep the system or throw it away. If the system is scrapped, the panel agreed that it should be replaced with a new one. The Wall Street Journal (9/16)
Napolitano says al-Qaida's effectiveness reduced
When she appeared on the PBS program "To The Contrary," Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano discussed al-Qaida and America's preparedness for terrorist attacks. In her pre-recorded interview, Napolitano told PBS correspondent Bonnie Erbe, "I think that al-Qaida now is not as strong as it was. The measures we have taken have reduced it, confined it, in terms of where it can operate." U.S. News & World Report/Thomas Jefferson Street blog (9/23)
IPC International awarded Pyramid Management Group security contract
IPC has been chosen to provide security services at 15 shopping centers managed by Syracuse, N.Y.-based Pyramid Management Group. The move is part of a larger industry trend toward outsourced shopping center security. "We will focus the entire depth of IPC's expertise and support to deliver a level of service that will exceed our client's expectations." Learn more.
IPC excels at National K-9 Olympics amid tough competition
IPC had the honor of being able to compete and judge at the National K-9 Olympics sponsored by American Working Dogs Inc. As one of three private agencies represented in the 73-team competition, IPC ranked 8th overall. Among the competitors were teams from the U.S. Secret Service, National Security Agency, Pentagon Police Department and U.S. Army Special Forces. Learn more.
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--Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano |
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We are certainly safer than we were prior to 9/11 and I say that with confidence. The Department of Homeland Security rose out of 9/11 and one of our, indeed our lead mission, is to work on making sure that we are safer."