Talk Them Down

De-escalation is a key frontline security strategy in a range of situations, from hospitals to retail settings to office environments. Many sectors, such as travel and airlines, healthcare facilities, retail and more, have seen an increase in agitated behavior or violent incidents in recent years, some spawned from tensions rising regarding mask mandates and COVID-19 protocols. Here, we take a look at de-escalation strategies and training that security leaders can implement within their organizations to keep security, staff and visitors safe.

By Adam Stone

COVID-19 Heroes
Broad Institute Security Department Supports COVID-19 Testing Facility

The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard has served as one of the largest processors of COVID-19 tests in the country. The Security Team has supported these efforts in myriad ways, helping maintain business continuity and ensure campus safety, visitor management, and compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols. By Maria Henriquez

COVID-19 Heroes
Associated Grocers of New England’s Risk Management and Loss Prevention Teams Step Up Amid Pandemic

As a critical business, Associated Grocers of New England needed to continue distribution to independent grocer members as well as its own stores throughout New England and New York, while also managing increased freight and procurement demands into the facility during the beginning of the pandemic. The organization’s Risk Management and Loss Prevention teams stepped up to help. By Maggie Shein

COVID-19 Heroes
Yale University’s Public Safety Systems and Services Team Uses Existing Tech for Robust COVID-19 Response

Once Yale University closed due to the pandemic in March 2020, the Public Safety Systems and Services team quickly realized that they could change the way access control was used and programmed across campus, while also streamlining security and operations. By Maggie Shein

COVID-19 Heroes
Georgetown University’s Office of Emergency Management Supports COVID-19 Response

Marc Barbiere came to Georgetown about five months before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, with the goal of providing a robust framework for the University to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Barbiere and the newly restructured Office of Emergency Management put together a framework to streamline and organize emergency and pandemic response to continue operations no matter the cause of disruption. By Maggie Shein

Product Spotlight
Spotlight on Security Technology at GSX 2021

As the Global Security Exchange (GSX) nears, Security magazine has a roundup of some of the new security solutions to be displayed and demonstrated at the show. By Maria Henriquez

Integrated Solutions
Artificial Intelligence Provides Hope for Hardening K-12 Schools

Truly hardening a K-12 school system from gun violence requires a nuanced approach. Here’s how to use modern technologies and information to supplement a volunteer information approach, without all the noticeable security tech. By Peter Evans

Leadership & Management
New Risks, New Regulations: Best Practices for Travel Security in 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the travel landscape, impacting the responsibilities and requirements of employers and travel managers. Now more than ever, it is critical for organizations to ensure that they have a robust travel security program in place, to support their Duty of Care agenda and take into consideration best practice travel risk management. By Harriett Brennan

Enterprise Services
Three Elements of a Successful GSOC

A useful GSOC is one that understands the problem a company wants to solve so that the data collection requirements and analytics are relevant and staff with the right expertise are in place. If you think that establishing a GSOC is the next step for your enterprise, three key elements will determine its success. By Patrick J. Brosnan