NO. 2 2011 - Securitas

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Securitas USA Branch Manager Marie Picanza (left) meets regularly with Matthew Day (center), assistant general manager, and Kingsley McLaren, general manager of Bayside at the Embarcadero. 20 securitas solutions and dry cleaning deliveries. Paperless package tracking is handled by scanning each package upon arrival and using a signature pad to document pick-up. The system also is used to request maintenance and services, and to notify residents of the arrival of vendors and contractors. “SecureConcierge is being used at several highrise residential properties, and it’s proven to be a very helpful and efficient way to communicate with residents and provide concierge service,” said Marie Picanza, Securitas USA branch manager. “Its ‘green’ approach streamlines operations and enhances service, while essentially eliminating the need for sign-in sheets and most other paperwork.” At Bayside at the Embarcadero, a Securitas USA kiosk attendant also is on duty around the clock, assisting residents and guests with duties including parking, unloading groceries or luggage, and calling for taxis. During the third shift, the kiosk attendant conducts rounds throughout the complex using a SecuritasVision PDA to verify tours and report any security incidents, equipment malfunctions, safety hazards or other issues to be addressed by building management. “The daily activity reports from Securitas help us identify and prepare for problems before they occur, and to be responsive when unexpected situations arise – factors that are critical to successful building management,” adds McLaren, who is affiliated with The Prescott Companies, a leading property management firm. disaster preparedness McLaren has assembled a variety of equipment, supplies and first-aid kits that are available to residents in the event of a building problem or a major disaster, such as a fire or earthquake. Securitas USA attendants participate in regular “all-hands” training sessions in emergency response procedures at the site. “In my nine-year relationship with Securitas, I have always received superior employees who are trainable, conscientious, and responsive,” says McLaren. “They are customer service-oriented and have great people skills, as evidenced by the positive comments about our attendants that I receive from residents and guests.” ¡
An Update on NASCO It is the mission of the National Association of Security Companies (NASCO) to promote standards and professionalism for private security officers within the contract security industry. NASCO is the nation’s largest contract security trade association and it represents private security companies that employ more than 250,000 of the nation’s most highly trained security officers serving every business sector. In May 2011, NASCO held its annual D.C. Summit to discuss the most pressing issues facing the private security industry and to hear an update on federal and state legislative issues that affect the industry. Jim McNulty, (pictured above) executive vice president, Securitas Security Services USA, serves as chairman of NASCO, and welcomed the attendees, “As security industry leaders and NASCO members, it is important to meet to keep abreast of the regulatory and legislative issues that affect our industry. Collectively we are helping to improve training and screening standards while increasing the professionalism of the security industry.” Attendees heard from Bill Miller, senior vice president and National Political director with the U.S. Chamber, who gave a preview of the 2012 election and a perspective on key House and Senate races. Douglas Smith, assistant secretary, Department of Homeland Security, spoke about the partnership between Homeland Security and private security and asked for help on spreading the news about the Department’s current “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign. (See sidebar for ways you can help.) Other highlights included labor and employment presentations from Glenn Spencer, executive director, Workforce Freedom Initiative, U. S. Chamber, who spoke about federal labor and employment issues coming from the National Labor Relations Board. Steve Amitay, NASCO’s Federal Legislative Counsel, commented on pending legislation affecting the industry. Barry Bradley, managing partner of Bradley and Gmelich, discussed wage/hour and employment law trends in California and their potential impact on other states. At the close of the information-packed two-day meeting, it was clear that NASCO is the voice of contract security as it advocates views and concerns to Congress, federal agencies, state legislators, the courts and the public. ¡ The “if you see something, say something” campaign was first introduced by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in July of 2010 and has gained significantly more recognition since then. This public awareness campaign, originally introduced by New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority, underscores the basic belief that homeland security begins with ‘hometown security’ and that all citizens can play a key role in keeping our nation and its infrastructure safe. The public is asked to report suspicious behaviors and situations (e.g., backpacks left unattended, packages left in remote locations, etc.) to local law enforcement authorities or by calling 911. To date, the program has been launched by Amtrak, the general aviation community, the American Hotel and Lodging Association, all federal buildings across the country protected by the Federal Protective Service, large retailers such as the Mall of America and Walmart, and the NFL, NBA and NCAA. For private security companies, this initiative is particularly relevant since it can be directly linked to a responsibility of security officers to “Observe and Report.” Some tips on keeping a watchful eye include the following: Watch for: y packages that contain attached batteries, wires, cell phones, or notes. y suspicious behavior such as individuals who abandon a package, and then hastily depart. y packages that emit a suspicious cloud, mist, gas or odor. y someone trying to enter a restricted area. A critical element of the program is to be sure that civil rights are not diminished by these efforts to report suspicious activities. “if you see something, say something” is based on observed behavior, rather than appearance, beliefs, thoughts, ideas and expressions of individuals. If you are interested in implementing the “if you see something, say something” campaign at your organization, or would simply like more information about the program, visit: www.dhs.gov and click on Hometown Security. ¡ WWW.SecuritaSinc.com 21
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Page 5 and 6: Attitude may not be everything, but
Page 7 and 8: From “security headquarters” in
Page 9 and 10: In 1663 Sir William Hilton, aboard
Page 11 and 12: safeguard our community, and have e
Page 13 and 14: The Value of Partnership “In the
Page 15 and 16: for one customer, such as McDonald
Page 17 and 18: First, we give the family a safe an
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Page 33 and 34: Company News Jonathan Katz - Vice p
Page 35 and 36: Vice President - Sales Dennis Hatha

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