Perimeter Thoughts

Perimeters
There are many types of perimeters. As security professionals we concern ourselves with perimeters and recognize them as the first line of defense in our physical security program.
The perimeter is perceived differently by those on the outside from what we know of it on the inside. When you buy a steak at the supermarket, we look at a nice cut and hope it looks as good on the side we cant see. Although it probably looks about the same, there is always that chance that some imperfect spot may exist. Only the butcher knows for sure. It's not a secret, just something he knows that we don't.
We need to be aware of the importance of both sides, it's strong and weak points and how to react and respond at those points when a situation arises or better still...before a situation arises, all the while keeping that information on a need to know basis, that's our mission. We invest in it what we perceive as the minimum required to protect what is beyond the gate and spend much time, budget and effort to ensure it is as hard a shell as necessary to our needs.
Our border is not just the end of our area of concern. It is a sign post, a message that gives a warning, sets ground rules and lets visitors know their not in Kansas anymore. You are now on protected property and new rules apply and along with those rules, new expectations.
Perimeter fence comes in all shapes and sizes. From the standard six foot border fence to the twenty five foot exclusion zone fence in high threat areas. Silver wire, painted chain link or obscured privacy, the perimeter fence is the separation between what we can control and what we cannot. Lets face it, it is all about control.
Perception, accountability, denial and restriction are the rule of the day. If you establish a border and construct a "hard" perimeter, then it goes hand in glove that a gate must exist. These check points and choke points are your weakest link in the armor around your facility. Although they can be well lit, covered by closed circuit cameras and have elaborate access control systems such as keys and biometric I D readers, the strongest or weakest item at the gate will always be the human factor. Without a human to challenge and scrutinize those seeking entrance, much can slip through that hole in the perimeter.
A hardened gate, door or barricade should be in place to serve as both a visual and physical barrier as well as indication of an expectation of compliance. identification, appointment confirmation and inspection are done in this highly controlled and monitored area. It should include a suitable and safe place to stop and challenge arrivals, record all information about the visitor and when necessary, deny them access and turn them away. An area to turn vehicles around or have them wait should be established so as not to impede traffic. In areas of high security concern, barricades or choke points redirect traffic around the area so as not to give gate crashers a direct run at the compound from the approach route. Car bombers and armed individuals should not be able to rush the gate without sending an alarm to the next ring of internal security. Advanced warning is a powerful defense.
Security personnel should be able to observe vehicles from a distance before they reach the guard house.
Lighting is paramount. A ring of security lighting must exist to illuminate some areas while blinding approaches in key spots. Lighting should be a mix of both low pressure sodium for work areas such as guard booths and harsh mercury vapor for long fence runs or distant views along grassy malls and fields. Spot lights on the corners of structures will indicate where approaching individuals should stop, this will be a blinding spot, and flood lights will create safe working areas. Lights in guard houses should be as dim as possible so as not to disrupt night vision more then necessary. All appropriate signage should be reflective.
Protection for security staff should be with the combined use of that signage, lighting and barricade such as bollards to protect the guard house and officers working outside with traffic. Mirrors and warning signals should be used to detect traffic moving in both the entrance and exit side of the gate. A safe approach should be established for those gates that allow pedestrian traffic. Side and cross walks, painted curbs, A. D. A. compliant curbing as well as appropriate lighting must be available. There should be a dedicated officers for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The booth, box or guard house should be well marked, well lit from the outside and be heated and air conditioned. Glass should provide 360 degrees of unobstructed view and be unapproachable without detection.
Fleet or staff vehicles should be close by but also protected. Both hard line telephone, cell and or radio communication should be available and ware appropriate, a panic alarm. Protective equipment should be issued to each guard posted and this equipment should move with the officer. Each guard will leave and report with the appropriate uniform, I D, rain and or winter jacket and hat. Flash light, note book, scribing instrument. Special equipment such as under vehicle viewing mirrors, metal detectors, Geiger counters and K 9 units should have proper support and be ready for each shift.
Hazardous spill and fire suppression equipment must be on hand as should first aid.
Mechanical gates must have safety stops and manual back up systems for when power fails. Systems to ensure arrivals cannot enter via exit gates such as ground spikes or barricades should be in place and video surveillance systems should be used to record all vehicles arriving and departing. Tag readers and motion detectors should be used. All detector or camera systems at head to ground level must be protected from vandalism or sabotage.
Circles within circles. At times micro perimeters will be established to protect areas or systems within the main compound. These smaller perimeters will have their own fences and safety systems in place. They may or may not be under your direct control but you must be aware of them and any special requirements they have. Officers move from an insider's concern to an outsider's when regarding these islands in the compound. Alarms, lighting and access control should be limited to those on a need to know basis. Any compound within another compound sends a signal of importance and should be high on your patrol concern list. Ensure any special procedure with these micro compounds are quickly addressed and reported.

RJ Mosca

TERROR IN NORWAY! The Lone Wolf At Last....

It was only a matter of time. The Lone Wolf was bound to strike and he will probably not be the last. As long as radicals feel that only death and destruction will make change, we must be on guard.
Fanatics with radical beliefs or extreme views chose violence as a platform. The seemingly common and "safe" environments now become battlegrounds (or killing fields). Anders Behring Breivik has joined the infamous group of murderers that step from the darkness trying to change the world. In his actions, he affects many but accomplishes none of his goals. The change he sought will never happen, not as he planned it, but change is coming.

The Security professional now more then ever must be geared to anticipate and plan for such incidents. Again our Brothers and Sisters in blue are doing all that can be done but theirs is a mostly reactive role. Ever vigilant watchers must be on guard to help detect and report suspicious activity and hopefully stop such home grown terrorists before they can do damage.
Security awareness can not guarantee success in this fight against emotional or irrational individuals but it is a front line tool.

No doubt this attack will spawn more such Lone Wolf behavior, the media will fill the nightly news with the story of such mad men and we will know their faces, they are likely to have their own theme music and back story special. They will become stars, evil stars but stars none the less, recognised the word over even if only for a short time.
We are a nation of media junkies. Our televisions, lap tops and phones now stream images and information at the speed of light. Fame can be a powerful motivator. Copy cat attacks can be "crafted" by the Terrorists (or 3 C's. Criminals-Crazies-Crusaders) to suit their needs be it a political agenda or ego. Heaven help us.

Learn from the actions (or inaction's) of others, plan and pass on what you know. Make it your business to know what such people might do, and can do. Spread that knowledge to others in the field. Each of us is a mentor, a trainer or a sounding board. This is our business, we need to take notice and grow stronger professionally every time something like this happens. A new breed of fifth column troops is now planning war against us and the world. They would attack the most innocent among us, the children, they kill for the sake of hatred, politics, religion or fame. As much as it seems a violation of our right to free speech, we can never take for granted the statements, writings or actions of others, we need to take notice. Moreover although it is maddening to think we could detect the next attacker in a world full of potential attackers, we owe it to those we protect to try. This kind of terror knows no nationality, it has no color, race or religion. It is purely criminal to spite what name the attacker hangs on it.

I was walking the streets of Manhattan last week and found myself in the theater district, oh man did I feel like a number. How easy it would be for another such mad man to make a name for himself in such an environment. As I looked around, I saw at least twenty people that made my "spidie" sense tingle. What could I do? Nothing of course, nothing but take it in, nothing to actually stop an incident. However, maybe one of the twenty might be pulled out of a line up with my help, or identified on some fuzzy surveillance video and this might help with some investigative process. The fact is, I can still do something. Even if that something is being a witness before, during or after an incident. As a practised professional observer, my contributions could be invaluable, as are yours. This is a big part of what we do.

Every day we watch, hunting for the tell tale signs of human behaviour that make some people stand out. If we are lucky we act on it and change the outcome of an other wise tragic event.

What possesses a man to chose an act of violence instead of reasonable discourse and conversation? I'm sure I will never know. I only know I resent it and despise it with every fiber of my being. We do not live in a video game and children are not targets.
Those of us with children feel for the families of the victims in Norway. Any reasonable person would have compassion after the fact.
Have you ever watched a new mother with a child on the playground? How she hangs over her child almost like a Sheppard watching the flock, ready to pull the child back from any danger. Such is security work, be it on a different scale. We must adapt the same mentality, the old days of expecting harmony and understanding from strangers died with the likes of the fictitious Mayberry as I like to say. There are few such places like that anymore. Our world is not as safe as it once was. Our sheep must be watched with new vigor, wolves prowl our flock.

Grant them peace in Norway, our thoughts are with you.

RJ

The Men in BLACK

Noon found me standing at semi attention in the shade of a mirrored pillar, hiding from intense sunlight as it tracked across the sky and beamed through plate glass hunting for me. To add to my torment, I was in a black suit made mostly of wool and with a silk tie tight around my neck. I was sweating more then a Dragonfly at a Bull Frog family reunion.My latest experiment (assignment) was that of a door security guard in a high end women's boutique. My latest venture had me smiling and "tea carting" would be larcenists back into the establishment to be checked by store associates. What a strange and unfamiliar set of rules for a person of my back ground and experience. It was a fantastic opportunity for me to do what I love most....watch people, study them and collate and categorize actions and expressions.

What a strange and diverse tapestry I had to examine. The boutique is in an upscale mall catering to customers both foreign and domestic. I saw samples of cultures from all over the world/country. Unique and varied but full of that one aspect of the security profession that holds my interest most of all, human nature. Studying people and anticipating what they might do and why.

My "Post Orders" if you want to call them that (although I hate that expression) were to politely challenge the costumer to return the recently (presumably) purchased merchandise for inspection. Considering my disarming smile, legitimate charm and smattering of basic languages from other countries ( mostly hello, good bye, please and thank you) I found I had no trouble convincing the embarrassed costumer to return to the service area. My pardner on this job was a Sensormatic rfid reader, always just a foot away 'irradiating' me. I could take my eyes from the door and watch shoppers knowing it would be vigilant.

Surly there is not much skill in this...is there?

Well, lets dissect the environment, the mission and the tasks involved more closely.

RULE#1

Know the shop-store-boutique's lay out or floor plan, find the blind spots and learn how to observe them without insulting or intruding on the costumer. Mirrors, plate glass or any other reflective surface can be used to keep shoppers under observation.

RULE#2

Get a good look at your shoppers and better still, let them get a good look at you. Any Loss Prevention agent will tell you, having the would be thief just inches from your face has an effect on the situation. Thieves don't want to be recognized and identified, so knowing you have had a good look at them can persuade the shoplifter to go find a softer target. I send a message with each hello, it says I know your face now. I also keep a small voice recorder in my pocket to make descriptive notes of any "runner" that will need reporting to the authorities.

RULE#3

Watch bags, booster bags can be made to look like almost anything. In an expensive upscale shop, any small item could cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars and booster bags can clean you out in no time. I study hands, fingers that are not "stressed" might be carrying a decoy bag. (stuffed with a balloon, gift paper or other bulky item to appear full) these bags are emptied of the decoy item and filled with stolen merchandise. More often then not, they are foil lined to blind the rfid reader at the door. Some better booster bags may seem boxy and very square at the bottom. That is because the bag is only a cover for a box hidden at the bottom. It has a removable "floor" that allows stolen merchandise to be slipped in and is of course also foil lined.

RULE#4

Clothes can hide many things, not just cellulite. Watch for blouses that hang open more then usual. This is to facilitate easy depositing of the stolen item AND to maybe show a bit of cleavage. This will cause the LP agent to divert his eyes politely. I am to much of a professional to let a cheap tactical diversion like that keep me from my duty.

RULE#5

Be polite at all times, holding the moral high ground and being respectful are your allies in security work. Say please and excuse any false activation (but don't educate people as to how the system is triggered) Be overly sweet to senior shoppers that might be startled by the incident.

RULE#6
Store employees are NOT your friends. You are there to perform a function not fraternize with attractive sales staff. Thieves take notice of the Don Juan types and love to make fools of them. While you flirt and posture for the ladies, thieves are working your store. Be a professional.

Not to mention some shrink is almost always internal. If you are tasked with LP for the entire shop and NOT just the retail door, then pay attention to employees as well as shoppers. If you are responsible for the retail door only then so be it. Make notes, dates, times, names but other wise unless asked keep your mouth shut.

I walked the mall and stopped in some of the bigger name stores. In each I saw them, the Men in Black. Standing in ones and twos at the doors, hands folded in front or behind, rocking in their loafers or doing a classic box step in their oxfords, watching, sweating. Like fraternity brothers we instinctively recognise each other and nod respectfully with a knowing glance. I secretly pity them, I know they are hungry or need to use the rest room and their feet are killing them.

The day is long when you occupy four square feet of floor space. Thankfully I have my diversions, I watch and study and learn. Today however, I couldn't help but wonder what the other Men in Black were thinking and if they were watching me.

Watch your six (put your back to the wall and watch your front)

RJ

SUPERVISOR'S ROLE AND EXPECTATIONS

Team building and support is paramount in the security industry. Trust and confidence in your fellow team mates is critical. Supervisors must be able to trust and support individuals within the team, conversely those individuals should trust and respect their supervisor. The team should feel their supervisor will support them and provide a fair and professional work environment. With well understood policy/procedure and a training program that brings the entire team together to play from the same sheet of music, a safer, more efficient and even pleasurable work experience is achieved. A well rounded and insightful supervisor can and should help promote these feelings of self worth, contribution and appreciation.

Some security managers will hover and micro manage staff to the point of exhaustion and annoyance. It is too much to shepherd the flock all the time and it sends a message to the troops that you do not trust them to do the right thing. It is also a real confidence killer if staff is never "off the leash".
It all starts with hiring the right people. Professionals know their job and will only need familiarization, an honest welcome and site specific training, neophytes will learn what is expected of them and with the right mind set (provided by the supervisor), they will willingly lap up training if a feeling of trust, contribution and appreciation are there as a constant reward. Being part of the team is the pay off, so it goes that positive promotion of the team's self worth is bolstered. This way members will feel this team is worth the effort of going above and beyond for. This is the caliber of security staff we strive to attain. Some employers are happy to settle with staff that "do their eight and skate". I am not. Team members should legitimately want to be part of this effort. They should respect and even envy those that work well within the group and wish to emulate them.

Eclectic team building is necessary to better deal with a diverse and unpredictable environment. Each member will have their particular groove and this must me recognised, nurtured and utilized by the supervisor. This is the time to let team members shine, those that rise to the occasion must be recognized by the supervisor. Any "pat on the back" moment should be exploited and shared with the team. A supervisor that steals thunder is not going to work well within the team. When your people look good, you look good, when your client/patron is happy with the staff and it's work performance, they are happy with you too. It is a synergistic relationship.

Being sincere and honest in your appreciation and pride of those you work with is important. The supervisor should be cognisant of those unique personalities and comfortable in his ability to incorporate them as needed to occupy specific postings, perform special duties or handle sensitive incidents. With each unique and diverse background reinforced by thorough training and practised team "role reversal" activity, the team learns what they are capable of. They know who is strong in some skills and weak in others. This is the time they really team up and nurture each other, building stronger skills and bonds.
A competent, socially aware and fair supervisor helps make that happen.

Supervisors often believe they need to be "the bad guy" at times to keep staff on course. This is wrong and in many ways counterproductive. Promoting the right mind set based on pride and a strong loyalty to the people you work with as well as the company you represent is it's own reward. Staff that let the team down, let themselves down as well. This attitude does not manifest itself over night, it does take some time. The stronger the team, the easier to recruit-train-incorporate new members with this strong work ethic, legitimate desire and skill. With proper direction and support, a supervisor can build a team that works on auto pilot. Constant contact without crowding-micro managing allows these professionals to do the job they have been trained to do. Mission NOT task is the order of the day.

It is important to be able to supervise as one of the team instead of as an outsider just steering a group. As one of the team (with modified responsibilities) you are still approachable. Being a front line supervisor shows the team that you understand the work and are able to relate and respond as well as lead. Your opinion has value and you are willing to listen and learn as well as make suggestions or provide guidance.

Every professional appreciates a leader that has "come up" from within the ranks. The best leaders are team players and good followers, the best supervisors always have the mission, his/her team and their duty in mind. They should be well versed in all of the aspects of the job and know how to stand in at any level within the construct of the team's mission as well as supervise.

Train, Lead, Support, Trust = Respect, Competence, Appreciation, Success.


Watch Your Six
RJ Mosca

THE LONE WOLF

Terrorist organizations both global and domestic take some pride and in fact count on their numbers to intimidate and frighten their victims. They believe that being part of a large organization/following gives the impression that theirs is the popular thinking,
The F.B.I. and the C.I.A. both have formed lists of groups that are monitored and studied, penetrated and undermined in hopes of making their effectiveness as slight as possible.
The recent demise of Bin Laden will no doubt have global impact. Groups such as Al Qaeda will take some strength from seeing their premier planner meet his end, believing him a martyr.
Others my pause and revisit their path, considering the risk and value in the actions of the "movement".

What will undoubtedly happen is the spawn of the Lone Wolf. These "micro cells" are capable of a form of fluidity unlike other known groups.
The lone wolf is already among us, he is the man that drives a truck full of explosives into the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, or woman waring an explosive vest killing dozens of Shiite Pilgrims on the road to worship or carry out a Sarin gas attack in a Tokyo subway.
These are the acts of individuals. They are acting on behalf of a group to accomplish their mission but they take that last step alone.

I can envision a time when individuals will plan and execute their attacks totally alone.
The true Lone Wolf!
These individuals may not do the quantity of damage that groups with more resources can achieve, they may not perform on the grandiose scale that grabs the global news, but on a small and personal level they can operate without the usual detectable indicators used by intelligence agencies. Prediction from such types of terrorism may be impossible.

It may have taken ten years to stop Bin Laden but keep in mind it took SEVENTEEN years to stop Ted Kaczynski the Unabomber. The Lone Wolf is hard to stop.
Keep in mind it is not the damage that a terrorist seeks, it is the terror. He wants to change your way of life, make you live in fear.

John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo struck terror into the hearts of citizens in Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland for months as they sniped Innocent and seemingly random victims.
David Berkowizt terrorized an entire city as the Son of Sam Killer, many people would not venture out at night for fear of being killed by the mysterious 44 cal, mad man.

These hand full of criminals may have had an agenda, in some cases the only agenda was carnage, but they prove that you don't have to be smart or well equipped to strike terror and change the way we live.
Where are we?
While the Police and dedicated Anti Terrorist Units patrol the hard targets, airports, train terminals and government buildings, we as security are holding post over the softer more common but no less vital and strategic areas of commerce and infrastructure.
Passenger train bridges, schools, hospitals, stadiums, shopping malls all present the type of target that is both hard to protect yet juicy enough for a deranged yet determined enemy to readily exploit.

Power stations could be destroyed causing large areas of chaos, confusion and crime.
In 2003 a summer time blackout effected most of the east coast of the United States including parts of Canada. Such a blackout today would not only plunge the country into darkness it would see rise in crime and further incidents of sabotage and destruction. Martial law could be declared causing unrest and resentment among the population, fuel supplies and telecommunication would break down and hundreds of millions could be wasted restoring what was. The effect on the economy alone would be catastrophic.

I fear a successful Lone Wolf attack on such targets could start a trend and copy cat attacks will become more prolific. The single handed terrorist in the news will be sensationalized and his deeds magnified and possibly emulated.
A fifth column is already among us, made up of individuals both opportunistic and dangerous.

The new terrorist is not a group, faction or organization. he is the Lone Wolf. The true believer with no one to impress but himself and his God. No audience, no peers, no accolades.
Fear him and be watchful, he's just over the horizon.

RJ Mosca

Gone....But Not Forgotten

Au Revoir, Arrivederci, Ciao, Goodbye Osama.

After years of being sought by every asset the free word could commit, Osama Bin Laden is dead. Reports that a S.E.A.L. team operation ended with the killing of the worlds most wanted man in a compound just outside Abbottabad Pacistan are all over the world press.

I wont even try to address the number of theories concerning Why now? or if it was indeed him, If he was dead years ago and shadowy government types kept him on ice to perpetuate the war and thus occupy lands rich with oil, was his body buried at sea or dropped over some remote mountain range. I don't care. I don't need to see his death photo, birth certificate or body. I have been seeing too much of him over the last decade. On Television, in News Papers and of course all over the Internet. I myself once thought I spotted him staring longingly out of a window at a Comfort Inn near Niagara falls N.Y. The thing is, as of now, the world believes him to be dead. Who am I to doubt that? (Its a grassy knoll thing)

What does that mean to us as a nation and particularly as a industry?

As a nation, we sigh with a kind of relief that an evil man has met with Justice and can no longer hurt Innocent people. Al Kidea may still be active and state sponsored acts of terror may still happen, but we as a people feel we have struck a decisive blow against radical Islam.

Is that true? who really knows, only time will tell.

As an industry, terrorism has been very good to us. Corporations and businesses of all kinds have been made aware of the need for security professionals to work close by their side and be considered in day to day decisions. The Europeans have known this for decades and made use of security professionals in many aspects of their lives both publicly and privately.
Carlos the Jackel (llich Remirez Sanchez) once the worlds most sought after terrorist (and trained in Iraq) started a trend in 1975 with his attack on OPEC and subsequent attacks of western businesses. Security teams were used as never before. Most were recruited from the military upon discharge with a high number of personnel coming from the Air Force. Their back ground in keeping secrets and "area security" being a commodity. Special training schools such as ESI in Colorado or later Clearwater in Great Britain sold their unique knowledge and skills to "worthy" patrons. Even the under world began using professional security staff to over see their business. The Cartels of Mexico have some of the highest numbers of security teams.
Hmmmm, I wonder why?

So it goes that the realization of legitimate threat has spawned an industry that grows even today. On the domestic scene, incidents such as Oklahoma City, the Unibomer even Virgina Tech and the attempt on Congresswoman Giffords, have proved that there will surely be no shortage of People, Places and Things that need security protection and oversight.

Will the demise of Bin Laden slow our growth or reduce the need for security? I think not.

There is always the threat of reprisal and the need for the enemy (whomever that is) to prove they are still out there. Moreover, now that the top gun is gone, someone will surly feel the need to take his place. It wont be long before we are forced to learn the proper pronunciation of some new name or to recognize that new face. We've done this all before and I expect we are doomed to repeat it over and over again. As the new improved head of the snake rears up, we will need to counter it with whatever new deterrent we can learn and exploit.

He is gone but the lessons he taught us, like those of Carlos, Timothy Mcveigh, Ted Kaczynski or Jared Lee Loughner will live on in the hearts of security professionals around the world. Our time honored quote "Not On My Watch" still echos in our ears and is felt in our hearts.

Keep the faith

RJ Mosca

HISTORY AND THINGS TO COME

Historically speaking, the security industry has gone through many changes.

The "Guard" of years gone by were more often then not, a well intentioned individual trusted to do the right thing. He walked the business after hours in the "Night Watchman" mode. Stereotypical flashlight in hand with a ten pound clock over his shoulder and a ring full of keys any jailer would be proud of. These under paid often under respected men of the watch have walked post since the time of Cesar and Queen Anne. First defense against trespass and crime.

At times the lack of respect was justified, as some of these "Watchman" were more professional sleepers then security. Even the Bank Guard of years gone by was seen as an elderly, over weight poorly equipped, under paid figure, more of a facade then an actual deterrent.
You'll notice these characters are no longer with us.

Later the Guard was replaced by the Security "Officer" these men and some times women were better equipped and trained to enforce policy and had a procedural manual to help them better cope with an ever changing scope of responsibilities. Respect was still in short supply as they were often looked upon as wanna bes, a nasty slang for those that dreamed of being in law enforcement but lacked the skills to achieve the position. Although this was not always true, a few I have met did think they were Starsky and Hutch or Crocket and Tubbs. This did not play well with their employers, or me for that matter.

Most however, were eager to learn and took themselves as seriously as necessary to get the job done to their employers satisfaction without going into Bad Boys Bad Boys whatcha ganna do mode.

I worked as a Security Officer for most of my adult life. I believe I was smart enough to sponge up the real world aspects of the job and learn from my contemporaries as well as those professionals that I came in contact with, Law Enforcement and other Emergency Responders, Dog Handlers, Alarm Systems Installers, Locksmiths, CCTV Installers, Self Defense Trainers, Legal Eagles and a host of others that one might never think of in a security capacity yet were critical to the work.

Most men and women working in the industry over the last few years fall into this category. Better trained and equipped both mentally and materially to accomplish the security mission. Deter, Detect, Observe, Report and Respond.

These days and particularly after the attacks of 911, the nomenclature has changed to include Security Professional instead of Security Officer. Blazers or suit and tie replaced the polyester police type uniform of days gone by. This "soft" look enables the professional to ware more hats as I like to say. Tea carting (Polite business escort) Desk post (reception/direction work) usher-ticket taker (access control) all without the para military look that alarms some people. As if the Kevlar coated, H/K toting, knee and elbow pad waring, helmet clad storm troopers walking the streets of New York, L.A. and Chicago as well as many other U.S. cities do not alarm people.
I digress.

Unfortunately there exists a branch of security that all too often falls short of the mark set by an ever evolving and improving industry. The "Guard Service"provider. These puppy mills for security staff are popping up all over the place and for all the wrong reasons. Insurance and state regulations have mandated that some types of businesses have a security component in their charter or operations plan. To feed this need some "schools" or worse yet providers take on the task of seeing to it that prospective security personnel meet the minimum requirement set forth by state mandate and then go so far as to employ these minimally trained neophyte staff as "Guards". Don't get me wrong there are a hand full of security companies out there that have always set the bar of requirement and expectation very high indeed, but these few are just that....few! The puppy mill guard employer tends not to last very long, move or change names or get closed down by lack of work or litigation and in some cases due to low bidding and employing poor candidates that do not foster confidence. Most spend more time reviewing their LLC or brushing off their "sales suit" then their training program, if they even have one. These "providers" tend to be store front cookie cutter businesses that provide low cost/low quality service instead of the type of security professional we would like to employ or have staff emulate.

Guards in their employ know that should they have an issue or just not fit in, they can be reassigned to some other post within the spider web of contracts. Worse yet, some just are! Guards are bounced from one site to another like porta potties on a construction site. No loyalties, familiarization, intimate knowledge or staff recognition. These are the traites not only preferred by business but are paramount to security, yet very often absent.
Security staff that make a poor judgement call are let go rather then counseled. It is a disposable environment for most contract security guards. It is easier for the service provider to claim they have "handled the issue" by letting the guard go then invest time nurturing good team involvement and cross training that might have avoided the poor judgement call. These things take time and time is money. What this leads to is guards that fear making decisions, take no initiative, focuses on self instead of the team or serving others. In short not a security person at all, just what appears to be for the sake of state regulation, insurance mandates or union contract. This leads to very poor public relations for the company that hires the service and at times litigation, loss of assets and a damaged reputation. Businesses must remember that a person that has a bad experience with security will remember YOUR name not the name of the contact service you hired.

Of those that do walk the walk I can say, Good luck brothers and sisters. Yours is an up hill climb. The puppy mills are tainting your good names and when they can , stealing your thunder.

The days of the inept night watchman may be returning if we let them. Only through stead fast perseverance and a never ending quest to be the best at what we do, will we survive as a respected industry.

RJ Mosca

PERSUASIVENESS part two, what we say/how we say it

We can use tools such as what we see or what we hear to gain compliance, but how can we be persuasive with what we say or how we act?

Requesting someone to relinquish free will and getting compliance is a special skill. It starts with selling yourself. Like anything for sale, it's all in the packaging. If you sound like a south Bronx cab driver (no disrespect, I was born in the Bronx) when you speak, you are bound to meet with resistance. How we speak says a lot about who we are. Never and I mean never use common language while on duty. It lowers you to the level of the common man. A common man is generally not in authority to request compliance.

Always be polite and respectful no matter who you are addressing. Let this be what you are known for within your organization, it should be your reputation.....it is your reputation.

The ONLY exception to this rule might be while working covertly, such as loss prevention working “internal” theft. You may need to sound less stuffy and more "street' while trying to gain trust or gathering evidence.

We should strive to use terms that include rather then separate others.

A priest may say: "All God's People"....implying you are one. This "includes" you, you want to belong, join, and participate. A politician may say "Every Good American".... again you want to be considered a good American so you fall in line.

It’s a simple and effective way of putting a person into a cooperative category, they joined the group, and you’re half way there. When you hear the old line "what’s a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?" it implies you think she is better then this place and so are you, it’s a subtle message (most smart women will see right through) but it is a good example of "including". Its simple but it works.

Situation, Dialog and example: Hospital Environment

A patient is being held for Behavioral/Mental Health evaluation.

As security, you will often be first intimate contact and how you treat the patient sets the tone for his/her therapy, as well as his feeling of safety, also true for the safety of the staff not to mention yourself. An open casual dialog is important. Many of these patients are here against their will and will look for any opportunity to elope if given a chance. We could strap them to a bed or chemically restrain them but this is not a "therapeutic" environment and not likely to achieve trust or gain compliance, it may only force the issue, setting up barriers, causing mistrust and requiring emotional repair. You want to include them in the process not mandate or force….if possible.

The key is dialog, constant and structured communication. This should include positive wording such as “we are here to help you” as apposed to “the doctor says you can’t leave yet”. Introduce yourself and maintain polite eye contact. Explain why you are there, be honest but do not over state the obvious. Use active listening and repeat what the patient is saying. Let them know you hear and understand them. Be sympathetic and understanding. Be conscious of body language (his as well as your own) Remember you are part of a very important process. I try to treat patients as if they are relatives, a brother, sister or cousin. The idea is you remain attached and part of the experience rather then just a blocking force to be dealt with.

Begin by being proactive and staying in that mind set. I often offer comfort items like food or drink (if the Doctor agrees, ask before offering) it serves as a peace token and subconsciously the patient now owes you some kind of gratitude. Don’t count on that but it may help. Never go off to retrieve such items, that is not your mission. You maintain watch while support staff brings blankets, food, coffee, phone etc.

Keeping the patient calm and conversant is easier then calming a person down after they have boiled over. Letting them know the steps in the process avoids the feeling of surprise and helplessness, they need to feel they are part of what is happening (included) not just having it thrust upon them. When appropriate explain everything you can to them, hold back only what is necessary or directed by medical staff. Never make promises and don’t build hopes on speculation, it’s not fair to the patient to say things like, “you’ll probably be going home soon, just relax”. This is a big no no. You have no way of knowing what is in store for this person, never act on history.

Once the patient comes to trust you and does comply, it is your duty to brief and educate any shift taking on the watch after you go off duty. There should never be any surprise for your team mates or the patient. If possible introduce the patient to the new watch and let them know they can be trusted, they are still safe and that you will check in on them. Your words have meaning, and you’ve earned their trust. Don’t break it. I always follow up with a patient, if I say I’ll check in on them once they are admitted, I make it a point to do that. It maintains trust and eases the way for other staff as well as the patient. You may encounter this person again some day and this rapport may pay big dividends in the future.

There are times when it may not be safe or appropriate for your contact to be that constant or intimate but it must always be present. You must be vigilant and aware at all times. Position yourself where the patient can see you but do not hover over a Behavioral/Mental Health patient. This only aggravates and incites them. It is not unlike a non verbal challenge. Standing an arm’s length away from me at all times in my opinion is a threat to my personal safety (it closes my reactionary gap) and is an invasion of personal space. I like to stand a bit off sides from a watch using my peripheral vision to monitor them as much as possible. It is less threatening and gives the patient a feeling of privacy. It is a body language technique that sends the “all is well” I’m not staring at you signal. The patient is persuaded to comply based on a relaxed feeling of well being not a situation based on force.

As an experiment, try this the next time you are in an elevator. Stand at what you feel is an appropriate distance from the closest rider in the lift. As people step out, stand your ground. Do not move. At the first chance they get, that person will move away from you as if you were diseased. It is strange how one moment it is just fine for you to be standing at a persons elbow and the next moment they can’t wait to move away from you. People need their space….don’t crowd them!

With calming, respectful tones and reassuring dialog as well as safe body mechanics, we can be watchful and maintain control even without asking for it.

Make no mistake; you must always be on guard to act if things change. Every step while in close contact must be reviewed and mental scenarios worked out just in case the “what if” factor happens. Having well trained partners is a must when seeking compliance during movement. Transporting a mental health patient can be a dangerous time. The patient is very aware that the window of opportunity to elope is closing and they can experience feelings of desperation.

I always have a patient gown up and remove street clothes and shoes. This can be a strong deterrent. Then again I have seen naked patients try to run for the street, you just never know.

If you remove the fear and mystery and replace it with feelings of trust and compassion, most patients will comply with any reasonable request. Security Officers in a hospital environment ware many hats, baby sitter, transporter, tea cart, prison guard, but it is always about maintaining control. Control is the key, persuasiveness just one tool to maintain that control.

RJ Mocsa

PERSUASIVNESS part one, perception

Being persuasive is a bit of an art. There will be times while in the course of performing your duties that you will need the compliance of people beyond your regular scope of control.

This may be on lookers in a crowd, patients in a medical facility, angry customers, intoxicated individuals, confused or disoriented geriatric/seniors, groups of teens, groups in time of emergency, persons in escort, etc. The issue is you have no real authority. That is to say you are not empowered with the "recognised" ability to command compliance. This can be problematic in times of crisis but not as difficult as you might think. If a security officer is in uniform and an emergency arises, he can expect some cooperation from the crowd. It's in our upbringing to respond to "official" requests by authority figures in times of crisis. The uniform, even though it has no real power is the symbol of knowledge and professionalism. Confused, scared or otherwise receptive individuals will blindly follow "the uniform" if commanded. We seem to need a symbol of authority to base our compliance on.

Two quick examples:

1) I recall years ago while working in uniform, I was on my way to work the day before Christmas. The roads were slippery and the day was dark. A line of cars including mine were stacking up at a red light in a major intersection. The car behind me had stopped a safe distance from my vehicle but the car behind him was not paying much attention and was moving too fast for that days road conditions. It hit the car behind me driving it into my vehicle. I put my flashers on and moved to the curb then got out to asses the damage. The man behind me did the same. It appeared he had little damage as did I. As I walked back to the third vehicle, I could see the woman at the wheel melt at the sight of my uniform. She never stopped to read my I.D. or collar flashes, she just saw the crisp line of a police uniform and as far as she knew, it was going to be a real bad Christmas, she had just rear ended a Cop. Did she?

No but when I asked if she was okay and asked for her insurance card, her answer was "Yes Officer". Although this is no more then any other person might ask if involved in an accident, the uniform gave me the justification in her eyes to request anything I needed. I would never purposely or intentionally attempt to pass myself off as law enforcement, but in times of crisis people are blind and will make these assumptions on their own.....Careful folks! this is a double edged sword! I told her there was no damage and to have a happy holiday, my Christmas gift to her. She was still yelling thank you officer as I walked back to my car.

2) While in a public building that was under partial renovation, the fire alarms sounded. The crowds of people walking by me in the lobby seemed to ignore the alarm and just looked around as if waiting for some thing else to tell them what to do (as if the alarm was not enough). I was off duty and in street clothes but I walked to an exit reached into my pocket an took out my keys (complete with BEST whistle) I blew three sharp notes and asked everyone to step this way please. Without hesitation the wanderers started advancing on the door to the street. I only needed to ask that they remain calm and move slowly (the expected term at such times) to gain compliance. The whistle was the instrument (no pun intended) of command. After hearing the alarm, this was all I needed to legitimize my request. As it turned out, a worker had set off the alarm while soldering pipe and all was well, but the alarm was sounded and the proper response was missing. I would rather be safe and embarrassed then sorry for my inaction.

The lesson is of course, that some people can and often will focus on what they perceive as symbols of authority. We must be cognisant of these tools and learn to use them without exploiting them unfairly or unnecessarily.

RJ Mosca

Secure Communications

ADVISE DON'T ADVERTISE. Security teams and their support must be able to communicate without outside influence or interference. Keep in mind our laws permit any free and open transmission to be legally monitored by anyone with the right equipment. That equipment may be as easy to acquire as taking a trip to the local Radio Shack.

• Scanners Scanners and handheld monitors are not only available, some are concealable. With ear pieces, these units could be used on your security site to locate and assess your team. In areas like sports venues particularly race tracks, scanners are not only used but allowed so the crowds can listen to the drivers talk to the pit crews. Scanners can be small enough to hide in clothing and the ear buds look no different then those used in any Ipod.



• FCC Licensing of particular frequencies for reasons of exclusivity is a must. Keep in mind this area of exclusivity is limited to a particular geographic region. If your team travels beyond that area you may be operating in areas where others have licence to use that frequency. Not only can your team communications be heard by others but you may be "Walked On" meaning another users talking over your transmissions.



• Options Multiple frequencies should always be available, this keeps primary channels clear of small talk, separates sections within the team and allows for back up should systems go down. Most stationary radio systems will use a repeater to expand the systems range (with appropriate licencing) and these systems might be effected by power outage, internal damage or intentional sabotage. If your radios are set up to work exclusively on repeater, you are off the air. A unit to unit channel should always be available. These "Talk Around" channels will not have the range of the repeater frequencies and in some situations might even be line of sight, but you will still be talking to your team. Consider allowing certain members of the team to bring portable units home with them at end of shift. Having responding staff on the net without having to enter your building to retrieve a portable might be important should you have a bio/chemical event. It also allows them to post as soon as they arrive on scene. Shift supers can always make face to face up dates once staff is posted and a cordon established. Only lead team members should have access to the system repeaters/antennas and only when necessary. Have a reliable contracted radio technician or qualified staff member for repair work.



• Covert Systems In smaller yet super critical areas, extremely low powered units may be used for large rooms, auditoriums or halls, these allow you to work in a micro environment without fear of the transmission spreading farther then needed.



• Cell Phones Cell phones and "Push to Talk" cell features work very well. They are usable across many geographical regions and secure enough for almost any application, providing of course that you have cell service and strong signal.



• Short N Sweet Call signs, codes and terminology should be learned and used by all security staff as if a second language. These codes should never be shared with non security employees. Any regular security team member will tell you, it is easier and more secure to keep transmissions short and to the point. Codes make this possible. It also allows any message to remain obscure should it be overheard by the public.



• Extras A combination of Cell phone, Radios, Hand Signals should be employed as the second language of the security staff. Assign call signs or numbers to staff members rather then names. Areas of operation or locations within the facility should be coded as well. The Department of Homeland Security has a number of frequencies set aside for facilities to apply for as a "common" use frequency. After 911 it was determined that some agencies and services might need to talk to each other. If your facility qualifies, applying for these frequencies might be a good idea. Most businesses use three frequencies for security work. The primary "Repeater", the talk around and a second support channel. I am accustomed to using ten including the spacial Homeland Security frequencies for cross communication. I consider this a minimum, Mobile units had their own, perimeter staff has a channel as does command. The others were support and redundant but useful for spacial events. This may sound extreme but that's just my opinion, your needs may differ.



• FRS "Consumer Grade" Radios such a family radio service, over the counter wal-mart type radios are unsuitable for security work. Their channels are too few, they are under powered and equipment is too easily obtained to listen in.



• GMRS or general mobile radio service is only slightly better giving the user better range and a larger selection of channels and "coded" sub channels. However seeing how these are still common and some security teams can be a bit lazy in their channel selection, I still consider them unsecured communication and not fit for proper security work.

RJ Mosca

Gabrielle Giffords Shot 1/8/2011

Slipping through the cracks, a shooter wounded Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson Arizona today.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Congresswoman, her family and the other victims of this tragic event. We remain hopeful and optimistic that the congresswoman will return to capital hill very soon to continue her good work.

God bless all who's life changed today.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends Judge John Roll

RJ Mosca

LARGE AREA OBSERVATION

I had the opportunity recently to sit as an observer / spectator in a local court. The theater was laid out like most venues that demand your attention, stages-churches-school rooms, all made to sit facing front and upright. So of course like an sly audience member trying to catch the magicians misdirection. I did what I usually do, I watched the other hand, I watched every one else. It was interesting to see how the parties involved "Players" put on their best VICTIM or INNOCENT face, each trying to tell their story before ever opening their mouths, each setting the stage/tone/mood to interested onlookers. A very different group from the ones that were just moments ago standing outside in the parking lot smoking and laughing with the support of their family and friends.
The cold, indifferent attitude of the court officers told the story. These veterans had seen the acts before and knew how to remain separated from the emotionally charged parade. I used it as a training exorcise, as usual watching the watchers and studied how they did their job.
Principles of area / group observation.

All The World's A Stage.
Start with the most advantageous viewing spots. These are not the high ground vantage points, looking down on the crowd. That might be alright for a prison exorcise yard, here you need to see faces and the sooner the better. Security needs to be intimate with the area and how it is used by the crowd/group using it or passing through it. In this way subjects stalling or loitering will stand out. People with an agenda are likely to scan the environment. This is an important qualifier, as is pacing, constantly searching of ones clothes/bags. These individuals don't fit in. Their bodies are in conflict with the norm some how and they may walk or move differently, or seem overly alert. These may be stall techniques to give the subject time to reconnoiter the area and time his approach, choose his line, locate cameras, security procedures or even you.
large area observation requires the security professional to be even more vigilant then if watching a single subject. The challenges are based more on speed and ability to scan and qualify quickly then long term scrutiny.

Like the group outside that court room, there is a "transition" thoroughfare, a point where the curtain opens and the act begins. To hold such an act and remain convincing is taxing, hard to do for any real length of time before a bit of ones true face cracks through the facade. This is why most interrogators work for hours upon hours to tire the subject until he "cracks", opens a bit of his true self that the interviewer can peel away to get to the truth. Detecting these players before they arrive at that thoroughfare is critical. Like a nervous teen on his first date checking his hair before his date answers the door, there is a moment where the "Tell" is detectable. A time when the subject goes from who he is to who he wants you to think he is. This is his Poker/Game face.

Structured crowds/groups such as those in line at an airport terminal or sports arena are concentrated or "herded" into a choke point so these groups may be a bit easier to scrutinize. Your best area to begin is the end of the line, the space between the door and the perceived end of the waiting area. Subjects of security concern will be most at ease here and will reveal much more of themselves. The act only intensifies the closer they get to the point of challenge be it a ticket window, check in or security cordon. Having a form of stimuli for the subject to react to is good here. It gives security an opportunity to watch subjects as they prepare for the show. An astute watcher will see the signs. I have heard them referred to as "Micro expressions" or "Body indicators" even "Stress signals", I call them "Tells".

Random crowds or groups such as those at malls, concerts or out door venues are harder to cover and will need multiple watchers. The Secret Service has mastered the science of watching from within the crowd. They blend in with subjects of interest and discretely indicate whom within the group is suspect. At that point a uniform will appear to remove or question the subject of interest. It can be difficult to cull through such a group and only time and practice will make you an effective crowd watcher.

Body language is key, as is eye contact. You should note that in this country at least, most people do not make eye contact with strangers unless they need to. It is my experience that the only people that you will catch and hold eye contact with will be subjects that are doing a reconnoiter like you. It could be another person in the security industry or a potential perpetrator. This is the primary reason most protection teams such as the US Secret Service ware sunglasses even on over cast days. It keeps them from making eye contact with others.

Actors often over act. You can see them shift the level of performance as they "present". Some are ultra cool and go over board to seem relaxed. It is a tell when anyone is so relaxed in a strange environment, they stick out. Conversely individuals that seem uptight are almost always worth a second look. Again watch how people scrutinize security staff or anybody in uniform for that matter. There is a difference between those that see and those that are watching.
Watch all the time, at work of course but watch as you mow the lawn, shop, wait at a red light etc.

learning to watch groups that cooperate and comply. What do they do that tells you they fit in and belong. Study the majority that belong and those that don't will be evident.

I once asked a bank president how many types of counterfeit bills he needed to see to learn what makes a good forgery. He summed it up nicely by pointing out that he only studied the real thing, nothing else mattered. The fakes will always stick out.

RJ MOSCA