ASIS International (ASIS) is running Security Week, a series of community preparedness and educational events alongside the organization’s 62nd Annual Seminar and Exhibits (ASIS 2016). Nearly 20,000 security people from across the globe are expected to attend ASIS 2016, from September 12 to 15, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
Security Week, supported by the US federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Infrastructure Protection, was developed in response to the violent attacks being carried out where citizens work, play and assemble around the world. It is designed to educate small business owners, community leaders and other organizations that have not considered themselves targets about the importance of security and preparedness in today’s evolving threat environment. The initiative will be a part of the annual ASIS seminar, the US-based security management body adds, offering expertise on emergency planning, safety, and security.
Caitlin Durkovich, DHS, Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection, said: “DHS recognises that communities are the first line of defense when it comes to keeping the public safe and secure. Security Week aligns with our work to ensure the security and resilience of our critical infrastructure and our way of life,” said. “Recent events across the world illustrate the need to protect against these threats and mitigate the consequences. ASIS is taking a significant step in helping educate communities on possible threats and ways that organizations can takes steps to better prepare for emergencies. We are pleased to be a part of this discussion.”
Peter O’Neil, CEO, ASIS International, said: “Security Week was created to help prevent the violent attacks being carried out in places where people seek to go about their lives in a peaceful manner. ASIS International brings together thousands of security management leaders and experts, and now we look to extend this expertise to our seminar host cities to ensure these communities are stronger and more resilient.”
Security Week kicks off with a free Preparedness and Prevention Seminar at 2pm, on Sunday, September 11, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. Local businesses and institutions, including houses of worship, hospitals, schools, retailers and restaurants, community leaders, law enforcement and first responders are invited to learn how to build preparedness plans, harden soft targets, and work with law enforcement and first responders.
Kevin Doss, CPP, PSP, CEO of Level 4 Security, and author of Active Shooter: Preparing for and Responding to a Growing Threat, will moderate the event, which will feature speakers discussing the fundamentals of proper safety planning and risk assessment. Doss has more than 26 years of experience providing protective services in high-risk environments and currently serves as a consultant with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Development Group, and other state and federal agencies. He is a subject matter expert on active shooters and workplace violence.
Dr Jennifer Hesterman, author of Soft Target Hardening: Protecting People From Attack, will outline strategies for addressing preparedness. Hesterman is a retired Colonel in the US Air Force and is one of the few specialists in the terror-crime nexus. She designs courses for federal law enforcement and security bodies, and is a senior fellow at the Center for Cyber and Homeland Security at George Washington University.
She said: “Today’s threat landscape is constantly changing, and cities face risks to the safety and security of citizens every day. Security Week aims to provide businesses and communities with a high-level view of the tools needed to prepare for possible threats, identify risks and think critically about ways to protect the public. I commend ASIS for their drive to create this initiative, and I am excited to offer insight into these efforts.”
Paul Timm, PSP, President of RETA Security, and author of School Security: How to Build and Strengthen a School Safety Program, will provide insight on challenges facing educational institutions and community organizations. A nationally recognized school security expert, Timm has more than 17 years of security consulting experience and has received the Regional Certification Award from ASIS International four times.
Attendees on Sunday will receive passes to attend free educational seminars presented in the exhibit hall, from September 12 to 14, during the ASIS annual seminar. Topics include active shooter response, fundamentals of a risk assessment, protecting soft targets and security guard service standards.
On Wednesday, September 14, law enforcement, first responders and military personnel are invited to the annual seminar at no cost.
Security Week wraps up on Thursday with recognition of the winner of the 2016 ASIS Foundation School Security Funding Competition. This year’s honoree, Lake Brantley High School, received a $20,000 donation for security upgrades.
“Everyone deserves a safe place to work, live and play,” said David C Davis, CPP, President, ASIS International. “Security Week creates a holistic approach to community action and preparedness, and will leave our host seminar communities, as safer, more prepared environments.”
