Emergency Preparedness Seminar Recap:

At this well-attended event, held at the offices of Arent Fox Kintner Plotkin & Kahn, ASIS-Board Certified Protection Professional, Fred D. Miller, President and founder of Security Resources Group, presented the fundamental components and methodologies for developing a comprehensive security master plan. Security is a timely topic not only because of the tragic events of 9/11, but also because, over the past several years, violent crimes against people and property have increased, while the ranks of law enforcement have decreased.

With informative visual aids and handouts, Fred discussed a wide-range of security measures, examining each one in detail, explaining its effectiveness and role in the overall security master plan. Throughout the seminar, Fred emphasized and reminded attendees of the importance of understanding that security is a duty, not an option.

Content highlights included a thorough overview of the six primary elements of a security master plan; architectural/design factors affecting security; risk management considerations; how to conduct an accurate threat assessment; and information on H. R. 3562.

Introduced by Congressman Bill Shuster (R-Penn.), H. R. 3562 (also known as the Prevent Act of 2003), proposes to amend the IRS code to allow a credit of up to 20 percent for the purchase and implementation of security devices, and a 30 percent credit for assessments and other expenses incurred to improve security. As of this writing, there is no recent activity on the bill. All are advised to contact their respective congressman about this important legislation, and urge Congress to enact it. (More information about H.R. 3562 can be found at: http://www.securitymanagement.com/library/HR3562_Security0204.pdf.)

Other highlights of the seminar were the working groups in which participants were given a threat assessment exercise, as well as an exercise challenging them to develop security solutions along with a rationale to convince an owner or operator of the importance of investing in security.

Attendees came away from the seminar with practical, concrete security strategies and solutions to implement at their facilities. NPA Executive Director, Martin Stein, said, “As an industry, we have a responsibility to continually improve upon our duty to provide a safe environment for patrons, visitors, and employees. Information contained in this seminar will help us do just that.”