Security Management Highlights

With nearly a million people participating every year, Mardi Gras is a massive economic and cultural engine for the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. While the festivities—and the many other major events hosted in The Big Easy—can make security efforts more complex, community outreach and partnership enable law enforcement to keep the good times rolling, says Captain Anthony Micheu, New Orleans Police Department Traffic and Special Events Commander. Find out more about mass event security in this year’s GSX host city, New Orleans, in this special edition of the SM Highlights podcast. Additional Resources Learn more about GSX for this year and moving forward at https://www.gsx.org/ Interested in boosting your security intelligence capabilities, whether for an event or an individual, in this issue of Security Technology: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/monthly-issues/security-technology/archive/2024/october/ Read about the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans and how the ci

In the aftermath of school violence incidents, security professionals are often looking for ways to help. That turned into a three-year effort for Jeff Slotnick, CPP, PSP, who co-led the ASIS International effort to develop the new ASIS School Security Standard. By facilitating discussion across 50 multidisciplinary volunteers and collecting input from non-security professionals, the team was able to build a game-changing standard. Learn more about this project and ways security professionals can make a difference by volunteering in this GSX Daily episode of SM Highlights, sponsored by Titan Protection. Additional Resources Learn more about this episode’s sponsor, Titan Protection, at https://www.tpcsecurity.com/ Interested in learning more about the new ASIS School Security Standard? Check out the overview session at GSX on 30 September at 11:00 a.m. CT: https://gsx25.mapyourshow.com/8_0/sessions/session-details.cfm?scheduleid=811 Or visit the ASIS store—online or in-person at GSX at booth 1919—to purch

From snide remarks that set off office arguments to physical threats connected to a CEO’s social media post, political polarization has put workplace tensions on a hair trigger. Melissa Muir and Raymond Fleck of Pinkerton’s Comprehensive Risk Management Group join the GSX Daily edition of the SM Highlights podcast to talk about their upcoming GSX session on mitigating risk amid workplace incivility and where security professionals can lead their businesses forward by putting the mission over political differences. Additional Resources Meet this episode’s sponsor, Johnson Controls, at GSX booth 1955 or online at https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/ Attend Muir and Fleck’s presentation, “Bridging the Divide: Security Solutions in a Politically Polarized World,” at GSX on 29 September at 11:15 a.m. CT. Learn more here: https://gsx25.mapyourshow.com/8_0/sessions/session-details.cfm?scheduleid=695 Read more from SHRM about social and political incivility in the workplace in 2024 here: https://www.shrm.org/about/pr

Security professionals have to be integrated into operational resilience efforts and business continuity planning to prevent disruptions of all kinds, according to new research from the ASIS Foundation. In this episode of the SM Highlights podcast, report co-author and ResOrgs principal consultant Joanne Stevenson shares why security gets left out of resilience discussions and what they can do about it. Then, Don Aviv, CPP, PCI, PSP, CEO of Interfor International, discusses what happened during a shooting at a Manhattan office building in July and how proactive threat monitoring can change the nature of site security. Additional Resources Read the ASIS Foundation research, Operational Resilience: The Critical Contribution of Security to Operational Resilience, online here: https://store.asisonline.org/asis-foundation-operational-resilience.html?_gl=1*1l3liqy*_gcl_au*MTE5NTA5MjQzMC4xNzUxMzk3MDA3*_ga*NzQxNzQ1OTA0LjE3NTEzOTcwMDg.*_ga_0ZPVSP549B*czE3NTY4MTYwMjAkbzIwMiRnMSR0MTc1NjgxNjcxNCRqNjAkbDAkaDA ASIS membe

This month’s Security Management Highlights episode features three compelling conversations with industry experts, starting with a chat with Ontic’s Cynthia Marble about a new step on the pathway to violence—step zero—and how it provides an even earlier opportunity to prevent escalation, if you’re paying attention. Then, Jeff Krull from Baker Tilly outlines some of the risk management challenges when an organization swiftly switches third-party partners and vendors and how cybersecurity professionals can step in. Lastly, Sean Spence, APP, at AON Corporation takes us outdoors to talk about scalable and adaptable security at events. Additional Resources What are the steps on the pathway to violence? Watch this video from Security Management to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=job8p3x4uEw&list=PLEIon2_1tJwVHbHlEnyMgNjdMnm0xO_vP&index=67 The U.S. Secret Service’s Exceptional Case Study Project is available here: https://nij.ojp.gov/library/publications/preventing-assassination-secret-service-excep

Does your EP program account for cultural sensitivities, legal shortcomings, and evolving conditions? In this episode of the SM Highlights podcast, Jessica Ansley explains how cultural awareness can make all the difference in harmonious low-profile travel security and executive protection. Then, lawyer Timothy Sini outlines the limitations across U.S. states around protective orders and proactive legal action. But how can you cope with the unknown? Chuck Randolph debates priorities and requirements in EP and risk management. Additional Resources For more about executive protection for female VIPs, read the latest from Security Management: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2025/06/executive-protection/ Learn about cross-jurisdictional differences and limitations in orders of protection and how they affect executive protection here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2025/06/executive-protection/orders-of-protection/ Interested in travel securit

Brandon Payne, executive director for the National Council on School Facilities, joins this month’s episode of Security Management Highlights to discuss how to integrate security and safety into school facility planning and funding during both retrofits and new builds. Then, Kevin Jones, CPP, PCI, addresses key considerations for arming security professionals, from legal liability to insurance to continuous training. Additional Resources Read more from Brandon Payne about school facility management and where security and safety fit in here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2025/04/k12/school-facilities-managers/ Meet many of the other essential partners in school safety and security in this Security Management series: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2025/04/k12/ Want to help drive school security forward? Keep an eye out for the forthcoming ASIS International School Security Standard. Learn more here: https://www.asisonline.org/publication

Security benefits can come from unexpected sources, especially in community-centric organizations like schools and colleges. Melinda Heikkinen from Saint Louis University (SLU) explains how the college’s history of open dialogue and philosophy of meeting peace with peace helped it weather a wave of mass protests on campus. Then, Jason Stoddard with the National Council of School Safety Directors (NCSSD), digs into establishing a feeling of safety in schools, including the four elements that lead to greater school security. Additional Resources Read more from Melinda Heikkinen about protest and activism responses at Saint Louis University in her article here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2025/05/mass-protests/campus-protest-slu/ Interested in reading the Clock Tower Accords from SLU? They are available online here: https://www.slu.edu/diversity/occupy-slu/clock-tower-accords/index.php If your organization or employees are likely to participate in any marches, rallies,

Business travel is back, and travel risk is back right with it. In this episode of the SM Highlights podcast, Robert Dodge outlines the growing threat of wrongful detention during business travel, his own experiences being detained abroad, and how to educate travelers about risk. Gene Petrino shares proactive strategies for preventing workplace violence incidents, including threat assessments and early intervention. Then, Dale Buckner explains how duty of care is changing in the face of escalating and overlapping crises, from hurricanes to pandemics and more. Additional Resources Learn more about wrongful detention in this article from Robert Dodge here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/monthly-issues/security-technology/archive/2025/april/wrongful-detention-an-ermging-travel-risk-for-2025/ Where is wrongful detention on the rise? Find out: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/monthly-issues/security-technology/archive/2025/april/where-wrongful-detention-is-on-th

In 2021, the ASIS Foundation published research about how social media and artificial intelligence can be leveraged to proactively identify new security issues. Now, we check in with one of those researchers—Chelsea Binns from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice—to see what has changed in the field, the ethics of researching social media, and what’s she’s looking at now. This episode is brought to you by the ASIS Foundation. Find out more here: https://www.asisonline.org/get-involved/asis-foundation/ Additional Resources Read the 2021 research, Using Social Media to Gather Security Intelligence, and other ASIS Foundation research online here: https://www.asisonline.org/get-involved/asis-foundation/asis-foundation-research/ Learn how OSINT and social media intelligence can become actionable in this Security Technology article: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/monthly-issues/security-technology/archive/2023/december/stopping-an-active-shooter-with-osint/ More and more people g

Whether you’re considering a career change, debating how to get more involved in your industry, or want to connect more thoroughly with community stakeholders about your security program, this SM Highlights episode has something for you. Security leadership recruiter Kathy Lavinder outlines pathways—and pitfalls—on the journey into private security careers. To celebrate ASIS International’s 70th anniversary, former ASIS presidents Eduard Emde, CPP, and Godfried Hendriks, CPP, share the history of the association and how volunteerism helps move the industry forward. Then, Domingo Ibarra explains how he leveraged community partners to demonstrate security’s value to the organization beyond traditional “guns, guards, and gates” perceptions. Additional Resources Learn more about career transitions in this collection of Security Management articles: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2024/09/career-transition/ ASIS members can access a new eBook about career transitions for free as

Everybody enters facilities through parking lots or parking garages, but these areas are often an afterthought for security, says lawyer Michael Haggard. But considering crimes of opportunity as well as liability issues, that uneven focus can be costly for organizations and commercial property owners. Also in this episode of SM Highlights, Eddie Sorrells, CPP, PCI, PSP, president of DSI Security Services and vice-president of ASIS International, digs into the who, what, when, where, and—most importantly—the why behind security incident reports. Additional Resources Want to learn more about parking lot security solutions? Read more from Security Management here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2025/01/garages/parking-security-solutions/ What legal risks do organizations face in parking lots? Read this roundup of recent cases: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2025/01/garages/legal-report-parking-liability/ Why do security organizations get su

When the UnitedHealthcare CEO was killed in New York City in early December 2024, executive protection and corporate security professionals worldwide had to grapple with increased fear, criticism, and demands. Chuck Tobin and Caleb Gilbert from the International Protective Security Board join the SM Highlights podcast to discuss close protection and pre-attack indicators. But growing pressure on private security can have personal ramifications—Eric Davoine outlines how burnout is a serious challenge for security professionals and what ethical leaders can do about it. Additional Resources Read more about the UnitedHealthcare CEO killing from Security Management in a number of articles, including: • Security Professionals Grapple with Criticism, Board Mandates, and Public Anger in the Wake of Targeted CEO Attack: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/latest-news/today-in-security/2024/december/aftermath-ceo-attack/ • UnitedHealthcare CEO Shot and Killed in Manhattan: https://www.asisonlin

Are there holes in your security program? Quite likely. In this episode of SM Highlights, host Brendan Howard speaks with red team expert Gary DeMercurio about how to develop a testing program and scope that deliver actionable results and value. Also, Marc Weber Tobias outlines the concept of insecurity engineering in locks and the basic awareness security practitioners should leverage. Then, Mark Johnson explains how data-driven video surveillance systems are being used to improve operations and safety for medevac helicopters. Additional Resources Interested in penetration testing? Watch a selection of key takeaways from GSX 2024 speakers here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHXSh77ONPw Read more about pen testing and red teaming in Security Management’s coverage publishing later in December. Read more from WIRED about Marc Weber Tobias’s work on Medeco locks here: https://www.wired.com/2008/08/medeco-locks-cr/ For more on medevac helicopter security, read Mark Johnson’s article here: https://www.as

How does the tone from the top influence fraud investigations, organizational culture, security training, and technology upgrades? Scot Walker, PCI, Manish Mehta, and John Rodriguez join this episode of the SM Highlights podcast to talk through how proactive relationship-building and partnerships can drive tactical and strategic success. Additional Resources Join the ASIS International Investigations Community here: https://community.asisonline.org/subjectareahome?CommunityKey=e3a5949e-d103-40a3-80f9-38f8476100b1 Get resources from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) on investigations here: https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/tools/how-to-guides/how-to-conduct-investigation To learn more about security operations centers (SOCs), check out Security Management’s coverage from September: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2024/09/soc/ Read Manish Mehta’s take on modernizing SOCs in his article: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2024

Are you basing your emergency preparedness plans on outdated data and models? As the pace of natural disasters and critical events speeds up, security managers will need to readjust their procedures and succession plans to succeed, says Thomas Henkey, CEM. Also in this month’s episode, sponsored by Dataminr, Paul Maguire discusses how the volume of HUMINT and OSINT available today makes corporate security intelligence challenging, especially when artificial intelligence enters the scene. Then, Felix Nater outlines how security awareness training can fail… especially when users think it’s boring. Additional Resources Learn more about Dataminr here: https://www.dataminr.com/ Read more from Thomas Henkey about how to weather the growing tempo of tempests in Security Technology here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/monthly-issues/security-technology/archive/2024/october/tempo-tempest-facing-emergency-management/ Learn more about Protective Security Advisors through CISA and the Depa

Where do climate and security intersect today? Amanda McCarty, director of the Climate Ready Nation initiative at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), joins the SM Highlights podcast to talk about how climate change is a “destabilizer” for organizations and individuals worldwide and how scientists are reevaluating what they measure to track new effects and map a path to resilience. Additional Resources Take security higher with GSX: https://www.gsx.org/ Learn how to build resilience and deal with unknown knowns in this year’s GSX Game Changer sessions: https://www.gsx.org/game-changers/ Learn more about the Climate Ready Nation initiative and NOAA here: https://www.noaa.gov/building-a-climate-ready-nation Interested in understanding how climate change intersects with security risks? Read more from Security Management: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2023/05/climate-change-and-security/ Learn more about security’s role in resilience and ant

Carlos Francisco, CPP, spent more than two decades climbing the ranks in security at Walt Disney World Resorts, learning how to balance situational awareness, de-escalation, and customer service. Now, he joins the GSX Daily edition of SM Highlights to discuss the human-centric security culture that led the world-class environment for guests at the “Happiest Place on Earth” and how to apply those lessons across the security management profession. Additional Resources Take security higher at GSX: https://www.gsx.org/ Learn additional lessons for career growth—especially for early career and aspirational leaders—here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2023/09/workforce-development/ Study the value of concierge guarding from cultural properties and museums: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2024/04/concierge/ Are your soft skills up to par to handle a customer-centric culture? Get pro tips here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-mag

In this special GSX 2024 edition of the SM Highlights podcast, sponsored by Sign In Solutions, Orange County Convention Center security administrator Earl Biggett, Jr., CPP, shares some career advice—especially for people changing from the public to the private sector—and how working in concierge security positions changed his approach to his job and security technology. Additional Resources Learn more about Sign In Solutions here: https://signinsolutions.com/ Discover how GSX takes security higher: https://www.gsx.org/ Interested in transitioning from public service into private security? Read Security Management’s latest coverage here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2024/09/career-transition/ Find career resources through ASIS International here: https://www.asisonline.org/professional-development/career-hq/ How are robotics being used in security today? Learn more from Security Technology: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/monthly-issues/sec

It’s not quite like the movies—bank robberies are still a regular challenge for security professionals, but theft trends continue to change as robbers seek faster, more convenient ways to get cash, says Robert Ross, VP of security and office services at Gate City Bank. Also in this episode of SM Highlights, learn how to improve your transition from the public service to private corporate security with Eric Kready, CPP. Then, RC Miles, CPP, explains how organizations can improve documentation and training to boost their defenses against lawsuits. Additional Resources For more about bank robberies and ATM crimes, check back with Security Management on 16 September. In the meantime, learn how banks are addressing vagrancy in ATM vestibules and bank property here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2021/11/coping-with-vagrancy-in-atm-vestibules/ Want a two-year timeline for a more effective career transition from the military or law enforcement to private security? Read Eric Kr