Mitigating Security Risk: Jersey City Waterfront Security Meeting

On Tuesday, November 28th, 2006, the Jersey City Waterfront Business Security Meeting focused on Mitigating Security Risk. This group meets monthly and consists of law enforcement, corporate and private security professionals. After opening remarks by Lieutenant Michael Galano of the of Jersey City Police Department, East District, and a review of security concerns peculiar to the holiday season by Officer Dina Reilly, the floor was turned over to Paul DeMatteis, Senior Advisor on Corporate Security Programs for John Jay College of Continuing and Professional Studies.

The presentation provided insight into “connecting the dots;” developing strategies for implementing successful Global Corporate Security programs, such as:

• Identify the types of risk: Acceptable, Unacceptable, Undetected, Ignored
• Develop appropriate Security Policies, Standards and Guidelines
• Determine, understand, and communicate the business implications (such as ROI) of failure to execute these policies
• Drills, Drills, Drills
• Organization structure is critical; too many reporting layers will dilute the criticality of Security to Senior Management
• Understand the pitfalls of why security fails and avoid them

Mr. DeMatteis entertained and informed with examples from his own experience which includes Prudential Financial, Citibank, Republic National Bank, as well as New York City Human Resource Administration.

For more information, visit:
Global Security Risk Management
John Jay College Security Management Institute

National Child Abuse Concerns

According to Childhelp, one of the nations oldest organizations dedicated to the treatment, prevention and research of child abuse and neglect, American children are suffering from significant abuse and neglect. The statistics of child abuse in the United States are startling:

• 4 children die every day as a result of child abuse
• A report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds and it is estimated the the actual amount of unreported cases is tripled
• In reported cases of rapes of children under 12, 90% knew the perpetrator
• Child abuse occurs at every socio-economic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and all levels of education
• Many individuals in prison were abused as children
• Children who have been abused are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs
• Many who have been abused continue the cycle of violence by abusing their own children

The following are a few of the physical and behavioral indicators of child abuse and neglect as cited by Childhelp:

PHYSICAL ABUSE

1. Unexplained burns, cuts, bruises or welts in the shape of an object
2. Bite marks
3. Anti-Social Behavior
4. Problems in School
5. Fear of Adults

EMOTIONAL ABUSE

1. Apathy
2. Depression
3. Hostility or Stress
4. Lack of Concentration
5. Eating Disorders

SEXUAL ABUSE

1. Inappropriate Interest or Knowledge of Sexual Acts
2. Nightmares and Bed Wetting
3. Drastic Changes in Appetite
4. Over compliance or Excessive Aggression
5. Fear of a Particular Person

Educators must strive to develop a keen awareness of the children entrusted to their care. The leadership and vigilance of a committed educator is critical for the proper prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse victims.

Read More:
http://www.childhelpusa.org/about

Over 300 Attend School Violence Training in Wallkill, New York

On November 22, 2006 at Wallkill Senior High School in Wallkill, NY, over 300 teachers, principals, administrators and law enforcement personnel participated in a training event focused on school violence prevention.  The event was coordinated by the Wallkill Central School District under the leadership of Superintendent Anthony P. Argulewicz and Assistant Superintendents Kevin Castle and William J. Hecht.  Complimenting this collaboration was the Mid-Hudson Teacher Center which enhances teaching as a profession by responding to the needs of over 13,000 educators in Dutchess, Ulster and Orange counties.  Director Ralph Flood and Assistant Director Joe Pesavento, Jr. represented the Mid-Hudson Teacher Center at the event.

In addition to the educational leaders, Lt. Egidio F. Tinti of the Kingston Police Department, who heads 24 members of the Ulster County, New York SWAT team, directed the emergency response team which was represented by the following law enforcement agencies:

• Kingston Police
• New Paltz Police
• Ulster County Sheriff
• Town of Ulster Police
• Rosendale Police
• Town of Saugerties Police
• Town of Shandaken Police

As the featured speaker, I was privileged to present "School Security, Character Education, Emergency Planning, Crisis Management, Lockdowns and Evacuations" to this receptive assembly. School violence demands a culture of preparedness and collaboration with the entire community with pillars of vigilance and leadership. The presentation emphasized:

• The Culture of Violence
• A Crisis of Leadership
• U.S. Secret Service Safe School Initiative
• Shattered Communities
• The Gang Mentality
• Terrorism
• Alcohol and Drug Concerns
• Inappropriate Gun Access
• Internet Intelligence
• Understanding Our Roles
• Character Education
• Bullying Prevention
• Safety Policies and Procedures
• Security Vulnerability Assessments
• Crisis Management
• Lockdown Procedures
• Evacuations
• Violence Prevention Resources

and concluded with a photo tribute to American military personnel who are in harms way and making great personal sacrifices for the treasures of freedom and democracy.

After the presentation, the SWAT team provided a realistic lockdown drill scenario at John G. Borden Middle School in Wallkill.  This drill simulated intrusion into the school by an active shooter.  It was preceded by a comprehensive briefing to the teachers, staff and administrators.  The drill gave all of its attendees a sense of the seriousness of preparedness and security awareness as well as the importance of maintaining control through leadership in situations that would be extremely chaotic and stressful.  The SWAT team leader, Officer Blaine Smith of the Kingston Police Department, assisted with the drill and its debriefing by handling questions and answers at its conclusion with School Superintendent Anthony Argulewicz.

The hope of America is its educators and law enforcement personnel working collaboratively to transform the culture of violence by taking back our country; community by community, school by school, classroom by classroom and student by student.

Visit the Wallkill Central Schools homepage:
http://www.wallkillcsd.k12.ny.us/

Over 1,500 Attend Emerson High School Character Education Presentations

Emerson High School in Union City, New Jersey has a compelling mission statement, "We the Emerson High School Community endeavor to instill in our students a positive attitude towards life long learning in a technologically innovative world.  In a safe and secure environment, we dedicate ourselves to inspire all students to realize their full potential, to achieve personal goals and to become productive members of society..."

On November 21, 2006 this mission statement was clearly evident the moment one entered the school and viewed large, autumn colored Thanksgiving food boxes filling the entire main corridor.  Faithful to the "productive members of society" mission, these were gifts donated by the school community which would be delivered to families in need throughout Union City.

Prior to dismissal, the entire school of over 1,500 students and staff convened in the gymnasium.  Principal Robert Fazio, greatly respected by the students because of the respect with which he treats them, spoke to his students on "giving back to the community" and commended them for their "leadership, especially expressed through their respect for themselves, one another and the entire staff of the school".

Ed Petersen of Buckley Petersen Global, spoke of his experiences as an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and as Director of Security for Major League Baseball after retiring from the bureau.  As a graduate of Emerson High School, who grew up in the Union City neighborhood, Ed was able to connect with the students as he stressed the need for student leadership in order to make the right choices.

Complimenting the motivational remarks on character by Mr. Fazio and Mr. Petersen, I stressed the importance of leadership with character as its foundation. This was a very receptive and energized young assembly who represent the hope of America's future and this venue organized by Emerson High School is worthy of emulation by other schools.  A PowerPoint was utilized highlighting the character of such American icons as Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lou Gehrig and Dwight Eisenhower.  Tips for "American Youth Success" were shared which included:

• Walk your talk – know the best you are meant to be and perform admirably
• Be 100% dedicated to personal growth
• Take studies seriously and with full force determination
• Engrave on your heart that you are important
• Cultivate an attitude of service to others
• Lead through good example
• Be dedicated to patriotism and appreciative of America
• Develop a positive attitude
• Set high personal standards
• Never lie – always tell the truth
• Have strength of character, courage and perseverance
• Always remain calm and never lose your temper

The presentations ended with a photo tribute to American military personnel who are in harms way and making great personal sacrifices for Americans and for people of other countries.

Read more about Emerson High School

http://www.union-city.k12.nj.us/schools/uchs/ehs/index.html

Early Warning, Timely Response: A Guide to Safe Schools

Thanks to a collaborative effort with many education, law enforcement, juvenile justice, mental health and other social services, a report from the Department of Education and Department of Justice stands as a classic document to benefit students, staff and community.

Early Warning Timely Response: A Guide to Safe Schools establishes guiding principles which includes:

• Establish caring and supportive relationship with children and youth
• Get to know needs, feelings, attitudes and behavior patterns of students
• Do no harm: signs should not be used as a rationale to isolate, exclude or punish a child
• Understand violence and aggression within a context
• Avoid stereotyping
• View warning signs within a developmental context
• Understand that children typically exhibit multiple warning signs

The report continues with early warning sign recognition, imminent warning signs, a plan of action and prevention and intervention strategies. It is highly recommended for all educators and professionals involved with youth development.

Read More:
http://cecp.air.org/guide/guide.pdf

Fairleigh Dickinson University Hosts School Violence Seminar

On November 16, 2006 Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ hosted a school violence seminar.  The seminar was a collaboration of the North Jersey Regional Crime Prevention Officers Association and the Public Safety Department of Fairleigh Dickinson University.

David Miles, Director of Public Safety for the University and Lt. Patrick Fay of the Hackensack Police Department, who serves as President of the NJRCPOA provided the unity of effort leadership that made the event a success.  Attendees represented law enforcement, schools, corporations and private citizens and included:

• Drew University
• Office of the Morris County Prosecutor
• Emerson Police Department
• Caldwell College
• Bernards Township Public Schools
• Marsh USA, Inc.
• Fairlawn Board of Education
• Hoboken Board of Education
• Trenton Public School District
• Passaic Valley Regional High School
• Bergen County Sheriffs Office
• Teaneck Police Department
• Jersey City Police Department
• Hackensack Public Schools
• Carlstadt Public Schools
• Hackensack Police Department
• Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Office of the Sussex County Prosecutor
• Lyndhurst Police Department
• State of New Jersey Department of Education
• Village of Mamaroneck NY Police Department
• Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Teaneck
• Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies

As the featured speaker, I was honored to present School Security: Crisis Management, Emergency Planning, Lockdowns and Evacuations to this concerned audience.  The issues and solutions regarding school violence demand a comprehensive approach and my presentation highlighted:

• Chronology of School Violence Tragedies
• Culture of Preparedness, Leadership and Partnerships
• Marginalized American Youth
• Gang Awareness
• Cyberspace Concerns — myspace.com
• Bullying
• Alcohol and Drug Issues
• Terrorism
• Character Education
• School Resource Officers
• Personal Safety Training
• Youth Police Academies
• U.S. Secret Service Safe School Initiative
• Security Vulnerability Assessments
• Safety Policies
• Crisis Management
• Cultivating a Culture of Respect
• School Lock-down and Evacuation Procedures
• Early Warning and Timely Response Guide
• Bomb Threat Protocol
• In Service Training Programs
• Supervisory Presence and Prevention Techniques
• Educational and Disciplinary Principles for Educators
• Secure Our Schools Grant Opportunities

School safety remains a serious concern and efforts of the entire community of law enforcement, educators, students, families, security, and first responders must have leadership and vigilance as the foundational pillars.

Spotlight On: Sgt. Corey MacDonald, Esq.

As a School Resource Officer at Portsmouth New Hampshire High School, Sergeant Corey F. MacDonald recognized the potential dangers students face online because of sites like myspace.com. His concern led him to take action and become well-versed in the myspace.com community.

He stresses that parents and educators should be aware, because:

• 1 in 5 youth are approached by online predators, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
• 58,200 children were abducted by non-family members in a 1999 study
• 74% of abducted children are murdered within 3 hours of the abduction
• Take the opportunity to be proactive in getting to know a child's challenges and interests

Sgt. MacDonald also emphasizes that there is often evidence of blatant criminal conduct on myspace, which includes:

• Marijuana growth operations with suspects posing next to plants
• Gang membership with tagging and graffiti
• Drug use complete with surveys, pictures and contact information
• Underage drinking parties with chat logs and pictures which could show up in court or at a college as well as job interviews even years later.

In the new world of cyberspace, myspace is a contemporary mode of social networking and it is important that educators, law enforcement officials and parents are in tune with the positive and negative ramifications of this new age of communication.

We commend Sgt. MacDonald for his efforts in highlighting the potential dangers of online communities to students, parents, educators, and community leaders.

Over 100 Attend School Violence Seminar in Austin, Texas

Seminars are necessary venues for educators, law enforcement and emergency management officials to network and be apprised of the latest school violence issues and solutions.

On November 14, 2006 at the Woodward Hotel and Conference Center in Austin, Texas, over 100 public and private school teachers and administrators as well as school resource officers, investigators, police chiefs and emergency management coordinators focused on school violence prevention. The conference was organized by Omni Publishing.

An insightful presentation was made by Sgt. Corey F. MacDonald, an attorney as well as a school resource officer with the Portsmouth New Hampshire Police Department. Sgt. MacDonald discussed the importance of understanding and evaluating myspace.com which is contemporary American youth's social networking tool.

I had the pleasure of presenting School Security; Crisis Management, Emergency Planning, Lockdowns and Evacuations to this very receptive audience. The concerns and efforts that I hear about from the attendees is invaluable as I continue my work to make communities safer in America.

The collaborative efforts of educators, administrators, parents, law enforcement, emergency services workers, and community leaders continues to be the key ingredient to safer schools and communities.

Conducting a Board Certified School Safety Audit

An audit is one tool, which when used effectively through the experienced eye of a board certified protection professional, can provide a snapshot of the schools physical, personnel, informational and procedural security issues and highlight areas for improvement.

Some components of the audit include:

1. Development and Enforcement of Policies
2. Procedures for Data Collection
3. Development of Intervention and Prevention Plans
4. Level of Staff Development
5. Opportunities for Student Involvement
6. Level of Parent and Community Involvement
7. Role of Law Enforcement
8. Standards for Security Personnel
9. Safety and Security of the Facility
10. Emergency Response Plans

Click Here To View Sample Audit Checklist

National Model of School Emergency Preparedness

Cited as a national model of school emergency preparedness by the White House, Department of Justice and Department of Education is the Fairfax County Public Schools.

The school division and all school facilities have safety and security plans designed by school security, local law enforcement, emergency management and public health officials.  Plans including procedural response to critical incidents are regularly renewed and updated.

The schools work collaboratively with local, state and federal health, safety and emergency personnel.  Specifics on the incidents determine emergency actions to be taken.  Among the security measures are:

1. Close coordination with police and fire departments
2. Close coordination with the county health department
3. A comprehensive division crisis management plan
4. Individual school plans-updated at least each 12 months-including evacuation, shelter-in-place and parent notification plans
5. Employee training in crisis management and communication
6. Police school resource officer presence in all schools
7. School door numbering to aid public safety response
8. Strict visitor controls; employee and contractor IDs
9. Door access technology pilot projects
10. Anonymous tip line
11. Identification of HAZMAT sites in Fairfax County and revision of crisis plans to address HAZMAT issues
12. Additional daytime security staff members
13. Additional technologies for internal communication
14. School based security staffs in all secondary, high and middle schools
15. Uniformed security patrols at all elementary schools during regular school hours and all district schools after hours

Read Fairfax County Public Schools:
http://www.fcps.edu/emergencyplan/

Spotlight On: Captain Lori Mambelli

Captain Lori Mambelli of the Passaic County Sheriff's Department is an adjunct professor for the School of Criminal Justice at Fairleigh Dickinson University. She earned a master's degree in administrative science from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Captain Mambelli has 18 years of law enforcement experience and is currently the Unit Commander of the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Archives as well as Coordinator of the Sheriff's Internship Program. Lori also teaches fraudulent document recognition and identity theft at the Passaic County Police Academy.

Dedicated to the importance of on-going education, Captain Mambelli has attended various identification courses including:

• Counterfeit Documents
• Recognizing Fraudulent Identities
• Foreign Passports and Resident Alien Cards
• Basic and Advanced Fingerprint Identification
• Assisting Victims of Identity Theft
• Background Investigations

Complimenting her outstanding educational achievements, Lori Mambelli also works directly with Social Security offices, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Postal Inspectors, Superior Court Judges, County Clerk Offices, the Division of Motor Vehicles and other governmental and non-governmental agencies to recognize fraudulent identification agencies and ascertain true identities. She is an EMT and member of the Sheriff's Emergency Response team as well as a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Center for Women in Policing. Lori is also a certified public manager through the New Jersey State Department of Personnel.

Captain Mambelli also has had training in law enforcement identification and criminal systems such as:

• Criminal Justice Identification System (CJIS)
• Lexis Nexis
• Accurint
• Cross Match
• SPEX Forensics
• Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)
• Promis Gavel Court Information Systems
• Automated Traffic Systems
• Automated Criminal Systems

Read More:
http://www.pcsheriff.org/BCI.htm

School Lockdown Procedures

It is imperative that lockdown procedures are in place and practiced, reviewed and perfected.

A lockdown procedure is used where there is an immediate and imminent threat to the school facility population. School staff and students are secured in the rooms they are currently in and no one is allowed to leave until the incident has been secured. Lockdown allows for security of students and staff in place and the removal of innocent bystanders from danger. Lockdown is most commonly used for an intruder who may be a danger to the school community or for a nearby incident that may effect the school.

Some basic issues that must be considered include:

• Is there a lockdown procedure in place?
• Do all staff members (including substitutes) have keys and are locks in working order?
• Is the communication system in order allowing the lockdown to be implemented?
• Are classrooms aligned in advance using a line of sight as guidance?
• Are there procedures to ensure all are accounted for?
• Does each staff member know their responsibility?
• Have substitutes, custodians and staff been trained?
• Has there been practice drills by the entire school with a comprehensive review?

Read:
National Sheriffs Association School Safety Tips

Practical School Crisis Planning

Proactively taking action can save lives, prevent injury, minimize property damage and set the tone of a culture of preparedness.

Mitigation and Prevention
The goal of mitigation is to decrease the need for response as opposed to simply increasing response capability.

Preparedness
Rapid, coordinated, effective response when a crisis occurs is facilitated by good planning.

Response
Solid preparations, training and drills will allow effectiveness during the time of a crisis.

Recovery
The quick return to academics and the normal operations of the school and restoration of the infrastructure is the objective after a crisis.

Read: http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/crisisplanning.html

ASIS International Western New Jersey Seminar

Richard Lagg, CPP of Avaya and Kenneth J. Coyle, PSP of Siemens provided the collaborative leadership needed to successfully present the 8th annual seminar and luncheon of the ASIS International Western New Jersey Chapter.

Although a local chapter event of an international association, the event which was held on November 3 at the Meadow Wood Manor in Randolph, New Jersey, was impressively world class.

Highlighting the event called, "Risks and Mitigation Strategies: A Security Roadmap" were speakers from a broad range of government and business organizations covering local, state and national perspectives.

Aside from this event which serves as a model for professionalism, the ASIS International Western New Jersey Chapter serves the public and private sectors with educational training through their monthly chapter
luncheons.

Read:
http://www.security-zone.com/asis088/

School Stabbing: Metal Detectors Controversy

 

A 16 year old accused of stabbing another student at New Britain High School in Connecticut has ignited a community controversy on metal detectors.

 

The pastor of St. James Missionary Church, Rev. Alfred Smith, who is the father of four children at the school, is  requesting school officials to increase the number of metal detectors.  School Superintendent Doris Kurtz feels that fixed metal detectors, opposed to metal detecting wands currently being used by school security guards, are too costly and impractical since the school has 67 doors.

 

A school board member said the school cannot do everything to prevent incidents because the school has 3,200 students and cannot be turned into a armed camp.

 

James Weatherby, the uncle of the boy who was stabbed in the back while leaving the cafeteria, feels that the solution must be comprehensive with metal detectors an integral part of it.

 

Read: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15498629/

Spotlight On: Al Chestone

Al Chestone, an Air Force veteran, was educated at Ohio University and New York University earning Bachelor and Masters degrees respectively.

As a Special Agent of the FBI for 30 years,
Al has had sensitive assignments that have taken him into international networks and to the White House itself.  With extensive counter intelligence and corporate security experience, Al's career has placed him at the core of American business with established liaisons around the
world.

Mr. Chestone has served as a consultant and special investigator to business and industry and is a leading figure in many professional societies and organizations in law enforcement, corporate security and human resource management.

Combating the Gang Culture Initiative

Gangs have become an increasingly deadly threat to the safety and security of our nation's citizens. Addressing the gang pandemic is one of the top priorities of the Department of Justice with a strategy that is twofold:

• First, prioritize prevention programs to provide America's youth and offenders returning to the community with opportunities that help them resist gang involvement.
• Second, ensure robust enforcement policies when gang-related violence does occur.

Read More:
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2006/February/06_opa_082.html