Paladinpalsec, Author at Paladin

Armed Security Guards in Schools?

palsec Apr 22, 2015

In the wake of multiple shootings that have occurred on school campuses, policymakers are searching for ways to enhance the security of schools. One measure that has been adopted in a growing number of jurisdictions is the use of specialized armed security guards. Here are two recent news stories- one from Chicago, IL and one from Woodstown, NJ that cover the moves towards this practice.

https://www.nj.com/salem/index.ssf/2015/03/nj_school_district_gears_up_with_armed_security_in.html

https://www.krcrtv.com/news/local/district-considering-armed-security-for-campuses/31993490

And here is a 2014 story from Oregon where an armed security guard stopped a school shooting. Here is a quote from the story:

“The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun,’ the NRA’s Wayne LaPierre said at the time. And he’s right—just look what happened in Oregon this week.”

https://townhall.com/tipsheet/leahbarkoukis/2014/06/11/armed-guards-ended-oregon-school-shooting-n1850413

Here is Florida, many schools utilize uniformed security guards to keep students safe. Here is a story from January of this year featuring former Paladin Security officer Mark Nelson who was awarded 2015 Support Person of the Year for the Orange County Florida district.

“Colleagues say Nelson is personally committed to the safety, well-being and success of the school’s students, and is always willing and ready to help. He in his second year at the school, which he joined after a 25-year career in the military. He spent 10 years in the Navy and 15 in the Army, retiring as a Sgt. 1st Class.”

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/education/school-zone/os-acceleration-academy-security-guard-20150122-post.html

We salute all security officers who put their own personal safety at risk to keep students safe at school. We also commend the courageous policy makers who take this step to reduce the risks to our young citizens.

New Florida Data Breach Law

palsec Apr 17, 2015

As of July 2014, Florida has adopted a new state statute (Fla. Stat. § 501.171) that contains provisions that require companies and organizations to take measures to secure and safeguard computer systems that contain personal information.

“Businesses and government entities that collect personal information of individuals “in Florida” should consider updating their incident response plans — or at least ensure that they have one. Such plans are particularly important in light of the amendments, both because they can significantly reduce breach investigation and response time, and they may need to be produced to the Florida AG.

Florida also joins a number of other states in now requiring “reasonable measures to protect and secure” personal information, along with secure disposal requirements. As such, businesses and government entities that collect personal information of individuals “in Florida” will need to have adopted and implemented an appropriate data security and destruction program compliant with the act.”

Source: https://www.law360.com/articles/553234/what-makes-florida-s-new-data-breach-law-unique

Many organizations are cognizant of the risks from physical security breaches, but do not have the measures in place to enhance information security. Paladin Security offers comprehensive protection services including information security consulting. Please contact our experts at 407.218.6528 to discuss how Paladin Security can assist in the hardening of your information infrastructure.

Gun suspect arrested while having sex in back seat of SUV at Orlando area Apartment Complex

palsec Apr 15, 2015

An Orlando apartment complex that has had a history of difficulties was the location on Friday April 10 of an arrest of an armed man who was literally caught with his pants down. According to media reports Orlando Police were responding to a report of a man wearing camouflage pants walking around in the area with a gun in his hand, when they discovered Jaudohn Hicks in a compromised position.

“When 27-year-old Hicks was ordered to get out of the SUV and lay on the ground, the officer noticed that he “had camouflage pants down around his ankles.”

Also according to reports a pistol and drugs were found in the vehicle.

You may ask yourself what sort of community would these sorts of arrests take place in? Well would you believe the below photograph is taken from this apartment complex’s website:

You may be thinking “It doesn’t look like the sort of place that has guys walking around with guns and drugs who might get caught by the police having sex in a parked vehicle on property”. But, that is what is reported. This is another example of how crime problems will escalate in an area that doesn’t respond to repeat incidents by contracting with a quality private armed security company to patrol the property. The only way to control risks and deter criminal activity is to face the threat with the proper countermeasures. According to the 911 police records that our analysts researched, this apartment complex has had multiple calls for service involving a shooting, batteries, and disturbances just in the past 30 days before this guy was reportedly walking around with a gun in his hand and having sex in a vehicle parked right in front of people’s homes. Would you want to pay to live in a community with those issues? Would you renew your lease here?

If the complex management had quality, trained, armed security officers patrolling this property and focused on deterring criminal activity, it is very unlikely this incident and others that have happened on this property in the past few weeks would have occurred at all. Many times, apartment complex operators choose not to invest the funds to source the correct solution. This is a mistake. In the current environment of internet and social media, the reputations of these sorts of properties are tarnished quickly in the market. If a person is harmed by criminal activity, legal liability can result for the owners and management if there was a history of ongoing crime. Large multimillion dollar judgements and settlements have been paid by Owners and management companies who have been found to be negligent by failing to provide the correct security measures.

Paladin Security has proven that it has the capability to help communities like this one get control of the situation and bring criminal activity to near zero. Our armed security officers are trained, equipped, and led in a way that produces quality outcomes. Owners and management companies have turned to our team to protect their communities from these sorts of problems. The armed security officers on our patrol teams are not the typical “rent a cops” – they are professionals who are dedicated to the mission and who take pride in helping to keep communities and businesses safe. Many are veterans of the US military who have proven themselves in difficult situations. All of them have extensive training and are focused on safe, ethical and effective performance. If your community needs our service, we can help. Contact our experts to consult with you to find the correct solution.

Source: https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-gun-arrest-backseat-sex-20150413-story.html

Premises Liability Overview

palsec Apr 13, 2015

Often times the subject of premises liability comes up in discussions about physical security in commercial settings. Owners and operators of commercial properties have differing levels of awareness of this topic. It is a fact that premises liability claims are on the rise across the nation. Paladin Security staff members are focused on delivering value to our clients by reducing risk. There is no way to remove 100% of risk, but putting a quality security program in place provides strong risk mitigation in most cases. Sometimes, when the risk of crime is statistically high in the vicinity of a commercial property, making the investment in Top Tier Uniformed Security is the best way to control these risks.

We are providing a link to a very good basic introduction to the topic of premises liability for reference purposes.

Source: InjuryClaimCoach.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLIvJYttP_M#t=84

Gang Related Double Shooting Near UCF marks 2nd in 2 weeks

palsec Apr 11, 2015

“Witness told deputies double shooting near UCF may have drug ties, report says”

Local media reports of a 2^ndshooting near off campus housing for the University of Central Florida area have increased concerns among parents and university leaders . Observers point to gang related incidents as an ongoing concern. Here are some quotes from the coverage by local media outlets.

“The UCF-area shooting that left two men critically injured Thursday night has raised more concerns about student safety and gang activity in the neighborhoods bordering the campus off Alafaya Trail.”

“It was the second shooting in less than a month linked to possible gang activity in the area near off-campus housing, including a row of University of Central Florida off-campus fraternity houses.”

“…Orange County deputies confirmed that the 59 Brims — an offshoot of the national Bloods gang — are active and living in the neighborhoods bordering UCF…”

“Someone yelled “Brim Blood,” a reference to the 59 Brim gang, right before gunfire erupted March 19…”
Residential communities in this area may consider increasing their security posture in light of the recent increase in violent gang related crimes. Paladin Security is able to provide our customers highly trained armed security staff to patrol communities to detect, deter, and defeat these threats. Armed security is used by many apartment complexes to reduce the risks of violent crime and send a message to criminals that the community will not tolerate the sort of activity that is being reported in the area of off campus housing where students and staff of the University of Central Florida live. Paladin Security specializes in providing high quality armed security services for residential communities. Paladin Security is different from the typical security guard company. Paladin Security is focused on providing armed security and our organization has a proven past performance record of decreasing criminal activity in the communities we patrol. Our demonstrated and proven ability to generate quality outcomes in very dangerous and risk filled environments gives our customers the confidence to trust our armed security officers with the task of reducing risks in their locations.

Sources:

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-ucf-shooting-gang-crime-20150403-story.html

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-ucf-area-shooting-possible-drug-gang-20150412-story.html

Orlando Apartment Shooting Victim Speaks to Media

palsec Apr 8, 2015

According to media reports, a 46 year old woman and her guest was hospitalized after being shot inside her home at the Timber Skan Apartments in Orlando, Florida.

“Me and old man, we were sitting there watching American Justice, eating popcorn and just heard a bunch of shots, so, we went to running. I didn’t get too far. I just fell by the sofa,”

According to statements given to media and law enforcement officials, the victim was struck by 11 bullets that ripped through her apartment window from outside. Officials are working to apprehend the shooter or shooters who are responsible.

“They heard some gunshots. Their couch is placed right beside a window [and] those rounds came through the window, striking them,” said Lt. Paul Hopkins of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Apartment Complexes that hire armed security guards are less likely to suffer these sorts of violent incidents. When qualified, well equipped, well trained armed security officers are on patrol, criminals face higher chances of being caught or stopped. There are many cases where violent crimes are stopped by armed security officers who are working in apartment communities.

Source: https://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/hospitalized-tymber-skan-shooting-victim-talks-wft/nkft9/

Source: https://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/couple-shot-while-watching-tv-tymber-skan-apartmen/nkd26/