Providing security services to the 92 facilities that comprise The Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center has Director of Medical Center Security Michael Mandelkorn juggling many balls at one time.
College campuses historically have been shy about emphasizing their security policies and procedures, not wanting anxious parents or prospective students to think that a visible security force, camera equipment or other evidence of being watchful means their students are particularly vulnerable.
In response to recent mass shootings at U.S. workplaces, 52 percent of employers have updated or implemented a “zero tolerance” workplace violence prevention policy, according to The Executive Employer Surveyfrom labor law firm Littler Mendelson.
Despite two-thirds of organizations naming active shooter as a top threat, 79 percent are not fully prepared, and more than 60 percent don't run readiness drills.
After the shooting at Columbine High School, The Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center at Texas State University was created to instruct police officers in active-shooter response.
In recent months, there have been more unfortunate reminders that threats to life and safety can no longer be considered to be remote and rare possibilities.
Workplace violence is an issue that is beginning to get more attention, but remains underreported and misunderstood. While a handful of shocking and high-profile incidents have the power to capture the public’s attention, the vast majority of incidents stay under the public radar.
