Copper theft has become a major crime in the United States, thanks to record prices for the metal and hard economic times. As a New York Timesarticle put it, the current conditions have “spurred a resurgence in the past several months in the theft of common items that in better economic times might be overlooked — among them, catalytic converters from automobiles and copper wiring that is being stripped out of overhead power lines, tornado warning sirens, coal mines and foreclosed homes, where thieves sometimes tear down walls to get to copper pipes and wiring.”
Growth. Most organizations strive for it, but when it happens too quickly, unforeseen issues can arise that translate into a higher level of security related risk than the organization might be comfortable with. While most organizations constantly strive for growth and expansion, they need to recognize that with growth come growing pains and a litany of security related issues that may or may not have been factored into the plans of the organization as it continues to deal with day to day business as well as any new problems that a new acquisition might bring.
Throughout Orlando and Orange County, Florida, video cameras help law enforcement ensure safer streets and more livable neighborhoods. Implementation of the area’s IP-based video surveillance system began about two years ago, starting small with approximately 17 cameras in the first phase. Since then, the number of cameras has grown to 150 active cameras in a regional video system covering the city of Orlando and Orange County. Keeping in step with technology and municipal security needs, the cameras in use have migrated toward higher-resolution models.
So what do the Righteous Brothers, grapefruit, Cymbalta, packaged software, toy jewelry, Callaway golf clubs, Prada purses, Cowboys and Aliens and car parts have in common? Everything, when it comes to theft, counterfeiting, terrorism, diversions, health threats and other illegal and unethical practices up and down the supply chain.
While some see security video as the current fair-haired security solution, well, look again. Today, and into the future, a primary driving force comes wrapped in the concept of identity, credential and access management. It goes way beyond the early days of pioneering Wiegand effect cards, interestingly owned by Echlin, a car parts manufacturer that first used the technology in vehicle distributors.
Pastor Darryn Scheske welcomes most everyone to his Heartland Church in Indianapolis, everyone except troublemakers. So working with a parishioner, the Church mixed tried and true with newer access technologies to make the campus safe and secure as well as caring.
You have to create a strategic plan knowing that there’s a high likelihood it will change. Does that mean you shouldn’t plan? Absolutely not,” says Mark Lex, Security Executive Council faculty member and former director of security for Abbott Labs. Over his career, Lex learned through hard-won experience that security strategic planning, done well, incorporates a balance of anticipation and response, detail and flexibility.
Brian J. Allen doesn’t like the unknown, especially when it comes to managing risk at Time Warner Cable, where he is chief of security. Allen, who is also on the Board of Directors of ASIS International and a member of the CSO Roundtable, shares his thoughts on leadership and why the unknown keeps him up at night, yet challenges him as well.
Eric Levine left New York and moved to Indianapolis. Why? Not only for the “Crossroads of America,” as the city calls itself, but to build a security team that anticipates and understands the risks and threats that exist for WellPoint, where he is director of corporate security.
Matt Marcon of MGM Communications in Glendale, Ariz., found that his customers needed a better intercom system. Marcon is a dealer who sells and installs communication systems for self-storage facilities, and he says the old-fashioned intercom systems – press a button and hope someone was there to respond – were hurting, not helping, his customers’ businesses.
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