Kate

BSIS Update from the Department of Consumer Affairs

As an association we strive to keep you up-to-date on relevant information for your business. Please review the information below from the Department of Consumer Affairs of which the Bureau of Security & Investigative Services is a division.

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Order Waiving Requalification Requirements for Private Investigators, Private Patrol Operators, and Alarm Company Agents 

On March 4, 2020, the Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist in California as a result of the impacts of COVID-19 to make additional resources available, formalize emergency actions already underway across multiple state agencies and departments, and help the state prepare to respond to an increasing number of individuals requiring medical care and hospitalization as a result of a broader spread of COVID-19.

Pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order N-40-20, during the State of Emergency, the Director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs may, for licensing agencies within the Department, waive any statutory or regulatory continuing education requirements pertaining to individuals licensed pursuant to Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code for a period of 60 days.

Accordingly, for individuals whose firearm permits expire between March 31, 2020, and May 29, 2020, the Director temporarily waives Business and Professions Code sections 7542.11, subdivision (b)(2), 7583.32, subdivision (b)(2), and 7596.7, subdivision (c), and California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 633, subdivisions (a) and (b)(1), to the extent they require such individuals to complete a fourth training course, examination and range qualification in order to renew a firearm permit.

Permittees must satisfy any waived renewal requirements within 60 days of this order. 

This temporary waiver does not relieve such individuals from timely complying with any other renewal requirements, including completing and submitting the required renewal forms to the governing licensing agency.

As a result of this waiver, the Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Security and Investigative Services may renew firearm permits despite noncompliance with the statutory or regulatory requalification renewal requirements identified above. Such renewal shall, however, be subject to revocation if the permittee does not satisfy the waived renewal requirements within 60 days of this order.

This order is effective immediately but may be amended as circumstances require.

Dated May 29, 2020

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Kate

CALSAGA Member Benefit: Free Masks

CALSAGA has masks to share with our members!

We appreciate the efforts of you and your officers and want to do what we can to assist you in staying safe.

CALSAGA has acquired an order of 20,000 disposable masks which we are able to distribute to our member companies (while supplies last).  CALSAGA was able to apply for these masks from the California Office of Emergency Services due to our non-profit status and our support for  essential services member companies.  The disposable ear loop face masks are three ply and latex free. Have fun with a online lightning link pokies australia.

Number of Officers Number of Masks Which May Be Requested
1 to 10 50
11 to 25 100
26 to 50 200
51+ 500

Masks are available at no cost to members and CALSAGA will cover the shipping costs. Requests for masks will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Submit a Request for Masks

To submit a request for masks click the link above or send an email to members@calsaga.org with the following information:
  • Company Name:
  • Contact Name:
  • Number of Officers (as listed in your CALSAGA Membership Profile):
  • Shipping Address:

Not a CALSAGA member? Learn more about CALSAGA Membership.

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View all COVID-19 Related Updates + CALSAGA’s Response to the Pandemic

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Kate

Introducing CALSAGA’s Online Training Provider

CALSAGA is happy to announce ProtaTECH as our new Online Training Provider.

ProtaTECH’s program Security Officer Regulation Training (SORT) is an affordable web-based program that can be accessed anywhere with internet access, any time of day. 
SORT offers initial and continuing education training that satisfies the requirements of AB 2880 Training. Companies have the ability to purchase packages or individual courses to assign to employees. 
Purchase through CALSAGA to receive discounted pricing.

 

Purchase training from ProtaTECH through SORT

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Kate

Upcoming Webinar + Training Opportunities

The response to last month’s Security University Lite Webinar was great! Don’t miss the next one which is less than two weeks away.

Register Now for the Live Webinar

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Last month during our Security University Lite Webinar: Navigating Human Resources During a Pandemic attendees were reminded and encouraged to ensure that all employees and supervisors were in training compliance.

Purchase CALSAGA’s Sexual Harassment Training

An Explanation of Sexual Harassment Training Requirements from CALSAGA’s Legal Advisor

Remember that despite the shelter-in-place order, training requirements are still in place. CALSAGA offers for sale exclusively to members AB 2880 training materials which were designed for classroom training and could be adapted for a Zoom meeting or other virtual format. Each module includes four files in PDF format: Electronic Textbook, Instructor’s Presentation (similar to a PowerPoint but in PDF format), Test, Answer Key.

Purchase CALSAGA’s AB 2880 Training for Security Officers

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View all COVID-19 Related Updates + CALSAGA’s Response to the Pandemic

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Kate

The Californian Second Quarter 2020

The 2020 second quarter edition of The Californian: The Quarterly Newsletter of CALSAGA is now available!

Click here to read The Californian.

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Kate

The Californian 2020 Q2 – SIX ESSENTIAL AND ADAPTABLE COMPLIANCE FORMS FOR SECURITY CONTRACTORS

SIX ESSENTIAL AND ADAPTABLE COMPLIANCE FORMS FOR SECURITY CONTRACTORS

Team Software, CALSAGA Network Partner

As a leader of a security company, you’re simultaneously tasked with keeping the public safe while also trying to safeguard your employees. That’s extra challenging when combined with a rapidly changing regulatory environment that’s constantly evolving with new health, safety and training requirements.

Navigating this isn’t simple. It requires tools and innovations that are flexible and adaptable and can be easily adopted into your business operations. We’ve compiled a list of essential field-focused forms to help you navigate through this time using our mobile workforce management tool, Lighthouse.

Employee Safety Training and Acknowledgment

A simple form communicating risks and protocols to employees and capturing acknowledgment and understanding of these protocols can safeguard your officers and mitigate risk.

What to include:

  • How to protect officers from exposure
  • Recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and instructions for use and disposal
  • What to do if close contact with an infected individual or area occurs
  • Acknowledgment of understanding

PPE for Law Enforcement

If you operate law enforcement operations with direct physical contact to other individuals and potential exposure to blood, bodily fluids or any other potential infectious materials, PPE and Hazard Communication standards apply. Smart forms can aid you in meeting the training requirements associated with these guidelines and tracking acknowledgement from your officers and employees.

What to include:

  • Minimum PPE recommendations and acknowledgment of receipt
  • Instructions for application and use of equipment
  • Instructions for disposal of equipment
  • Instructions if close contact occurred during apprehension
  • Acknowledgment of understanding

Visitor Screening Questionnaire

Security officers monitoring essential services sites that remain open during times of crisis are tasked with increasing screening responsibilities. In many cases, all visitors and entrants to the building must be screened. Forms can help streamline these visitor screening processes, ensuring standard execution by your officers and providing crucial reporting to your customers.

The basics in screening forms:
  • Visitor details like name, contact information and purpose of visit
  • Temperature
  • Exposure risk assessment
  • Instructions for permitted entries (i.e. sanitation and safety guidance)

Site/Building Assessments

These days, customers are asking their security contractors to be their eyes and ears across more functions, including for cleaning/contamination and management of other third-party contractors. Simple building inspection forms can help guide security officers through building inspections and provide an instant reporting service to your end-customers or their third-party contractors like janitorial and maintenance providers.

Potential assessment areas/criteria:
  • Building traffic (i.e. people passing through or congregating)
  • Safety or maintenance risks (i.e. spills, construction, alarms, etc.)
  • Known or likely presence of bodily fluid(s) / contamination risks
  • Suspected presence of infected individuals
  • Other site-specific variables (i.e. healthcare environments, transport hubs)

Incident Tracking

Whether it’s a vandalism or looting incident, an employee who has fallen ill, a site decontamination effort or maintenance follow-through, identifying issues, taking action and delivering accurate reporting to your customers is especially critical right now. Timely, transparent reporting builds confidence and drives customer loyalty, and reporting on incident response helps you better deploy and manage your resources and risk.

What to track and report:
  • Nature of the issue – categorize issues for standardized reporting and better analytics
  • Description — who, what, where, why and include photos whenever possible
  • Action taken
  • Resolution
  • Time to resolve

Creating standardized mobile forms can provide critical information and training, improve transparency to your customers, drive new revenue streams and safeguard your business against risk by demonstrating and proving good business practices. And, leveraging workforce management technology, like Lighthouse, to get these kinds of forms to the right people at the right time can help you stay in control during times of uncertainty. To read more about adaptable compliance forms for security contractors, visit the TEAM Software blog.

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Kate

The Californian 2020 Q2 – SWITCHING GEARS FROM PLANNING AND PREVENTION TO PIVOTING

SWITCHING GEARS FROM PLANNING AND PREVENTION TO PIVOTING

Mark Folmer, TrackTik, CALSAGA Network Partner

While the COVID-19 crisis takes an increasingly devastating toll on the most vulnerable in our society, it is also striking the most resilient: our law enforcement officers. In New York City alone, one out of every six police officers is out sick or in quarantine. In early April, there were more than 1,500 individuals, including 2 police chiefs, and the deputy commissioner in charge of counterterrorism, out of 36,000 NYPD officers, infected with the virus. Across the country, police departments in Detroit, Houston, and Los Angeles are facing similar challenges, but none that matches the magnitude experienced by what has become the epicenter of COVID-19.

With private security companies and their teams of security officers being called upon to provide additional security and support to assist law enforcement, the security industry is quickly pivoting from planning and prevention to response. Security guards are now maintaining social distancing and performing other health and safety checks at hospitals, government facilities, and essential businesses. They are also protecting non-essential businesses such as schools, retail stores, and office buildings that have been closed but still require security. Yet despite the fact that these new public-facing roles come with increased exposure and risks to personal and mental health and safety, security officers are still showing up for work every day.

 

CovidCrime is Real
As law enforcement struggles to keep up with the evolving crisis, and individuals are being asked to isolate at home, some criminals are taking advantage of shuttered businesses and deserted streets, leading many law enforcement agencies to urge businesses and commercial property owners to take proactive measures in preventing their properties from being targeted by a wave of what’s been dubbed “CovidCrime.” So, some closed businesses with storefronts have already started to board up their windows. Other suggested measures include increasing lightning, upgrading entrance locks and security systems, or keeping staff on premise during the daytime hours and hiring private security officers for the overnight hours. To reduce the increased financial burden of extra security, some businesses have started to pool resources, or share services with other tenants in the same building or geographic area. Giving security officers clear and up-to-date instructions is more important than ever considering that in many situations, they may be working alone.

 

Threat Risk Assessment

As the crisis evolves, it may be time to review your threat risk assessment (TRA). With “CovidCrime” spreading around the world, security companies need to address potential risks. A good TRA identifies exposure by analyzing security weaknesses and taking action to manage the risk and reduce the impact of any threats. The standard process of a comprehensive TRA consists of asset identification, threat analysis, risk assessment, and risk management.

While many aspects of a traditional TRA still apply, during a pandemic, you may want to consider:

  • Restricting access to and/or monitor entry points
  • Controlling secure areas
  • Reviewing access points
  • Performing random checks for unauthorized access
  • Verifying alarm systems and fire detectors
  • Monitoring entry points via security cameras
  • Implementing measures to prevent unauthorized people from accessing secure areas

To pinpoint what areas or access points need to be monitored and secured, it’s important to rely on accurate historical incident data.

 

Take Advantage of Technology

With the need and deployment of security guard services growing rapidly right now, there’s no better time to take advantage of the available security technology on the market. Look for technologies that enable your security guard firm or in-house security team to simplify operations, drive transparency, and support accountability. The larger a workforce becomes, it is important to streamline scheduling for a large, diverse, and mobile security workforce to reduce the number of human interactions; however it is too complex to do without the proper tools and the likelihood that you have various staff members now working from home.

 

Pivoting Your Business Model

If there was ever a time to take a long, hard look at your business model, it’s now. Have you been thinking about diversifying your small- to medium-sized business? Expanding your reach from high-end retail guarding to providing door security at luxury condominiums to guards for gated communities? If the shuttering of high-end retail stores has furloughed your team, what about exploring the myriad of new guard duties presented by the pandemic. With most of the retail industry on pause, guards are now considered essential services outside hospitals, supermarkets, drug stores, hardware stores, and many other locations that were virtually unheard of six weeks ago. Consider the training and equipment needs of these positions to ascertain if your team is capable and equipped to step in and handle any new opportunities that come your way. Chances are, they are.

Right now, there is an increased demand for security guards in sectors like healthcare, grocers, and some hotel properties while there is a decrease in the education, aviation, travel, and hospitality sectors. However, as more businesses start to gradually open up, so will new guarding opportunities. With much talk of a “new normal,” in the early days of opening up the economy, we may likely experience an increased security presence reminiscent of what happened during after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We may be asked to provide more identification upon entering public buildings, our temperatures may be taken prior to entry, and the number of people allowed to enter may be restricted which is where the security industry will be asked to step up just as the private sector has stepped up.

Fanatics, the company that makes the official uniforms for Major League Baseball, is now using the material it uses to make jerseys to make masks and hospital gowns. The first set of jerseys were made with material originally intended to make jerseys for the Phillies and Yankees.

Image Options, a leading Silicon Valley visual communications company has gone from building installations for trade shows and office environments to producing PPE to help healthcare professionals fighting COVID-19. The company recently unveiled a new checkout shield to help protect cashiers at grocery and retail stores.

Nike has also joined in the effort by making face shields from shoe collar padding, clothing cords, and the soles from Nike Air shoes.

L’Oréal, one of the world’s largest beauty producers, announced in mid-March that it will use its manufacturing facilities to make hand sanitizer and hydroalcoholic gel throughout Europe.

The value of security has never been greater than it is right now, but security companies and the industry in general should be prepared for a marathon not a sprint to the finish line. We should be prepared to adjust our business and delivery models, and be nimble and open to pursuing new lines of business as they present themselves in the coming weeks and months. It’s never too late to expand your service offering and make your security teams available for new and unconventional duties. The security industry is quickly emerging as a business enabler––helping existing businesses get safely and securely back to work––by demonstrating that we continue to be operational and responsive in a time of pandemic.

While it may be tempting to focus on the negative aspects of the crisis we are all currently facing, a more positive approach might be to take this opportunity to step back, take stock, and deliver more.

Do you want to know how the security industry is reacting to Covid-19? Fill out this 5 minute survey and we’ll share the insights with you!”

Mark was named to the prestigious IFSEC Global influencers list in 2018 & 2019 for “Security Thought Leadership”. He is also a highly active international security figure, member of ASIS and a Fellow of the UK Security Institute, as well as a world renown data-driven Operations & Security leadership expert. Mark is based in Montreal, Canada with TrackTiK, a dynamic and cutting edge tech company. Mark is also a lecturer and commentator on global security issues.

 

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Kate

The Californian 2020 Q2 – LEADING AN ESSENTIAL WORKFORCE: TIPS FOR ACTIVELY MANAGING YOUR OFFICERS WHILE SUPPORTING THEM THROUGH CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES

LEADING AN ESSENTIAL WORKFORCE: TIPS FOR ACTIVELY MANAGING YOUR OFFICERS WHILE SUPPORTING THEM THROUGH CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES

Anne L. Laguzza, M.A., The Works Consulting, CALSAGA Network Partner

While many are staying “safer at home,” your officers have been deemed essential and continue working to uphold the mission to protect property and environment. As a leader, you may be feeling the strain of operating beyond business as usual. Your officers may be feeling apprehensive about their normal posts.

In this challenging time, everyone is impacted both personally and professionally, even leaders. Everything is different. Actively managing your officers is critical to serving your clients but equally as important is supporting your officers as they perform their duties during these unprecedented circumstances.

Follow these five tips to actively manage your officers and support them well:

  1. Communicate Daily

Communication is a critical component of actively managing your officers. When uncertainty is prevalent, regular communication solves issues, often before they arise, and instills confidence in your workforce.

Using technology is key to staying in contact with your officers. Go beyond text messages and have a voice conversation. This extra step is critical to conveying empathy, understanding and taking a moment to value the officer, especially for officers who work solo without seeing anyone in management for weeks or months and can get disconnected quickly.

Your officers are likely to have questions. Have your officer’s duties changed at their post? Are there new health guidelines or safety protocols they must follow? Do they still report to the same person? If they worked with other officers before, will those shifts now be solo?

Communicate any changes in post directions, check in to see how they’re doing and inquire if they have any questions or need additional support.

 

  1. Convey Appreciation

Conveying your appreciation for these “essential” workers who continue to show up day after day while many people they know are staying “safer at home” is another critical component of actively managing your officers while also supporting them. You can do so much to make your officers feel valued and important with very little effort or cost.

When I worked internally in the industry, my job was to turn around morale and reduce employee complaints among the 600 employees. I was able to do both, just by recognizing the “human” in these officers and treating them with respect with every interaction. The president of our company was very good at getting out in the field and communicating with officers and shaking hands. These interactions made our employees feel valued and important.

Although you cannot shake hands with your officers right now due to social distancing, a phone call or other personalized communication to individual officers from the leader of your company to say thank you for continuing to serve during these unprecedented times will go a long way in ensuring your officers feel valued.

 

  1. Set Expectations While Understanding

Although the climate in which your officers are working in is unique, the best way to support them is to still set clear expectations while being understanding.

Your officers still need you to continue managing them, communicating expectations and keeping them accountable but with a general understanding that the unusual circumstances may result in your officers doing things that they have never done before because the situation warrants it.

Be open minded – look at the entire situation – and make decisions that are the best for the employee, the company and the client. Being flexible and expressing that you understand will make your officers feel supported when they need it most.

 

  1. Provide Additional Resources

Everyone processes circumstances differently. Providing additional resources, like an employee assistance program, is an impactful way to support your officers through challenging, extraordinary times.An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary, work-based program that offers free and confidential assessments for mental and emotional well-being, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services to employees who have personal and/or work-related problems.

  1. Take Care of Yourself

As a leader, you may be so focused on supporting your teams through these challenging times that you might not realize that you are under a little more pressure than normal yourself.

It’s important for you as a leader to take actions that support your well-being. Debrief with fellow CALSAGA members. Connect with friends and family. Do something you enjoy in your free time. When you prioritize your well-being, you’ll be able to lead your teams well.

Taking time to actively manage your officers while thoughtfully supporting them during these challenging times will ensure that you and your officers serve your clients well now and come out stronger when this is all over.

Thank you for all you and your officers do for our communities!

Anne Laguzza is the President of The Works Consulting. As a seasoned business executive with human resources management, leadership development, and performance coaching experience, Anne works with clients from a variety of industries to develop better systems, maximize employee productivity, and enable management to focus on business growth.

Prior to founding The Works Consulting in 2001, Anne served as the Regional Human Resources Director for a Fortune 500 distribution company where she led a merger transition team and was responsible for strategic planning, implementing new policies and procedures, workforce restructuring, compensation structures, and integrating the work cultures for over 600 employees.

In addition, Anne was formerly the Human Resources and Training Director for a start-up entertainment company where she organized and implemented a company-wide change management program that involved new company direction and strategic planning. Prior to her work in the entertainment industry, Anne served as the Regional Training Manager for a nationwide retailer where she developed and launched a multi-state training program for human resources managers as part of a corporate expansion project.

Anne earned her Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management from Antioch University, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, Riverside. She is an active member of the Society of Human Resources Management, and is a board member for Harbor Interfaith Services and an advisory board member for Arthritis National Research Foundation. Anne has taught human resources and management courses at Long Beach City College and California State University, Dominguez Hills, and volunteers at non-profit organizations teaching interviewing skills to adults seeking re-entry into the workforce.

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Kate

The Californian 2020 Q2 – INSURANCE IMPLICATIONS OF RISKY CONTRACTS

INSURANCE IMPLICATIONS OF RISKY CONTRACTS

Josh Ring, El Dorado Insurance Agency, Inc.

The current economic situation has given rise to an increased number of security companies entertaining contracts that they would normally look to avoid.  The continued lack of new work, reduced hours at current job sites and slow-paying customers are forcing security company owners to explore additional sources of revenue in order to keep their companies afloat.  While I’m certainly not going to suggest that any firm allows themselves to go “belly up”, there are factors that need to be weighed when taking on additional (and potentially riskier) contracts.

First and foremost, make certain to verify that your insurance policy does not specifically exclude coverage for the type of work being entertained.  Most insurance policies for security companies have exclusions that deny the company coverage in occasions where certain work is being performed.  For instance, the most prevalent exclusion on policies is for “Bars, Nightclubs, Taverns & Similar Establishments”.  It is my experience that most company owners are aware of this exclusion and will look to avoid these contracts if the exclusion is found on their policy.  However, there may be additional exclusions that you should be aware of before entering into a work agreement.  If you are unsure, my advice in this situation is to speak with your insurance professional with regards to the coverage on your policy.  They will be well versed in the exclusions and should be able to advise if the contract you are entertaining would be covered in the event of a claim.

The second, and less obvious factor that should be considered is your overall client portfolio.  With respects to an insurance carrier, certain operations performed by a security contractor are considered riskier than others.  These operations may not be explicitly excluded by your policy but could have a negative impact on your underwriting at the time of renewal.  This negative impact could come in the form of increased premiums or non-renewal on the part of the carrier.  Additionally, and equally as important could be the deterioration of your loss ratio.  With riskier operations certainly comes the increased exposure to claims.  As we all know, when claims start to occur an insurance carrier will take a very hard look at the policyholder at the time of renewal to determine their profitability and pricing strategy for the coming year.  Again, I stress that engaging your insurance broker in this situation is extremely important and beneficial in both the short & long term.  Your broker will be able to offer insight as to what contracts might be best to avoid if possible so that your company maintains a “clean” profile as viewed by an insurance carrier.

 

At the end of the day, neither your insurance broker nor your carrier is on the frontlines working to keep their security company in business.  It is up to each individual company owner to decide what risks they are willing to take and accept the potential consequences of those choices.  However, by enlisting the expertise of your insurance professional, you will be able to make the most informed decision possible.

Josh Ring, CIC is the President of El Dorado Insurance Agency, Inc., a family-owned business specializing in custom insurance programs for the Security Industry since 1968.  Josh oversees the agency and its customers, along with coordinating the development of new insurance products and programs.  Josh graduated from The University of Texas McCombs School of Business with academic honors. He also holds a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation.  Josh lives in Katy, Texas with his wife and two children.  In his spare time, Josh loves to run, travel, and spend time with his family.

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Kate

The Californian 2020 Q2 – PHYSICAL SECURITY SUCCESS DURING COVID-19

PHYSICAL SECURITY SUCCESS DURING COVID-19

Chris Anderson, Silvertrac Software, CALSAGA Network Partner

We live in a modern world, where science and technological advancements drive our day-to-day life and the growth of our communities. It was a world many thought was at least mostly bulletproof against mass disruption caused by new ailments and diseases. But then COVID-19 hit, and most of us got tossed into the chaos of figuring out what to do during this unique crisis.

What happens to our families? To our businesses? To our employees? What happens to our world as we know it once this passes?

While the world continues to be blinded by noise and chaos, our loved ones either shelter-in-place as non-essential workers or go out into the world to heal and protect our communities.

The Silvertrac team has dedicated its efforts to bring some clarity to the noise by providing informative and helpful resources to security personnel and healthcare workers so they can continue to do their jobs safely and effectively.

Physical Security Impact

In addition to monitoring this crisis through a variety of sources, we have gotten our insight from clients – directly from the frontlines of security operations. This is what we know about the impact of COVID-19 on physical security operations so far:

  • Operations that solely contract with events are struggling more than operations that have diversified their clientele.
  • Operations that are diversified are seeing an increase in mobile patrol contracts for closed businesses, HOAs, and rental properties.
  • Operations are seeing an increase in domestic violence, fights, and violent crimes while shelter-in-home orders are in effect.
  • The most successful operations are ones with a firm foundation of delegation/structure, and team members willing to go above and beyond for the sake of maintaining a successful operation.

 

It is encouraged that all essential workers, including security officers, carry with them an authorization letter, should they be stopped by law enforcement or National Guard personnel.

Finances

Here is what we know about the financial challenges that are happening to the physical security industry as COVID-19 unfolds.

 

Many of the financial issues stem from the already tight margins that small-to-midsize security companies operate with, but we are also seeing problems coming from the increasing number of inoperable businesses and inability for people to pay rent or mortgages. Everyone is hurting, and it’s having a snowball effect across all industries, including ours.

Client Payments

First and foremost, Silvertrac always advises working with clients before making any drastic decisions and nullifying a contract. We believe that creating partnerships with clients, not just being a vendor who shows up for the bare minimum, is a great way to think about client relationships no matter the situation.

 

Second, if you are struggling to receive payment and you are unable to come up with a payment plan with your client, we have seen security operations start requiring 1-2 months of payment in advance to ensure that cash flow stays as normal as possible..

CARES Act

Businesses around the country – especially small businesses – continue to feel the effects of social distancing and shelter-in-place orders. The $2 trillion CARES Act was signed on March 27, 2020, as an attempt to protect these businesses and the US economy.

 

The most substantial part of the CARES Act is the Payment Protection Program (PPP). This $349 billion fund is meant to assist small businesses with payroll costs, mortgage interest payments, rent, utilities, and interest on debt that has been accrued before 2/15/20.

 

Here are some of the guidelines for applying for the CARES Act:

  • Companies must have less than 500 employees.
  • Sole proprietorship and independent contractors are eligible.
  • Anyone on payroll as of 2/15/20 is eligible for payment.
  • Families First Coronavirus Response Act is not eligible for PPP.

 

Applying for a PPP loan is proving to be challenging. Banks are doing their best to keep up with the number of loan requests coming through while also trying to keep up with real-time government updates.

 

Loans are given out on a first come first serve basis so businesses are encouraged to apply sooner rather than later. Keep in mind, it is critical that all paperwork is filled out thoroughly and correctly. If mistakes are made, business owners will have to resubmit their request and go to the back of the line.

 

With only so much money to loan out and continual changes, it will be up to you, the business owner, to maintain contact with your bank and local SBA office to make sure that your paperwork is being processed in a timely manner.

 

**As of the week of 4/13/20, the allocated CARES Act PPP funds have all been accounted for. The government is reviewing how to add additional funds to this program.

Operations

In order to maintain successful security operations, finances aren’t the only driving factor. A stable foundation is what determines the winning operations from the losing operations. Making sure the correct organizational structure and proper tools are in place is what ensures a security team can operate under the pressure of an evolving crisis.

Organizational Structure

The most successful clients that Silvertrac has served over the years have implemented a combination of a structured hierarchy that reinforces delegation and team members who are willing to do whatever is needed to get the job done.

 

While there is no one right way to build a physical security organizational structure, at its core the structure should include a downward delegation from owner to supervisor to security officer. The more officers you have the more supervisors you will need.

 

Decentralized command, which promotes the ideas of trust and delegation, teaches us that supervisors most effectively manage 5-6 team members at a time. Of course, not all operations are able to maintain that supervisor to officer ratio. In that case, communication is key to the success of the operation.

 

Many of the ex-LEO and ex-military security business owners that Silvertrac works with have chosen to build an organizational structure that mirrors their respective agencies. This has proven to be a successful technique that not only empowers employees but provides a structure of growth for officers to move up the ranks.

PSIM

Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) systems are another important part of a successful security operation. A PSIM system collects and displays information from various security systems in a central technology platform. This includes video feeds, access control, and incident reporting, to name a few.

 

All of these different data points are what allows a security operation to stay on top of what is going right and what is going wrong. It allows supervisors to know when and where their officers are and how quickly something is being resolved or if it isn’t being resolved.

 

PSIM systems are what save a security operation when a client is upset or accusing an officer of wrongdoing. Supervisors can quickly and easily go pull all of that data and provide proof of no-wrongdoing or provide a disciplinary response if something has gone wrong.

 

These systems also give owners and executive teams hard data to help them determine if the operation is meeting monthly, quarterly, or annual goals. If you don’t know where you are or where you are going, how is a business supposed to grow?

 

In the scope of COVID-19 and overall crisis management, PSIM systems can help to maintain order within the chaos and noise of the outside world. We have one client running anywhere from 70-80 Silvertrac portals at a time and continues to bring on new contracts at a very fast rate due to COVID-19. Without a system like Silvertrac in place, they would be totally disorganized and inefficient at protecting their increasingly violent communities.

 

If you aren’t currently running a PSIM system or are exploring your options, the Silvertrac team has a few different options that may be beneficial for your security operations.

 

  • Silvertrac Lite – A free, paired down version of our original Silvertrac guard management solution. Perfect for operations getting started or are struggling to maintain contracts or receive payment during the crisis.
  • Silvertrac – Our original, top-rated guard management solution perfect for small-to-midsize security operations.
  • Trackforce – Earlier this year, we joined the Trackforce Valiant team to offer the best guard management solutions to the industry that service all tiers of security operations. Trackforce is a great choice for enterprise operations and integrates with Valiant’s work-labor management solution for a true all-in-one security management platform.

Health & Wellness

Mental health is always important. However, in times of crisis, mental health must become a bigger priority. With the forced seclusion from normal life, the anxiety that comes along with numerous points of uncertainty, the fear of our loved ones being sick, and the weight of financial crisis looming, the health and wellness of security officers are important not only for their safety but also those of non-security personnel.

 

Here are a few tips to help keep your security operation healthy and happy so they can continue to serve our communities on the front lines:

  • Laugh – It seems silly, but laughing helps to keep serotonin levels up and the mood light.
  • Don’t schedule too much OT – Just like all of us, officers feel the weight of what is happening right now. Allow them time to decompress once they get off a shift so they can show up ready to perform at their best the next day.
  • Provide time off – Give your team members time to relieve themselves from the additional stress of being on the front lines of this pandemic. They need a mental break and will be better at their jobs after receiving some time to relax.
  • Play video games/watch a movie/read a book – These three tools can be nice escapes from the day-to-day chaos that we are all living in, especially for officers who are seeing the sins of the world out on the streets.
  • Eat healthy – Maintaining a well-balanced diet keeps your mind and body sharp. Not only will it put you at less risk to get sick (including catching COVID-19), but it will keep officers more alert on duty.
  • Fitness – Keeping your body moving helps to keep your mind and body sharp and healthy. It provides extra energy and releases the stress/anxiety that comes along with working through a crisis.

 

Security operations don’t have to be caught in the under-current of COVID-19 or any other crisis. Building a solid foundation and keeping up on the changes of a crisis will allow a physical security company to roll with the punches of the chaos.

 

Making sure you and your team are maintaining communication and a will-do attitude is helped by proper self-care and makes a world of difference when operating under the natural stress and anxiety of a crisis.

 

Together, these tools not only help your team to survive the crisis, but they may also help you to grow your business and your team for the better.

 

The Silvertrac team would like to thank all of the security operations and personnel continuing to serve on the front lines during the COVID-19 crisis. We are incredibly grateful for your efforts and sacrifices. We are here to support you during this time, however we can.

 

Catch a replay of the April Thinkcurity COVID-19 Q&A here!

 

Chris is the Founder of Silvertrac Software and has been working in the security industry for more than 25 years. He enjoys working with our clients everyday to help them grow their businesses and really enjoy what they are doing. Chris currently lives and works in Seal Beach, CA.

 

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