Aley Moyer

The Californian 2021 Q2 – WOMEN AND THE SECURITY OFFICER INDUSTRY

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WOMEN AND THE SECURITY OFFICER INDUSTRY

Debbie Howlett, TrackTik, Network Partner

The year was 1945, and equality between men and women was a core tenet in the United Nations Charter. Seventy-five years later, women and girls still live in a world of gender inequality. 2020 marked the 20th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) on Women, Peace, and Security, yet the gender gap remains wide. While the past decades have seen some significant progress for women and girls, change has been inconsistent and uneven. “At the current rate of change, the global gender gap will not close for another 100 years. Change is coming at a pace that is too slow for the women and girls whose lives depend on it,” the Secretary-General warned. 

The gender gap, of course, is not unique to the security industry. Even though the calendar may say 2021, there are many professions still unnecessarily gendered in the public’s opinion, with security officer industry being one of them. Today, it is still perceived as man’s work.

In the security officer industry, however, the gender gap is clearly visible. At present in the US, only 25% of security officers are female and the other 75% of security officers are men. The gap is wider in the UK, where the Security Industry Authority (which is the regulator of the UK’s private security industry) recently released data on the demographics which make up their license holders (as of March 2021). According to statistics, only 10.2% of SIA license holders are female and while the remaining 89.2% of license holders are male. 

According to ISTA (the International Security Training Academy), there are several misconceptions about security officers that may be holding women back from pursuing a career in the security industry. Thanks to Hollywood, security officers are often portrayed in one of two ways: They are either gun-toting, macho mustachioed men racing through parking garages in the dead of night, or they are lazy, unskilled mall cops like Paul Blart, Mall Cop. But Hollywood isn’t real life and the reality is that security officers play a key role in protecting people, property, and communities. During the ongoing pandemic, we have all come to rely on security officers to keep us safe, and the sight of a security officer outside a grocery store, a pharmacy, or an office building fills us with a sense of security. 

Dispelling the myths

  • Myth #1: All security officers are men

Simply not true. While at present, men do take up the majority of available roles in the security officer industry, women are slowly starting to step up and take on valuable roles thanks to their covert presence, calm demeanor, and their ability to empathize with the general public, whose nerves are at all-time high right now. 

  • Myth #2: Security officers need to be built like bodybuilders

In some scenarios, size does matter, such as in roles as bouncers outside pubs and bars, or in situations where a security officer is needed to control a sizable crowd. But there are plenty of other opportunities for women in control rooms, corporate security, areas of loss prevention, and more. 

  • Myth #3: Most of the available work is for late nights and weekends

Right now, while many opportunities in the late-night entertainment and overnight travel industries are on hold, there are still many security positions available in retail stores, government agencies, office buildings, schools, banks, and other locations. A lot of this work is also performed during a typical day, though the need for security officers is typically 24/7.

  • Myth #4: Security work is too dangerous for women

This myth is a huge misconception. What makes security work dangerous is improper training or not equipping your officers with the techniques and communication skills to diffuse potentially difficult situations. Security officers are hired to protect properties, public spaces, residential complexes, and educational institutions. Not typically known for being high-risk areas.

How to inspire change in the security officer industry

The topic of Sexism and Security was a recent Thought Leadership Webinar sponsored by the OSPAs, Perpetuity Research, and TECAs. The panel discussion confirmed that research in the security sector shows that women suffer from different forms of sexism in the security officer industry, with behavior, attitudes, and language just a few examples. According to a recent survey, 64% of female officers have experienced bullying, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence while working in a security role. 

But sexism is not just a women’s issue to be solved by women. Although women don’t talk about it, they do experience it every day. And while there are more women in security than ever before, we need to encourage women to pursue careers in the officer industry by including women in leadership roles. But sometimes, encouraging women is not enough. Women are at least as competent as men, if not more. Still, if the industry wants more women to join their ranks, they need to create support structures and tailor security and mentorship programs directly for women and encourage them to pursue leadership roles. 

Anyone who claims that men make better security officers than women completely misunderstands the role of the modern security officer. The industry has evolved beyond physical characteristics like strength and towering height, and qualities such as communication, empathy, and industry knowledge are critical to present-day security sectors and sought after by employers.

There are also many situations where there is a real need for women security officers. Female spaces, for example, require a female security officer as some women may feel uncomfortable with male officers entering areas like washrooms, changing rooms, or performing pat-downs and searches for which women security officers are required. Finally, female security officers are often seen as less intimidating to other women and children.

Change can be challenging, but it’s possible with training, awareness, and conversation. On April 20, 2021, Saudi Arabia stationed female security officers at Mecca’s Grand Mosque for the first time in history. The decision to station the female officers is a part of the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud’s ‘Saudi Vision 2030’ strategic framework reform.  According to political analyst Ali Shihabi, A Saudi female security officer in Makkah supervising pilgrims. Amazing change for Saudi society!

Women need to be encouraged to join a security officer industry committed to diversity and inclusion. There are numerous opportunities for women in security, but this needs to be recognized and championed by the leadership at the top. Education is critical and acknowledging the lack of women in the industry is the first step towards a stronger, more diverse security workforce. 

Resources for Women: 

SIA: Women in Security Forum Committee

ASIS: Women in Security Community

Women in Safety Excellence Common Interest Group 

Debbie Howlett
TrackTik

Debbie is an experienced writer with a demonstrated history of working in the security industry. She is based in Montreal, Canada, with TrackTik—a dynamic and cutting-edge tech company that sells cloud-based security workforce management software.

debbie.howlett@tracktik.com
Twitter: @TrackTik 

 

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Aley Moyer

The Californian 2021 Q2 – WHAT HAS CHANGED FOREVER

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WHAT HAS CHANGED FOREVER

Tony Unfried, CSA360

Over the last 13 months, everyone likely became very wary of hearing the phrase “The New Normal.”  As the world has opened up and the vaccine has started to roll out, the changes we have all experienced haven’t gone away.  The reliance on new and old technology being implemented in the security industry continues to grow.  Looking back on what we have all done, and forging ahead into the future, we can now ask, “What has changed forever in the security industry?”

The Need for Security

The need for security and visitor management systems at a facility has increased. A drastic increase in certain crimes and a global pandemic has intensified the need for physical security even if the facility is empty. The role of a security team and their use of technology became more important than ever with them being tasked with running temperature checks, enforcing masks, and still social distancing. Even in neighborhoods, the increased amount of security surveillance was needed more than ever. What has changed forever though is now we have to monitor empty schools with physical or remote cameras, but still communicate with boots on the ground.

Non-contact

Public health became a new concern for the security industry due to the padmenic. We had a new role of making sure everyone was following social distancing guidelines, wearing masks, and even prescreening all people who enter a building. We now have to consider how to pandemic-proof a facility for the foreseeable future. It is our job to assure that all workers feel safe even from microscopic threats. 

 Technology
2020 was the year we were forced to adapt. Security guards are essential workers and while most of the US was in quarantine we were on-site securing and monitoring the world. We turned to technology to find a way to make sure security teams were in contact with as few people as possible and finding ways to automate as many processes as possible with technology. The use of visitor management pre-screen and temperature checking kiosks is rising at an exponential rate.
 Facial recognition became more common for managing control in big facilities like warehouses and large business buildings. It can be used to grant access into different areas contactless getting rid of biometric readers and keypads which is a possible breeding ground for viruses. 

Security teams are looking to their current software to provide them, even more, use manage facilities.  Paperless incident reports, guard tour checkpoints, push notifications, and contactless visitor management has helped teams adapt to these trying times. Being able to be happening in real-time with your team, your schedule, and the visitors in your facilities gives your team the ability to adapt and be prepared.  This new invasion is what has changed forever.

Tony Unfried, CEO of CSA360, holds a master’s degree in Public Affairs and Criminal Justice from Indiana University, where he graduated with honors. While enrolled in his master’s program, Tony worked for The TJX Companies, Inc., leading the region in loss prevention and moving the company toward technology use in Security. Tony went on to join the most significant security company in Indiana, managing more than 500 employees and 50 sites, including the Indiana Convention Center, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, and Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center. Seeing a noticeable gap in technology use in the physical security sector, Tony created his first security software application, launched at the Super Bowl in 2012, and recognized twice for Excellence in Mobile Technology by Techpoint. Tony has also spoken on Tech in Physical Security on panels with ASIS and IAVM.

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Aley Moyer

The Californian 2021 Q2 – TERRORISM INSURANCE: SHOULD YOU BE PURCHASING COVERAGE?

TERRORISM INSURANCE: SHOULD YOU BE PURCHASING COVERAGE?

Shaun Kelly, Tolman & Wiker, Preferred Broker

Hope everyone is doing well and getting back to normal or close to it.

Based on some conversations I have had lately on terrorism coverage, I thought it would be good to provide a refresher.

If or when another terrorist attack occurs, the allegations will inevitably include lack of security. So, should you add terrorism coverage to your General Liability policy?

 It is important to understand that prior to 9/11, terrorism was included in commercial insurance policies. After 9/11 and the resulting financial losses to insurance carriers, terrorism exclusions started to appear on most insurance policies. These exclusions were applied to eliminate all future terrorism losses. The reasoning behind the exclusions are that the claims are unpredictable and catastrophic, thus making it impossible for insurance carriers to underwrite the risk. The potential losses to the actual target of the terrorism act and the surrounding businesses, including human life, can be devastating. Here are some financial figures from the 9/11 attack:

  •  Total loss approximately $100 Billion
  • Total insured loss $47 Billion (Breakdown by line of coverage)
    • 11% World Trade Center 1 & 2
    • 33% Business Interruption
    • 19% Property other than the WTC
    • 12% Liability
    • 11% Aviation liability
    • 14% Other including life insurance

 With the lack of terrorism coverage available from insurance carriers, the US Congress established the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA). TRIA was created by the federal government to assist insurance carriers in offering terrorism coverage to businesses by providing a financial backstop to minimize the economic hardship the insurance carriers may experience with another attack. As defined in TRIA, in order for loss to be triggered, the terrorism act must be “Certified”. An act can only be “Certified” if the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of State and the Attorney General of the United States determine the terrorism act meets the following:

 Act of Terrorism

  • Is a violent act or an act that is dangerous to human life, property or infrastructure.
  • The act occurs is in the United States, or outside the United States in the case of an US air carrier, vessel and/or missions as described in the Act.
  • The act was committed by an individual or individuals, as part of an effort to coerce the US civilian population or to influence the policy or affect the conduct of the United States government by coercion.

Limitation to the Certification

  • The act is committed as part of the course of war declared by Congress
  • Property and casualty losses do not exceed $5 Million

 The mass shooting in Las Vegas on October 1, 2017 has yet to be determined a “certified” act of terrorism. The anticipated financial settlement to the victims is estimated at over $800 Million. Insured losses paid by insurance carriers are upwards of $750 Million. Those being held responsible are the security provider for the venue and the owner of the Mandalay Bay Hotel.Interesting to note in this case is the “Safety Act”. The Safety Act was established by the Department of Homeland Security to limit the liability of providers of anti-terrorism technology. Under the act, “technology” is meant to include products and service providers. Security falls under the list of service providers. This is the first time that the Safety Act is being considered and tested in a legal proceeding. The security firm involved in the mass shooting is certified by the DHS under the Safety Act. For information and details on the Safety Act, click the link: www.safetyact.gov

 There are many violent events and uncertainties today (Mass shootings, riots, softening of the borders…COVID?) that border on the line of being an act of terrorism. Terrorism insurance may not be for everyone, however here are some criteria to assist you in determining your terrorism exposure and cost:

  • Location of your clients
    • Large metropolitan cities or areas
    • Historical landmarks
    • Government buildings
    • Tourist destinations and surrounding areas
    • Stadiums and large venues
    • Other…
  • Types of clients
    • Schools, universities, colleges…
    • Oil refineries, utility and water companies…
    • Nightclubs, casinos…
    • Airports
    • Shopping centers and movie theaters
    • Hospitals and healthcare facilities
    • Hotels
    • Other…
  • Cost
    • Normally 5-10% of premium for General Liability (Separate premiums for other lines of coverage, terrorism is included in workers compensation)  

 In conclusion, we should evaluate the potential risk in all areas of our businesses. Implementing a strong risk management program to minimize the probability of loss is extremely important. Some risks you can avoid, accept, minimize or transfer. Terrorism is one of the most unpredictable and catastrophic losses that can affect your business. In evaluating the terrorism risk, in most cases I would rather have the insurance coverage and be able to sleep better at night.

 Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

 Thank you.

Shaun Kelly joined Tolman & Wiker Insurance Services in 2005.  He specializes in all lines of property and casualty insurance for industries including contract security firms, agriculture, construction, oil and gas. Shaun received a BS in Business Administration with a major in Finance from California State University in Fresno, California. He is an active member of several industry associations, including the Association CALSAGA, the Kern County Builders Exchange and the Independent Insurance Agents of Kern County. Shaun can be reached at 661-616-4700 or skelly@tolmanandwiker.com.

 

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Aley Moyer

The Californian 2021 Q2 – LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY FOR A MORE FLEXIBLE, EMPOWERED AND ENGAGED WORKFORCE OF OFFICERS

LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY FOR A MORE FLEXIBLE, EMPOWERED AND ENGAGED WORKFORCE OF OFFICERS

Jody Stier, TEAM Software Sales Engineer, Network Partner

A younger workforce of officers may be leading to shifting practices, beginning with flexible scheduling. 

It’s no big secret that the security industry workforce largely consists of a younger workforce. In fact, Generation Y employees, or millennials, make up nearly half of the security industry labor force, even though labor trends over the past several years have shown, statistically speaking, millennials’ retention rates are lower than those categorized in older demographics. And, in an industry already prone to high turnover volume, improving your retention rates could be the secret to helping lessen expensive labor costs related to hiring and training in what can sometimes feel like a continuously revolving door. 

Flexible scheduling as a retention tool

So, what could entice a younger officer to remain at any one business for a given period? One answer is flexibility. The workforce — no matter the industries — is putting a higher value in company benefits like work-life balance. According to a recent study by Deloitte, surveyed millennials state a growing desire to stay at their place of work for five or more years, with the even younger Generation Z workforces’ desire to move jobs experiencing a downtick as well. One reason behind the change of mind? Employers are addressing values like work-life balance to attract and retain the people it needs.

What does that mean for you as a security company? Some common tactics, like remote working options, just aren’t an option when it comes to physical security. That’s where thinking outside the box with workforce management technology can play a part. Look at scheduling, for example. Flexibility in scheduling software is one way to address work-life balance. Self-scheduling through a feature like a mobile job board can improve employee engagement, lend itself to retention improvement and even reduce high-cost activities like overtime. The tool works by empowering officers to offer their shifts to others without needing to involve a scheduler or supervisor. Others can then pick up the open extra work, keeping shifts filled and closing any gaps without needing to go back-and-forth with a manager. Compliance requirements are considered by configurable criteria that can be set up to ensure only qualified employees can fill certain shifts. The flexibility to swap shifts depending on what works best for the officer at any given moment is a huge step in the right direction in terms of employee engagement. 

Changing the way scheduling is structured

In other instances, we’ve heard of security companies using a self-scheduling feature to pilot programs that take it one step further and strategically leaving a small percentage of the global work schedule unfilled. By hiring a subset of officers with the agreement they set their own schedules by autonomously filling open shifts, rather than having a set schedule as a starting point altogether, they’re approaching retention from a whole new angle. Even if an officer leaves the company, they could still technically remain in the company system in this self-scheduling program. It’s a win-win, as the company in question doesn’t lose out on their investment into hiring, training and onboarding the officer, and the officer has a flexible avenue for extra income. Plus, if they ever chose to return to work full time, their employee records are pre-existing, streamlining the re-hire process. It’s a tool that benefits any generation of the workforce, but as younger generations are already accustomed to leveraging technology in their everyday lives, it can especially be leveraged when retaining those officers. 

Integrated technology for officer benefit

This is also where integration shows its value in software. A tool like self-scheduling, which is also mobile-friendly for even more flexibility, operates within an employee self-service hub. That hub provides your officers with information, tools and resources that allow them to do their job better and more independently by accessing information like paystubs, benefits and personal information for themselves, while dually housing HR policies, personal protective equipment guidelines, work site orders and compliance requirements. Through mobile applications, all of this is available at an officer’s fingertips no matter when or where they’re working.

For more information on retention and labor trends in the security industry, and to read more about how a one security company is leveraging self-scheduling as a retention tool, visit teamsoftware.com/californian. 

Jody Stier joined TEAM Software in 2010 and currently works as a Sales Engineer responsible for actively driving and managing the technology evolution of TEAM’s sales process. She does this while working with product and sales teams to interpret customer requirements and deliver quality solutions. Jody has spent her career advocating for customers and providing top-notch support through her product knowledge and customer focused strengths. Jody is a level VI Pragmatic Marketer and a certified Product Manager.

/by
Aley Moyer

The Californian 2021 Q2 – SECURITY OFFICER TRAINING: THE TOP 8 TRENDS TO FOCUS ON IN 2021

SECURITY OFFICER TRAINING: THE TOP 8 TRENDS TO FOCUS ON IN 2021

Chris Anderson, Silvertrac, CALSAGA Network Partner

In the physical security industry it’s really easy to neglect training your security guards. It can be expensive and time consuming. But the benefits of security training are much higher than its potential costs.

Well-trained guards give you a reason to increase your bill rates. Better training means less problems, which means happier clients. And when you invest in your security officers, it can be a morale booster and a turnover reducer.

Even if you already know you need to train your security teams, it can be really hard to decide what training is worth cutting into your razor thin margins. These 8 security training areas are looking to be the most popular into 2021 and beyond.

  1. Compliance
  2. Cybersecurity
  3. Access Control
  4. Reporting Technology
  5. Remote Security
  6. Risk Management & Response
  7. Customer Service
  8. De-escalation & Communication

Considering these 8 areas first will be a good step forward as you look to build out your security guard training programs for 2021. Stay tuned for more content from Thinkcurity to get free advice, training, and resources in some of these areas throughout the year.

  1. Compliance

Compliance in the physical security industry can create giant headaches for guard companies. It seems like every year there is a new law or regulation that makes running your company more costly or more difficult.

Knowing and training your security guards on new standards can save you lots of time and money in the long run from fines, lawsuits, and other litigation. BSIS continues to set the nationwide standards and offers great training programs for you and your officers. But you should always make sure to check new compliance laws in your specific state(s).

One specific compliance issue that has cropped up in the past few months is security guard break meal break violations in California. Knowing how to keep your guards compliant in this area can save your company hundreds if not thousands of dollars in the long run.

  1. Cybersecurity

In every industry, cybersecurity training is becoming more and more important. It’s no different for physical security.

At the very least, your security guards and supervisors will likely use smartphones and computers for incident reporting and administrative tasks. Without knowing what to look for, they can become easy targets for phishing and malware attacks.

Putting your teams through basic cybersecurity training can save your business money and headaches. SANS and Udemy both offer great introductory cybersecurity classes both in-person and online and have a range of pricing options.

  1. Access Control

Access control has become one of the hottest topics in the physical security industry over the past few years. After all of the events of 2020, it’s becoming even more important.

There is so much technology associated with access control systems that it can be hard to figure out what exactly you and your security guards need to be trained on. Talking with your clients and understanding their specific needs is a good place to start.

Based on your client conversations, you will probably want to consider having at least one access control expert in your private security company. If you don’t have that expert now, Security CEU offers a 6-part Access Control Specialist course series for just $125 that you or one of your supervisors can take.

  1. Guard Management Software

In 2021, it’s pretty much a given that every private security company needs some kind of guard management software. But even if your company uses software, making sure security guards are trained on how to use it effectively is extremely important for you and themselves.

When your security guards know how to properly use reporting software, you get better data to inform your strategy and decision making. Your guards also get to effectively prove their hard work.

  1. Remote Monitoring

Like access control, remote monitoring technologies are becoming more popular every year. It makes sense for a lot of security clients and companies. Remote monitoring includes 2 main areas: video surveillance and global security operations centers (GSOC).

Video surveillance itself has become split into old-fashioned CCTV cameras and newer IP cameras that rely on an internet connection. IP cameras bring along things like NDAA compliance that you should be familiar with if you’re going down that route. 

If you are planning on going after any cannabis security contracts, you and your guards will likely want to be knowledgeable on video surveillance options.

Global security operation centers (GSOC) take remote incident management to the next level. They make incident response, situational awareness, and resource allocation much easier. If you run a larger security operation, you should definitely have guards and supervisors who are well-educated on managing a Command Center or GSOC.

  1. Incident Management & Response

The private security industry hasn’t had enough focus on effective incident management and response. Many security companies run into the problem of being reactive to incidents and risks instead of proactive.

A great step to solving this problem is to implement standard operating procedures (SOPs). These SOPs make job expectations clear to your security guards.

Many incident management & response plans will be designed to meet a client’s needs and the specific risks associated with their property. Putting yourself and your officers through security risk assessment training will provide a great foundation for building better incident management and response plans.

  1. Customer Service

Private security services can be looked at as a customer service-oriented industry. Many security guards will have to interact with patrons of your clients’ businesses.

Having a customer service mindset will hopefully help your guards to make a positive impression on those patrons, which looks good on your company. Encouraging your security guards to be customer service oriented will also help to fight against the negative stereotypes about the private security industry as a whole.

You can read this article from Silvertrac on customer service in private security for more information on the topic.

  1. Communication & De-escalation

All of the events of 2020 brought the topic of communication and de-escalation to the forefront of global news. But in the physical security industry, these two things have been important for a long time.

Training security guards how to communicate will not only help your company run more smoothly, but it can help prevent difficult and potentially dangerous situations from happening in the field. These tactical communication techniques are a great starting point.

When situations do start to get out of hand, training guards on de-escalation techniques can help keep themselves and everyone else in a situation safe.

Closing

Even though spending extra money isn’t ever security company owners’ first thought, investing in training for your security guards is a great investment that adds value to your security services and shows the guards that you believe in them.

Stay tuned for more great content from Thinkcurity that will help you take you and your private security company to the next level.

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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Aley Moyer

The Californian 2021 Q2 – WOTC: IS IT WORTH THE WORK?

WOTC: IS IT WORTH THE WORK?

Jeff Davis, TEAM Software General Manager & Director of Business, CALSAGA Network Partner

Manual screening and submission processes are usually tedious, even if they save you money. Industry-specific software can help you claim budget-saving tax credits easier and faster.

As a security company, it’s likely that labor costs are a significant hit to your annual budget. And, in the labor-intensive security industry, it’s not like you can make drastic cuts to curb labor costs and still maintain your service quality and retain your clients. While all of this may be true, it’s also true that there are tactics you can employ to save money on your bottom line, including leveraging the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program to offset your labor costs. 

WOTC in a Nutshell

If you’re unfamiliar with WOTC, here’s the long and short of it: WOTC is a U.S. federal tax credit designed to promote the hiring of individuals from certain groups who have faced significant barriers to employment. When an individual from a qualifying group is hired, the employer can claim a federal tax credit against the employee’s paid wages, effectively lowering your company’s taxable income so you’re paying fewer taxes and ultimately saving more money.

But, is it worth the effort? 

The answer is a resounding yes. With around 20-30% of employees being eligible for WOTC, there’s a high potential for earned credits your company could be taking advantage of. Let’s say, for example, that your company employs 250 guards. At a standard industry 100% turnover rate, it is estimated you could be seeing tax credit savings up to $40,000, as you can qualify for up to $9,600 in tax credit per eligible hire. 

The effort — made easy. 

Once you know the benefits, you want to simplify the process of claiming those credits as much as possible. It’s a process that can be labor-intensive, especially if you have to manually collect and collate data from multiple tracking systems. Integrated technology solutions help by:

  • Logging your new hire in your software system.
  • Automatically screening new hires.
  • Submitting your payroll data. 
  • Collecting your tax credits. 

As an added bonus, applicant tracking and onboarding solutions can directly embed WOTC into your onboarding process, eliminating the need to send links to employees altogether and automatically screening 100% of your new-hires for eligibility. While these solutions aren’t technically required when claiming tax credits, they can help do the legwork for you, so you can claim your credits faster. Either way, the potential of earned credits you could be missing out on is worth the steps it takes to identify eligible employees and file their information appropriately. 

Remember, it’s important to do your own research, and consult your own legal and tax advisors when necessary, too. For more information on the WOTC tax credit, visit the United States Department of Labor WOTC page. For an estimate on just how much your company could be saving through tax credits like these, test out our calculator tool at teamsoftware.com/wotc-roi-calculator. 

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Aley Moyer

The Californian 2021 Q1 – AB 685

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AB 685

Shaun Kelly, Tolman & Wiker, Preferred Broker

Happy New Year to Everyone,

Hope everyone is doing well considering the changes we have all had to endure personally and professionally as the result of COVID 19.

More change is coming in 2021 and we want to share with you information regarding AB 685 that was signed into law by Governor Newsom. It feels like the requirements for reporting COVID claims overlap and always fall on the back of the employer, and they do. Personally, it is difficult to stay up on all of the requirements and navigate through them all. The COVID-19 incident rates remain high in California and we are being required (AB 685) to provide written notifications to all employees and employers of subcontractors that may have been exposed to COVID-19. Besides the new notification rules, the new law also includes enhanced temporary CAL/OSHA authority.

Linked below are an overview of AB 685 and sample notification letters. Please note that the template letters should be reviewed by your legal counsel and modified for your business.

 How employers go about implementing the requirements of AB 685 is the responsibility of each employer. Our effort is to inform and make you aware of the new law. If you happen to receive a letter from one of your clients notifying you that as their subcontractor, they are notifying you that your employees may have been exposed to COVID-19. This brief overview will allow you to understand why your client sent you the letter (See Notice to Subcontractors).

 Please let us know if you have any questions and please be safe out there.

AB 685 Overview

AB 685 COVID Union Notice

AB 685 COVID Employee Notice Template

Shaun Kelly joined Tolman & Wiker Insurance Services in 2005.  He specializes in all lines of property and casualty insurance for industries including contract security firms, agriculture, construction, oil and gas. Shaun received a BS in Business Administration with a major in Finance from California State University in Fresno, California. He is an active member of several industry associations, including the Association CALSAGA, the Kern County Builders Exchange and the Independent Insurance Agents of Kern County. Shaun can be reached at 661-616-4700 or skelly@tolmanandwiker.com.

 

/by
Aley Moyer

The Californian 2021 Q1 – HOW TO STREAMLINE YOUR SECURITY COMPANY’S PROCESSES WITH SCHEDULING SOFTWARE

HOW TO STREAMLINE YOUR SECURITY COMPANY’S PROCESSES WITH SCHEDULING SOFTWARE

Jody Stier, TEAM Software Sales Engineer, Network Partner

Integrating your scheduling and payroll processes enhances your operational efficiency, directly benefits employees and preserves thin profit margins. 

It’s no surprise to anyone who manages a contract security company that overseeing a distributed workforce is not only complicated, but also costly. You have multiple teams spread out across multiple sites, and you’re busy staying on top of shifting expectations, requirements and regulations. Every overtime hour clocked by one of your guards eats into your already thin margins since service level agreements (SLAs) often prevent you from passing overtime and excess payroll costs onto your clients. And even when you can pass on that cost, doing so can negatively impact your customer’s satisfaction with you as a service provider

One thing that can have a noticeable impact on your bottom line while allowing you to elevate the customer experience is using an industry-specific security company scheduling software. Here are three ways the right technology can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your guard scheduling.

Integrate Scheduling with Payroll
When managing things like multiple data sources, paper timekeeping and other manual processes, it’s easy to make mistakes and not always know it. One of the surest ways to reduce errors that could be costing you time and money is to move your scheduling and payroll processes to one integrated system. With a single source of data, scheduling is handled more effectively, and the information needed to process payroll accurately is already in the system. Streamlining has the potential to cut your payroll processing time by 90%, saving you significant amounts of money and time. 

Reduce Overtime and Implement Repeatable Processes

You may not know one of your guards is clocking in overtime hours until it’s too late. By using a single, digital source for scheduling and payroll, you’re able to improve visibility over your company’s scheduling habits and identify overtime, as well as over-budget jobs. Implementing easily repeatable procedures also goes a long way in reducing the workload for your managers back-office workers, freeing up their time to focus on completing revenue-generating activities and improving service delivery to your customers, instead of spending time on manual and labor some processes. 

Keep Employees Informed with Predictive Scheduling

Predictive scheduling is a growing topic of concern for contract security companies. While not a law in the state of California, predictive scheduling bills are frequently introduced. Although none have yet to pass in the state, some individual cities have laws requiring employers to provide their hourly employees with guaranteed work and predictable schedules. In addition to avoiding fines, making sure your workforce is properly informed of scheduling changes is necessary for your guards to know where they need to be and when to deliver on SLAs, even as the schedule evolves.. Easily accessible scheduling software via a mobile app ensures your hourly workers can see their schedules anytime, from anywhere, well in advance of their scheduled shifts, and they can confirm and acknowledge any scheduling changes as they happen. 

Now, more than ever, finding ways to enhance your business’s efficiency through streamlined processes is necessary to controlling the things you can. That’s why having one scheduling solution that seamlessly connects to your accounting and financial system means the potential for big impacts across your entire business. For more tools and tips on efficient and effective scheduling, review our security company scheduling software resource suite.

 

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Aley Moyer

The Californian 2021 Q1 – PHYGITAL EXPERIENCES IN THE SECURITY INDUSTRY

PHYGITAL EXPERIENCES IN THE SECURITY INDUSTRY

Tony Unfried, CSA360

The security industry has been changing at a rapid pace. New technologies are appearing daily and 2020 was the year to adapt to change or become extinct. One newly accepted but not a real new experience we are having in the Security industry is Phygital. What is phygital? Pronounced  like fidge- ital, Phygital is the blending of the best parts of digital and physical experiences to create the best customer experience.  This has been around for years, but 2020 has made it much more obvious and brought us even new necessities.

With what 2020 brought to us, we have a new way of operating. Many people have installed kiosks to handle visitors and check them into buildings while other people have used thermal imaging to effectively monitor guest and employee temperature from a safe distance. RFID cards and mobile apps for entry and pre-screening are becoming commonplace. These phygital experiences help guests and employees feel safer as they are practicing social distancing and that presence of extra technology can provide an added feeling of security.
Using programs like text and push notification that allow your clients and guests to communicate with your team while an incident is occurring provides your clients and guests with the means to have a say in the environments in which they live, work, and play. It is a phygital experience  combined with the right technology that can help create a better experience for everyone and allow your team to effectively deal and be prepared for any threat or situation.

Phygital doesn’t just affect your guests, it can also affect your team. How can you use Phygital experiences to your advantage? Almost everyone has a smartphone these days. While some workplaces see them as a curse, you can use them to your advantage. Security software has become a very useful tool for making your team more accountable and prepared for anything. Using push notifications you can send live notifications to alert your team of a threat or issue at specific facilities or to even notify them of an open shift. This can help streamline communication in your facilities and save you time and money with the new efficiencies.

Another phygital experience that can help is e-learning for training. It is important to keep Security Officers prepared for any occasion. Requiring quick training on a regular basis will assure your security team is in the know. Using e-learning softwares, you can allow your staff to train from any device and learn and refine their physical protocols.
 The world is changing faster than ever and it’s time to start thinking of ways YOU can implement these phygital experiences. With phygital services, you can create more efficient experiences for everyone. By looking into new technologies such as security softwares it can help create the ideal experience for everyone. 

Tony Unfried, CEO of CSA360, holds a master’s degree in Public Affairs and Criminal Justice from Indiana University, where he graduated with honors. While enrolled in his master’s program, Tony worked for The TJX Companies, Inc., leading the region in loss prevention and moving the company toward technology use in Security. Tony went on to join the most significant security company in Indiana, managing more than 500 employees and 50 sites, including the Indiana Convention Center, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, and Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center. Seeing a noticeable gap in technology use in the physical security sector, Tony created his first security software application, launched at the Super Bowl in 2012, and recognized twice for Excellence in Mobile Technology by Techpoint. Tony has also spoken on Tech in Physical Security on panels with ASIS and IAVM.

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Aley Moyer

The Californian 2021 Q1 – LONE WORKERS: STAYING CALM IN THE EYE OF THE STORM

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LONE WORKERS: STAYING CALM IN THE EYE OF THE STORM

Debbie Howlett, TrackTik, Network Partner

With tensions at an all-time high right now, it’s important to ensure that our frontline security officers remain as calm, cool, and collected as possible during these difficult and trying times. One of the best ways a security company can ensure the safety of their security teams, and especially lone workers, is to equip them with the very best tools to support and protect them. Ensuring the safety and well-being of your security officers also confirms your commitment that as a security company you are complying with your health and safety obligations towards your security personnel. 

California, like many states across the U.S., is under a statewide order issued by California’s governor requiring people to wear face coverings while entering most indoor settings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. But across the U.S., face masks have become a topic of hot debate, with some parts of the population flat-out refusing to wear masks while others argue that masks could save lives. 

Flashpoints

As a result, there have been several instances of violence against security officers for enforcing safety policies across the country. 

In Flint, Michigan, a security officer was fatally shot after telling a customer to wear a state-mandated face mask. The officer was simply doing his job by upholding the governor’s executive order related to the Covid-19 pandemic for the safety of store employees and customers.  

In Chicago, two sisters were charged with attempted murder after they attacked a security officer in a shoe store who told them to wear face masks and use hand sanitizer. 

Another security officer, this time in Van Nuys, California, walked away from a fight with a broken arm after two men refused to wear masks inside a Target store.

Risky Work Environments

As more major U.S. retailers require their customers to wear face masks, store employees are often being confronted by unreasonable and sometimes violent customers who refuse to comply with the mask mandates. In August, Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, asked companies to hire security staff to enforce a store’s mask policy instead of burdening employees with the task. “Employees should not be expected to put their safety and their life on the line for the employer. That’s an unreasonable expectation,” Appelbaum said. 

However, security experts are also encouraging security officers to adopt calm, non-confrontational tones when speaking with customers about wearing a face mask. Instead of saying “You need to wear a face mask,” experts suggest using phrases like “This business has a policy requiring face masks? Are you able to get a face mask?” At the end of the day though, if a confrontation ensues, security officers, like store employees, should always escalate risky situations to law enforcement. 

Lone Work Safety

In the past, security companies were forced to rely on paper reports and check-ins via radio to know what was going on during an officer’s shift. Not anymore. Lone worker systems ensure that you are always aware of where your security officers are. These systems – which include GPS tracking and other key features – were designed to ensure that your workers are always safe and secure. 

Here are a few technologies that could save a security officer’s life: 

  • Instant Incident Reporting & Video Recording

Modern lone worker systems allow for your security officers to take video footage and photos in real-time at the location of an incident, while also sending instant alerts to the office support staff that something is amiss. Video recording (sometimes referred to as “Watch Mode”) can also improve lone worker safety by providing officers with the ability to record interventions and other potentially dangerous situations they may encounter during a shift. For example, let’s say that one of your security officers encounters an intruder while on patrol. Rather than attempting to describe the suspect afterwards, they can instead activate Watch Mode to capture a clear image of the perpetrator. This not only helps law enforcement take proper action, but it can also protect your officer against legal concerns if there is a dispute surrounding the incident. 

  • GPS Tracking 

One of the most frequently highlighted features of lone worker systems is GPS tracking, which allows you to keep tabs on a security officer’s location at all times. Many lone worker systems take things a step further with the implementation of geofencing systems and other alarm features. By establishing geofence boundaries for a particular site, you will automatically be notified if an officer strayed outside their assigned area. This allows you to check in on your officer and make sure everything is okay.

  • Checkpoints

Checkpoints along your security officer’s route also make it easier to track their progress and safety. Lone worker systems can send automatic notifications when an officer reaches a checkpoint, or when they fail to show up on time. This allows you to become aware of a potential incident, even if your officer hasn’t called in to report a problem. 

  • Panic Button

For situations when your officer is in serious trouble, the inclusion of a panic button ensures that your officer can send an immediate alert to your office team. A list of emergency contacts – individuals security officers can call in the event of an 

emergency – should also be available to lone workers. Your site-dedicated emergency contact can then take swift action to call emergency services and get the necessary support to your officer. Being able to respond quickly to this type of notification could very well save a security officer’s life.

By providing a reliable method of monitoring your security officers during their shift, lone worker systems provide a better approach to safety while also promoting overall peace of mind. This ensures that your officers receive the protection and support they need when dispatched to new sites or locations where face mask policies and other safety protocols are in place and need to be enforced.

Debbie is an experienced writer with a demonstrated history of working in the security industry. She is based in Montreal, Canada, with TrackTik—a dynamic and cutting-edge tech company that sells cloud-based security workforce management software.

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