Aley Moyer

THE CALIFORNIAN 2026 Q1 – GUARD TOUR BEST PRACTICES FOR CROWDED VENUES (STADIUMS, MALLS, EVENTS)

Guard Tour Best Practices for Crowded Venues (Stadiums, Malls, Events)

Jordan Wallach, Belfry, CALSAGA Network Partner

Managing security in a crowded venue, whether it’s a stadium on game day, a mall during holiday promotions, or a large public event, requires precision, structure, and constant situational awareness. As a supervisor or operations manager, you already know how quickly a routine patrol can turn into a high-pressure incident when tens of thousands of people are moving through your facility.

Crowded venues present unique challenges: blind spots created by dense foot traffic, delayed reporting caused by noise or congestion, missed patrols during peak hours, and slower incident response time when guards can’t move freely. These pressures make it difficult for any team to maintain consistent coverage without a well-designed system.

This is where security patrol best practices become essential. By combining structured patrol planning with modern tools like GPS guard tracking, NFC checkpoints, and intelligent reporting, you can dramatically improve coverage, accountability, and response times, especially during high-traffic seasons like November and December.

Why Guard Tour Structure Matters

A well-structured guard tour isn’t just about walking predictable routes; it’s about ensuring every zone receives the right level of attention at the right time.

What is a Guard Tour System?

A guard tour system is a framework that uses pre-defined routes, checkpoints, and tracking tools (such as QR/NFC tags or GPS) to ensure officers complete their assigned patrols. It enhances situational awareness, supports incident documentation, and helps supervisors verify that coverage requirements are being met.

For large venues, the right guard tour best practices reduce:

  • Security blind spots
  • Missed incidents
  • Delayed responses
  • Unauthorized access
  • Incomplete patrols

When your guards follow structured and trackable patrol cycles, your entire operation becomes more proactive rather than reactive.

Designing Patrol Routes for Maximum Coverage

Crowded venues require intelligent planning to keep patrols efficient and unpredictable. You, your team, and your contracted guards must collaborate to design patrol routes that security teams can follow consistently.

1. Use A/B/C Route Rotations

Rotating through three defined routes prevents predictable patrol patterns that bad actors can exploit.

  • Route A: Main concourses, entrances, service corridors
  • Route B: Upper levels, escalators, stairwells, back-of-house areas
  • Route C: Parking structures, exterior walkways, drop-off points

Each shift should rotate routes so guards don’t follow the same pattern daily.

2. Alternate Entry & Exit Points

This reduces the risk of blind spots and helps officers detect repeat suspicious behaviors.

3. Sample Patrol Route Diagram (Conceptual)

Use a full diagram in your operations manual so guards can visualize each route clearly.

4. Consider Timing & Foot Traffic

During the holidays or peak events, routes should be adjusted to reflect:

  • Expected crowd surges
  • Event schedules
  • Vendor/contractor movements
  • VIP pathways

This ensures your security patrol best practices remain aligned with real-world conditions.

Using GPS and QR/NFC Checkpoints to Improve Accountability

Modern patrol management relies heavily on technology. Tools like GPS guard tracking and NFC or QR checkpoints ensure guards complete tours on time and at the correct locations.

How Checkpoint Systems Work

  • You place QR/NFC tags at critical zones
  • Guards scan checkpoints using the mobile app.
  • GPS adds an extra layer of verification.
  • Supervisors get real-time activity logs.

Timing Matrix for Patrol Efficiency

Route Expected Duration Tolerance Flag Condition
A 22–26 minutes ± 4 mins > 30 mins or < 18 mins
B 28–33 minutes ± 5 mins > 38 mins or < 23 mins
C 18–22 minutes ± 3 mins > 25 mins or < 15 mins

This matrix helps supervisors assess patrol quality and detect:

  • Rushed or incomplete routes
  • Extended stops
  • Deviations that may require follow-up

How GPS Improves Response Times

Real-time alerts notify supervisors when:

  • A guard goes off-route
  • A checkpoint is missed
  • A panic alert is activated
  • Foot traffic blocks a standard route

Faster visibility = faster incident response time.

KPIs Every Security Supervisor Should Track

To improve guard performance and venue safety, track KPIs that reflect actual patrol effectiveness:

1. Patrol Completion Rate (%)

Measures how many scheduled patrols were completed vs. assigned.

2. Missed Checkpoint Ratio

Scheduling and callout procedures must adhere to regional labor laws governing rest periods, on-call pay, maximum work hours, and mandatory overtime policies. For U.S. companies, refer to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) guidelines and your state’s labor board for compliance requirements. This content is for informational purposes only and not legal advice.

3. Average Incident Response Time

Evaluates how quickly guards react to alarms or alerts (a critical metric during crowded events).

4. Guard Punctuality

Late shift starts cause delayed patrol cycles and increased risk.

These KPIs become even more valuable when integrated into security operations management software or security workforce management software that automatically logs and visualizes performance.

Technology Tools That Streamline Patrol Management

This is where advanced solutions like security guard software make a dramatic difference.

Guard Patrol Management Software helps you:

  • Track guard locations in real time with GPS guard tracking
  • Automate checkpoint scans using NFC or QR tags
  • Receive alerts for missed checkpoints or deviations
  • Analyze patrol activity with automated dashboards
  • Maintain shift visibility across crowded venues
  • Integrate patrol data with incident reporting and scheduling

When combined with the right scheduling tools, supervisors can create:

  • Holiday-ready patrol plans
  • Backup shift assignments
  • Callout playbooks for no-shows
  • Rapid-response staffing workflows

Quick Checklist: Guard Tour Optimization

Use this checklist before your next large event or holiday rush:

  • Alternate A/B/C routes each shift
  • Verify checkpoints daily via GPS/NFC
  • Track completion rates weekly
  • Update escalation SOPs before peak events
  • Use automated reporting tools for visibility
  • Provide guards with active communication channels
  • Maintain backup officer lists for callouts
  • Review incident trends before designing new routes

Legal Disclaimer:

Guard tour planning and scheduling must comply with local labor laws covering overtime, rest periods, and maximum allowable shift lengths. Refer to the U.S. Department of Labor and your regional labor board for formal guidelines. This article is informational only and does not constitute legal advice.

Optimize Your Patrol Strategy

Crowded venues demand structured patrols, real-time visibility, and technology that keeps guards accountable. With the right guard patrol management software and the right playbook, you can increase coverage, strengthen response times, and protect every corner of your venue.

Jordan Wallach is the Co-Founder and CEO of Belfry, a software platform built for security guard services companies to manage scheduling, payroll, compliance, and field operations with greater visibility and less operational friction.

Jordan founded Belfry after spending hundreds of hours speaking directly with security company owners, operations managers, and officers across the country. Those conversations shaped Belfry’s focus on reducing back-office burden and supporting the realities of running a distributed, people-intensive operation.

Prior to Belfry, Jordan worked in product and software roles at Microsoft and as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, advising technology companies on product strategy and growth. He holds a B.S. in Mathematical and Computational Science from Stanford University and is based in New York City.

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Aley Moyer

THE CALIFORNIAN 2026 Q1 – WOTC LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: WHAT PENDING CHANGES COULD MEAN FOR EMPLOYERS IN 2026

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WOTC Legislative Update: What Pending Changes Could Mean for Employers in 2026

Marcel Abandonato, MJA & Associates, CALSAGA Associate Member

As Congress continues discussions around federal workforce and tax policy, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is once again in focus. Proposed legislation aimed at enhancing and modernizing the program could reshape how employers calculate credits, qualify new hires, and capture savings.

For businesses that rely on hiring incentives to control labor costs, the outcome of this legislation could have a meaningful financial impact.

Now is the time to understand what’s changing — and how to prepare.

Why WOTC Still Matters

For over 25 years, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit has helped employers reduce federal tax liability while expanding opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment.

Employers may earn credits of up to $2,400–$9,600 per eligible hire, depending on the target group and hours worked.

Common qualifying groups include:

  • Veterans
  • SNAP recipients
  • Long-term unemployed individuals
  • Ex-felons
  • SSI recipients
  • Youth employees in designated areas

For many organizations — especially those in security, staffing, retail, hospitality, manufacturing, and healthcare — WOTC represents six- and seven-figure annual tax savings.

What’s Being Proposed in Congress

While final language is still being negotiated, current proposals suggest several enhancements to strengthen and extend the program:

Expanded eligibility
Additional target groups may be added, allowing more new hires to qualify.

Updated credit structure
Discussions include adjusting wage caps and credit percentages to better reward long-term employment.

Program modernization
Streamlined documentation and certification processes could reduce administrative burdens and improve processing timelines.

Long-term stability
Lawmakers are signaling support for making WOTC a more predictable, long-term workforce incentive rather than a short-term extension.

If enacted, these updates could increase available credits while simplifying compliance — a win for both employers and job seekers.

What Employers Should Do Now

Even before legislation is finalized, proactive businesses can position themselves to maximize savings:

– Review your current WOTC capture rate

Are you screening 100% of new hires? Many companies miss 20–40% of eligible credits due to process gaps.

– Strengthen onboarding workflows

Ensure applications, prescreens, and documentation are completed accurately and on time.

– Align recruiting with incentives

Expanded eligibility may open opportunities to target new workforce segments strategically.

– Prepare for quick implementation

When changes pass, early adopters typically benefit most.

The Opportunity Ahead

Whether the legislation expands credits, simplifies processes, or both, one thing is clear:
WOTC remains one of the most valuable and underutilized tax incentives available to employers.

Organizations that stay informed and optimize their programs stand to gain a significant competitive advantage.

Ready to Maximize Your WOTC Savings?

If you’re unsure whether your current process is capturing every available dollar — or want guidance on how upcoming legislation could affect your business — now is the perfect time for a review.

MJA & Associates has helped employers for over 20 years reduce tax liability through WOTC and other employment-based incentives.

We can help you:

  • Evaluate your current WOTC performance
  • Identify missed credits
  • Improve compliance and documentation
  • Prepare for upcoming legislative changes
  • Automate and streamline your process

Contact us today for a complimentary WOTC program review or consultation.

For more information or to learn more about WOTC please contact

Marcel Abandonato at [email protected] or call 951.272.8294.

Marcel Abandonato is the President and CEO of MJA & Associates, Inc., a leading provider of Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) consulting and compliance services. For more than two decades, Marcel has worked with businesses across the country to unlock millions of dollars in federal tax credits by implementing compliant, efficient, and scalable WOTC programs.

Marcel is widely regarded as a subject-matter expert on WOTC legislation, program renewals, and best practices—particularly for security firms,staffing firms, multi-state employers, and organizations with high-volume hiring. Under his leadership, MJA & Associates partners with leading HR and staffing technology platforms to modernize WOTC screening and processing, helping employers improve participation rates and maximize return on investment.

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Aley Moyer

THE CALIFORNIAN 2026 Q1 – INSIDE THE FRONTLINE: AN INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT

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Inside the Frontline: An Industry Snapshot

Johann Hauswald, PlixAI, CALSAGA Network Partner

The Gap Between Perceived Risk and Operational Reality

Most industry strategies for frontline safety are built on a worst-case foundation: training for rare assaults, staffing for static shifts, and documenting only major incidents. While well?intentioned, this approach leaves organizations prepared for the exception rather than the rule.

An analysis of more than 10,000 incidents across three major U.S. metropolitan areas, captured through AI?powered body?worn cameras, reveals a different operational reality. Risk is not occasional or isolated – it is continuous, routine, and largely invisible to leadership relying on traditional reporting methods.

This snapshot moves beyond anecdote to provide a data?driven view of frontline operations, uncovering a critical visibility gap between what leadership believes is happening and what frontline teams actually experience each day.

Key Findings

  • The 90% Blind Spot: Organizations that rely on manual incident reporting are effectively blind to over 90% of frontline risk signals. While traditional reports capture roughly 8% of activity, automated AI detection shows that operational friction is ongoing, not episodic.
  • The 80/20 Workload Reality: Frontline teams are not primarily responding to high?severity crime. 83% of daily activity involves routine compliance issues such as trespassing, access disputes, and refusal to comply, while only 17% of incidents escalate into high?severity events.
  • Escalation is Conversational: Violence is rarely spontaneous. Nearly 70% of escalations begin with verbal resistance or authority challenges, creating a measurable pre?escalation window that often goes unaddressed.

THE VISIBILITY GAP: THE 90% BLIND SPOT

Incident detection follows two primary paths: manual reporting and automated, always?on detection. The data shows that manual reporting captures only a small fraction of real?world interactions.

Key Insight

Organizations relying solely on manual reports operate with a 92% visibility gap. Frontline risk is continuous, but legacy reporting tools capture only isolated moments, leaving leadership unaware of the true volume of operational friction.

Operational Takeaway

You cannot manage risk you do not see. Closing the visibility gap requires moving from after?the?fact reporting to continuous workforce intelligence.

THE 80/20 REALITY: FREQUENCY VS SEVERITY

Incident Breakdown

The data reveals that routine compliance issues such as trespassing, loitering, and access disputes account for the majority of frontline activity, while high?severity incidents remain statistically rare.

Operational Takeaway

Operational efficiency is gained by optimizing for the 80% of interactions that occur daily, not just the extremes. Systems and training must support flexibility, communication, and de?escalation as core competencies.

THE ANATOMY OF ESCALATION: LANGUAGE AS AN EARLY WARNING SYSTEM

Behavioral Triggers Across 10,000 incidents

Analysis across thousands of incidents shows that physical aggression is rarely the starting point:

Linguistic Signals

Instead, non?violent verbal cues – resistance, challenges to authority, and refusal to comply – trigger more than 60% of automated alerts.

Key Insight

Escalation is primarily a conversational breakdown, not a spontaneous physical event. Since nearly 70% of escalations stem from non-compliance and verbal disputes, there is almost always a “pre-escalation window” – a clear period of verbal resistance that occurs well before any physical risk materializes.

Operational Takeaway

Treat language as the earliest indicator of risk. Since verbal resistance reliably precedes physical violence, safety strategies should focus on early intervention. Training staff to recognize and de?escalate specific verbal patterns can prevent many of the incidents that later become severe.

OPTIMIZING COVERAGE: ALLOCATING RESOURCES TO PEAK RISK

Daily & Weekly Patterns

Incident volume does not follow a simple day?versus?night pattern. Instead, activity forms a double?peak curve, clustering around late morning (~11:00 AM) and late evening (~11:00 PM). Volume steadily builds throughout the week, peaking on Fridays, when incidents start earlier and persist later than on other weekdays.

Key Insight

Operational risk aligns with social and business cycles, not just darkness. The late-morning spike suggests friction related to business operations and access, while the Friday surge reflects social movement. Crucially, Friday risk is longer, not just higher meaning standard 8-hour shift blocks often leave the “shoulders” of this high-risk window exposed.

Operational Takeaway

Staff for the curve, not the clock. Static shifts often overserve low?risk early?morning hours while underserving critical peak periods. Effective workforce management requires dynamic scheduling that specifically targets the 11:00 AM / 11:00 PM intensity clusters and extends coverage windows for the weekend ramp-up.

CONCLUSION: FROM ACTIVITY TO INSIGHT

The Reality

A full-distribution view of frontline activity reveals a reality that traditional “top incident” summaries miss. The data proves that risk is continuous, not episodic. Escalation is predictable and conversational, not spontaneous. And crucially, the operational load is driven by volume, not rarity.

The Strategic Shift

Organizations can no longer afford to operate based on the small percentage of incidents that get manually reported. Effective risk management requires visibility across the entire interaction lifecycle – from the first verbal refusal to the final report.

Final Takeaway

Moving from reactive reporting to proactive workforce intelligence enables three immediate advantages:

  1. Smarter Staffing: Align coverage with real 11:00 AM / 11:00 PM risk curves.
  2. Effective Training: Focus on the language and behaviors that precede 70% of escalations.
  3. Defensible ROI: Base staffing, technology, and budget decisions on real operational behavior, not worst-case hypotheticals.

For private security organizations, visibility is no longer a nice to have. It is the foundation of safer teams, stronger operations, and sustainable growth.

Johann Hauswald is the Founder and CEO of Plix AI, a startup developing AI-enabled body cameras and safety analytics software for private security and field-operations industries. Plix is backed by Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), and the founders of Samsara and Verkada.

Johann earned his Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from the University of Michigan, where he specialized in AI at the edge and computer vision. Before founding Plix, he was a postdoc at Stanford working on large-scale video analytics and edge inference systems and previously co-founded a venture back AI company building conversational AI systems. His work sits at the intersection of AI, safety, and real-time video intelligence, advancing how organizations detect and respond to incidents in the physical world.

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Aley Moyer

THE CALIFORNIAN 2026 Q1 -THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME

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The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same

Shaun Kelly, The Liberty Company , CALSAGA Preferred Broker

We are excited to announce that our team has changed to a new insurance brokerage firm, the Liberty Company Insurance Brokerage, LLC. As this is a name change for us, we want you to know that our team remains the same. We will continue to provide the same support to CALSAGA and all the Members.

The Liberty Company Insurance Brokerage, LLC operates in all 50 states with over 80 offices nationwide and growing. We are an independently owned full-service insurance broker that handles commercial, personal and employee benefits insurance needs of businesses, non-profits, and individuals for over 30 years. We are establishing a Liberty Security Program Group, in efforts to further support the Security Industry in California and other states.

Our goal is to continue providing Members with Risk Management and Safety resources to reduce claim frequency and severity.  Any broker can go out and get insurance quotes; it is the service after the quotes that really matters. Liberty Company brings additional resources that will assist in creating positive results that reduce costs, improve efficiency and decision making.

There will be more information to come in future articles.

Thank you and look forward to seeing everyone.

Shaun Kelly began his insurance career is 1992 after graduating from California State University, Fresno with a BS in Business Administration with a major in Finance. In searching for a specific industry to specialize in, he recognized that the Security Industry was growing and expected to maintain significant growth for years to come. Since 1992, he has specialized in the security industry and has experienced the changes over the years. He is the Preferred Broker for CALSAGA, California Association of Licensed Security Agencies, Guards & Associates. He is a Partner at Liberty Company Insurance Brokers, LLC. He is proud to serve his clients and the security industry.

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Aley Moyer

THE CALIFORNIAN 2026 Q1 – THE TRUE COST OF INACCURATE TIMEKEEPING (AND HOW TO FIX IT)

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The True Cost of Inaccurate Timekeeping (and How to Fix It)

Stephanie Petersen, TEAM Software by WorkWave, CALSAGA Network Partner

If you manage a security guarding company, you know the reality of a distributed workforce: your business happens everywhere but your office. Your teams are out in the field, often working independently at multiple high-stakes job sites. While that flexibility is inherent in the industry, it creates a massive data blind spot if you aren’t careful.

When you can’t see your employees, how do you know — really know — that your timekeeping is accurate?

For many in the security industry, “close enough” has been the standard for too long. But in a world of razor-thin margins and strict compliance regulations, “close enough” is a leak your business can’t afford. Accurate timekeeping is the foundation of your profitability, your compliance strategy and your employee retention.

1. Protecting Your Profit Margins

Labor is almost certainly your largest expense. When timekeeping records are loose, you are likely overpaying for labor without realizing it. Even minor discrepancies — a few minutes here, a rounded-up hour there — compound quickly across hundreds of guards and job sites.

Beyond simple overpayment, accuracy is critical for job costing. You need to know precisely how many hours are spent on specific sites to understand if a contract is actually profitable. Accurate timekeeping ensures you are billing clients for every minute of service delivered, preventing the “missed minutes” that silently eat away at revenue.

2. The Shield of Compliance

Labor laws are unforgiving. You need auditable, precise documentation of hours worked, breaks taken and overtime accrued. If you are relying on manual timesheets, you are leaving yourself open to audits, fines, and legal disputes.

For security contractors, timekeeping serves as a digital audit trail. It provides proof of presence, verifying a guard was at a specific post at a specific time, which significantly reduces your liability if a security incident occurs.

3. Proof of Service Is Your Promise

Your customers want to know they are getting the protection they paid for. Was the lobby guard at their post at 8:00 AM?

Accurate timekeeping acts as proof of service. When you can provide verified data that correlates time punches with GPS or location markers, you give your customers confidence. This visibility protects your reputation and helps you retain contracts in a competitive market.

4. Building Trust with Your Team

Reliable timekeeping ensures fair compensation for every hour worked, which is critical for retention in an industry with high turnover. Furthermore, accurate data helps you avoid burnout. By analyzing true hours worked, you can adjust schedules to prevent employees from overextending themselves.

The Solution: WinTeam Mobile

Capturing data in the field is difficult. Connectivity issues and the risk of “buddy punching” have historically made accuracy a challenge. That is why we are rolling out significant updates to WinTeam Mobile to close the gaps between your field operations and your back office.

  • Offline Punch Capabilities: Capture punch data and GPS locations even without cellular connectivity. The app automatically synchronizes and validates the data once service returns.
  • Kiosk Mode: For sites with large teams, the new multi-user kiosk mode allows rapid clock-ins for multiple workers using a single device. This eliminates the need for expensive, specialized hardware.
  • Biometric Validation: Coming soon, WinTeam Mobile will include optional facial verification. This feature virtually eliminates time theft and buddy punching by confirming the right employee is at the right place at the right time.

Accurate timekeeping is the difference between guessing at your success and engineering it. With TEAM Software by WorkWave, you have the tools to turn time tracking into a competitive advantage.

Ready to see how WinTeam can tighten your operations? Visit TEAM Software online at teamsoftware.com to request a demo today.

Stephanie is a passionate product manager with over a decade of experience shipping complex software. She specializes in owning ERP products for security and janitorial operations, turning chaotic workflows into functional systems designed to perform in the field and deliver measurable impact.

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Aley Moyer

THE CALIFORNIAN 2026 Q1 – WHY YOUR AI IS ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR DATA FACTORY: THE HIDDEN REQUIREMENT FOR SECURITY OPERATIONS

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Why Your AI Is Only as Good as Your Data Factory: The Hidden Requirement for Security Operations

David Libesman, TEAM Software by WorkWave, CALSAGA Network Partner

AI is the current buzzword in the security industry. From automated scheduling and predictive guard patrolling to agentic workflows that can flag incidents on their own, the promises are significant. Vendors suggest smarter dispatching, reduced overhead and better client experiences with minimal effort.

However, there is a reality the industry often ignores: AI without a Data Factory is just an expensive experiment.

If your data is fragmented or inconsistent across systems, no AI model will ever deliver the results you expect. In the security industry — where operations change minute-to-minute at different posts — that gap is dangerous. The faster your business moves, the more damage bad or delayed data can do.

The Reality: Why Security AI Fails

Many security companies rush to adopt AI but overlook the foundational layer required to fuel it: a Data Factory that continuously cleans, unifies, and prepares datasets for real-time decision-making.

Common issues security pros encounter include:

  • Data Silos: Guard notes are in one system, billing in another and scheduling in a third. AI cannot reconcile these conflicting sources.
  • Manual Latency: Relying on manual uploads or human-initiated exports leads to multi-day delays that break real-time automation.
  • Dirty Data: Inconsistent job types or incorrect site IDs from the field cause predictive models to degrade quickly.

Trying to run AI on poor data is like trying to navigate an autonomous vehicle down a road of potholes and missing road signs. The technology is advanced, but the environment makes it worthless.

What a Data Factory Actually Does

A true Data Factory is not just a database or a dashboard. It is a live operational layer that:

  1. Automates Ingestion: It pulls every data point across your operations, including payroll, scheduling, and field notes.
  2. Normalizes Records: It ensures that an “incident” or “checkpoint” means the same thing across different regions and supervisors.
  3. Eliminates Human Dependency: It removes the need for manual spreadsheet merging or data extracts.
  4. Streams in Real Time: It ensures data is current so AI agents can act immediately.

Why Security Needs Real-Time Data

Security is a data-volatile industry. Your guards are constantly updating statuses and capturing photos through mobile tools. AI agents built on stale data make the wrong calls: dispatching the wrong guard, missing SLA thresholds or re-routing personnel based on yesterday’s information.

The silent killer of automation is decision latency. If a guard marks a post as “in progress” but the update doesn’t hit the system for 12 hours, the opportunity for AI to optimize your operation has already passed. A Data Factory collapses that gap, ensuring that when reality changes in the field, your systems respond immediately.

Agentic Workflows Demand Clean Data

Modern agentic AI workflows — like automated scheduling or client outreach — rely on immediate signal changes. For example:

  • A guard is running late to a high-priority post.
  • A client cancels a temporary coverage request.
  • Weather or traffic impacts route efficiency for mobile patrols.

If your systems only sync overnight, your AI is operating blind. Without a Data Factory to process input 24/7, you have no real-time intelligence and, consequently, no meaningful automation.

From Missed Opportunity to Competitive Advantage

Once your data is standardized and refreshed automatically, AI becomes a profit center. Predictive patrolling becomes accurate, guard utilization increases, and client churn drops because you are providing proactive communication based on real-time truth.

The transformation isn’t the AI itself but the data readiness behind it. Before you invest in the next “smart” tool, ensure you have the foundation to support it.

Ready to see how a unified data foundation can transform your security business? Visit TEAM Software online to learn more about our business intelligence solution, WavelyticsTM.

David Libesman is a visionary SaaS executive with an entrepreneurial spirit and track record of developing, monetizing and growing data analytics & AI product strategy and business. David is well-versed in driving strong sales through enterprise channels, as well as building, developing and retaining high-performing teams. He aims to bring best of breed AI and analytic capabilities to boost growth and profits for TEAM Software customers through data-driven strategies.

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Aley Moyer

The Californian 2025 Q4 – 2025 Annual Conference Recap

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2025 Annual Conference Recap

What an incredible event! Thank you to everyone who joined us at Agua Caliente Resort and Casino for this year’s CALSAGA Annual Conference. Over three action-packed days, private security leaders, training professionals, and industry partners came together to learn and connect across California’s security industry.

Check out photos from the Annual Conference

The 2025 Annual Conference began Tuesday afternoon with lunch provided by Code 4 Private Security. With bellies full, we kicked off the conference with Anne Laguzza of our Network Partner, The Works Consulting, and CALSAGA Vice President Gary Bradley presenting real-life HR situations faced by California security companies, highlighting what went wrong and the compliance risks involved. Senator Laura Richardson dropped in to talk about her sponsorship of SB652 and her continued commitment to supporting the private security industry.

The BSIS Compliance Bootcamp with CALSAGA President David Chandler wrapped up the day’s sessions with part one of the two-part series. Conference attendees then mingled in our packed vendor hall before joining the CALSAGA Ambassador Committee for Coffee Chat Live, sponsored by Guardian Secure Solutions. This year’s Coffee Chat allowed attendees to network in roundtable discussions on topics including Women in Security, Social Media, and Operations.

Our evening concluded with the President’s Reception, sponsored by Conference Presenting Sponsor Assured Partners. Due to rain concerns on day one, the poolside reception was moved indoors to The Show. The always-enjoyable mariachi band performed to a full room of attendees enjoying a delicious fajita station. Day one ended on a sweet note as guests gathered around the ice cream cart, creating their ultimate sundae masterpieces with a buffet of toppings.

Day two started with a breakfast buffet sponsored by Network Partner The Works Consulting and time for attendees to visit our exhibitor hall. Conference sessions began with the State of the Association address from CALSAGA President David Chandler, followed by part one of the Legal Update presented by Barry Bradley, Jaimee Wellerstein, and Michael Bruskin of Bradley, Gmelich & Wellerstein. Barry, Jaimee, and Michael advised on new statutes, employment law cases, and legislation affecting PPOs, PSEs, and private security training facilities.

After the lunch buffet, sponsored by Allied Universal Services, CALSAGA Vice Presidents Gary Bradley and Ashlee Cervantes-Thomas presented the Annual Officer Awards, including Valor, Life Saving, and Security Officer of the Year. Thank you to our Officer Awards sponsor, Belfry.

Sessions continued with CALSAGA Lobbyist Kelly Jensen providing a brief legislative update. In a newly introduced presentation, FBI Special Agent Amir Ehsaei discussed how federal and local agencies are collaborating to prepare for the security demands of major upcoming events across California. Barry, Jaimee, and Michael returned to wrap up the second part of their Legal Update briefing.

The day’s informational sessions concluded with part two of the BSIS Bootcamp, led by CALSAGA President David Chandler. Attendees were able to network and visit vendor booths during Wednesday Happy Hour, sponsored by Trackforce.

The final day of the 2025 CALSAGA Annual Conference began with Shaun Kelly of Assured Partners, CALSAGA’s Preferred Broker, presenting an insurance update for 2026. We welcomed back our speakers from the week for the new Last Chance Q&A Panel, allowing attendees to ask questions they may have missed earlier and dive deeper into topics discussed.

Lastly, we welcomed back BSIS Chief Lynne Jensen and Assistant Deputy Chief Sam Stodolski for an engaging conversation with attendees. We greatly appreciate the Bureau’s ongoing partnership and their continued participation in our Annual Conference.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our sponsors and vendors, whose contributions play a vital role in making the conference a success!

Thank you to our sponsors: Allied Universal Services; American Global Security; Assured Partners; Belfry; Bradley, Gmelich and Wellerstein; Brownyard Maclean Specialty Insurance Services; Chandler Security Consulting Inc.; Code 4 Private Security; El Dorado Insurance Agency; GardaWorld; Guardian Secure Solutions; HALOS; HearClear; HUB; MJA & Associates; Moody Insurance Agency; Officer Apps; PlixAI; Pre-Banc Business Credit, Inc.; Security Pro Advisors; StaffWizard; Symbol Arts; Team Software by Workwave; The Works Consulting; and Trackforce.

We greatly appreciate everyone who shared their feedback through our Annual Conference survey! Your input plays a key role in helping us create events that are engaging, relevant, and valuable for all attendees. We look forward to welcoming both new and returning attendees next year—stay tuned, as the dates and location will be announced soon.

 

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Aley Moyer

THE CALIFORNIAN 2025 Q4 – Member Spotlight

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT – AEGS Eagle Guard Services, Inc.

Shela Borr, CALSAGA Ambassador Committee Co-Chair

The CALSAGA Ambassador Committee is proud to feature AEGS Eagle Guard Services, Inc. in this quarter’s Membership Spotlight. With a mission to provide unparalleled security solutions that not only protect clients but also bring them peace of mind, AEGS exemplifies professionalism, integrity, and innovation in every aspect of its operations.

Founded on the belief that security should be both proactive and personalized, AEGS delivers services tailored to the unique needs of each client. The company’s approach goes beyond protection, it’s about fostering safety, confidence, and trust in every environment they serve. Whether securing corporate sites, government facilities, or major public events, AEGS operates with the same unwavering commitment to excellence.

AEGS is a minority- and woman-owned security firm with a strong operational presence in Central Los Angeles and Southern California. Backed by a leadership team with more than 25 years of combined industry experience, AEGS offers a comprehensive suite of services including armed and unarmed site protection, roving patrols, event security, and rapid-response deployments. The company’s agility and scale allow it to mobilize 100 or more highly trained officers on short notice, ensuring consistent, dependable coverage across both the public and private sectors.

AEGS joined CALSAGA in April 2023, recognizing the organization’s vital role in providing education, advocacy, and resources to security professionals across California. As an active participant in the CALSAGA Ambassador Committee, AEGS is proud to contribute to the organization’s broader mission of elevating the standards of private security. “CALSAGA helps security companies provide education and resources not just for firms, but also for the officers on the ground,” shared AEGS leadership. “They fight for our industry, whether through legislative advocacy, BSIS collaboration, or guiding members through operational challenges. You’re never alone.”

Looking ahead, AEGS acknowledges that the security industry faces increasing complexity and change. As technology continues to reshape the landscape, from AI-driven surveillance to integrated access control systems, today’s professionals must balance traditional vigilance with digital awareness. Finding and retaining skilled personnel remains another key challenge, emphasizing the need for standardized training, career pathways, and professional development. Through CALSAGA’s training programs, policy advocacy, and networking opportunities, AEGS is equipped to navigate these challenges while maintaining operational excellence.

What truly distinguishes AEGS is its steadfast dedication to ethical standards and professionalism. The company’s leadership recognizes that in a world of evolving threats, the best security service is grounded in integrity and human connection. AEGS’s commitment to doing what’s right, for clients, employees, and the community, defines its reputation as a trusted partner in safety.

With its focus on innovation, service, and excellence, AEGS Eagle Guard Services, Inc. stands as a model of modern security leadership and a proud member of CALSAGA’s growing community of professionals committed to advancing the industry.

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Aley Moyer

THE CALIFORNIAN 2025 Q4 – The ROI of Smarter Security: How AI Body Cameras Are Transforming the Industry

THE ROI OF SMARTER SECURITY: HOW AI BODY CAMERAS ARE TRANSFORMING THE INDUSTRY

Johann Hauswald, Plix AI, CALSAGA Network Partner

In today’s fast-paced private security landscape, efficiency, accountability, and client confidence aren’t just competitive advantages – they define operational success. As security teams balance rising demands with limited resources, emerging technologies like AI-powered body worn cameras are helping organizations operate smarter and safer while improving their bottom line.

Turning Footage into Actionable Insight

Traditional body cameras record what happened – AI-enabled systems reveal why it happened. By automatically analyzing footage, detecting key events, and flagging risks, modern platforms reduce hours of manual review and provide supervisors with faster, more meaningful insights.

“When a guard faced a misconduct allegation, we were able to review the footage instantly and confirm what really happened. That visibility helped defuse a potentially serious escalation with the client.”

– Patrick Leighton, Owner at Falcon Protective Services

From Reactive to Real-Time

AI-driven analytics help transform incident management from reactive to proactive. Instead of waiting hours or days for footage review, teams can now detect and document events as they unfold, reducing response times by over 90% and improving situational awareness across every site.

Smarter Documentation, Measurable ROI

Automated transcripts and event tagging are redefining how teams manage incident documentation. By generating accurate, time-stamped records of key moments, these tools reduce administrative work, strengthen transparency, and have helped some organizations cut court appearances per incident by 66%.

“We had a case where someone claimed we’d used pepper spray without cause. The video showed the full story, including the threat and attempted assault on         another guard. That footage gave us the clarity we needed to resolve the issue quickly and confidently.”

– Maynor Dardon, General Manager at Treston Security Services

Why It Matters

The benefits of AI in private security extend well beyond efficiency. By turning footage into actionable insight, these tools enable faster decision-making, stronger accountability, and improved client trust.

As the industry continues to evolve, leading firms are embracing AI not as a replacement for people, but as a force multiplier that empowers them to do more with less – safely, intelligently, and profitably.

Johann Hauswald is the Founder and CEO of Plix AI, a startup developing AI-enabled body cameras and safety analytics software for private security and field-operations industries. Plix is backed by Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), and the founders of Samsara and Verkada.

Johann earned his Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from the University of Michigan, where he specialized in AI at the edge and computer vision. Before founding Plix, he was a postdoc at Stanford working on large-scale video analytics and edge inference systems and previously co-founded a venture back AI company building conversational AI systems. His work sits at the intersection of AI, safety, and real-time video intelligence, advancing how organizations detect and respond to incidents in the physical world.

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Aley Moyer

THE CALIFORNIAN 2025 Q4 – Prepping the Private Security Sector for California’s Increasing Demand

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PREPPING THE PRIVATE SECURITY SECTOR FOR CALIFORNIA’S INCREASING DEMAND

Tory Brownyard, Brownyard Group, Associate Member

California is now at the center of the nation’s violent crime crisis. February’s Woodland Hills party shooting, and June’s anti-ICE protests have made the threat immediate. By October 12, 2025, California reported 19 mass shootings, causing 11 deaths and 85 serious injuries, CNN reported.

Each incident of violence amplifies the need for private security in California, and the market for private security is growing in tandem with demand. However, it is not just events in the Golden State fueling this trend. High-profile incidents across the country like the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson have driven more executives and companies across industries to ramp up security.

In fact, the global market for private security services is anticipated to grow to $8 billion by 2030 up from $4.62 billion reported in 2024, according to Grand View Research, with North America comprising 75% of the market.

With private security demand increasing at a rapid pace, it’s critical for security agency owners and operators to understand their risk exposures, how best to work with their clients, and how they can optimally set their guards up for success.

Private security can be risky business

Among the many risks private security professionals face, two main categories of workplace risk stand out: physical risks and situation-based risks. Physical risks refer to direct or environmental threats to personal safety—such as dangerous structures, faulty equipment, or workplace violence. Damaged or unstable structures due to earthquakes or fires, such as the LA fires from earlier this year, can pose significant physical risks for private security guards in California.

Alternatively, situation-based risks arise from unpredictable human actions or sudden changes in circumstances, including confrontational incidents. This risk exposure can not only result in employee injury but lead to reputational harm and costly insurance claims. Situational risks are more commonly seen in the news, such as the recent reports of security guards who were stabbed at a beach club in Pacific Beach.

Whether facing faulty equipment or confrontational incidents, private security risks can be unpredictable and damaging. Fortunately, armed with the right knowledge and tools, security agencies can plan and prepare to mitigate most risks.

Managing and mitigating risks while staying compliant

As private security firms navigate risk and liability, the right resources such as a good legal partner and thorough insurance coverage are essential. An informed and thorough legal partner can keep private security firm owners and operators updated on any changes to laws and assist with contract negotiation. Adequate insurance protects against losses from theft, damage, or destruction of assets, and provides coverage against third-party claims for bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury, particularly for firms that interact with clients and the public. In addition to general liability (GL) coverage, a comprehensive insurance program includes workers’ compensation and commercial property to protect the whole business from your employees to your property, as well as excess liability to provide coverage for catastrophic losses. Adequate insurance coverage reduces financial setbacks and enhances operational reputation.

Insurance serves as both a protective measure and a strategic resource in a constantly evolving industry, but it is important to note that a comprehensive insurance policy works best alongside a thorough risk mitigation strategy. Consider the following best practices to build a risk mitigation strategy that works for your firm:

  • Build and implement rigorous training program: Private security staff need thorough training. For instance, if a security professional lacks sufficient training in de-escalation techniques during a confrontation that becomes violent, a physical altercation may spiral, leading to liability claims and potential lawsuits. Additionally, as mass shootings continue to rise, active shooter and crisis training can both save lives and ensure private security guards fulfill their contractual duties.When building a training program, consider partnering with specialists in each field to work directly with employees. Specialists can also be consulted to revisit and review a training plan multiple times a year to ensure it is up to date.
  • Emphasize the importance of following post orders Employees should be trained to know all post orders, and any other written policies and procedures and be ready to act as necessary. It is not uncommon for employees to go above and beyond and provide services that the security firm is not contracted to provide and that they are not trained in. These actions could expose the security firm to liability that they may not be properly insured for, as some insurance policies exclude coverage for non-security related operations.
  • Negotiate contracts wisely: It is essential to consider several factors to achieve a mutually advantageous agreement with your clients. One important consideration is performance issues, which would incorporate a clause for dispute resolution, ensuring that all parties understand their roles and responsibilities. This measure can aid in preventing misunderstandings and safeguarding the interests of both the security firm and the client hiring them for services. It is also important for the security firm to limit their liability to their own negligence and not expose them to claims from the negligence of others.
  • Take the time to understand the rules and regulations: In most states, private security firms must obtain a license to operate legally. Licensing bodies have the power to investigate infractions and can revoke licenses if personnel do not comply with legal standards. There are established protocols regarding the application of force by security personnel, which must be followed to foster a secure and ethical environment. Security companies in California must strictly adhere to the California Consumer Privacy Act to avoid legal repercussions associated with privacy violations.

To best understand their unique risks and how to mitigate them, security firms should partner with the right experts and use crucial employer and client resources, along with setting clear policies for every assignment. Guidance from operational and legal advisors, combined with up-to-date knowledge of regulations, ensures effective service.

As the private security market grows, so do risk exposures for private security companies. Those who adapt, understand evolving threats, prepare thoroughly, and work with the right partners will weather uncertainty best.

Tory Brownyard is President of The Brownyard Group

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