ASIS International (ASIS), the world’s largest association for security management professionals, has announced the launch of Security Week, a series of community preparedness and educational events that will be held in conjunction with the organization’s 62nd Annual Seminar and Exhibits (ASIS 2016). Nearly 20,000 security professionals from across the globe are expected to attend ASIS 2016, which is being held September 12-15 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.
Security Week, supported by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Infrastructure Protection, was developed in response to the violent attacks being carried out where citizens work, play, and assemble around the world. It is designed to educate small business owners, community leaders, and other organizations that have not considered themselves targets about the importance of security and preparedness in today’s evolving threat environment. The initiative will be a valuable component of the annual ASIS seminar moving forward, providing host communities with expertise on emergency planning, safety, and security.
“DHS recognizes that communities are the first line of defense when it comes to keeping the public safe and secure. Security Week aligns with our work to ensure the security and resilience of our critical infrastructure and our way of life,” said Caitlin Durkovich, DHS, Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection. “Recent events across the world illustrate the need to protect against these threats and mitigate the consequences. ASIS is taking a significant step in helping educate communities on possible threats and ways that organizations can takes steps to better prepare for emergencies. We are pleased to be a part of this discussion.”
“Security Week was created to help prevent the violent attacks being carried out in places where people seek to go about their lives in a peaceful manner,” said Peter O’Neil, CEO, ASIS International. “ASIS International brings together thousands of security management leaders and experts, and now we look to extend this expertise to our seminar host cities to ensure these communities are stronger and more resilient.”
Preparedness and Prevention Community Seminar Kick-Off
Security Week kicks off with a free Preparedness and Prevention Seminar at 2 p.m., on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. Local businesses and institutions, including houses of worship, hospitals, schools, retailers and restaurants, community leaders, law enforcement, and first responders are invited to learn how to build preparedness plans, harden soft targets, and work with law enforcement and first responders.
Kevin Doss, CPP, PSP, CEO of Level 4 Security, and author of Active Shooter: Preparing for and Responding to a Growing Threat, will moderate the event, which will feature speakers discussing the fundamentals of proper safety planning and risk assessment. Doss has more than 26 years of experience providing protective services in high-risk environments and currently serves as a consultant with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Development Group, and other state and federal agencies. He is a subject matter expert on active shooters and workplace violence.
Dr. Jennifer Hesterman, author of Soft Target Hardening: Protecting People From Attack, will outline strategies for addressing preparedness. Hesterman is a retired Colonel in the U.S. Air Force and is one of the few analysts specializing in the terror-crime nexus. She designs courses for federal law enforcement and security organizations, and is a senior fellow at the Center for Cyber and Homeland Security at George Washington University.
“Today’s threat landscape is constantly changing, and cities face risks to the safety and security of citizens every day,” Dr. Hesterman said. “Security Week aims to provide businesses and communities with a high-level view of the tools needed to prepare for possible threats, identify risks and think critically about ways to protect the public. I commend ASIS for their drive to create this initiative, and I am excited to offer insight into these efforts.”
Paul Timm, PSP, President of RETA Security, and author of School Security: How to Build and Strengthen a School Safety Program, will provide insight on challenges facing educational institutions and community organizations. A nationally recognized school security expert, Timm has more than 17 years of security consulting experience and has received the Regional Certification Award from ASIS International four times.
Additional Activities
Attendees on Sunday will receive passes to attend free educational seminars presented in the exhibit hall, Sept 12-14, during the Annual Seminar. Topics include active shooter response, fundamentals of a risk assessment, protecting soft targets and security guard service standards.
On Wednesday, Sept. 14, law enforcement, first responders and military personnel are invited to experience the full scope of the annual seminar at no cost. The comprehensive line-up of education programs, demonstrations, and events enables individuals to learn about future opportunities in private industry, educate themselves on enterprise security and cyber best practices, and hear lessons learned from seasoned professionals.
Security Week wraps up on Thursday with recognition of the winner of the 2016 ASIS Foundation School Security Funding Competition. This year’s honoree, Lake Brantley High School, received a $20,000 donation for security upgrades. There will be a media event at the school on Sept. 9, 2016, and the principal will be recognized at the ASIS 2016 closing lunch on Sept. 15.
“Everyone deserves a safe place to work, live and play,” said David C. Davis, CPP, President, ASIS International. “Security Week creates a holistic approach to community action and preparedness, and will leave our host seminar communities, as safer, more prepared environments.”
