Security Mindedness Triangle
When you take a few extra steps to integrate safety and security strategies into your daily life, you’ll be better prepared to avoid common pitfalls and anticipate a range of possible threat scenarios. Personal vulnerability is easily amplified by distractions, preoccupations, and inattentiveness—all of which signal an easy target to someone with criminal intent. But when you remain alert to your environment, taking note of anything out of the ordinary, you’ll become “situationally aware.” And that’s important because acts of violence are often detectable before they occur…if you stay alert to the warning signs. There are simple steps you can take to stay vigilant, like staying alert to suspicious activity or behaviors in public areas. By becoming a hard target, you can make yourself unattractive to someone planning a crime.
Also, it’s always a good idea to take steps to prepare for an unplanned event caused by weather, health, crime, fire, or accident, all of which require creating a response plan. Stockpiling supplies, such as medications, extra cash, batteries, and nonperishable foods, is a great start to preparedness. Likewise, installing timers on your home lighting, adding double-cylinder deadbolt locks on your doors, and using video doorbells can be inexpensive ways to reinforce your home security.
Events can go sideways quickly when interacting with others, whether in a store, sporting event, or workplace. In that case, a tool that goes a long way in preventing violence is verbal de-escalation. When talking with someone who’s upset, it’s important to remain calm. Although it’s often our first response to match that individual’s energy level, the best thing to do is to remain calm. Letting someone vent their feelings will often lessen that emotional charge. When cool heads prevail, a solution is easier to find.
It's important to recognize Behaviors of Concern that may escalate into a threatening situation since those may warrant attention and possible intervention. When you pay attention and report concerning behaviors, you may be saving lives by disrupting someone who may be on a pathway to violence. As with many things, planning ahead can produce better results. The same is true with an active assailant scenario. Wherever you are, try to identify at least two exits and know which rooms are lockable in the event you can’t get out. Practice “what if” scenarios so you’ll know how to respond. Although panic and fear are often initial reactions, training and forethought can help get you to overcome those emotions and allow you to act.
And don’t let your security guard down when at work. Never place passwords where they are easily seen, such as on a sticky note by your computer or in your desk drawer. Protect intellectual property by locking your computer screen when you step away, following proper protocols for using and transporting both printed and digital company documents and drives. Remember, workplace security begins with you. Although holding a door open for others may be considered mannerly, it can be a threat to your physical security. After all, you’ll have no way of knowing if you are allowing access to a disgruntled employee who was recently terminated or a domestic partner whose the subject of a restraining order. It’s always best to be safe than sorry. Corporate espionage and theft of company trade secrets are common, so knowing some good computer security tips for travel is also critical.
There are many things to remember when it comes to security-mindedness, and I’ve only touched on a few in this article. The good news is that CPPS has released an eLearning course on the Fundamentals of Security. Click on the link to see a preview and learn more about the program.
By Margi Strub
