City of Orem

Security Meets AI In the world of physical security, AI is making waves—cameras recognize faces, systems predict threats, and alarms trigger at the right time (well, most of the time). But the real question isn’t about what AI can do; it’s about who’s in control. Is AI the tool in your hand, or is it quietly steering the ship? Like an overenthusiastic GPS, AI will take you places—but only if you tell it where to go. The danger lies in letting it lead without asking, “Wait, is this where we want to end up?” AI can crunch numbers and flag risks faster than a guard can pull up footage, but it lacks that human spark—the intuition that spots the subtle difference between an employee working overtime and someone who’s up to no good. Smart security teams use AI to enhance human expertise, not replace it. When AI kicks out an alert, it’s the trained guard who reads between the lines, adding the nuance no algorithm can provide. The trick is simple: AI brings the data, but humans drive the decision. Falling under AI’s spell is easier than it seems. If you trust AI’s outputs without understanding how they were generated, you risk letting a black box make decisions for you—and in physical security, that’s a gamble you don’t want to take. Like anything else, technology needs accountability. AI should work like a well-trained dog, not a runaway wolf. You feed it data, fine-tune the algorithms, and then keep it on a leash so it stays in line. Transparency and control are non-negotiable if you want to stay the boss. AI can transform your operations from reactive to proactive. It can turn raw data into insights and minor incidents into opportunities for prevention. But if you get too comfortable, AI won’t just help you—it’ll run you. It’s your responsibility to train your team, ask tough questions, and never stop fine-tuning the system. AI can be your greatest partner in security, but only if you lead. Because in this game, the last thing you want is to realize you’ve handed the keys to the machine.

The Thrill of the Ride Managing security operations is like racing through winding roads in a car with just enough power to keep things interesting—it’s all about precision, strategy, and staying cool under pressure. Security managers rarely have endless resources, but that’s where the fun begins. Every patrol route, every camera angle, and every guard’s position becomes part of a bigger plan, much like a driver finding the perfect line through each corner. The challenge isn’t just keeping things in control—it’s excelling within limits, turning obstacles into opportunities. It’s a ride where sharp thinking and quick reflexes make all the difference. Great leadership, like great driving, is about trusting your team and knowing when to push the limits. Just as a driver relies on instinct and skill to push a car to the edge without losing control, a security manager has to balance risk and reward. When your team is in sync—everyone understanding their role and executing it perfectly—it feels as smooth as nailing a turn at just the right speed. Success isn’t about having the biggest budget or the fanciest tools; it’s about knowing your limits and playing to your strengths. The real thrill comes in turning challenges into victories. Whether it’s solving a problem with limited tools or handling an unexpected situation without breaking a sweat, there’s a unique joy in doing the impossible. It’s like overtaking a faster car on a twisty road—nobody saw it coming, but that’s what makes it so satisfying. Security management is the same: it’s not just about staying safe, it’s about embracing the challenge, loving the ride, and knowing that every twist and turn is part of the adventure.

The Thrill of the Ride.. Managing security operations is like racing through winding roads in a car with just enough power to keep things interesting—it’s all about precision, strategy, and staying cool under pressure. Security managers rarely have endless resources, but that’s where the fun begins. Every patrol route, every camera angle, and every guard’s position becomes part of a bigger plan, much like a driver finding the perfect line through each corner. The challenge isn’t just keeping things in control—it’s excelling within limits, turning obstacles into opportunities. It’s a ride where sharp thinking and quick reflexes make all the difference. Great leadership, like great driving, is about trusting your team and knowing when to push the limits. Just as a driver relies on instinct and skill to push a car to the edge without losing control, a security manager has to balance risk and reward. When your team is in sync—everyone understanding their role and executing it perfectly—it feels as smooth as nailing a turn at just the right speed. Success isn’t about having the biggest budget or the fanciest tools; it’s about knowing your limits and playing to your strengths. The real thrill comes in turning challenges into victories. Whether it’s solving a problem with limited tools or handling an unexpected situation without breaking a sweat, there’s a unique joy in doing the impossible. It’s like overtaking a faster car on a twisty road—nobody saw it coming, but that’s what makes it so satisfying. Security management is the same: it’s not just about staying safe, it’s about embracing the challenge, loving the ride, and knowing that every twist and turn is part of the adventure.

The Power of Showing Up When I was a homicide detective, I found myself in the middle of heartbreaking scenes where families were living their worst nightmares. For them, it was the darkest day they’d ever face, but for me, it became routine—just another case to solve, another call to respond to. I didn’t realize at the time how much I had numbed myself to the overwhelming grief those families were experiencing. But for them, those moments weren’t just another day; they were life-altering. Now, looking back, I see what I missed. I wish I could go back and do more than just be there for the job. I wish I had taken a moment to comfort them, to let them know that someone cared deeply for what they were going through. It’s easy to let the busyness of life blind us to what really matters—people. That’s a lesson that hindsight has made clear to me. And trust me, it’s a tough lesson to learn when you’re looking back with the weight of regret. If there’s one thing I’ve come to understand, it’s this: kindness is powerful. Every interaction, no matter how small or routine, can make a difference. A little compassion, a little warmth, can bring light to someone’s darkest hour. So, let’s be kind, let’s show up for others in ways that matter, because we never know when a small gesture might make all the difference in the world for someone else.

Make a Plan, then Master It Alright, let’s get real for a second. Emergencies happen, and when they do, you don’t want to be the one running in circles yelling, “What do I do?!” Here’s the deal: know your stuff before things go sideways. Where’s the fire extinguisher? Where’s the water shut-off? What’s that weird-looking panel on the wall? These are the basics every security guard should have locked in their brain. Think of it as your own personal treasure map, except the treasure is saving the day. But don’t stop there! While you’re walking around on your shift, start playing little “what if” games in your head. “What if a fire broke out right now? What’s my first move?” or “What if I had to evacuate this building in a hurry?” It’s like turning your job into a choose-your-own-adventure story, except way less dramatic (and hopefully without any dragons). The more you practice in your mind, the quicker you’ll be able to react when something really happens. Now, here’s the kicker: every building has its own Emergency Action Plan (EAP). If you don’t know it, study it! Know where people are supposed to go, what you’re supposed to do, and how to make sure everyone’s safe. Once you’ve got the EAP down, run those scenarios through your head too. That way, when the real thing happens, you won’t just be reacting—you’ll be ready to lead.

Make a Plan, then Master It Alright, let’s get real for a second. Emergencies happen, and when they do, you don’t want to be the one running in circles yelling, “What do I do?!” Here’s the deal: know your stuff before things go sideways. Where’s the fire extinguisher? Where’s the water shut-off? What’s that weird-looking panel on the wall? These are the basics every security guard should have locked in their brain. Think of it as your own personal treasure map, except the treasure is saving the day. But don’t stop there! While you’re walking around on your shift, start playing little “what if” games in your head. “What if a fire broke out right now? What’s my first move?” or “What if I had to evacuate this building in a hurry?” It’s like turning your job into a choose-your-own-adventure story, except way less dramatic (and hopefully without any dragons). The more you practice in your mind, the quicker you’ll be able to react when something really happens. Now, here’s the kicker: every building has its own Emergency Action Plan (EAP). If you don’t know it, study it! Know where people are supposed to go, what you’re supposed to do, and how to make sure everyone’s safe. Once you’ve got the EAP down, run those scenarios through your head too. That way, when the real thing happens, you won’t just be reacting—you’ll be ready to lead.

Learning As We Go As a police detective, one of the first steps in any case is reaching out to the people involved—whether it’s witnesses, victims, or anyone connected to the investigation. Now, here’s where things get interesting. There’s often this silent expectation that detectives should automatically know everything about a person’s situation, their job, or even the industry they work in. But the truth is, every case introduces us to something new—a new business, new technology, or a new environment—and while we’re quick to adapt, expecting us to be instant experts in every field is a bit of a stretch. Detectives are trained to be problem-solvers. We dive into each situation with an investigative mind, not as experts in every industry. Our real expertise is in asking the right questions, finding the right leads, and piecing together the information that gets us closer to the truth. Sure, we’re resourceful and quick learners, but no detective walks into a case knowing all the ins and outs of every business or field. Instead, we work hard to understand the context, learn how different operations run, and see how these details could influence the case we’re working on. So, if you ever find yourself talking with a detective—hopefully not in a tough situation—remember that we’re learning right alongside you. We’re not just trying to solve a crime; we’re also figuring out the details that make your situation unique. And guess what? Your patience, openness, and willingness to share what you know are what help us do our job better. We might not know everything upfront, but we’re committed to finding the right answers. That’s what makes each case a journey of learning and discovery, and it’s all about working together to get to the truth.