SJA Security Spotlight: Sports security – more than a job; Lessons in the face of natural disasters

Sports security – more than a job

Head of Safety and Security at Overtime, Scott Ashworth speaks to Security Journal Americas about why he takes so much pride in his sports security role.

"Currently, I am the Head of Safety and Security for Overtime Elite, as well as helping the umbrella Overtime company run sports security for its other leagues.

"I ensure the safety and security of OT7 which is Overtime’s football league, OTX, a new boxing league, as well as any events that we host inside of our arena in Atlanta.

"In our downtown location, we have an?arena, school and practice facility?and about a quarter mile away are our residences, where the players stay in dormitories. The sports security team and I are responsible for ensuring the 24/7 safety of those players while they’re at the arena and the dormitories..." Read more...

Lessons in the face of natural disasters

Peter B?ckman, CSyP, AMBCI , CEO of TEDCAP explores the results of a recent exercise that took place in the Dominican Republic, to enhance preparedness in the face of natural disasters.

In May, the CENTAM Guardian 2023 exercises took place, which aim to enhance regional co-ordination, preparedness and response capabilities, to reduce the impact of natural disasters and safeguard the well-being of Caribbean and Northern?Latin America populations.

This year, the?Dominican Republic?was the host nation for the exercise, which was led by the US Southern Command.

As the risk management expert and representative for the private sector in the activity, I was working closely with the exercise committee to make sure that all the companies participating had their needs and requirements addressed and included, since they all play an essential role in the management of and recovery from a disastrous event such as a hurricane or earthquake. Continue reading...

Security in the Americas – Toronto

Matthew Porcelli, MSc, CPP, MSI, F.ISRM, FSyl speaks with Michael B. from the ASIS International – Toronto Chapter about the pressures being felt in the security industry.

The Canadian security landscape currently faces two significant issues that are impacting the industry: insider threats and the shortage of frontline security resources.

Both of these challenges have been exacerbated by labor shortages, fierce competition for skilled professionals and general dissatisfaction stemming from return to office mandates and layoffs.

With the pressure to keep operations running smoothly, many organizations have put a specific focus on mitigating threats from within the organization by shifting their hiring practices, as well as increasing training and awareness, ultimately evolving?traditional security practices. Find out more here...

Police recruitment and retention – software is here to help

Rohan G. , Chief Product Officer at Versaterm explores how enhanced resources can improve the experiences of law enforcement, to help police recruitment and retention.

The combination of on-the-job stress, the COVID-19 pandemic, public perception towards police work and other factors have challenged departments to find and keep police recruits.

This low morale isn’t just bad for officer interactions in the office, where negativity can spread and affect others. It can also result in a reduction in the workforce where officers retire early because of burnout or leave the profession for something new.

To solve the police recruitment and retention challenge and meet the critical safety needs of their community, agencies see the need to make proactive changes. This starts by fostering and implementing a culture of innovation focused on officer wellness and community engagement. Read here...

Project Focus: Gallagher supplies integrated security for GardaWorld headquarters

Gallagher Security was selected by GardaWorld to deliver integrated security solutions for the company’s new headquarters in Montreal, Canada.

According to?Gallager, GardaWorld sought a security partner capable of integrating with the leading technologies of the day – and the unimagined ones of tomorrow.

Access control via facial recognition was at the top of the company’s wishlist and Gallagher’s integration with IDEMIA’s VisionPass played a crucial role in enabling this. Read more...

Product Focus: Garrett releases new metal detector solution to market

Garrett Metal Detectors is now taking orders for its newly released Paragon detector.

According to the company, Paragon is the new capstone for its line of walk-through?security screening?products, with 66 detection zones and innovative new features for ease of use like Zero Touch NFC capability and Ambiscan directional sensitivity.

“Paragon was designed to fit its name which means ‘perfect example’,” said?Steve Novakovich, CEO of?Garrett. Find out more...

In case you missed it -?read SJA?for FREE!

The lead feature story in this issue is by?Jason Tyre, Business Development Manager, Cities at?Milestone Systems, who discusses how an updated VMS has improved operations for the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

This month’s Special Report, on the topic of Video Management Systems, is produced in partnership with?Hanwha Vision America?and considers the latest trends in video surveillance.?Click here to read the magazine...

Watch Now: What are the current trends with intercoms?

Bradley Kamcheff , Marketing Manager at Aiphone explores the company’s new Remote Programming Service and the trends being seen with intercoms in the security industry.

Click here for more videos from Security Journal Americas...

Subscribe?to Security Journal Americas!

• Gain access to exclusive insight and opinions from leading security professionals in the Americas
• Receive the latest industry updates straight to your inbox
• Read the monthly magazine for free, delivered directly

SUBSCRIBE HERE

#Security?#SecurityNews?#SecurityIndustry?#SportsSecurity #LatinAmerica #Caribbean #Canada #Police #LawEnforcement #MetalDetectors #SecurityScreening #IntegratedSystems #Intercoms #AccessControl