• Spartan Training Bulletin | Volume One – Issue Three

  • Terrorism Awareness

     Twin Tower Attack – We Will Never Forget !

    TERRORISM AWARENESS IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS

    No matter how well trained and vigilant, law enforcement simply cannot be everywhere. Your eyes and ears as a security officer are needed. After all, you know best what activities in and around your neighborhood/property appear to be “out of the ordinary” or “suspicious”.

    WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

    • Individuals who do not fit the surrounding environment-dressed in bulky or inappropriate attire for the location or time of year;

    • Individuals who show unusual interest in building security systems or access to restricted or sensitive areas;

    • Individuals who loiter around buildings, parking lots, and other locations not generally open to the public;

    • Individuals making diagrams, taking notes, photographs or video in areas not normally of interest to tourists;

    • Multiple sightings of the same suspicious person, vehicle, or activity, separated by time, distance or direction;

    • A person observed tampering with company equipment and/or vehicles;

    • Abandoned vehicles or vehicles parked in no parking or restricted areas;

    • Suspicious objects and unattended items such as backpacks, briefcases or other containers capable of concealing explosives;

    • Any activity that appears suspicious or out of place to you!

     

  • LAPD Community Mobile Substation Wilshire Area – Park La Brea Apartments – With Senior Lead Officer Perry Jones and Spartan Security Services CEO Eric Vasquez

    WHAT TO DO:

    • Report suspicious activity IMMEDIATELY to a supervisor, post commander, scheduling manager via urgent page and/or local law enforcement via 9-1-1;

    • Give as many details as possible i.e. time, location, description, license number;

    • Begin your documentation i.e. DAR, IR etc.

     

  • WHAT IS A TERRORIST ATTACK?

    A terrorist attack, like most crime that is not a “crime of convenience”, it requires detailed planning. This planning often includes the surveillance of several potential targets, gathering of the tools required to accomplish the event such as the explosives, transportation, and rehearsals. It is during this planning phase, that we have the best opportunity to deter the event from happening, because “suspicious” activities are occurring. “Suspicious” activity has been described in the past as “you’ll know it when you see it” which is not enough to begin an investigation or notify local law enforcement.

     

  • World Trade Center – Before September 11 Attacks

    Suspicious” activity can be labeled into these sub categories:

    1) When focusing on ‘suspicion’ behavior it should be based upon:

    * Where they are (Ex. Hanging out around emergency exits, near or in generator rooms or fire control rooms, etc.)
    * When they are there (Ex. Late at night, early in the morning, etc.)
    * What they are doing (Ex. Taking photos, looking for security cameras, timing officer’s patrols, etc.)

     

  • "You can be sure that the American spirit will prevail over this tragedy."

    Colin Powell

  • World Trade Center Memorial - New York

    Suspicion should NOT be based upon: Race, color or ethnicity

     2) Suspicious people:

    * Taking pictures of building entrances, loading docks, air ventilations systems.
    * Anyone monitoring our patrols or other security measures
    * Asking questions about our security department (e.g. how many security officers are working; are they armed)
    * In an unauthorized area
    * In the wrong place or appears lost
    * Overdressed for current weather conditions
    * Loitering, staring or watching employees and customers
    * Pacing, nervous or jumpy
    * Acting in a disorderly manner, alarming or disturbing others
    * Repair personnel, utility crews, delivery persons or other “trusted employees” who are out of place
    * People expressing an unusual level of interest in operations, personnel, equipment or facilities
    * People who are on property without a proper ID, uniform or safety gear

    3) Suspicious activities:

    * Cars and other vehicles parked in strange locations
    * Cars that are parked for a long period of time (occupied or not)
    * Out-of-place vans, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and cars

    4) Suspicious Items:

    * Items in cars that do not belong there
    * Expired vehicle Registrations or other decals; missing Registrations plates
    * Unattended or suspicious items
    * A package abandoned by a person quickly leaving an area

    4a) An unattended package is not necessarily “suspicious”, but could be under the following circumstances:

    * On or next to a seat in a vehicle
    * Next to pipes, generators, fuse boxes, etc.
    * Next to a vending machine or in an area such as a fire pump room
    * In a rest room, gym or near the pool
    * Placed out of normal view like behind a trash can
    * In a waiting area or lobby

    Note: A “suspicious” package can be an out-of-place or abandoned container (fire extinguisher, propane canister, thermos, etc.)

    4b) Characteristics of “suspicious” package or letters may include the following:

    * Contains a threatening note 
    * Contains a suspicious powdery substance 
    * Excessive postage 
    * Handwritten or poorly typed addresses 
    * Incorrect titles or title but no name 
    * Misspellings of common words 
    * Oily stains, discolorations or odors 
    * No return address 
    * Excessive weight 
    * Lopsided or uneven envelope 
    * Protruding wires or aluminum foil 
    * Excessive security material such as masking tape, string, etc. 
    * Visual distractions or ticking sound 
    * Marked with restrictive endorsements such as "Personal" or "Confidential"

     

  • Suspicious” activity can be labeled into these sub categories:

    1) When focusing on ‘suspicion’ behavior it should be based upon:

    * Where they are (Ex. Hanging out around emergency exits, near or in generator rooms or fire control rooms, etc.)
    * When they are there (Ex. Late at night, early in the morning, etc.)
    * What they are doing (Ex. Taking photos, looking for security cameras, timing officer’s patrols, etc.)
    * Suspicion should NOT be based upon: Race, color or ethnicity

    2) Suspicious people:

    * Taking pictures of building entrances, loading docks, air ventilations systems.
    * Anyone monitoring our patrols or other security measures
    * Asking questions about our security department (e.g. how many security officers are working; are they armed)
    * In an unauthorized area
    * In the wrong place or appears lost
    * Overdressed for current weather conditions
    * Loitering, staring or watching employees and customers
    * Pacing, nervous or jumpy
    * Acting in a disorderly manner, alarming or disturbing others
    * Repair personnel, utility crews, delivery persons or other “trusted employees” who are out of place
    * People expressing an unusual level of interest in operations, personnel, equipment or facilities
    * People who are on property without a proper ID, uniform or safety gear

    3) Suspicious activities:

    * Cars and other vehicles parked in strange locations
    * Cars that are parked for a long period of time (occupied or not)
    * Out-of-place vans, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and cars

    4) Suspicious Items:

    * Items in cars that do not belong there
    * Expired vehicle Registrations or other decals; missing Registrations plates
    * Unattended or suspicious items
    * A package abandoned by a person quickly leaving an area

    4a) An unattended package is not necessarily “suspicious”, but could be under the following circumstances:

    * On or next to a seat in a vehicle
    * Next to pipes, generators, fuse boxes, etc.
    * Next to a vending machine or in an area such as a fire pump room
    * In a rest room, gym or near the pool
    * Placed out of normal view like behind a trash can
    * In a waiting area or lobby

    Note: A “suspicious” package can be an out-of-place or abandoned container (fire extinguisher, propane canister, thermos, etc.)

    4b) Characteristics of “suspicious” package or letters may include the following:

    * Contains a threatening note 
    * Contains a suspicious powdery substance 
    * Excessive postage 
    * Handwritten or poorly typed addresses 
    * Incorrect titles or title but no name 
    * Misspellings of common words 
    * Oily stains, discolorations or odors 
    * No return address 
    * Excessive weight 
    * Lopsided or uneven envelope 
    * Protruding wires or aluminum foil 
    * Excessive security material such as masking tape, string, etc. 
    * Visual distractions or ticking sound 
    * Marked with restrictive endorsements such as "Personal" or "Confidential"

     

  • Work Place Violence
     Pistol Tied in a Knot

    Signs of Potential Violence

    It’s wrong to assume that when work place violence occurs, the person involved just “snapped”. There are often warning signs of the potential for violence well in advance of the act itself. These indicators should be recognized, managed and treated to reduce the risk of violence in the work place. The following behaviors are often associated with persons who commit violent acts, and can be presented individually or in combination. This list is NOT an all-inclusive and the presence of any of these behaviors in a coworkers is not proof that violent tendencies exist.

    Behavior:

    • Increased use of drugs or alcohol
    • Increased absences or late arrivals
    • Decreased attention to personal appearance
    • Resistance or overreaction to procedure changes
    • Repeated disciplinary problems
    • Severe mood swings
    • Explosive outbursts with little provocation
    • Suicidal comments or withdrawal
    • Paranoid actions or statements
    • Increased personal problems brought into the work place
    • Talk of violent incidents or empathy with persons who commit violent acts
    • Unsolicited comments about weapons or violent crimes

     Attitude:

    • Isolated or a loner
    • Morally superior
    • Feels entitled to special rights
    • Feels wronged or humiliated
    • Believes they have no choices or options

     

  • RESPONDING TO DISRUPTIVE / VIOLENT BEHAVIOR
    Angry Man With Baseball Bat

    Though the probability of a violent incident in the work place may be limited, here are some steps you can take if confronted in the work place.

     Step 1:

    General response to disruptive behavior (no threats or weapons)

    • Respond calmly and quietly to defuse the situation
    • Do not take the behavior personally. You are usually being used as the outlet in the situation and it has nothing to do with you.
    • Ask questions – respectful concern and interest may demonstrate that violence isn’t necessary
    • Consider an apology – even if you’ve done nothing wrong, it could defuse the situation. “I’m sorry that happened, what can we do to solve the problem?”
    • Summarize what the person is saying and communicate clearly – your summary of the person’s concerns reflects your attention
    • Focus on areas of agreement

    Step 2:

    If step 1 does not work and the person does not seem dangerous

    • Calmly and firmly set limits. “Please be patient so that I can try and help.’
    • Ask the individual to stop, and warn that official action may be taken. “Your disruption may be subject to official action.” “Stop being disruptive or you may be reported to law enforcement.”
    • If the disruption continues, tell the person he/she may be disciplined or prosecuted, state that the discussion is over and direct him/her to leave with the warning that refusing to leave will require calling the police
    • If the person refuses to leave, advise him/her that their refusal is also a violation and subject to discipline, termination or prosecution

    Step 3:

    If step 1 is ineffective and the person seems dangerous

    • Move to a quiet safe place to talk: always maintain a safe distance and do not turn your back, have a coworker present, do not close the door and sit nearest to the door
    • Use a calm approach and try to defuse the situation: allow the person to explain the issue, indicate that you are there to listen and understand the problem
    • Never touch the person to remove him/her, as the slightest touch or push could be interpreted as a violent act and result in escalation or a law suit
    • Set limits to indicate that behavior needed to reach a solution. “Please lower your voice.” “Please stop cursing.”
    • Do not mention discipline or the police if you fear an angry or violent response
    • If the situation escalates, find a way to excuse yourself. “Let me get my supervisor or manager as see what I can do.”

     

  • In an Immediate Emergency
    Spartan Security Owner with LAPD Officers at Park La Bear Apartments

    Always call 9-1-1 at once if a crime is in progress, a violent incident has occurred or specific threats are made.

    Use a phone out of side of the individual and call 9-1-1 if anyone does the following:

    • Makes threats of physical harm to you, himself/herself or another person
    • Has a weapon
    • Behaves in a way that causes you to fear for your safety or the safety of others

     =======================================================================

    1)      Do not attempt to intervene physically or deal with the situation yourself – let the police handle the situation

    2)      Clear all other personnel out of the area to a safe location as quickly as possible

    3)      Keep the police on the phone as long as possible to provide the most up-to-date information

     =======================================================================

     

  • Types of Threats:

    Direct

    • “I’m going to get you.”
    • “I’m going to shoot you.”
    • “I’m going to blow this place up.”

     Conditional

    • “If I get a bad evaluation, I’ll shoot somebody.”
    • “If you tell the supervisor, I’ll get you.”
    • “If I get fired, I’ll come back with my gun.”

    Veiled

    • “You’ll be sorry.”
    • “What goes around comes around.”
    • “I can see why people go postal.”