News Round Up

June 2020 – Top News in the Security and Risk Industry

June 25, 2020 | 4 min read
June security news

There’s a lot going on in the world of physical risk and vulnerability; it’s nearly impossible to keep up with the latest news and developments. We’ll keep you informed with the best content to keep your organization safe and secure. Check out the top news and headlines from the past month.

Black Lives Matter Protests Continue for a Month in Cities Across the U.S. After the Killing Of George Floyd

From CNN: Anti-racist protests continue to spread following the May 26 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The protests, which started in Minneapolis, and spread across the nation, have been the scenes of violent confrontations between police and protesters, destruction of property, and other notable incidents — such as military units being called in to police Washington DC, or protesters setting up an autonomous zone in Seattle. Throughout, there have been calls from protesters and community organizers to defund, abolish and reform policing.

Our take: While the world is discussing police reform, we in the security sector should give serious thought to reforms in our own industry. Take security officers, for example. Security Officers are the front line of many organizations. They’re the first faces people see when they visit a site, and they’re the first line of defense when there’s a problem. Security officers are in positions of authority; when there’s an incident, you need to trust they will make the right and ethical call. If they can’t do that, they shouldn’t be serving on your team. But we’ve all seen examples of people who should never have been hired to work as security officers. We need to do better when we screen and hire security officers. We need to make sure we’re not hiring warm bodies to fill spots on our teams. We need to do thorough background checks, provide ongoing training, and be sure that the people who respond to incidents on our behalf share our organizations’ core values and ethics.

Record spikes in new coronavirus cases, hospitalizations sweep parts of U.S.

From Reuters: New coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in record numbers swept through more U.S. states, including Florida and Texas, as most push ahead with reopening. Many state health officials partly attribute the increase to gatherings over the Memorial Day holiday weekend in late May. Perhaps more troubling for health officials, many of these states are also seeing record hospitalizations - a metric not affected by increased testing.

Our take: Many states are continuing to reopen and ease restrictions. As we head into the Fourth of July holiday weekend, this spike in cases is a reminder to wear your mask, take proper precautions with staff and customers, and be sure your people are protected. States and businesses might be reopening, but Covid-19 is still with us.

COVID-19’ Thermal Cameras Start to Hit the Marketplace

From Security Today: Elevated body temperature detection cameras are hitting the market like a Texas tornado, and the market for COVID-19-related products may be worth billions of dollars this year. It is certainly the fastest growing segment in the security industry today. Hanwha Techwin has confirmed that they are entering this market, and they are developing a temperature detection camera that is expected to make its debut later this year. Hanwha Techwin is using its thermal imaging technology that will be able to detect body temperature, company officials said.

Our take: If COVID-19 is with us for the long haul, thermal cameras are likely to be in demand. The value of knowing who has a fever before they’re even in the front door of your facility is huge. But if you’ve ever had to deal with an unreliable infrared thermometer, you know that such cameras will have to be reliable — a malfunctioning thermal camera is just as bad as not having one at all.

Why Visitor Management is Critical for Business Continuity During and Post-COVID-19

From Security Magazine: Companies need to perform due care to protect their workforce from COVID-19 during and post-lockdown periods. But they also need to allow their employees, contractors and visitors onto their premises while being fully accountable for everyone’s health and safety. A visitor management system can help them do that.

Our take: Now more than ever it’s important to know who has been on your site, when they’ve been there, and who they’ve been in contact with. Visitor management systems are a vital way to keep track of the people who’ve come to your site — and keep their information on file.

June’s Top Security Grants

Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response: This grant, announced on the behalf of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, (BARDA), is a response to the COVID-19 epidemic. BARDA is interested in proposals from businesses related to COVID-19 tests, vaccines, therapeutics and manufacturing technologies. Grant closes: Oct. 31.

Homeland Security Preparedness Technical Assistance Program (HSPTAP): A grant for nonprofits to build state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT) capabilities to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from major events, including threats or acts of terrorism. This overarching programmatic goal of building state and local capabilities will be achieved through various means and methods, each one aimed at achieving the National Preparedness Goal and furthering our collective efforts to remain a safe and secure nation.
Closing date for applications: July 24



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