Lida Citroën, CEO of LIDA360, discusses building influence. Watch her interview on SM Live with Security Management Editor-in-Chief Teresa Anderson below.

Jeff Slotnick, CPP, PSP, president of Setracon Enterprise Security Risk Management Services, and John Callery, vice president of Safer Schools Together, discuss the current trends and threats in cybersecurity. Watch their interview on SM Live with Security Management Editor-in-Chief Teresa Anderson below.

David Brooks, associate professor of security science at Edith Cowan University, discusses what he enjoys about GSX. Watch his interview on SM Live with Security Management Editor-in-Chief Teresa Anderson below.

Meshal Aljohani, CPP, PCI, PSP, security group supervisor at Saudi Aramco and 2023 ASIS NextGen of the Year, discusses what he enjoys about GSX. Watch his interview on SM Live with Security Management Editor-in-Chief Teresa Anderson below.

The ASIS Jamaica Chapter was honored to be one of the recipients of the I.B. Hale Chapter of the Year Award in 2023, and to accept that award on stage in Dallas. Following GSX 2023, the chapter’s newsletter editor, Carlos Pipher, CPP, PCI, PSP, sat down with some members of the chapter to discuss their experiences at GSX 2023. 

Carlos Pipher, CPP, PCI, PSP: What was your perspective on GSX 2023? 
ND: I was excited and eager to be among my peers at GSX 2023 in Dallas. The exhibits were phenomenal and the sessions very educational and impacting. I would strongly recommend all security professionals and those interested in the field to attend this world leading security conference. It will positively impact their professional development through new and innovative technologies that are showcased there. 

CP: How would you describe your overall experience at GSX 2023? 
Charles Chin Fah En, CPP: It was a truly eye-opening experience; just the pace at which security technology is rapidly evolving is breathtaking.  

CP: How would you rate GSX 2023 and why? 
Capt. John Richards, CPP, PCI, PSP: The exhibits were interesting and useful. The presentations were very informative. The general session speakers were worth the listen. 

CP: Which area of the GSX were most interested in, and why?  
JR: Exhibits. Gives me an opportunity to meet with my suppliers. Also allows me to compare notes with similar products to the ones I use. 

CP: You have attended many GSX. What would be your advice to a security professional who has never attended a GSX? 
JR: The networking opportunities are invaluable and are a good asset to have in your toolkit. You will get a good sense of the direction that the industry is taking, and this helps to inform your own security program. 

Carlos Pipher, CPP, PCI, PSP currently serves as the newsletter editor for the ASIS Jamaica chapter and served as the chairperson in 2022. Carlos works as a security screener officer for Ports Management and Security Ltd., a subsidiary of the Port Authority of Jamaica. 

Nichelle Duncan, CPP, PCI, PSP is the chapter chairperson for the ASIS Jamaica chapter. Nichelle currently works as a manager of inspections and monitoring at the Police Civilian Oversight Authority. She is also pursuing her master’s degree in national security and strategic management at the University of the West Indies, Mona. 

Charles Chin Fah En, CPP is a member of the ASIS Jamaica chapter and currently works as a security manager for Jamaica Broilers Group. 

Captain John Richards, CPP, PCI, PSP is the communications chairperson and webmaster for the ASIS Jamaica chapter. John currently works as the group security executive for the Jamaica Broilers Group. 

Gigi Agassini, CPP, an independent security consultant, and Antoinette King, PSP, the founder of Credo Cyber Consulting discuss the current trends and threats in cybersecurity. Watch their interview on SM Live with Security Management Editor-in-Chief Teresa Anderson below.

Laura Rose, the vice president of marketing and communications at Securitas Security Services USA, Inc., discusses the current trends and concerns in the security industry. Watch her interview on SM Live with Security Management Editor-in-Chief Teresa Anderson below.

By Victor Capellan

As the father of a 5-year-old boy attending Kindergarten, I always think about his safety while in school. I know this is the same for millions of parents who worry about their children whenever they drop them off at the school door. The horrific events of violence in our schools are a nightmare that no one should endure, and we know that educators and safety professionals are doing their best to keep children safe while teaching them. As a former high school principal and superintendent of schools, keeping my students and staff safe was always my top priority.  Every day, I looked for ways to make improvements in this area, and I always felt that more was needed. In response to this alarming rise in school violence, ASIS International’s Professional Standards Board (PSB) has taken a significant step forward by formulating a standard that will serve as a guiding light for creating and implementing comprehensive school security programs.   

Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Global Security Exchange (GSX) conference in Dallas, TX. During my time there, I actively participated in a workshop sponsored by ASIS, an experience that provided invaluable insights into the development of the standard. This gathering brought together safety professionals and educators from around the country to learn and build a collective effort toward strengthening school safety.  

The goal is to create a risk-averse learning environment, and ASIS efforts are aimed at developing a standard to equip schools with the necessary tools to assess risks and implement protective measures. This involves applying physical security principles to establish a safe and secure learning environment. Measures such as fortifying facilities, training staff and students in security awareness, and creating safer workplace protocols are integral components. More importantly, however, the goal is to strike a careful balance between strengthening safety measures without students and staff feeling imprisoned.  So, while we do need to provide a safe environment, we also need to ensure it is a nurturing and enriching learning environment.   

By embracing this standard, schools will be better equipped to defend against safety threats such as active shooter incidents, which pose significant risks in an educational setting. The standard acts as a blueprint, allowing schools to adapt safety and security protocols to their unique needs. Embracing this standard empowers schools to tap into the collective wisdom and expertise of security professionals, informed by the daily experience of educators, ensuring access to the latest best practices and guidelines for fostering a safe and secure learning environment.  

Developing an internationally recognized standard is a complex endeavor that requires input from various stakeholders, including security professionals, educators, and government officials. The ASIS PSB has thoughtfully assembled a team of experts to create a standard that is comprehensive, practical, and relevant to the needs of schools nationwide.  

This standard, encompassing K-12 schools, will serve as a foundation for contributors to develop policies, plans, procedures, controls, and integrated physical security systems. By promoting a collaborative approach to school safety, the standard will play a vital role in cultivating a safer learning environment.  

As educators, we are responsible for protecting our students and staff at all times. By offering guidance on risk assessment, protective strategies, and physical security measures, this standard empowers schools to develop safety protocols tailored to their specific needs. As educators, it is our collective duty to champion the development of this standard and continue to advocate for a safer learning environment for all.

Like many who are passionate about creating safe and secure educational environments, I anxiously await the release of this standard in 2024. 

Victor Capellan is a former high school principal, public school superintendent, and senior state education official. Today, he leads the education practice at The Perry Group, a crisis communications firm focusing on serving K-12 educational institutions.

Veterans Mikaela Fahey, PSP, senior security manager at Walmart, and Eric Kready, CPP, area security manager at SAP, discuss transitioning from the military to a career in security. Watch their discussion on SM Live, hosted by Security Management Editor-in-Chief Teresa Anderson, below.

J Kelly Stewart, president and CEO at Newcastle Consulting, LLC, discusses what he enjoys about GSX. Watch his interview on SM Live with Security Management Editor-in-Chief Teresa Anderson below.

Andrew Elvish, the vice president of marketing at Genetec, discusses the current trends and concerns in the security industry. Watch his interview on SM Live with Security Management Editor-in-Chief Teresa Anderson below.

Tim Sutton, CPP, PCI, PSP, senior consultant at Guidepost Solutions, discusses security in the cannabis industry. Watch his interview on SM Live with Security Management Editor-in-Chief Teresa Anderson below.