In anticipation of GSX, we sat down with presenters of upcoming sessions in order to get a better understanding of the topics at hand. This week we are featuring, “Workplace Violence Prevention: Best Practices for Threat Assessment and Management in Corporate Environment,” presented by Michael Rozin, President at Rozin Security Consulting LLC, and Zachary Hill, Threat Assessment and Management Manager at Kroger. Read on for what they had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2024!
MR: How did you become interested in your topic?
MR: As a team, we at Rozin Security and Rozin Technologies have always been deeply committed to preventing acts of targeted violence. This commitment is why I chose this field and why our companies were founded. Over the last eight years, we have increasingly been called upon to support our clients in cases involving threats of targeted violence. This growing need has driven me to learn more about this discipline. I have been fortunate to have the consistent opportunity to apply these learned methods in real-world environments while working with our clients. This hands-on experience has been invaluable in refining my knowledge and approach to preventing workplace targeted violence. By sharing my insights and experiences, I hope to contribute to the ongoing conversation within the professional security community and help corporations better protect their employees and assets from the threat of targeted violence.
Q: Tell us about your presentation and why security professionals should have this topic on their radar.
ZH: We will dive into understanding the issues corporate security professionals face, balancing their understanding of security and the domain of Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM). While there is overlap between the two domains; BTAM has a distinct mission steeped in psychology focusing on prevention. This presentation is a must for those managing a BTAM team or investigating workplace violence cases as one of their many responsibilities. We will give you the tools to better communicate with your stakeholders, how to investigate these cases better, and ultimately prevent instances of targeted violence.
Q: What advice would you give security professionals interested in this topic?
MR: Workplace violence prevention programs have become an absolute necessity for organizations in today’s world. I believe as security professionals, it is our responsibility to develop an understanding of this critical field and adhere to established best practices. To achieve this, I recommend engaging with professional organizations such as the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) and ASIS International. These organizations provide invaluable access to knowledge, training, and resources that can greatly enhance your expertise in workplace violence prevention.
In addition to leveraging these professional resources, I strongly advise security professionals to seek out quality information and stay up to date with the latest laws and regulations related to workplace violence prevention. Understanding the legal landscape is crucial for developing and implementing effective prevention programs that comply with local, state, and federal requirements.
Another key piece of advice is to approach workplace violence prevention from a holistic and interdisciplinary perspective. Collaborate with professionals from various fields, such as human resources, legal, and mental health, to develop comprehensive strategies that address the multifaceted nature of targeted violence.
Q: How do you see this issue evolving in the next 2-5 years?
ZH: BTAM has been used for years to protect elected officials and public figures, but really got a broader application after Columbine and with each successive incident from Sandy Hook to Santa Fe to Parkland, all sparking legislative mandates.
Q: Why do you attend GSX?
MR: Attending GSX has proven invaluable for my professional development as a security professional. GSX provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the latest solutions on the market, trends, challenges, and best practices in the security industry. Moreover, GSX provides an excellent platform for networking with peers and industry leaders. Through these interactions, I have forged valuable connections and collaborations that have contributed significantly to my professional growth and the success of Rozin Security and Rozin Technologies.
ZH: I attend GSX for the personal and professional growth opportunities that come from the wide array of talent security professionals that are a part of ASIS. I am grateful for this community as we will work towards preventing violence and securing our communities.