As a contracted provider of Physical Security Solutions for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under contract FAC64, I wanted to answer physical security questions you may have on your mind. I specialize in helping departments that don't have a specialized security manager’s on staff. I do this by assisting non-security professionals create and operate effective protection programs that allow safeguards to be managed without having a dedicated physical security professional. Today’s security technologies offer fantastic tools to deter a variety of threats.
I recently had a conversation with Security Professionals within the Commonwealth. In that conversation I became aware that security technologies, policies and procedures are primarily focused on facilities and not on the personal residences of our elected and appointed officials. I was asking these questions because I was aware of protection policies that were addressed back in 2007 at the federal level, originally concerning the Federal Judiciary. I have some ideas that you may want to consider since the January 8th 2011 event in Tucson, AZ brought to the forefront the clear and present danger a person with no concern for themselves or others can cause.
I am available to individually meet and discuss your individual concerns, in the mean time I would suggest some policies and procedures that you may want to consider. I have included the following checklist to introduce some reasonable ideas and enhancements to improve basic safety:
· A professional physical security review of key person’s home including their home security alarm system (if available).
· The alarm should be monitored (or installed) and a clear escalation process for a State Police and Local Law Enforcement enhanced priority response, such as: “crime in progress.” with follow-up.
· Make sure all keys and codes are protected and not available to non-family members. (There are other options to provide limited access to vendors, cleaning services, etc.)
· Do not put key person’s name or title outside their residence or in their mailbox.
· Do not put key person’s home address on any public records or public accessible records. (Consider holding title to real and other property in trust.)
· Change key person’s mailing address to key person’s work address and use a post office box or business-address telephone number on their personal checks.
· Apply for confidentiality on driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations owned or leased by key person, spouse, and children from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) thru the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) administered by the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
· Make sure their telephone number is unpublished and unlisted.
· Do not give out identifying information such as home address or telephone number unless absolutely necessary or required for governmental purposes.
· Ensure that key person’s home address and telephone numbers are not listed on Web sites other than those secured by government agencies.
These are just a few ideas; threats to public officials can come in many different forms: in writing, by telephone, verbally through an informant or a third party, or through suspicious activity. Threats and inappropriate communications can be anything that harasses or makes ominous or unsettling overtures of an improper nature and can include inappropriate pictures drawings or trespassing. Any received threats should always be reported immediately, even if they appear minor or inconsequential. Law enforcement should determine whether a threat is credible and warrants investigation.
Please call my direct line at (508) 453-2731 if I can be of service to you and help you improve your personal security. I appreciate and look forward to the opportunity to meet and work with you, as I continue to provide value and serve the unique needs of public-sector clients, continuing our track record of strong service, safety and support.
About American Alarm and Communications, Inc.,
AACI is in a unique position to improve personal protection of key individuals as a Massachusetts based Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Listed, and federally recognized 24-hour Security Command Center and Central Station. Every day we manage a full range of security, communication and escalation procedures specifically designed for our key customers. We are an independent, family-run business with three offices throughout Massachusetts. Our founders, three engineers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, have worked to bring the benefits of new technology and solutions to our customers. Though we have grown over the years, our mission has remained the same: to provide the best possible security technology and customer service to protect homes and businesses across Massachusetts. www.americanalarm.com
