| An IPC communication on contemporary security issues |  |
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- Shoplifting rates in Scotland jump as recession persists
 Shoplifting crimes increased in Scotland for the first time in 10 years, jumping 10% in the year ending in April, reported the Scottish government. "We never know why people commit crime, but there is quite often an increase in those crimes of dishonesty during periods of recession," said a criminal justice expert. The Scotsman (Edinburgh)
(9/30)
- Shoplifting, employee theft cost Quebec retailers millions
A survey by the Retail Council of Quebec found that shoplifting, employee theft and fraud cost retailers, not including automobile dealers, nearly $900 million in both 2008 and 2009. Grocery and drugstores were hit with the biggest losses. Gaston Lafleur, president of the retail council, said the losses represented 1.4% of total sales, which can mean the difference between profit and breaking even. CBC.ca (Canada)
(10/21)
- Interpol: Global security agencies need to cooperate to fight crime
Security agencies around the globe need to cooperate in order to more effectively fight organized crime, said Deputy U.S. Attorney General David Ogden and other security officials at the general assembly of Interpol. International organized crime groups are increasingly partnering with terrorist groups, corrupt government officials and drug traffickers, earning some 15% of the global gross domestic product. Los Angeles Times
(10/13)
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- How to assess risk
Investigations often are focused solely on individuals and their behaviors, but risk should be measured systematically, in the environment, and by human tendencies. This article discusses different methods organizations can use to understand systematic risks. Occupational Health & Safety
(10/2)
| Best Practices | | |
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- H1N1 flu spread spurs changes in behavior, policies
The number of Americans infected with the H1N1 flu during the first wave of the disease from April to July could have been as high as 5.7 million, according to the CDC's latest calculation. The spread of the flu has caused schools and offices to rethink some of their policies, including perfect-attendance awards and sick-day limits, and how these could relate to disease spread. People also have modified greetings and gestures to avoid germ transmission. USA TODAY
(10/30)
- Advice on handling recession, work-related stress
Psychologists say that although employment stress levels are off the charts, workers should try to act as though they're doing fine -- at least until after the next round of layoffs. "In therapy, we try to help patients discover who they really are," says one. "In this environment, it's more helpful to not necessarily be your authentic self." That means staying positive around your boss, accentuating your successes and finding other methods -- exercise and relaxation techniques -- for managing work-related stress. Forbes
(10/20)
- Mouth-to-mouth not needed in CPR, heart group says
A new ad campaign is prompting people to omit mouth-to-mouth resuscitation when performing CPR. The ads are relying on guidelines from the American Heart Association's Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee, which says that using only chest compressions, known as hands-only CPR, can be as effective as regular CPR. Chicago Sun-Times
(11/2)
| Technology and Trends | | |
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- Survey: Loss-prevention experts face budget cuts
Loss-prevention budgets are continuing to decrease for retailers, a survey found, but experts say the cuts may be because of the economy. In response, security experts are making better use of technology such as security cameras, RFID tags and communication tools. "LP gets scrutinized pretty heavily, but I think a lot of companies are reluctant to cut overly aggressively because they're worried shrink rates will pop back up after they've made so much improvement. I don't know of any places that have cut over radically," said a Beall's Department Store executive. Security Director News (Langhorne, Pa.) (free registration)
(10/20)
- Video security develops in new markets, forms
The video security market is continuing to evolve, as more industries, including banking, retail and education, explore their security applications. Buyers increasingly are looking for comprehensive solutions that combine technology with human security. Security Products
(10/2009)
| Policy and Government Affairs | | |
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- Detroit turns to security firms
A smaller city police force, a glut of vacant homes because of foreclosures and a spike in property crimes are prompting more Detroit-area residents and businesses to hire private security companies for protection. Demand is so great that some firms say they have a waiting list. In other cases, entire communities are hiring security firms, such as Detroit's Indian Village, where residents share the cost at $30 a household each month. TIME
(11/2)
- Feds quietly deploy detection system for biological threats
A company called BioWatch has quietly installed a high-tech system for sniffing out biological agents in some 30 cities nationwide. The technology collects air samples from high-traffic areas such as transportation hubs, then analyzes them for biological threats. Although the technology is backed by $80 million in annual funding from the Department of Homeland Security, some critics have questioned its effectiveness. But backers insist that early detection is key to saving lives. "Waiting for cases to turn up in emergency rooms isn't an option. If you wait, they'll be mostly untreatable," says a counterterrorism official with the New York Police Department. USA TODAY
(10/5)
- DHS budget: Cybersecurity up, Real ID down
Cybersecurity efforts would get roughly a 27% boost under the 2010 Department of Homeland Security spending bill approved by the Senate last week. The bill, now awaiting President Barack Obama's signature, devotes $397 million to cybersecurity, up from $313 million in 2009. The controversial Real ID program, on the other hand, would have its budget slashed from $100 million to $60 million, perhaps a result of growing opposition to the Bush-era plan. HomelandSecurityNewsWire.com
(10/28)
| Inside IPC | | |
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St. James Security rebrands as IPC Security
On Nov. 1, 2009, St. James Security, Ltd., a majority-owned company of IPC International, is re-branding itself as IPC Security. IPC's expansion across the United Kingdom includes taking on new clients and regionalizing its services. Additionally, IPC has invested in new technology to maximize its efforts in collaborating internally and with its clients to continue to enhance its service offering. Learn more.
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IPC leads industry in percentage of CPP-certified officials
IPC International is pleased to announce that 27 officials have received the coveted Certified Protection Professional designation (CPP®) from ASIS International. The designation of CPP is awarded to those professionals who have demonstrated competency in the areas of security solutions and best business practices through an intensive qualification and testing program. Learn more.
| Security Spotlight | | |
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| SmartQuote | | |
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 | Our country is at its best when it provides the beacon of light of the rule of law for all the world to see. We cannot, we need not and we will not sacrifice our core values to ensure our safety."
--U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr.
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| About IPC |
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IPC is the leader in operational, training and technology related security
programs specifically created to address the unique requirements of the
shopping center industry. Strengthening our partnerships through value-added
programs is just one of the many forward-thinking opportunities we provide our
clients. We are an international security provider serving over 450 regional
and super-regional shopping centers in North America and in the United Kingdom
as IPC Security. IPC is a multi-dimensional security company
operating the wholly-owned subsidiaries of IPC Technologies (CCTV security),
and Uniformity Incorporated, a public safety uniform and equipment company.
For more information, please visit
www.ipcinternational.com.
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| | Recent IPC International's Security SmartBrief Issues:
- Thursday, October 01, 2009
- Thursday, September 03, 2009
- Thursday, August 06, 2009
- Thursday, July 09, 2009
- Thursday, June 25, 2009
| | | Lead Editor: Megan Conniff
Mailing Address:
SmartBrief, Inc.®, 1100 H ST NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005 | |
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