News Stories SectionThursday, November 16, 2006
Please be advice, NOT to subscribe to the News Stories Section. As you know, i'm taking over this site as the new administrator and my intention is to keep all sections free. I'm starting to administer the site and have yet to find the way to deactivate the subscrition page for the News Stories.
A New BeginningMonday, October 9, 2006
After months of uncertainty the fate of SPS has finally been determined...and a wonderful fate it is. Long time member Francois has offered to take over SPS in its entirety. Processes are underway to facilitate the transfer and have already begun. In a few days, a week at the most, the transfer of SPS will be complete. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Francois for taking on this obligation (including the financial aspects), and thereby ensuring the life of SPS. Spread the word to those that already departed. SPS is back and I'm sure it will be better than ever!
Code of EthicsMonday, March 13, 2006
Most of us probably consider ourselves "ethical" and would argue vehemently if anyone suggested otherwise. Yet do you always comply with your organization's Code of Ethics? That is the March poll question. Answer honestly!
February Poll QuestionMonday, February 6, 2006
Most of us have such an interest in our chosen field of security that we even spend time "outside of work" talking or reading about security. Those activities may take the form of security related courses, websites, books, meetings or magazines. This month's poll question asks: On average, how many hours a week do you spend on security related interests, outside of work, each week? (ex. security articles, websites, courses, books, etc) How will you compare to your fellow security professionals?
Whitney Khattak named Security Officer of the YearThursday, February 2, 2006 In one of those funny twists of fate, a temporary job while in school not only became a permanent career for Whitney Khattak, but it has also earned her the honor of being named Security Officer of the Year for 2005. This was the first year for the international award, which is sponsored by The International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) and the Security Professionals Site (SPS).
Khattak, who works for Hannon Security at Riverside Plaza in Minneapolis, said she originally thought working in the security field while she was in school would be a good step toward an eventual career in law enforcement. Instead, as soon as she started her job with Hannon Security in 1997, she found herself liking it so much that she’s not only still there, but has absolutely no desire to do anything else, she said.
Who knows? Had her first security job been elsewhere, she might have not stayed in the field. And that, based on what her supervisor at Hannon Security, Director Jason Elmes, says about her, would certainly have been a loss for the profession, the company and the clientele she serves. She was instrumental to the Minneapolis Police Department's arrest and incarceration of a male who, in a month’s time, kidnapped two young girls, who he had planned to molest, said Elmes who nominated her for the award.
Khattak’s hard work and professionalism have not only earned her recognition as Security Officer of the Year, but the prizes that come with the award, which include a $500 cash prize from IFPO, a $100 cash prize from SPS, and a $300 scholarship toward any IFPO educational offering. She will also receive a free lifetime membership to SPS, and will be featured in the February 2006 issue of "Security Magazine."
Riverside Plaza, where both Khattak and Elmes work, is an apartment complex with approximately 3,000 apartments with a very diverse population, and about 35 other properties.
“Our properties are monitored via video surveillance, vehicle patrol, and foot patrol by our officers,” said Elmes. “Our officers respond to all types of emergency and customer service situations that occur within security and policing.”
“As a matter of fact, we’re not even called the security office,” said Khattak. “We’re called Resident Services because of the multiple tasks we perform,” she said. The office is staffed 24 hours a day. “If you have a complaint or a need, you come to us.”
And it’s that very diversity of tasks that make the job so appealing for Khattak, who obtained her CPO certification through IFPO. Each day is different, she said. When she comes to work, she never knows what she might end up doing before the day is over.
But whatever the task, Khattak is up to doing it with diligence, dedication and determination, according to Elmes.
“I hired Whitney over five years ago for a position that required her to be both a security officer and a supervisor on different days. Whitney’s tenacity and ability to handle difficult situations quickly elevated her to become a full-time supervisor. Eventually, Whitney became my Assistant Director and Lead Investigator. Whitney has investigated many crimes to include assaults, kidnapping, criminal sexual conduct cases, and many other crimes with a high degree of success,” said Elmes.
Elmes said that during his career that includes experience as a Marine military police officer and more than 6 1/2 years as a manager and director of security, he has seen many security and police officers, both good and bad.
“Because of my experiences, I feel confident of my ability to rate Whitney as one of the best officers any organization could have. No matter what the assignment is, Whitney will consistently take charge from start to finish. She plays an intricate role in the training of new supervisors and keeps our security organization running smoothly no matter the situation,” he said.
The Security Officer of the Year program was launched by IFPO and SPS as a natural extension of both organizations’ objective of fostering excellence in the security profession, said Sheldon Bergner, owner and administrator of SPS.
Individuals from both IFPO and SPS formed an international committee charged with coming up with criteria to judge the candidates. All agreed that the successful candidate could be employed in a variety of security jobs, and would possess the integral qualities of honesty, professionalism and commitment. These qualities, together with experience, education and impeccable references would form the core requirements for the “Security Officer of the Year.”
Inquiries poured in almost as soon as the new program was announced, and those initial inquiries grew into over 40 comprehensive applications encompassing a broad spectrum of security personnel, said Bergner.
All the applications reflected a phenomenal wealth of experience, knowledge and professionalism, which made choosing just one candidate a very challenging task. Several weeks were spent reviewing the applications and conducting reference checks. After much deliberation Whitney Khattak was declared the winner, Bergner said.
Psychological Testing for Security?Sunday, January 1, 2006 Should psychological testing be mandatory for anyone seeking employment as a security officer? That is January's Poll question. What do you think?
New Poll!Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Think your site is prepared for an evacuation? Are your plans up to date and reviewed with all new (and not so new) employees on a regular basis? More importantly, do you have an actual evacuation exercise at least annually? That is the question asked in this month's poll.
Professionalism PollThursday, June 2, 2005
Our newest poll asks Compared to 5 years ago, has professionalism in the security industry increased, decreased or stayed the same?
SECURITY OFFICER OF THE YEAR!Thursday, April 14, 2005
Security Professionals Site and the International Foundation for Protection Officers are proud to announce the formal launch of the first annual "Security Officer of the Year" award! Starting immediately you can submit an application or nomination for this prestigious award!
Prizes for the winner include a $500 cash prize from IFPO, a $100 cash prize from SPS, and a $300 scholarship toward any IFPO educational offering. The winner will also receive a free lifetime membership to SPS, and will be featured on the cover of the January 2006 “Security Magazine.”
Physical Aggression?Tuesday, April 5, 2005
At work do you often have to deal with potentially violent situations? Or do you never have to deal with physical aggression? Be sure to vote in our Poll for this month: On average how often do you deal with a physically aggressive individual in your capacity as a security professional?
Drug Testing for Security Officers?Monday, March 7, 2005 Should drug testing be mandatory for security staff? That is the March SPS Poll question. Vote right here on the Home page. You might find the results surprising!
Are You Ready For Disasters?Monday, March 7, 2005
This month's Security Professionals Informational Update is entitled "Are You Ready For Disasters?." Find this timely audio article by Randy Rowett on the SPIU page.
Security Officer of the Year Program!Monday, February 7, 2005 Security Professionals Site and the International Foundation for Protection Officers are proud to announce their first annual "Security Officer of the Year" program! Listen to the formal announcement of the program here. More details will follow in the near future!
April Audio Article AvailableFriday, February 4, 2005
Randy Rowett's April Security Professionals Informational Update is now available! It is entitled Communicable Disease And Infection Control For Protection Officers. Take a listen at: SPIU.
Fire SafetySunday, January 30, 2005 Protection Officer Fire Safety - Basic, the Security Professionals Informational Update for February 2005, is now online. Randy Rowett does an excellent job in this audio article of outlining the fire safety essentials. You can find this and other audio articles on the SPIU page.
What size company?Sunday, January 30, 2005
February's Poll question is "What size security company would you prefer to work for?" There are pros and cons for all of them. How will you vote?
Tsunami Aid PSA by Randy RowettTuesday, January 4, 2005
Please take a few minutes to listen to this very important public service announcement from Randy Rowett. The Staff here at SPS share the sentiments expressed by Randy, and encourage the good men and women working in the security field to assist in any way they can.
First Poll of 2005!Saturday, January 1, 2005
Our first poll question of 2005 asks "Have you ever done any volunteer security or law enforcement work?" Such volunteer work could have been in the form of participating in a community watch, providing security or first aid at a charity event, teaching a course, etc. Vote on our Home page!
January Audio Article Up!Saturday, January 1, 2005
Randy Rowett's January Security Professionals Informational Update is now online. Check out Communication and Crises Problem Solving for Security Personnel. You can find it on the SPIU page.
IFPO Alliance!Sunday, December 5, 2004
SPS and the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) are proud to announce an alliance between the two organizations. The IFPO was established as a non-profit organization in January 1988 for the purpose of facilitating the training and certification needs of protection officers and security supervisors from
5 Great Books Added!Sunday, November 7, 2004 We have added some very informative titles to our book section. The subjects include Security Management, Emergency Planning, Physical Security, Introductory Security and Casino Security. Check out these new additions by some of the industry's leading authors, as well as more than 100 other titles, here.
How much do you work?!Monday, November 1, 2004
This month's poll question will let you see how much time you work compared to the rest of your SPS colleagues! Vote on the Home page.
November SPIU Audio Article AddedMonday, November 1, 2004
The November Security Professionals Informational Update by Randy Rowett,Tunnel Vision, is now online and available on the SPIU page. Enjoy!
1000 Topics and Growing!Thursday, October 7, 2004
The SPS Forum officially surpassed 1000 topics this week! Visit the forum and read a few of the interesting topics and replies. Or start your own topic!
October SPIU Audio Article AddedThursday, October 7, 2004
Randy Rowett's October article, Empathy and Protection Professionals, is now online and available on the SPIU page. Be sure to check it out and post your feedback in the forum!
What's most important in a good guard?Thursday, October 7, 2004 What single element is the most important in a good security guard? This is the question in this month's poll. Take a second and cast your vote on this contentious issue!
What Contract Security Expects Of YouMonday, August 30, 2004 What Contract Security Expects Of You, is an excellent article written by our very own Kage. This article accurately describes the expectations contract security companies have of their employees. Read the article here.
How important is proper grammar?Sunday, August 8, 2004
The newest poll question asks: How important is proper grammar in security documents?
Security and the Safe Use of Equipment: Sept. SPIUWednesday, August 4, 2004
Randy Rowett's September article, Security and the Safe Use of Equipment, examines the importance of having Protection Professionals properly trained to use the tools of their trade, as well as the necessity of ongoing maintenance of that equipment. Listen to it here.
July SPIU Audio Article AddedMonday, July 5, 2004
Randy Rowett's July article, Protection Professionals and the Fight Against Terror is now online and available on the SPIU page.
New Poll!Monday, July 5, 2004
Voice your opinion! Who should pay for Basic Security Training? Vote right here on the Home page.
June SPIU Audio Article Now AvailableMonday, May 31, 2004
June's SPIU audio article by Randy Rowett, Training - Part 2, is a continuation of the January training segment. The article can be found here.
Randy provides a real life example of inadequate training and talks about the right way of going about it.
New Poll AddedSunday, May 30, 2004
Voice your opinion:What should be the minimum number of hours needed for Basic Securty Training? Vote on our Home page.
Article Addition: Response to the Shand InquirySunday, May 16, 2004
In this thoroughly researched and thought provoking article, Jim Foston examines some of the findings and recommendations of the Patrick Shand Inquiry. Patrick Shand died of "accidental restraint asphyxia" outside a Loblaws store after an alleged shoplifting incident.
Mr. Foston's article states Patrick and his family were victims of private security industry inertia. The industry collectively lacks the backbone to demand regulatory changes.
SPS welcomes feedback and discussion of this article in our forum area.
2400 News Stories Surpassed in ArchiveTuesday, April 27, 2004
Security Professional's Site today surpassed 2400 links in our news archive! We look forward to adding more quality content on a daily basis.
New SPIU Audio Article: IFPOThursday, April 22, 2004
Randy Rowett's April/May Security Professional Informational Update is now available. The topic for this month is the International Foundation for Protection Officers. View this and other SPIU articles here.
New Poll!Thursday, April 22, 2004
Our newest poll poses the the question: How many times have you personally witnessed one of your security colleagues use excessive force? Be sure to place your vote!
New Poll!Wednesday, March 3, 2004
Our newest poll poses the the question: In your capacity as a security professional, have you ever lied about, or failed to report, wrongdoing by one of your security colleagues? Be sure to place your vote!
New SPIU Audio Article: Promotions / TrainingMonday, March 1, 2004
Randy Rowett's March Security Professional Informational Update is now available. The topic for this month is Promotions / Training for Security Professionals. View this and other SPIU articles here.
New SPIU Audio Article: Screening SystemsWednesday, February 4, 2004
Randy Rowett's February Security Professional Informational Update is now available. The topic for this month is Screening Systems. View this and other SPIU articles here.
New Poll!Wednesday, February 4, 2004
Our newest poll poses the the question: How recognized is the CPP designation within the security industry as a whole? Be sure to place your vote!
New SPIU Audio Article: Training (Part 1)Monday, January 5, 2004
Randy Rowett's January Security Professional Informational Update is now available. The topic for this month is Protection Officer training. This article is the first of a 2 part series on training. View this and other SPIU articles here.
New Poll!Thursday, January 1, 2004
Our newest poll poses the the question: Generally speaking, as a security officer, do you feel that you have enough training and feel comfortable responding to a security, fire or medical related emergency? Be sure to place your vote!
Search Features & Site Wide Login Added Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Two powerful new feaures have been added to the site. A robust search function has been implemented in the ever expanding news archive, and a site wide login is now available throughout the site.
The search function allows a member to search for news articles by date, keyword(s) or both. This will allow efficent and effective retrieval of relevant news stories from our database of more than 2000 records.
The site wide login, allows members to login from virtually anywhere in the site. Moreover, this feature means that only a single login is required to access the forum, (and for paid members) the news archive and chat room.
5000 Forum Posts and Growing!Friday, November 14, 2003
Today SPS surpassed 5000 posts in our discussion forum! Thank you to all the forum members who have made the forum such a success.
New Poll!Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Our newest poll poses the the question: Should Security Guards belong to the same union as the other employees in their organization or company? Be sure to place your vote!
New Poll!Thursday, October 9, 2003
Our newest poll poses the the question: Are your incident reports hand written or done on a computer? Be sure to place your vote!
200 Forum Members Surpassed!Wednesday, October 1, 2003
Passing an important milestone, the Security Professional's Site discussion forum today signed-up its 200th member!
New Poll!Tuesday, September 30, 2003
Our newest poll poses the the question: Should security oriented certifications have a continuing education or re-testing requirement every few years? Be sure to place your vote!
SPS Audio Article LaunchSaturday, September 27, 2003
SPS is proud to announce the launch of our Security Professional Informational Updates. These audio articles by Randy Rowett will be produced monthly, and will provide an innovative look at a wide range of security topics.
Randy is an experienced veteran in the Protection field in both the private and public sector with 22 years experience, and as a Security Manager, Journalist/Broadcaster, Instructor, and Training Officer.
Select and listen to the informational updates here.
New Poll!Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Our newest poll poses the the question: On average, is security work as dangerous as police work? (Consider factors like duties, environment, training, equipment, back-up, etc.) Be sure to place your vote!
International Police Mountain Bike Assoc. LinkTuesday, August 12, 2003
We have added an International Police Mountain Bike Association link to our Associations, Societies & Foundations section. The International Police Mountain Bike Association has been providing world-class training and resources to public safety cyclists since 1991.
1000 Posts Surpassed!Sunday, March 23, 2003
Today we surpassed 1000 posts in our discussion forum. A big thanks to all the forum members who have made the SPS Forum one of the best security related discussion boards on the internet!
FEMA Links AddedMonday, March 10, 2003
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) added to Educational and Disaster Preparedness links.
New 10 Codes AddedMonday, February 24, 2003
Added CPMS (Canadian Private Security Manual) 10-Codes to our General Info section. See these new 10-Codes here.
Should psychological testing be mandatory for anyone seeking employment as a security officer? That is January's Poll question. What do you think?
Should drug testing be mandatory for security staff? That is the March SPS Poll question. Vote right here on the Home page. You might find the results surprising! 
