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In This EditionThe Changing Role of Private Security Retail Theft Causes Price Increase Release Of Health Records Spins Privacy Debate Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness
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The Changing Role of Private SecurityThree representatives of the private security industry recently participated in a roundtable discussion about the issues confronting the industry. The members noted that since the Sept. 11 attacks, companies have been seeking out private security companies to create and implement their emergency preparedness plans or help them navigate U.S. Department of Homeland Security rules and regulations. Meanwhile, commercial high-rise buildings have been using private security to help in the areas of reception/concierge, emergency evacuation drills, and training. The security representatives said that the industry is taking steps to increase wages and training for security guards. Efforts are also being made in the areas of recruiting, screening, and placing security employees in appropriate positions. The biggest issue confronting the security industry is the lack of standardization, especially in the areas of training and background checks, panelists said. One of the panelists, Securitas Security Services USA Chairman Don Walker, noted that legislative groups like ASIS International are helping members of the industry improve standards. The convergence of physical and IT security technology has had a tremendous positive impact on the industry, panelists said, and the implementation of security technology has helped increase the overall effectiveness of security personnel. Source: Security Technology & Design (05/07) Vol. 17, No. 5, P. 30 Retail Theft Causes Price IncreaseA recent survey of 139 U.S. retailers concludes that retail theft and fraud resulted in $41.6 billion in losses to U.S. retailers during 2006. The amount, a record, is 11 percent higher than 2005's totals. Retailers say they will be forced to pass on the losses to consumers. The survey concludes that store employees are doing most of the stealing, accounting for about $20 billion of the $41.6 billion in losses. Shoplifters accounted for $13 billion of losses, with administrative errors and vendor fraud accounting for the remainder of the losses. Thieves favor smaller products on shore shelves, including cards, groceries, and specialized accessories, according to the study, which also identifies organized crime rings as a major problem. Members of these rings shoplift in bulk and then resell the stolen products for profit, usually over the Internet. Source: WWAY NewsChannel 3 (06/21/07) Release Of Health Records Spins Privacy DebatePrivacy groups are sounding alarms as the nation's largest insurance companies finalize plans to allow millions more customers to post their health records on the Internet. Insurers such as Aetna Inc., Hartford, Conn., say Web-based tools help patients and physicians keep track of medical information while potentially holding down spiraling medical costs. About 100 million insurance customers in the U.S. have access to Web-based tools, but companies don't have an estimate of how widely they are used. Insurers hope to at least double the technology's reach by the end of next year, reports the Associated Press. Tips for Preventing Heat-Related IllnessStaying cool and making simple changes in your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy. The best defense is prevention:
For more information and prevention tips visit: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.asp |
