MY Insights

Book Review- 'What in the World is Going On?' by Dr. David Jeremiah

Kevin Smith — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:59:00 GMT

Dr. David Jeremiah gives an in-depth and at times chilling insight into our world today and it's future. His account is biblically based and referenced which gives this book a factual basis. Everything he describes is explained in the bible. 'What In The World Is Going On?' details the world we are living in and what we can expect to happen in the final days.

Although it was a compelling read, there were times when it bogged down in minutia that made it difficult to follow. Even with this, it was impossible to put down at times. I would highly recommend this book to all Christians and Non-Christians.

Expert Witnesses & Blogs

Kevin Smith — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:20:00 GMT

I was on Linkedin.com the other day and got involved in a discussion about expert witnesses who write blogs. The premise of the discussion was whether experts should write blogs and if they do, could they be used by attorneys to discredit them.

My opinion is that a blog is no different than an article, book or even a comment you leave on someone's blog, and that the content could always be used to weaken the expert's credibility. I also believe that the opinions I express on my blog are going to be consistent with my opinions under oath.

The link below is an article that recaps this discussion very nicely. Please take a look and let me know what you think.

http://www.ims-expertservices.com/newsletters/aug/expert-blogs-loose-lips-sink-trials-082008.asp

Fake Receipts

Kevin Smith — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:37:00 GMT

I found a website today that will print fake receipts. They say "For Amusement'. How is a fake amusing? Other than to commit fraud I'm not sure why you would need a fake receipt. The link is below:

www.falseexpense.com

'Last Lecture' Professor Randy Pausch Dies

Kevin Smith — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:25:00 GMT

"We don't beat the reaper by living longer, we beat the reaper by living well and living fully,"- Randy Pausch

Please click on the link to see his video. You will remember it for the rest of your life.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D924VKDG4&show_article=1

Protecting The Information

Kevin Smith — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:36:00 GMT

There is an interesting and informative article at CSO about protecting your information. Not on the computer, but what protects the computer. Your office. We have gotten so focused on the information we sometimes forget to think about how to protect the building/things where the information is found. Buildings, windows, file cabinets, etc.

My favorite is the briefcase. 300,000 volts, ouch!

http://www.csoonline.com/article/429363/Protecting_Joe_s_Office?contentId=429363&slug=&source=nlt_csoupdate

Survey

Kevin Smith — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:17:00 GMT

A recent article stated that a survey of retailers believe that a reduction in their Loss Prevention budget will bring an increase in their shrink. Ya Think??? Of course it will! Our economy is in the tank, thousands of people are losing their jobs, gasoline prices are at record levels, sales at most retailers are down and there needs to be a survey about losses and theft increasing in this country? Sounds like a no-brainer to me.

Why Do We Trust So Much?

Kevin Smith — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:39:00 GMT

A recent article stated that a woman was caught embezzling $150,000 through the use of her company's credit cards. This company hired her as their bookkeeper even though she had stolen more than $243,000 from her previous employer. She had spent 3 years in prison for her first theft and the second company did not do a background check before hiring her.

It continues to amaze me how a company will not spend less than $200.00 for a complete background check to prevent a loss like this of over $200,000. Think of all of the time, money and aggravation it would have prevented.

Could this happen in your company?

Great Questions!

Kevin Smith — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:34:00 GMT

<img src="http://www.blawg.com/claimscript.aspx?userid=Kgsmith&LinksID=1907">

I ask my clients these questions to help me (and them ) figure out how to resolve their issues/problems. See if they help you. They are in no particular order.

What does GREAT security mean to you?
How can I help get you there?
If you had only 1 security issue to fix/improve, what would it be?
What security problem keeps you up at night?
Would your company be more profitible or your employees & customers more safe with improved security?
Is security in the Top 3 on your to do list? If not, why?
You have a lawyer for your legal needs, an accountant for your financial needs, why don't you have a professional for your security needs?
What's the REAL price for not having adequate security?

THINK ABOUT IT!!!

Do You Think Security Is Only Sometimes A Priority?

Kevin Smith — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:41:00 GMT

On more than one occasion someone who held a manager's position has said to me that they don't want to have to think about security. They don't want it to be a priority on their list of things to do. How about you? Where do you place security on your list? If you put it there at all, and it makes it in the top 5 does it get accomplished every day? Or only when something bad happens like a theft, data breach, workplace violence or some other major event?

It would be nice if security didn't have to make the list at all, but that's not practical. It's necessary and frankly it needs to become part of your daily routine as much as any other priority you place value on. The only way to ensure that your company, your employees and customers remain safe is to put security on the list every day. Day in and day out.

Think about security and your business daily. Plan for it. Discuss it. Budget for it. Put it near the top of your to do list. Everyday.

2006 Retail Theft Study

Kevin Smith — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 20:26:00 GMT

A 2006 survey of 23 retailer representing over 14,000 stores showing how many shoplifters and employees were caught and apprehended including the dollar amount of theft they were responsible for was recently released.

See the full survey here- http://www.hayesinternational.com/thft_srvys.html

The following is a brief recap of just some of the statistics:

Over 530,000 employees and shoplifters were apprehended
463,682 Shoplifters were caught- an increase of 11% over 2005
66, 507 Employees were caught- an increase of 6.6% over 2005
Dishonest employees steal 6.6 times the amount stolen by shoplifters
The average amount of merchandise recovered from a dishonest employee- $851.44
The average amount of merchandise recovered from a shoplifter- $128.71

I want to take a look behind the scenes of how shoplifters are apprehended and why this is antiquated, costly and ineffective.

Over 463,000 shoplifters were apprehended last year. This means that for every shoplifter apprehended there was at least one employee (usually security) involved who spent time watching, stopping, apprehending and possibly prosecuting each shoplifter. This process could take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours (or more). Why? To recover an average of a little more than $128.00 in merchandise? This hardly seems cost effective.

Why not spend more time on preventive techniques? This would save payroll, possible violence, injuries to both shoplifters and employees and potential litigation. I don't understand the need to always apprehend. Yes, I know it's exciting making apprehensions. Yes, I understand the lost civil restitution income. But do these things offset the other factors listed? I don't think so.

When possible, why not force the shoplifter to 'dump' the merchandise, write up a recovery and track how much was prevented from being stolen? My guess is that over time, recoveries and payroll dollars spent focusing on issues such as employee theft (over $800 average recovery) safety and training will save companies allot more money than catching shoplifters.

Don't misunderstand my position. Shoplifters do need to be apprehended and prosecuted. Just not ALL of them. Use prevention whenever possible and if that doesn't work, send them to jail.

New Year! Improved Security!

Kevin Smith — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 16:35:00 GMT

A new year is always a time to reflect back on what went well, what needs to be improved and what goals need to be completed. This is a perfect time to do these things with your security and safety as well. Here are some of things to consider:

   - Implement/Upgrade anti-virus software
   - Security/Safety awareness training
   - Install/Upgrade Equipment
      - Lights
      - Locks
      - Cameras
      - Alarms
   - Implement/Reinforce Security & Safety policies & procedures
   - Develop/Revisit emergency plans & procedures including crisis communications
   - Complete background checks on all new & existing employees

These are only some of the major components of your security & safety plans that need to be addressed. Make 2007 safe and secure for you, your employees, customers and your business.

What Can I Do For You?

Kevin Smith — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 19:57:00 GMT

A New Year! A Fresh Start! A New Beginning!

2006 was a year of transition for me from the corporate world to my private investigation & security consulting business. With the new year comes some goals (not resolutions) that I have set for myself and my business.

The 1st and most important goal is 'What Can I Do For You?'. This puts you, my current clients and potential customers first. By helping others I will also benefit. All of us have an innate desire to help others. Just take a look back at all of the work and resources given this past holiday season. I want to keep that same momentum going the rest of the year. Now is the perfect time!!!

What Can I Do For You?

Security & Design

Kevin Smith — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:46:00 GMT

On the surface these two things may not seem to go together but according to a recent study it may be a huge deterrent to the retailer's theft dilemma.

The study looked at a store's design and how it hindered or enhanced shoplifting. The study found that a store with wide, clear aisles, that was kept clean and organized, made it less attractive for thieves to escape detection. My own experience has shown this to be true. Potential thieves do not want to be seen. They want to be invisible while they commit their theft and be able to exit the store undetected as quickly and effortlessly as possible. A well designed and maintained store environment reduces the ability for thieves to hide while committing their crimes.

As part of the study, researchers interviewed 20 apprehended shoplifters who stated that they sought out stores that had chaotic, over packed aisles because they offered good camouflage. These thieves also said they will seek out theses areas in stores that are hidden from the view of employees and closed-circuit television cameras.

One of the most interesting (and seemingly elementary) aspect of the study saids that the best displays are able to both protect and market the merchandise. Not always easily done, but can and is accomplished in stores that place security a priority in their company's goals and mission.

Retailers have used and implemented numerous measures over the years to eliminate theft, but unfortunately it can only be minimized. It takes a combination of apprehensions/prosecutions, technology and design to keep thefts and losses under control.

Security Cameras

Kevin Smith — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 18:38:00 GMT

I remember a time not too long ago when there were no security cameras. Our society has become saturated with them. Why is that? Do we really need to see and record every minute of every day? How does this enhance and ensure our safety and security? Does it really provide a deterrent to crime?

I subscribe to a number of security trade publications and they all are filled with ads and articles about closed-circuit television cameras. The newer models are called 'IP addressable' and are connected to and record through the internet. Pretty amazing stuff when you consider that just a few years ago we were recording VHS videotapes with VCRs. Now we plug in the camera directly to an internet network cable and record digitally onto our computer's hardrive.

Back to the question though. Does this technology make us safer? The answer depends on what criteria you look at. Do they deter crime? Sometimes. There are some potential criminals who may be swayed into not committing their crime because they're afraid that they will be videotaped and caught. The most effective use of cameras for deterrence is when they are physically monitored. As an example, security guards recently confronted and disarmed two armed students at a high school in Pittsburgh. The students were attempting to enter the school through a side door in order to bypass the metal detectors at the front entrance. The guards actions deterred a potentially violent incident. Since they were monitoring the campus live, they were able to immediately respond and deter the crime. This is not usually the case. Most of the time cameras are recorded and reviewed later if there was an incident.

Probably a better and more realistic question is do cameras make us feel safer? That is ultimately what we want. Do we feel safe when we are shopping at the mall, eating at the restaurant, taking the subway to work. I'm guessing that most people would say the feel safer with cameras watching our every move. How safe do you feel?

School Violence

Kevin Smith — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 15:58:00 GMT

School Security. Should be an oxymoron. Unfortunately, it's not. Five children killed in Amish country in PA. 2 killed in CO. Principal killed in WI. All of them within the last week. I heard a couple of experts on the radio discussing the issue. One said that we couldn't possibly put metal detectors in every school in the country therefore there's no way we can completely eliminate these types of incidents. The other one said the reason for all of this violence is the lack of parenting in the home today. Then I saw a priest from the Vatican say the key is to teach and take care of our children. They're all right. There is no one magical cure for school violence. This just not a big or inner-city issue. These incidents are occurring all over the country in all types and sizes of communities.

Should every school in the country have security? ABSOLUTELY! But, not every school needs the same type of security. All of them do need at least two types of plans. The first one is how to prevent incidents and the other one on how to incidents if they do occur. Then additional layers can be added such as training, physical equipment, security/law enforcement personnel, etc.

Will this completely eliminate violence in our schools? No. But it might PREVENT someone, somewhere from killing an innocent child and destroying a families future.

Prevention

Kevin Smith — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 15:45:00 GMT

Those of us in the security business spend an awful lot of our time convincing others to spend their time, efforts and money on preventing losses/incidents instead of reacting to them after they have occurred. Sounds logical doesn't it? If you can prevent something bad from happening, then you don't have to clean up the mess afterwords.

Simple Analogy

Prevention- Change the oil in your car every 3,000 miles and perform basic maintenance needed such as brakes, tires, etc.

Reaction- Don't change the oil and pay for costly repairs for parts and labor, or worst case scenario, replace car due to excessive expense.

Reminds me of the old oil filter commercial- 'Pay me now or pay me (a lot more) later'...

PREVENTION=PROFITS

What Is Security?

Kevin Smith — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 17:01:00 GMT

Every day our news and conversations are filled with talk about terrorism and homeland security. It got me to thinking, exactly what is security? What does that term 'secure' mean to each person? It may mean one thing to me, but an entirely different thing to you.

Take the recent changes for air travel and the banning of all liquids on all flights. Just when do you think the government realized that these were potentially lethal? I'm sure that someone in that field had to suggest that a terrorist could bring liquid materials on an aircraft and set off a bomb in mid-flight. Why did they wait until there was a specific threat to implement the ban? Convenience. Not everyone's security. I'm NOT saying that the government t doesn't care about our security, because there are a lot of hard working men and women who make sure we don't have any further attacks in America. What I'm saying though, is that we, (Americans) don't want to be inconvenienced. We want to feel secure, but we also want to go about our lives freely and unencumbered.

I heard a great quote from a U.S. general and he said, "America is at war, but Americans are at the mall". Pretty much sums it up...

1st Attempt

Kevin Smith — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 21:06:00 GMT

This is my 1st attempt at a blog and although most of the focus will be involving security & safety issues, I'm sure there will be other topics that are addressed. Also, I will be reviewing & commenting on various types of security & safety equipment.