december 2015 | longwood security online

DECEMBER 2015

DON’T FALL VICTIM TO THE GRINCH

A NEW APPROACH

TO

STUDENT PROTESTS

+

Longwood Security | December

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Welcome to the reinvigorated first issue of Longwood Security ONLINE magazine—our gift to you this Holiday Season. Going forward, we will release a new issue regularly highlighting impor-tant security matters as they relate to our communities.

Our aim is to educate and inform about ever-changing threats; on-going ‘hot-button’ protocol and policy debates; training developments and a wide variety of relevant real-world risk assessments.

Our world is becoming increasingly complex and at times dangerous. We will continue to deliver our world class security services with the understanding that effective security stems directly from an open conversation with the public, creating awareness, and encouraging productive collaboration.

Longwood ONLINE is intended to help facilitate engagement. We must work together to make our communities safer and more comfortable and enjoyable places to live and work.

In this month’s issue, we address student protests making headlines and how universities and col-leges can better approach these situations. We also have a Q&A with Longwood Security’s new Vice President of Operations; and our cover story details 10 common holiday scams you well may en-counter and how to best protect yourself and your communities from becoming a fraud victim.

We do very much want to hear your thoughts. Send us feed-back via email or visit our Facebook or Twitter pages. Whether you want to commend an Officer for ‘Going Above and Beyond’ or express concern about a particular issue, get in touch. Your opinion matters to us.

We invite you to share this magazine with friends, family and colleagues. We sincerely hope you enjoy this first issue and look forward to delivering future issues to our valued readers, clients and communities.

Jack ConnellyPresident & CEOLongwood Security Services, Inc.

Happy Holidays and Season’s Greetings from Longwood Security


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CONTENTS

President & CEOJohn (Jack) T. Connelly, Esq., CPP

Vice President of OperationsTroy C. Santarlasci

CFOMark Norton

Human ResourcesMelissa Palmieri

ITFrank Freedman

Executive AdministratorShawn Quinn

www.longwoodsecurity.com

429 Newbury St. Boston, MA. 02115p. (617) 735-0600f. (617) 735-0619

Longwood Security Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

STOP THE GRINCH10 Holiday Scams pg. 18

STUDENT PROTESTSA New Approach pg. 8

Q&AMeet LSSI’s New VP of Ops pg. 14

www.longwoodsecurity.com


NEW TERROR THREAT WARNING SYSTEM

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh John-son announced plans to implement a new terror threat warning system, in light of the attacks in Paris and San Ber-nardino, Calif.

“We need to do a better job of inform-ing the public at large what we are seeing, removing some of the mystery about the global terrorist threat, and what we are doing about it and what we are asking the public to do,” Mr. Johnson said during a discussion at the Defense One Leadership Briefing in Washington.

The current system, National Terrorism Advisory System, replaced the previous color-coded Homeland Security Advi-sory System and has never been used.

The new system will take effect mid-December.

MAINE BOLSTERS SECURITY TO PROTECT PUBLIC BUILDINGS

The Maine State House has imple-mented metal detectors, public school teachers’ laptops may soon be outfitted with ‘panic buttons,’ and Portland City Hall can lock down on a moment’s no-tice.

While the new measures will provide some relief to an anxious public, the measures alone can’t prevent a mass shooting. Aside from metal detectors and armed guards, the new protocols will do little to make a public setting safe.

Despite no surefire answer to prevent-ing mass shootings, authorities are studying every incident to uncover effective ways to spots threats, respond faster and mitigate casualties.

NEWSGONE PHISHING

Plixer International released a phish-ing attack education game called Click Click Phish.

The game is free for individuals and nonprofits and helps guide the player

to make good decisions when using email. The objective of the game is to evalu-ate links in emails. “After being involved with over 40 customer case studies, it became clear to us that we had to do something to help the Internet community get educated on the dangers of clicking on things they shouldn’t,” Michael Patterson, CEO of Plixer said.For more on phishing scams, read this month’s cover story on page 18.

CONNECTICUT COMMUNITY COLLEGES GET ARMED POLICEThe Connecticut state Board of Re-gents for Higher Education modi-fied a weapons policy that will now permit community colleges to cre-ate special police forces and allow armed security to patrol campuses.

The Board of Regents adopted the policy change unanimously and now must be affirmed by the state Legis-lature.

Individual campuses will get the final say as to whether or not armed security will be permitted.

“We want all of our community col-leges to ultimately establish special police forces,” Merle Harris, chair of the board’s academic and student affairs committee, said.


EDUCATION

How to Respond to Student Protests

PRODUCED BY: LONGWOOD SECURITY STAFF

How to Respond to Student Protests



Around the country, univer-sity administrators anxiously await their turn.

They’re waiting for the day a student protest breaks out on their campus and thrusts their institution into the national spotlight because of a violent incident caught on camera.

However, wise administrators are tak-ing steps to prevent an ugly incident from occurring in the first place. Those administrators realize that student protests are inevitable. Landing on CNN for the violent response doesn’t have to be.

To avoid the wrath of 24-hour cable news outlets, administrators are adopt-ing new guidelines to improve re-sponses to student protests. Released less than a year ago, “Responding to Campus Protests: A Practitioner Re-source,” a guide from the Education Law Association and NASPA Research and Policy Institute, offers a series of recommendations to prepare for stu-dent protests, de-escalate tense situ-ations and , most importantly, protect students’ free speech rights.

Students protesting social injustices, war and environmental policies are as much a part of the college experience as dining hall food and dorm rooms. Student protests aren’t going away anytime soon and haven’t changed that much from the excitable 1960s.

Thanks in part to the new guidelines, campus police departments have aban-doned their heavy-handed approach to student protests. Administrators are engaging students and listening to their concerns. The violent incidences of the past, from the Kent State Mas-

On November 18, 2011, UC Davis police officer Lt. John Pike pepper sprayed student demonstrators — an example of what not to do when dealing with student protests.

sacre to the UC Davis pepper spraying, are disappearing from the headlines.

The guidelines highlight five points that will mitigate a student protest from becoming the next UC Davis and protect the institution from negative press and costly lawsuits. Among the recommendations:

PREPARE—Student protests are going to hap-pen. There’s no reason to not be ready. Universities should create a command

structure to handle these situations. Addressing who handles media re-quests, who is in command, who are the points of contact among the re-sponding departments and who in-terfaces with the students before a student protest occurs will eliminate confusion and rash reactions in the moment.

INCORPORATE INSTITUTIONAL MIS-SION—

Universities should weave its ethos into its operating procedures, just as they do for academic affairs. When con-structing a protest response protocol, administrators should ensure that stu-dents feel free to express themselves and exercise their rights. The student body should be made aware that exercising one’s rights does not give the right to impinge on a fel-low students’ rights. Campus police should also be educated on the institu-tion’s mission and ethos and to exer-cise their authority with respect to the school’s mission. Getting school admin-istrators, students and campus police on the same page creates an atmo-sphere of respect, unity and peace.

EDUCATION

On November 18, 2011, UC Davis police officer Lt. John Pike pepper sprayed student demonstrators — an example of what not to do when dealing with student protests.


CLARITY—

Universities should craft a clear set of regulations to protect all parties in-volved. The regulations should inform students of times and places appropri-ate for protests, and steps to obtain protest permits, if required.

Campus police should have a standard operating produce in order to protect students’ right to assemble and other students’ right to continue their edu-cation uninterrupted. Campus police should know that their presence is to maintain peace and order. Often, these regulations are a hodge-podge collec-tion with conflicting messages. Craft-ing a single document that is easily found on the university’s website will eliminate ambiguity.

LESS IS MORE—

Student protests turning violent are becoming less commonplace because campus police have abandoned the heavy handed approach of old. Cam-pus police should not in any way es-calate a situation, especially when the tenor of the protest is peaceful and or-derly. Images and video of the UC Davis police officer pepper-spraying nonvio-

lent protesters who were sitting down severely damaged UC Davis’ reputation. Campus police should be prepared for the unknown but they are dealing with 18-21 year olds that don’t pose a major threat. Furthermore, many universities across the country have received mil-itary-grade weapons such as grenade launchers and mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles from Department of Defense’s 1033 program. Universi-ties should decide whether such arse-nals are necessary and instruct campus police to leave the riot gear at head-

Longwood Security officers become a contributing member of the campuses, attending events outside of normal dutites.

quarters unless absolutely necessary. LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY—

Campus police departments who are caught off guard by a rapidly changing situation often react in ways inconsis-tent with their training and the univer-sity’s policies. Today’s college students use social media as a primary source of communication and broadcast events online.

Campus police departments shoul have

a program in place to monitor social media activity, impromptu events orga-nized via Facebook and the sentiments of students when a controversial speak-er is invited to campus.

COMING TOGETHER

Universities are a much better environ-ment when administrators, students and campus police all know the ap-propriate ways to conduct themselves during student protests. That doesn’t happen by accident but by setting clear expectations.

While most student protests are peace-ful, there are intense emotions under the surface. Protests provide an ac-ceptable and constructive vehicle to express that emotion. Protesting is a fundamental right of Americans and students and that should not be lost on campus police departments.

A student protest is itself an opportuni-ty for the campus community to start a dialogue. Campus police departments should participate in that dialogue.

And leave the grenade launcher in the armory. «

EDUCATION

Longwood Security officers become a contributing member of the campuses, attending events outside of normal dutites.


Troy C. Santarlasci was recently promoted to Vice President of Operations for Longwood Se-curity. We sat down with Mr. Santarlasci to ask him what he hopes to accomplish in his new position.

Q Congratulations on becoming Vice President of Operations. Why do

you think you were the best person for the role?

A As an internal candidate, I bring knowledge of the systems, policies

and procedures that have made LSSI successful and I can’t see an outside candidate being able to come in and quickly absorb, understand and em-brace the unique culture that has made LSSI so successful.

I also have over 20 years of security and law enforcement experience in LSSI’s 3 core markets—Residential, Healthcare and Education. Having worked in all 3 markets I have gained valuable insight into the diverse needs and market nu-ances required to effectively manage security operations.

Q What do you hope to accomplish in your new position?

A LSSI is going through a period of growth. My hope is that I can

help give direction and stability dur-ing that time by supporting, nurturing and guiding current supervisors and managers while helping to develop the next generation of LSSI leadership.

I also would like to explore ways to grow the LSSI footprint in the Boston Area—different markets from those we have traditionally been involved with, such as retail and government service account contracts.

Q Many people may not know, but you started at LSSI in ’92, left and

returned in 2012. Why’d you leave and

LSSIwhat brought you back?

A When I left LSSI I was looking for a career in municipal law enforce-

ment. I enjoyed working for LSSI, but I felt that I needed to take the next step. I moved on to be an armed Boston Spe-cial Officer while pursuing a full time position in law enforcement.

As my career progressed I found myself moving up the supervisory ranks and into management, eventually becom-ing the Chief of Public Safety at Mount Ida College where I served 12 years. Throughout my career and while Chief, I had the opportunity to network with many of the local and federal law en-forcement agencies working in the greater Boston Area and had the plea-sure of supervising many young of-ficers who went on to fulltime law en-forcement careers.

In 2012, then LSSI Vice President Peter Scott, who I had known while he was a Captain with the Brookline Police reached out and asked me about com-ing back to Longwood to run the Com-munity Service Division. It was a new challenge, yet, at the same time, it felt like after 20 years of growth, I was com-ing home to where I started. I jumped at the opportunity.

Q How has the security industry changed over your career and

what are some areas that you’re partic-ularly concerned or passionate about?

A I would have to say the biggest change has been the advance-

ment in technology. When I started, we carried a 20-pound clock, slung over our shoulders, that utilized metal keys hung at check points to document guard tours. Radios were about the size of a large brick and CCTV coverage was minimal, at best.

Increasingly, we have embraced tech-nology, not only in lighter, more effi-cient tour and communication systems but in Video, GPS monitoring, Intuitive reporting systems, server-based on-line reporting systems and a host of other technology. As a result we have become more proactive and respon-sive with the ability to quickly adapt to changing security needs.

Q LSSI has always stayed true to its Boston roots. Based on your re-

sume, you could probably work with a national or international security firm. Why stay here in Boston?

A I previously worked for an inter-national security firm and I always


felt like more of a number than a per-son. I tend to be very passionate and connected to the things I do. LSSI gives me an opportunity to be that person and to cultivate relationships with our employees and clients.

And of course, I was born, grew up and worked in Boston my entire life. I love the City and New England. I am a huge Patriots and Red Sox fan and there’s nothing better than fresh Maine Lob-ster. Staying local and working for a local company just feels right. Besides, I can see Fenway Park from my office.

Q What’s your proudest career mo-ment?

A I have had quite a few moments during my career that I am ex-

tremely proud; however, one sticks out to me. About a month after I had left my position as Chief at Mount Ida Col-lege, I received a call from one of the supervisors asking me to get together for dinner. Having worked with him for years, I was happy to accept and met up with him.

When I arrived, every member of the Department was there. They threw me a ‘Thank You Party,’ and each one had written a personal thank you note tell-ing me what my leadership and friend-ship meant to them. It was a truly hum-bling experience to know that so many

of the people I oversaw felt that I had been a good leader, friend and mentor. I was truly proud and grateful at that moment.

Q LSSI strives to ‘Make a Difference, Everyday.’ How do you plan to

make a difference in the communities that LSSI operates?

A I think what sets us apart is our partnerships and relationships

with our clients. By cultivating those relationships and making our clients’ needs, wants and mission our own, we are better able to contribute above and beyond providing basic security ser-vices.

I will work to cultivate and grow those relationships to ensure we provide “Extreme Customer Service®,” a first class security service and a true win/win partnership with the communities, clients and people we serve.

Q What do you do on your free time? Hobbies, activities, sports?

A Well, I am a part time Police Of-ficer in the City of Attleboro and I

am a Law Enforcement Instructor—two things I have a passion for—so I spend a good chunk of time in those roles.

Recently, my wife and I welcomed our first child, Robert Joseph who is 13

weeks old. I have been enjoying spend-ing every possible minute with him, bonding and watching him grow. I have been told many times by many people that there is no joy like having a child and that you need to enjoy every moment because time will pass quickly. They were right.

I’m also active with youth programs, speaking engagements and youth min-istry work throughout the greater Bos-ton Area.

And lastly, watching my Patriots and Red Sox…..Boston Strong! Troy C. Santar

Q Having worked in the communi-ties and in the main office, you

have a unique perspective of LSSI. What has allowed LSSI to remain a constant

on the Boston security scene?

A LSSI’s belief in partnerships, atten-tion to detail, belief in “Extreme

Customer Service®” and having a small business mindset are all factors that have put us on top and will continue to help us stay there.

I also feel we have been strategic in our growth and always make sure not to take on too much too fast or grow beyond our capabilities. We have spe-cialized, first in Healthcare, then in Edu-cation and most recently in Residential Security. By concentrating on those ar-eas, you are able to remain focused, un-derstand the needs of the market and provide a high level of service without sacrificing quality for quantity. «

Troy C. Santarlasci, second from left, volunteers with youth programs and does youth ministry work throughout the greater Boston Area.


DON’T FALL VICTIM TO THE GRINCH10 COMMON HOLIDAY SCAMS TO WATCH FOR THIS SEASON


RESIDENTIAL


Tis the season to be jolly, but, sadly, millions of Americans fall victim to a wide range of scams

and fraud each holiday season. And the problem is only growing worse. We are all susceptible to holiday giving scams, with 70% of consumers failing a quiz about how to stay safe, a new sur-vey from AARP Fraud Watch Network found.

“While most of us focus on family and friends during the holidays, fraudsters are zeroing in on our wallets and bank accounts,” said Nancy LeaMond, Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer, AARP.

“We strongly encourage everyone to elevate their awareness of emerging and popular scams, and to share this information with their families to help keep them safe this holiday season.”

An estimated 30 million Americans ex-perience some type of fraud every year costing upwards of $50 billion annu-ally, according to The Financial Fraud Research Center, a joint project of the Stanford Center on Longevity and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education

Foundation. Additionally, only an estimated 15 per-cent of the nation’s fraud victims report their crimes to law enforcement, ac-cording to the United States Depart-ment of Justice. Con-artists target victims of every age, race, gender and socioeconomic back-ground year-round. And the holiday season proves to be especially prob-lematic. Con-artists prey on people’s generosity when the Spirit-of-Giving is running high.

“We strongly encourage everyone to el-evate their awareness of emerging and popular scams, and to share this infor-mation with their families to help keep

them safe this holiday season.”

How do you protect yourself from be-coming a fraud victim without curtail-ing your holiday spirit? You need to

be aware of the common schemes the Grinchs of the world use. We’ve laid out 10 of the most prevalent holiday scams and, remember, if the deal is too good to be true, it’s probably a scam. CHARITABLE GIVING

Plenty of charities are highly active and do their best fundraising during the holidays. This fact isn’t lost on scam-mers as many misuse legitimate charity names or even create fictitious charities to pocket donations. Donate only to charities you trust or that you properly vet. Charitynavigator.org is a great resource to learn more

RESIDENTIAL


about a particular charity, how much of the donation they keep and the proper channels to give. Never donate by cash or wire transfer.

ONLINE SHOPPING

With a record number of Americans shopping online, consumers must con-firm that they are shopping on an au-thentic website. Scammers set-up fake websites, often resembling well known retailers, sell fake items and shut down overnight, making them virtually un-traceable.

Beware of deals and offers sent to your email or on social media. If a new site seems legitimate, a Google search for reviews will turn up valuable informa-tion to verify the site. And whenever entering payment information into a website, make sure the URL has ‘https://’ at the beginning. This indi-cates your payment information is se-cure and encrypted.

GIFT CARDS

Most Americans think that gift cards and prepaid debit cards are a safer alternative to cash. This isn’t always the case. Thieves can copy information from gift card racks, wait until the card

is activated and then drain the funds from the card.

Always buy gift cards directly from the retailer, and, if possible, purchase gift cards from a cashier. Examine the card for any tampering and never provide sensitive information such as Social Se-curity numbers or bank account infor-mation.

PUBLIC WI-FI

Public, free Wi-Fi networks are becom-ing as ubiquitous as smartphones. And many shoppers are connecting to these

networks while at the mall. While it may be okay to surf Facebook on a public Wi-Fi, hackers are setting up shop in mall food courts and siphoning-off sensitive data from the Wi-Fi network when unsuspecting consumers check their bank account balance or enter their credit card information.

Again, do not check important financial information over public networks. Only make online purchases from your se-cure, home Wi-Fi network.

PACKAGE THEFT

Package theft is one of the oldest yet still most prominent thefts during the holidays. Millions of packages are shipped and left on people’s doorsteps, which is an invitation for thieves to simply walk off with your prized holiday gift. While many retailers and delivery services will work with victims of pack-age theft, they are not legally respon-sible.

Requiring a signature upon delivery is a surefire way to protect your packages. Tracking numbers are also useful when anticipating deliveries and making yourself available. If possible, arrange for delivery when you are at home. Also consider having packages deliv-ered to your workplace.

MOBILE APPS

The proliferation of mobile apps cre-ates another vehicle for identity theft. Some holiday apps are disguised as games and offered for free, but they’re designed specifically to steal your per-sonal information.

Always be cautious when giving un-known apps access to your smartphone data or entering sensitive financial information. It’s best to do a Google search of the company offering the app

RESIDENTIAL


and seek out online reviews from users who have downloaded the app. TICKETS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Tickets to theater, concerts, and sport-ing events are common holiday gifts, according to the FBI’s website. Re-cipients understandably want to share their good fortune with friends and family on social media. Scammers are searching social media for ticket bar-codes, counterfeiting the tickets and selling them.

Never post pictures of tickets on social media and protect the ticket’s barcode like you would a credit card. If you must share with your friends and family, post a picture of the event itself.

JOB SCAMS

For millions of Americans, the holi-days bring Yuletide cheer and financial stress. To relieve some of that stress, many seek additional employment dur-ing the holidays.

While seeking holiday job opportuni-ties, be leery of jobs that offer unrea-sonably high pay for easy work, those that require you to purchase items

before working and those who ask for an application fee or processing fee to apply. PHISHING SCAMS

As old as email itself, phishing scams are emails with malicious links that transfer sensitive financial information when clicked. Scammers have created sophisticated phishing scams, emulat-ing emails from banks and credit card companies.

You should never respond to the Ni-

gerian Price who is holding your in-heritance. Verify your friend really is trapped in Africa and needs your aid (99.9% of the time your friend is on their couch down the street) and never send sensitive information to your bank via email.

Banks never solicit information via email and encourage you to login to their secure websites and messaging systems.

Same for the “IRS” phone call you may receive. The IRS does not do business over the phone. They will never call you. And the IRS will certainly never

threaten you over the phone. The IRS does its business through the United States Postal Service [the USPS].

TRAVEL SCAMS

Hot cocoa, eggnog and hot toddies are great cold weather comforts during the holidays, but they’re no substitute for a warm weather vacation to the Carib-bean. Be wary of “free” Caribbean cruise sweepstakes and timeshare offers. These offers of beach bliss are the work of scammers who set-up fake travel-deal websites to obtain your sensitive financial information. If you were a good boy or girl this year, you may find a Caribbean cruise in your stocking but most definitely not in your email. Don’t let a Grinch steal your holiday cheer this year. Be mindful of the scams listed above and, if you have any doubt, just walk away.

If you do suspect that you’ve become a fraud victim, report the crime to your local authorities or with the FBI Inter-net Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Consumers may also visit the Fraud Watch Network to receive timely fraud alerts for their local area. «

RESIDENTIAL

december 2015 | longwood security online

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