It is becoming increasingly critical that financial institutions ensure their consumer and corporate banking customers are able to access their accounts with the highest reasonable security, using a process that is very straightforward and approachable.

Each year, Ontario, as do other provinces, recognizes a “Day of Mourning” for those who were killed, injured or became ill due to workplace conditions. This year, in her statement to the Provincial Legislature on this matter, Ontario Labour Minister, the Honorable Linda Jeffrey states, “no one should fear that when they leave for work in the morning they may not return at the end of the day safe and sound.”

I believe that a key element in the upward development of any entity, be it an individual or organization, is the ability to take a hard, objective look at itself to determine its strengths and weaknesses with the intent to grow and mature. For that entity, it is also a good exercise to help it see how others view it, which may not necessarily be how it views itself. Of particular importance is the ability to identify weaknesses in order to correct them (if possible) and to capitalize on its strengths.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is based on three premises: natural surveillance, natural access control and territoriality. While CPTED is, in North America at least, the most well known of the environmental crime control (ECC) theories, it is certainly not the only one.

Security awareness as defined by the Protection of Assets Manual “is a state of mind when you’re conscious of an existing security program and its relevance to your behavior, as well as the effect of your behavior on reducing security risks”. Everyone who is part of a particular enterprise, should be responsible for such. I believe that while most people understand logically its importance, many fewer people have actually incorporated security awareness into their day-to-day work related activities.  

Without a doubt, the security industry falls firmly within the service sector.  We provide both tangible and intangible services to our customers.

Q. What is the purpose of a waiver of subrogation clause in an alarm monitoring contract?

A. Subrogation is an insurance term that refers to the right of an insurer to bring an action in the name of its insured.  For example, it allows the customer’s insurance company to sue the person or organization that allegedly caused the customer’s loss or damage (e.g., the alarm installer or monitoring station).  The amount of the lawsuit depends on how much the insurance company has indemnified (i.e., paid to) its insured (i.e., the customer) on the insured’s claim.  In effect, the insurance company is seeking reimbursement from the person or organization that allegedly caused the loss or damage.  The insurance company “steps into the shoes” of the customer and can take advantage of any means available to the insured to recover from third parties who caused the loss.