3VR, a video intelligence company, has announced that the CrimeDex online collaborative network of more than 3,000 fraud, loss prevention and law enforcement professionals has partnered with the Wireless Loss Prevention Council (WLPC), a network of retail wireless loss prevention professionals, to share information related to organized retail crime syndicates and serial retail criminals.

CrimeDex is a criminal investigation collaboration network that allows law enforcement and business communities to share business-related crime information. Alerts are created and sent to the CrimeDex network to identify criminals wanted for a variety of crimes from cheque fraud to shoplifting to more serious violent offences. All data within CrimeDex is user-shared and authorized and owned by the person or company that inputs the data.

Leading national wireless and consumer electronics retailers have long known that they are often affected by the same criminals perpetuating the same types of crime, from simple device theft to cash armed robbery.

“We are competitors, but all of us are in the business of protecting people and making sure our employees have safe work environments. We owe it to the people that work for us to do everything we can to solve and prevent crimes,” said Kevin Trimble, president and co-founder of the WLPC. “This partnership with CrimeDex will allow us to expand our network and bolster our awareness of retail criminals in a way that still protects our competitive information and differentiators.”

CrimeDex now houses information on more than 16,000 suspects and more than 200,000 crimes in 42 countries and provides the opportunity for members to broadcast information on wanted criminals to its entire user base or to smaller groups, such as the WLPC. CrimeDex members can search open case files using search and watch list capabilities, as well as post and share video images to maximize criminal apprehensions.

“CrimeDex will enable the WLPC to scale and expand its operations,” said Jim “Gator” Hudson, vice-president of CrimeDex services. “Ensuring the safety of employees and product is a responsibility that all organizations should embrace. We welcome the WLPC to the CrimeDex family and look forward to helping it realize its full potential.”

ASIS International (ASIS), an international organization for security management professionals, received ANSI approval for its standard, Management System for Quality of Private Security Company Operations — Requirements with Guidance (ANSI/ASIS PSC.1-2012). Developed by a technical committee comprised of more than 200 members from 24 countries, this standard establishes a mechanism for private security companies and their clients to provide demonstrable commitment, conformance and accountability to the principles outlined in the International Code of Conduct (ICoC) for private security service providers.

Private security service providers, including private security companies (collectively “PSCs”), play an important role in protecting state and non-state clients engaged in relief, recovery and reconstruction efforts; commercial business operations; diplomacy; and military activity. The purpose of this standard is to improve and demonstrate consistent and predictable quality of services provided by PSCs while maintaining the safety and security of their operations and clients within a framework that aims to ensure respect for human rights, national and international laws and fundamental freedoms.

“This remarkable international effort demonstrates the importance of this industry sector in support of peace and stability around the globe,” says Dr. Marc Siegel, commissioner, ASIS International Global Standards Initiative and chairman of the technical committee. “PSCs need to conduct their business and provide services in a manner that respects human rights and laws. The standard creates a differentiator for PSCs to assure quality of services while maintaining the safety and security of their operations with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

PSCs have become critical elements for supporting peace and stability efforts in regions where the capacity of societal institutions has become overwhelmed by human and natural-caused disruptive events. PSCs operating in areas of weakened governance need to provide essential services and conduct their business with an obligation to carry out due diligence to prevent incidents, mitigate the consequences of incidents, report them when they occur, and take corrective actions, as well as preventative actions to prevent a reoccurrence.

“The United States government supports the principles of the ICoC and Montreux Document,” says Gary Motsek, deputy assistant secretary of defense, U.S. Department of Defense. “Using its communication platform, ASIS established a community around the world to address a crucial interest of governments and civil society everywhere. PSCs can now demonstrate commitment and accountability to the ICoC and Montreux Document.”

“The standard raises the bar for industry best practices consistent with the goal of simultaneously promoting stability and respect for human rights,” says Christopher Mayer, director, Armed Contingency Contractor Policies and Programs at the U.S. Department of Defense. “The U.S. Department of Defense has initiated the process to use the ANSI/ASIS.PSC.1 for contracting services of PSCs. This international initiative increases the requirements for quality and ethical PSC services. We recommend that clients, both governmental and non-governmental, around the world adopt this standard for their contracts with PSCs.”

Garda World Security Corp. says its annual revenue was up 9.3 per cent last year, but its profit fell due to costs associated with its growth initiatives.

The Montreal-based company provides cash logistics services, such as armoured car deliveries, as well as security guard services and airport passenger screening.

Garda says its revenue for the financial year ended Jan. 31 was $1.2 billion, up from $1.1 billion in fiscal 2011.

Its net income, however, dropped to $21.6 million, or 68 cents per share, in fiscal 2012 — down from $28.6 million, or 90 cents per share, in fiscal 2011.

On an adjusted basis, Garda World's profit was $23 million, or 72 cents per share.

Garda says the profit was affected by an increase in depreciation and finance costs associated with its growth investments.

Commissionaires B.C. has won a contract to provide security services at the Kelowna International Airport.

The contract takes effect April 1, 2012, and lasts three years. The City of Kelowna has the option of extending it for an additional two years.

“A number of security companies participated in the competitive process, so I am very proud of our team, not only for the effort put forth to complete the bid, but also for their contribution overall to safety and security at Kelowna International Airport, ” says Brian Garvie, director, client services interior, at Commissionaires B.C. “I think that the successful bid really speaks to our history and quality of service, and we look forward to building on our relationship with the airport and the city.”

The contract, which Commissionaires B.C. has held for more than 20 years, will engage 30 officers, who will be responsible for the security of the terminal building, parking lots, property and perimeter, mobile patrols, traffic flow and bylaw enforcement. They will also monitor security systems, respond to emergencies and perform other security-related duties.

“Safety and security are key priorities at YLW,” says Sam Samaddar, airport director. “We are pleased to continue working with Commissionaires B.C. under this new contract. They will help us provide a safe and secure facility for our passengers, airlines, staff and tenants.”

In 2009 Commissionaires B.C. introduced the PPM 2000 incident management system at the airport. This database is used to track, report on and manage security incidents and trends.

As conference speakers go, Tim McCreight is a breath of fresh air. During the Calgary Tri-Lateral conference in May he casually took to the stage to talk about “Common Sense Security.” The affable McCreight could almost have passed as a stand up comic.

After eight years with CB Richard Ellis, Brian White has joined Rogers Communications as Senior Manager, Physical Security Management Services.

After 22 years in senior management, Bill McQuade has launched a recruitment firm called Final Image targeting the security industry in Canada. McQuade’s hired a lot of people over the years and says he’s seen too many people make mistakes in their job hunt. McQuade, who spent seven years as Senior Vice-President, North America with Indigo Vision, talks about what the industry needs now and what what’s wrong with the way most companies and candidates approach recruitment.

The Province of Alberta introduced a new security licensing program, which came into effect on June 1, requiring that newcomers to the profession take 40 hours of training and pass an exam.

Smoke begins to fill the room and within three minutes it becomes difficult to see. Then power is lost and you are standing in darkness with smoke rising around you.

Between the smoke starting to fill your airways and the lack of lighting, you suddenly start to panic as you realize you have no idea how to get out of the room you are in to the ground level below.

Two Rouge Valley Health System security guards were honoured at the recent International Association of Healthcare Security and Safety annual meeting in Toronto with the association's Medal of Valour.