Archive for 2008
Crime Website Launched
BY: Erin Fawcett
A new crime prevention community has been developed online in hopes of addressing issues that affect people’s lives, communities and businesses all over the world. Director of SeCure Consulting Solutions Steve Woolrich recently launched the new site at www.targetcrime.ca
“This is a project that I’ve wanted to do for a long time but I’ve never had the opportunity,” said Woolrich. He added his goal is to have people sharing information and resources about crime prevention and security. “The best way of doing that now online is creating a blog and that’s what we’ve done,” said Woolrich.
Natalie Turner, formerly the Graffiti Program Coordinator with the Downtown Business Association will help Woolrich with the blog. “Rounding out my final year of university studying criminology and sociology, I am excited to be part of this organization,” she said. ”Having worked closely with Steve already this summer I look forward to volunteering as Research and Statisitical Analyst.” Ron Taylor, owner of Protec Security has also volunteered to write for the site. There will be other contributors as well who will provide regular features on the site.
“This is what is cool about it – ‘Joe Citizen’ who has a concern about crime prevention in his neighborhood could write. It could be a business owner who has concerns or somebody halfway across the world that could have ideas on how we can combat our crime issues,” said Woolrich. “That’s the beauty of it – it’s collective thought on various issues.”
He added he hopes this website generates a lot of discussion on different aspects of crime prevention and security. For more information check out www.targetcrime.ca
No commentsMy Grown Up Christmas Wish
I suppose we all have our favorite Christmas songs but for me this one never grows old. As we quickly approach the holiday season let’s remember the less fortunate and all those that serve to protect us each and every day.
So here’s my lifelong wish
My grown up Christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
Everyone would have a friend
That right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up Christmas list
Security vs. Terrorism
By: Steve Woolrich
In today’s Globe and Mail, writer Keith Bradsher addressed the security challenges that face us globally. More specifically, he writes about the recent attacks in Mumbai and the various hotel chains trying to address these types of crimes. ”For decades, luxury hotels have been oases for travelers in developing countries, places to mingle with the local elite, enjoy a lavish meal or a dip in the pool and sleep in clean safe rooms,” he writes.
Its difficult not to think about terrorism as it makes the headline newscasts or newspapers around the world. In some cases, we watch it live as it unfolds on CNN or over the Internet. As the war on terrorism continues many of us are asking ourselves where we are safe anymore. In today’s age, traveling seems risky at the best of times and security experts agree that there is no system that is foolproof. As the article points out, most luxury hotel chains have security protocols and are constantly fine-tuning them to meet the the risks they face. As a security professional myself, I wonder what the other hotels are doing and specifically what Canadian hotel chains are doing. If there is one thing I’ve learned during the past 25 years its that I prefer to be proactive rather than reactive!
At any rate, the article titled ” We might see cleaning ladies with explosive detectors” is well-written and I’m sure that everyone in the industry will be taking a close look at their security programs and procedures as a result of this criminal act. We can only hope that things improve!
No commentsInternational CPTED Association (ICA)
By: Steve Woolrich
If there is one thing that will serve everyone’s best interest in various crime prevention circles, it’s sharing information among professionals. The ICA already realizes the importance of working together and they have been doing it for years. This past October the organization held its International conference in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. For those CPTED practitioners such as myself it was “time well spent” and a great opportunity for networking.
Opportunities such as this are rare and you realize your not alone, there are others who are willing to share their expertise, partner and help make a difference. This year, numerous professionals from around the world gathered to share their knowledge. Presenters from South Africa, Australia, Mexico, Chile, Europe and Canada gathered while making themselves accessible to all participants over the three days. Do I view these professionals as competition within my industry? Absolutely not, I embrace them as colleagues that would be willing to assist me or anyone else that supports a community-based crime prevention philosophy.
To find out more visit the ICA at www.cpted.net
1 commentRed Deer College Students Hold Great Potential
By: Steve Woolrich
The RDC slogan is certainly thought provoking and after meeting some of the students from Sociology 325A earlier today, I was impressed. I was invited by their instructor to speak on the subject of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED). It took me back to my college days when we had the privilege of having guest speakers come in and share their experience on various subjects. I wondered how the class would react but it was quickly evident that the subject matter was of interest, what a relief.
My presentation highlighted the key principles of CPTED, also available on this site. However, this class currently studying criminology received my pictorial version. A picture paints a thousand words and in this case, photos can be a very powerful way of learning the impact CPTED can have on any physical space. It was interesting to see some of the class reactions and there were some great questions raised by these upcoming professionals.
In one of the handouts I was given in preparation for my visit, an anonymous quote read “Crime, like disease, is not interesting; it is something to be done away with by general consent, and that is all about it.” I suggested that our mission should be to empower communities to reduce the incidence and fear of crime by supporting a proactive, comprehensive and sustainable approach to crime prevention. These students will be the next generation of experts in professions such as sociology, criminology, policing, security and corrections. Their future actions should not be underestimated and they do “understand” the important roles they will play. I concluded with a quote from John F. Kennedy that reads “There are risks and costs to a program of action. But they are far less than the long range risks and costs of comfortable inaction.”
No commentsKey Control – The Answer!
By: Ron Taylor – Owner of Protec Security Systems
We’ve all seen him…we may even be him! There are enough keys hanging from his belt to ensure hip problems in later life and enough racket while walking to alert others within a five block radius that he is passing through. Each and every key has its vital role and must be available when needed…even if half of them haven’t been needed for months.
We’ve all seen one…we may even be in charge of one! A key box that when opened revels such a cluttered mess even Rain man could not count them all. Again, they are all of highest importance to the operation and must be in the box when needed…even if the keys you really need right now are somewhat elusive.
The worst case is this: you need a key now and yet it does not seem to be where it should be. Did I lose it myself? Did someone else take the key? You ask around but no one is admitting to having it. What to do? After all it is the master key to the warehouse. Of course you know what to do…re-key. Last time this happened it cost $3,800.00. That was only six months ago.
No commentsSecurity Professionals Information Exchange (SPIE)
By: Steve Woolrich
Another great “portal for discovery”, a non-profit organization making a difference. I have been a member of SPIE for several years and have attended a number of their conferences. This group is made up of various security professionals, most of them specializing in what is commonly referred to as IT Security. For many of us, especially businesses, we underestimate the protection of our information assets. Its pretty easy to put a value on physical assets but try protecting a computer network with private and/or confidential information. How can you put a price on trade secrets that may be stolen or personal data?
SPIE meets on a regular basis in Calgary and always welcomes new members to join their cause. It really is another great example of how information sharing and working together can make a difference in your community. In this case, it’s cyberspace so you can imagine the preventative measures that are necessary in their world. If you need help or want to learn more about this valuable network of professionals check out their website for all the details by visiting - www.spie.ca
No commentsWE are smarter than ME
By: Steve Woolrich
What more can I say about this book and this “movement” … lots! It’s one of the most interesting books I’ve read in years. In fact, it was the catalyst for this website/blog. When you or anybody thinks about crime your first thoughts should be about PREVENTION. How can we improve crime prevention and gather information on best practices throughout the world? Recruit “the crowd”, now that’s smart!
In their book titled “WE are smarter than ME”, the first opening page states “In a time where community and social networks are starting to infiltrate every aspect of our personal and professional lives, WE decided to test the notion that a book of business best practices could be written by “the crowd”, and we are excited to have participated in this groundbreaking experience.” Join the community!
No commentsBuilding Relationships with High-risk Kids
By: Steve Woolrich
In September, I was enlightened while attending a workshop titled “Pathways to Violence”, at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton. It was both disturbing and remarkable to learn about the many ways we can predict and prevent violence in various situations. The event was conducted by expert, Kevin Cameron, executive director for the Canadian Centre for Threat Assessment and Trauma Response.
Kevin Cameron
Cameron recently met with the Chinook Edge School Division and delivered another powerful message to this group by saying “The most significant thing that can be done is to make sure that (teachers and others) build relationships, not just with the average kids who are easy to connect with, but with high risk kids that we are worried about.” (Excerpt from Red Deer Advocate, November 11, 2008 by Stacey O’Brien)
No commentsOn Crime and Punishment
And this also, though the word lie heavy upon your hearts: The murdered is not unaccountable for his own murder, And the robbed is not blameless in being robbed. The righteous is not innocent of the deeds of the wicked, And the white-handed is not clean in the doings of the felon. Yea, the guilty is oftentimes the victim of the injured, And still more often the condemned is the burden bearer for the guiltless and unblamed
(Gibran: Excerpt from “On Crime and Punishment”)
Khalil Gibran
Complete version of “On Crime & Punishment” and other works from “The Prophet”
No comments