Archive for November, 2008
Red 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 commentsProtecting Assets has Costs
By: Steve Woolrich
I recently spoke to the Red Deer Executive Leads Association on the subject of business crime. This group of business savvy professionals has grown to approximately 55 members since it was founded in 1991. They bring together a group of people who are representative of the best business and professional interests in Red Deer.
I attempted to point out to those in attendance that their businesses are likely experiencing various types of losses and that a “proactive” approach to addressing these issues should be a priority at all times. They were receptive and certainly had questions regarding business crime and protecting their assets.
Read “Protecting Assets has Costs”
No commentsPortals for Discovery – ACCPA
By: Steve Woolrich
Proverb – “All riches are multiplied by the simple process of sharing them where they may serve others”
This new category found on the right of our home page will provide a multitude of resources that may assist you, your family, your employer/business, and your community. As we begin to build these “portals” I would like to encourage everyone to share.
It seems fitting then that our first portal be dedicated to the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association (ACCPA). I’ve been an active member for many years and encourage everyone to use their site as a resource – Steve
Visit - www.accpa.org
No commentsCall it off the Wall
Red Deer Graffiti Program – Call (403) 356.8908
Alberta, Canada
If you see Graffiti, call the HOTLINE at the number listed above
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PREVENTING GRAFFITI VISIT www.downtownreddeer.com/graffit.php
2 commentsBusiness Security
By: Erin Fawcett
Red Deer Express
June 4, 2008
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
A new security company that caters to the business community has opened up shop in Red Deer. SeCure Consulting Solutions Inc., owned and operated by Steve Woolrich, concentrates on reducing a businesses risk and protecting their assets. ”This is a full solution for businesses to consider when it comes to security,” said Woolrich, who launched the company in February. ”It will be a multi-layered approach to loss prevention and corporate security.”
Woolrich added his security company can help businesses of all kinds whether it is oil and gas, the transportation sector or the retail outlets, among others. ”Security is an issue for every business,” he said. “It’s just whether they want to address it or sweep it under the rug.”
Woolrich, who has worked in the security industry since 1983, added for the past few years companies have been focusing more on safety rather than security. ”There needs to be kind of shift back to middle ground where they can find that balance between safety and security,” said Woolrich. “Especially, in oil and gas – they are almost out of balance because their security issues aren’t being addressed.”
Woolrich said when a business first contacts him he first does a risk assessment of the company, which allows a business to understand where their weak points are. ”Ideally, I believe every business should be using the CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design) model, said Woolrich. ”The City of Red Deer and the Downtown Business Association are getting very proactive in that area.”
SOLID PROTECTION - Steve Woolrich, owner of SeCure Consulting Solutions Inc., is reflected in the window of his vehicle recently. Chad Hipolito/Red Deer Express
After the risk assessment is complete, Woolrich, along with the business, will come up with an action plan. “That’s going to be based on a business budget,” he said. ”We’re not asking a business to do anything they can’t afford or anything that’s too extreme for them – but at least then they’ll have a starting point.”
Woolrich added with any successful security initiative a business has to have a foundation and then start building from there. ”I just hope to be able to address all of their security issues,” said Woolrich. ”It’s about reducing losses.”
3 comments