Interface Celebrates 20 Years of its Monitoring Centers Being Recognized as TMA Five Diamond Certified

Certification underscores Interface's commitment to offering best-of-breed business security services with continued innovation and relentless customer support.

St. Louis, MO (July 19, 2023) - Interface Systems, a leading managed service provider of business security, actionable insights, and purpose-built networks for multi-location businesses today announced that its Interactive Security Operations Centers (iSOCs) have received the Monitoring Association (TMA)'s prestigious "TMA Five Diamond Monitoring Center" designation for the 20th consecutive year.

TMA's Five Diamond designation means, in particular, that a monitoring company has demonstrated an exceptionally high degree of responsibility to its local community and its customers by investing time, money, and commitment to quality operator training.  Read more here
 

SDM Editors' Podcast Interface on 20 Years of TMA Five Diamond Certification SDM spoke with Tyson Johns, senior vice president of security monitoring operations at Interface Systems, about Interface's 20 years of Five Diamond Certification. Listen to the podcast here

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ASIS International Recognized Allied Guard From Allen Premium Outlets Shooting For Heroism at GSX
Allied Universal's Christian LaCour honored posthumously for heroism displayed during mass shooting

The LaCour family has established a GoFundMe page to honor Christian and help with expenses following the unexpected tragedy.

Christian LaCour, the Allied Universal security professional who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting shoppers during a mass shooting in Allen, Texas, on May 6, 2023, is the recipient of the 2023 Ralph Day Memorial Security Officer Heroism Award.

The award was accepted by his parents on Sept. 10 at the 2023 Global Security Exchange Conference in Dallas.

An Allied Universal employee since December 2021, LaCour, age 20, was in the process of becoming a supervisor. Nine people, including the perpetrator, were killed and seven others were injured during the rampage.

During a press conference following the tragedy, Allen Chief of Police Brian Harvey said LaCour evacuated one person from the shooting before he was shot by the gunman.

"We must also acknowledge the bravery of Allied Security Guard Christian LaCour, who evacuated one individual to safety and was shot while courageously remaining to help others," said Harvey.

"Security guards are unsung heroes who run to danger instead of away from it. It takes a brave, selfless person to move in danger's direction, and Christian was that kind of a person," said Steve Jones, global chairman and CEO of Allied Universal.

Each year, one security officer is recognized by ASIS International, the world's largest membership organization for security management professionals and host of the GSX Conference, for outstanding service/acts in the security profession through the Ralph Day Memorial Security Officer Heroism Award.  securityinfowatch.com


California's ORC Money Begins to Trickle Into PDs
How is Fresno PD using a $15.6M grant to fight theft
$15.6 million has been awarded to the Fresno Police Department as part of the $24 million dollar grant given to several Fresno County law enforcement agencies to combat auto and retail theft, the Fresno Police Department announced.

On Sept. 12, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the law enforcement agencies awarded funding from a competitive grant through the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) for local law enforcement agencies specifically targeting organized retail theft and auto theft.

According to the Fresno Police Department, their share of the grant is approximately $15.6 million dollars. The grant would fund the following:

• 25 Sworn positions
• 2 Police Support Services Technicians
• Vehicles
• Office and operational equipment
• Public Awareness campaign material

The main goals for the BSCC Organized Retail Theft grant in Fresno County are to reduce retail theft by 15% each year, reduce auto and catalytic converter thefts by 15% each year, and engage and encourage area retailer's participation in the Merchant Shoplift Program. yourcentralvalley.com

   RELATED: Fresno takes a united front to fight organized retail crime


Tougher Sentences for Retail Criminals & Gangs
New state laws target retail thieves and gang-related crimes
New state laws are now in effect that could mean stiffer sentences - for people convicted of retail theft - and gang-related crimes. Dallas County District Attorney Robert Turner, Junior - say the new laws are designed to reduce retail theft - and gang activity.

Turner is holding training sessions about the laws - with law enforcement agencies - throughout the 4th Judicial Circuit. He says the passage of the Retail Theft Act - will make stealing from retail stores - a more serious crime.

"That is designed to curb the increase in the number of thefts that our retail establishments have been experiencing lately," said Turner. "You have to be sleeping under a rock to not have heard how frequently these stores are victims of theft. And the losses that a lot of retailers have been suffering lately have caused them to shutter their doors."

Turner says the new law targeting gang-related criminal activity - went into effect September 1st. Turner says the new laws - both enhance the punishment for those - convicted of committing those crimes. waka.com


Liberal City Says: "We have no options. Time is running out. Act fast"
Public Safety Takes Priority - Will it Impact Crime?

Seattle City Council changes course, passes drug enforcement bill
The council adopted a state bill into the city's criminal code that allows the city to pursue new state charges for both offenses in an effort to combat public consumption of drugs. Over the last three years, the use of fentanyl and other drugs on public transit and in other public places has become more prevalent.

The controversial bill - which permits City Attorney Ann Davison to pursue gross misdemeanor charges for public drug use and possession.

Supporters of the vote say enforcement will help with public safety and, in some cases, drive people into treatment.

"As soon as this bill reaches my desk, I will sign it," Mayor Harrell said in a statement after the vote. seattletimes.com


Here's A Pro Bail Study From Memphis & Shelby County Criminal Court Division VII
Bail Reform as Opposed to a Blanket No-Cash Bail

Re-arrests down after new standing bail order, report shows
Fewer defendants have been re-arrested for crimes after being released on bail or bond since Shelby County implemented its standing bail order in February, new data shows.

The percentage of defendants who were re-arrested after being released was 7% from Feb. 15 to July 31, after the standing bail order took effect; 11% of defendants were re-arrested after being released from Aug. 1, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023, according to data presented Monday.

General Sessions Criminal Court Division VII Judge Bill Anderson and Lead Judicial Commissioner John Marshall presented the data report to the Shelby County Commission Monday, Sept. 18.

Anderson and Marshall gave Monday's report in response to two resolutions passed by county commissioners - one in August 2022 and one in June - both of which asked for data centered around the bail order. They wanted to know how judicial commissioners were complying with it in how they have set bail, and how often defendants have been re-arrested after being released on bail or bond, among other things.

The report includes information on 8,988 cases from Aug. 1, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023, and 8,233 cases from Feb. 15, 2023, through July 31, 2023.

Marshall said that most of the re-arrests were related to domestic violence or for minor offenses. "There are some violent re-arrests but not as many as the public has perceived," he said.

Wright told reporters after the meeting that it was too early for him to give an opinion about the data, but he said the lower rearrest numbers were a "good thing."

The order was part of the negotiation to avoid a lawsuit. It created the Bail Hearing Room, a courtroom at 201 Poplar dedicated specifically to bail hearings. It also made defendants' financial situations a factor when setting bail and gave them the right to a full bail hearing within 72 hours if they are still in custody.

We don't have to choose between justice and safety. We can have them both, and I think that's where we are headed," he said.  dailymemphian.com


'Secure DC Plan'
DC councilmember introduces bill aimed at tackling district's uptick in violent crime

Councilmember Brooke Pinto introduced the 'Secure DC Plan' to address the violent crime plaguing the nation's capital

A Washington, D.C., councilmember announced Monday a new proposal to address the rampant crime in the district, months after Congress stepped in to overturn a criminal code criticized for being soft on crime.

Councilmember Brooke Pinto introcuced the "Secure D.C. Plan" to address the proliferation of "crime and violence" in the nation's capital.

Pinto wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the plan includes an expansive package of laws, initiatives and strategies to take "urgent and targeted action" to prevent and respond to the rise in crime. foxnews.com


69% of Law Enforcement Community Expect Budget Increase
Active Shooters #1 Concern & Body Cameras Are Now Prevalent

OFFICER Media Group State of the Industry 2024 Projection Survey Summary
Each year, Officer Media Group performs a survey of law enforcement in an attempt to see what's coming "down the road" as far as budget growth or loss, challenges faced, changes being planned, etc.

This year's survey saw 720 vetted respondents. When asked if they anticipated their 2024 budget to grow or be cut, 69.4% answered that they expect growth in their 2024 budget as compared to their 2023 budget. With those budget increases, the most anticipated expenditures out of newly available funds are fleet purchases/maintenance, salary increases (very important to recruiting and retention efforts), training and "other equipment.

Keeping in mind how important staffing is and how much of a challenge recruiting has been, 28% of the respondents indicated that they expect their agency strength to increase 5% or less. While 5% may seem minor, that extra manpower can go a long way, especially on smaller agencies.

Demographic questions reveal that our law enforcement community today is still majority Caucasian, male and between the ages of 25 to 45 years. The three most represented races are Caucasian, African-American and Hispanic. Between 80-85% of law enforcement is male, but the percentage of females in sworn service has been growing steadily for the past five years. officer.com

View the Full 2024 State of the Industry Projection Survey Report

Identified Largest Areas of Concern:

Active Shooter / Active Killer events: 84.03%
Increased attacks on officers: 65.97%
Riots / Civil Disorder events: 38.33%

Anticipated Sworn Strength Adjustments:

49.59% anticipate an increase in strength.
27.64% expect an increase in total sworn strength of 5% or less
15.56% expect an increase in total sworn strength of between 6 - 10%
4.58% expect an increase in total sworn strength of between 11 - 25%
1.53% expect an increase in total sworn strength of between 25 - 50%

BODY CAMERAS:

Respondents were asked what percentage of their patrol officers were currently equipped with
Body Cameras:
Less than 25%: 26.39%
25-50%: 2.22%
51-75%: 6.94%
76-100%: 64.44%


They're Begging for Help to Combat Theft
Oakland restaurants say they're on the brink of extinction
On the surface, this commercial corridor has all the characteristics of a vibrant, walkable Oakland neighborhood. Though most people are aware that the city is beleaguered by property crime, few probably realize that many of the same businesses on this block - which always seem to be brimming with customers - are now begging state and local governments to help them combat theft, restore plummeting revenues and essentially clean up the city's negative public image. The situation has become so dire, Oakland restaurateurs say it's pushing them to the brink of collapse, and it's unclear whether the city will be able to save them. sfgate.com


Oakland Crime Data 2022
Robbery down 3%, Commercial Burglary up 76%, Larceny up 21%

DeWine announces second crime gun intelligence center in Ohio
 
California: Operation Consequences targets crime in Apple Valley, Adelanto, Victorville

Biometrics Gain Ground in Security Industry
Growing Interest in Biometrics Clear in SSN News Poll
Biometrics continues to gain ground as it finds a variety of applications in the security industry, and so Security Systems News asked readers to weigh in this month on how the technology is currently serving their needs.

For our first question we asked: Does your business or organization currently use biometric technology? An equal number of respondents, 42.86%, replied both "Yes, we're currently leveraging fingerprint/retina scans/facial/voice recognition software," and "No, currently we do not." 14.29% indicated that plans were in place to begin using biometrics in the workplace at some point in the future.

Next, we asked poll participants: What application of biometrics is or would be most valuable to your business or organization? An overwhelming 71.43% of responses favored using biometrics for security applications like access restriction and asset protection. 28.57% saw no useful application for biometrics in their workplace and none were interested in leveraging the technology for human resources and staffing purposes.

Finally, we asked respondents: Do you prefer the use of biometrics to more traditional access control methods like keycard readers? 28.57% had no preference at all and an overwhelming majority, 71.43%, said they prefer the use of biometrics over more traditional access control. No responses protested its use.

While no readers offered specific comments this month the numbers have made it clear. Biometrics are here to stay, and they'll only continue to gain ground in the industry. securitysystemsnews.com


Internal Threat Even Hits 50 Cent
Man admits swindling $2M from 50 Cent's Hoboken liquor company
A Connecticut man admitted to pocketing more than $2 million in kickbacks after orchestrating a scheme to sell champagne and cognac at artificially inflated wholesale prices to a Hoboken-based liquor firm he worked at owned by rapper, actor and businessman Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.

Mitchell Green, 44, of Westport, entered a guilty plea Sept. 18 before U.S. District Court Judge Michael Farbiarz in Newark federal court on one count of wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said in a news release.

DOJ: Connecticut Man Admits $2.19 Million Fraud Scheme Involving Kickbacks from Two French Distilleries

While working for the company between June 2017 and February 2020, Green secretly negotiated side agreements with two French distilleries to pay him kickbacks through his business, Q Branch Consulting LLC, for every bottle of champagne and cognac his employer purchased from the distilleries, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

As a result, the Hoboken company shelled out $14.8 million for the champagne and cognac, with Green pocketing $2.19 million in what he billed as "agency fees," authorities said. njbiz.com


Walmart ignored rampant sexual harassment at West Virginia store, EEOC claims
Sept 19 (Reuters) - The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on Tuesday accused Walmart Inc of failing to put an end to severe sexual harassment of female workers by the manager of a West Virginia store and of firing a woman after she complained to the commission.

The complaint filed in West Virginia federal court says the manager of the Lewisburg store told an employee he wanted to be her "sugar daddy," offered her money for sex, groped her and tried to force her to perform a sexual act in his office.

The EEOC says the employee complained to Walmart human resources, claiming the manager had also harassed several other women, but was never interviewed or told an investigation was underway.

Instead, the employee was fired in January less than week after filing a complaint with the EEOC, according to the lawsuit.

Randy Hargrove, a spokesman for Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart, said the company does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind.

The EEOC filed Tuesday's lawsuit on behalf of a class of female workers who were allegedly harassed by the manager. The worker who was fired claimed that at least four other women said they had been sexually harassed, according to the lawsuit. reuters.com


SEC fines CBRE, the world's largest commercial property firm, $375,000 for violating whistleblower protections
The commercial property firm was called out for requiring departing employees to attest that they had not filed a federal complaint before they would receive separation pay. The violations took place between 2011 and 2022, according to the SEC.

CBRE's action impeded potential whistleblowers from reporting complaints, the ruling said. CBRE agreed to pay a $375,000 civil penalty because of the violations.

Once notified of the violations, CBRE revised its employee separation materials and reached out to more than 800 of its former workers who had signed the release, according to the SEC. dallasnews.com


Village Super Market Expands Use of AI Chainwide at ShopRite, Fairway Banners
New Jersey-based Village Super Market, Inc. has revealed it will roll out the Focal Systems Operating System (FocalOS) chainwide at its ShopRite and Fairway Market banner stores. Following a successful pilot in five stores across New Jersey and New York, this expansion will optimize ordering, inventory management, merchandising and in-store labor in an effort to transform the customer experience. Automating and optimizing brick-and-mortar retail with state-of-the-art deep learning and Al. progressivegrocer.com


Protecting these may be challenging
Could unstaffed micro shops become a viable new format for c-stores?
Convenience retailers including Yesway, Choice Market and Golden Pantry have signed up to try Juxta's autonomous micro stores as operators continue to test new formats.

While autonomous checkout companies have made headlines for retrofitting stores and appearing inside arenas and airports, technology company Juxta aims to incorporate that technology into a new type of store model.

In August, it officially unveiled the Nomad, a portable, autonomous micro-retail store. These small, cashier-free stores allow c-stores to test the waters in new locations without committing to a lease, have a presence where a normal brick-and-mortar store might not work, or cover for existing locations during construction or other downtime. cstoredive.com


Senators Durbin, Marshall and Welch call for passage of Credit Card Competition Act
Senators were joined at a press conference today by the Merchants Payments Coalition and small business owners from across the country who endorse their bill

NRF: Halloween Spending to Reach Record $12.2 Billion as Participation Exceeds Pre-Pandemic Levels

Is a 413-Store Divestiture Enough for the Kroger-Albertsons Merger?

Stop & Shop upgrades Marty the Robot at 300-plus locations

REVEALED: The 30 hottest innovations for reducing e-Commerce retail losses

Introducing the industry experts' choices in the 2023 e-Commerce Innovation Challenge

It's boom time for online shopping: a meteoric rise accelerated by the global pandemic. As a result, the retail industry saw five years of growth compressed into just 24 months.

But the rapid expansion of e-Commerce brings new challenges as retailers invest in capability to take payment or fulfil orders accurately and on time.

And with upwards of 30% of online sales coming back-a significantly higher rate than for physical retail-managing reverse logistics can be tough.

That's why ECR Retail Loss is delighted to announce the Top 30 for our 2023 e-Commerce Loss Innovation Challenge. These initiatives have the power to tackle some of the most stubborn problems in retail today.

The Top 30 has been chosen by a panel of digital loss prevention experts representing more than 15 international brands, including A&F, Best Buy, Bol.com, Desigual, Frasers and Next.

The judges identified the innovations with the most promise to make an impact on day-to-day e-Commerce operations. Their shortlist is the culmination of a six-month scouting search that led to a long list of more than 125 innovations.

By recognising and celebrating the Top 30, ECR Retail Loss hopes to inspire and encourage retailers to explore new ideas and approaches, and to work collaboratively with the most forward-thinking companies in this space.

Together, we can build a future where e-Commerce continues to grow while improving efficiency, profitability, and growth for retailers of all sizes.

Previous winners of ECR Innovation Challenges are already making a difference for thousands of retailers worldwide.

Today's Top 30 are highly rated by our retailer judges as having the potential to shape the future of e-Commerce and find new ways to solve for the problems they identified across four categories: pre-delivery, fulfilment, logistics and returns.