In the wake of a shocking shooting incident at a New York City office building, businesses nationwide are reassessing their security protocols to ensure workplace safety.
The attack transpired in a high-profile area of Manhattan, home to affluent residents and distinguished retail shops, leaving employees shaken and management questioning their preparedness.
According to Brian Higgins, founder of Group 77, a security firm based in Mahwah, New Jersey, there has been a surge in inquiries from clients concerned about enhancing their security measures in view of the incident. “Clients are questioning what steps they need to take to prevent such occurrences,” Higgins noted.
While the immediate impulse may lead companies to invest in advanced surveillance technology and increase the number of security cameras, Higgins emphasized the importance of sustaining these efforts over time with consistent monitoring.
“Implementing a new security system is only beneficial if maintained properly,” he pointed out, drawing from his experience as a former police chief and current security educator at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
The tragic event, which resulted in the deaths of four people before the perpetrator turned the gun on himself, has left businesses eager to prevent similar scenarios from unfolding. Dave Komendat, Chief Security Officer of Corporate Security Advisors in Seattle, remarked that concern is high, leading to a spike in consultations.
While the U.S. continues grappling with a level of gun violence rarely seen elsewhere, incidents in corporate settings tend to shift focus back to security temporarily before interest wanes.
“This heightened attention lasts a brief period before fading again,” cautioned Higgins, adding that security budgets often get slashed when there isn’t a pressing issue.
Gene Petrino, CEO of Survival Response, a security consultancy in Coral Springs, Florida, reported a similar increase in interest, although he anticipates this will be short-lived. “In quieter times, security isn’t prioritized until a crisis occurs,” he observed.
He suggested integrating non-intrusive measures such as AI-capable cameras to detect weapons or enhancements like better hallway lighting and strategically placed mirrors.
“You don’t need to turn your office into an impenetrable fortress. Simple safety upgrades can go a long way,” Petrino stated.
Michael Evanoff, Head of Security at Verkada, a security solutions company in San Mateo, California, underscored the criticality of AI-enabled cameras, especially amid the challenge of hiring and retaining skilled security staff.
“A limited workforce makes it imperative that guards are supported by technologies that amplify their capacity,” Evanoff explained.
At the site of the tragic incident, located at 345 Park Avenue, security measures included an on-duty NYPD officer, who unfortunately was among those fatally shot.
Rudin Management Company, which leases the building, has not commented on future security enhancements or reopening plans.
Komendat, reflecting on the inevitability of vulnerabilities, remarked, “While the security team must flawlessly protect at all times, an intruder only needs one opportunity to breach.”