This time of year brings high energy along with the cold weather. As the holidays near for many of us, a lot of us will be out getting gifts, visiting relatives, and having a lot on our minds as we try to balance many goals all at once. Since it's easy to get overwhelmed, the Minneapolis Police Department Fifth Precinct would like to give a short reminder about some tips to make your holiday times safe and enjoyable.
Please see the following link for holiday safety tips: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/crime-prevention/docs/Hsholidy.pdf
Stay safe and happy holidays!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
And you thought being popular was a good thing
This interesting reseach site comes to us courtesy of Schneier on Security. The larger the characters the more popular the username or password. The bad news is you do not get a prize if your password is on the list; the good news is someone else might.
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence
Considering my line of work, I'm more than a little embarrassed I haven't read Gavin De Becker's 1997 classic book until now. De Becker's personal back story is harrowing. His career as a protector of the rich and famous is legendary. In The Gift of Fear he makes a contribution to the survival, safety, and well-being of average people - especially our mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters - that is difficult to overestimate. If you haven't read this book, whether you ply the security trade or not, you should.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Plan for extra traffic during Twins and Vikings games 2 September 2010
Plan for extra traffic during Twins and Vikings games Sept. 2
The first concurrent Twins and Vikings games will bring big crowds to downtown Minneapolis the evening of Thursday, Sept. 2. As many as 100,000 people could fill Target Field and Mall of America Field at the H.H.H. Metrodome, so it's important that folks plan ahead and explore their transportation options. The City of Minneapolis, Metro Transit, the Minnesota Twins, the Minnesota Vikings, and many other partners are working together to mitigate traffic congestion as much as possible and to spread the word to people who are coming Downtown the evening of Sept. 2 so they can plan ahead.
Source: City of Minneapolis Traffic Alerts http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/traffic/
The first concurrent Twins and Vikings games will bring big crowds to downtown Minneapolis the evening of Thursday, Sept. 2. As many as 100,000 people could fill Target Field and Mall of America Field at the H.H.H. Metrodome, so it's important that folks plan ahead and explore their transportation options. The City of Minneapolis, Metro Transit, the Minnesota Twins, the Minnesota Vikings, and many other partners are working together to mitigate traffic congestion as much as possible and to spread the word to people who are coming Downtown the evening of Sept. 2 so they can plan ahead.
Source: City of Minneapolis Traffic Alerts http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/traffic/
Friday, August 6, 2010
A Rush to Judgement?
The workplace violence tragedy that shattered Hartford Distributors in Manchester, Connecticut, this week has attracted much attention...
Those of in the security trade have worked to prevent all forms of workplace violence, including homicide, for ages. The great majority of homicides at work - 75% or so - are routinely committed during armed robberies. In the 1980s a different sort of workplace homicide captured the public imagination - workplace mass murder. In 1986 postal worker Patrick Sherrill single-handedly inspired the term "going postal" when he murdered 14 co-workers. Then in 1988 Richard Farley shocked the world, especially those of us living and working in the "Silicon Valley," when he went on his infamous rampage at ESL. Since then there have been mass killings at other businesses, on commuter trains, in schools, and even on military bases. While much less common these incidents grab the 24 hour news cycle by the throat every time they occur.
This week Caroline Hamilton wrote about killings perpetrated by Omar Thornton at Hartford Distributors on her Riskwatch blog.
She posted my response a day later.
Today Security Management Daily linked to an article written 5 August 2010 by James Allen Fox on his Crime and Punishment blog at the Boston Globe titled "Workplace homicide: What is the risk?" Good reading. Professor Fox has done the math on the sort of statistics I hastily assembled for my reply to Ms. Hamilton. I look forward to following the rest of his series on this topic.
Workplace violence and its prevention and mitigation is a complex set of issues that will call for all of us to do our best work.
Those of in the security trade have worked to prevent all forms of workplace violence, including homicide, for ages. The great majority of homicides at work - 75% or so - are routinely committed during armed robberies. In the 1980s a different sort of workplace homicide captured the public imagination - workplace mass murder. In 1986 postal worker Patrick Sherrill single-handedly inspired the term "going postal" when he murdered 14 co-workers. Then in 1988 Richard Farley shocked the world, especially those of us living and working in the "Silicon Valley," when he went on his infamous rampage at ESL. Since then there have been mass killings at other businesses, on commuter trains, in schools, and even on military bases. While much less common these incidents grab the 24 hour news cycle by the throat every time they occur.
This week Caroline Hamilton wrote about killings perpetrated by Omar Thornton at Hartford Distributors on her Riskwatch blog.
She posted my response a day later.
Today Security Management Daily linked to an article written 5 August 2010 by James Allen Fox on his Crime and Punishment blog at the Boston Globe titled "Workplace homicide: What is the risk?" Good reading. Professor Fox has done the math on the sort of statistics I hastily assembled for my reply to Ms. Hamilton. I look forward to following the rest of his series on this topic.
Workplace violence and its prevention and mitigation is a complex set of issues that will call for all of us to do our best work.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Hennepin Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis Closing Wednesday Evening - 21 July 2010 - for Aquatennial Events
In case you're headed the wrong way along the 394 corridor this evening look for people running with torches...
Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis will close this evening from 6 p.m. until approximately 10:30 p.m. for two Aquatennial events: the Lifetime Fitness Torchlight 5K race and the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade.
Beginning at 6 p.m., Dunwoody Boulevard will be closed to traffic, including the Dunwoody exit ramp off Interstate 394.
Beginning at 7:15 p.m., Hennepin Avenue will be closed to traffic from Dunwoody Boulevard and Lyndale Avenue to Washington Avenue, which is the entire parade route. Some cross streets will also be closed at Hennepin Avenue.
These streets will reopen after the parade is finished at approximately 10:30 p.m.
If you are Downtown this evening, watch out for heavy pedestrian traffic and allow for additional time to get to your destination.
The Minnesota Twins play an afternoon game that begins at 12:05 p.m.
Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis will close this evening from 6 p.m. until approximately 10:30 p.m. for two Aquatennial events: the Lifetime Fitness Torchlight 5K race and the CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade.
Beginning at 6 p.m., Dunwoody Boulevard will be closed to traffic, including the Dunwoody exit ramp off Interstate 394.
Beginning at 7:15 p.m., Hennepin Avenue will be closed to traffic from Dunwoody Boulevard and Lyndale Avenue to Washington Avenue, which is the entire parade route. Some cross streets will also be closed at Hennepin Avenue.
These streets will reopen after the parade is finished at approximately 10:30 p.m.
If you are Downtown this evening, watch out for heavy pedestrian traffic and allow for additional time to get to your destination.
The Minnesota Twins play an afternoon game that begins at 12:05 p.m.
Friday, July 16, 2010
A small sample of security, safety, and leadership resources
Coaching and mentoring.
Using the Recession to Embrace Organizational Change.
Some deep thinking about the impact of surveillance on society.
The Do It Yourself Scholar is a pretty interesting concept for life long learners with more time than money.
Free online emergency management training.
Snopes is a handy site to use to debunk and deflate those silly chain email rumors without wasting a lot of time.
Minnesota School Safety Center.
The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota will provide assistance if you encounter an injured bird of prey - hawks, eagles, falcons, owls, etc. - at your site. You can call animal control, but if you get through to anyone they'll refer you to the Raptor Center.
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) is the "next big thing" after the Corporate Security Officer (CSO) concept.
Social engineering techniques: 4 ways criminal outsiders get inside.
Using the Recession to Embrace Organizational Change.
Some deep thinking about the impact of surveillance on society.
The Do It Yourself Scholar is a pretty interesting concept for life long learners with more time than money.
Free online emergency management training.
Snopes is a handy site to use to debunk and deflate those silly chain email rumors without wasting a lot of time.
Minnesota School Safety Center.
The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota will provide assistance if you encounter an injured bird of prey - hawks, eagles, falcons, owls, etc. - at your site. You can call animal control, but if you get through to anyone they'll refer you to the Raptor Center.
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) is the "next big thing" after the Corporate Security Officer (CSO) concept.
Social engineering techniques: 4 ways criminal outsiders get inside.
Another Severe Weather Resource
In case you haven't seen this one yet...
Unlike the TV news websites the NOAA website updates its radar images every 5 minutes instead of every 15 or so, and even shows tornado warnings, severe thunder storm warnings, and other hazards with a 5 minute window. There's a little button that say "Auto Update is..." Make sure it says "Auto Update Is On" so you don't have to refresh the webpage manually to update the radar image.
Unlike the TV news websites the NOAA website updates its radar images every 5 minutes instead of every 15 or so, and even shows tornado warnings, severe thunder storm warnings, and other hazards with a 5 minute window. There's a little button that say "Auto Update is..." Make sure it says "Auto Update Is On" so you don't have to refresh the webpage manually to update the radar image.
Monday, June 28, 2010
CSO Online Proving To Be A Handy Resource
I posted on this over at the MN ASIS blog which reaches out to a geographically more diverse audience but thought you might be interested too.
I've been checking the CSO Daily Dashboard and it seems to be updated regularly and is free of advertisements. 11 of the 14 categories link directly to third party sources of information. The other three are clearly labeled as CSO Online pages.
At the bottom of the dashboard page are links to some other useful sites. Travel warnings from Travel.State.Gov is an old standby but good to have bookmarked. The corruption perceptions index offered by Transparency International is new to me and interesting reading. If you operate in the critical infrastructure space you probably already subscribe to updates from DHS Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report. The daily reports run 20-30 pages each but the contents are organized by category for your convenience.
I've been checking the CSO Daily Dashboard and it seems to be updated regularly and is free of advertisements. 11 of the 14 categories link directly to third party sources of information. The other three are clearly labeled as CSO Online pages.
At the bottom of the dashboard page are links to some other useful sites. Travel warnings from Travel.State.Gov is an old standby but good to have bookmarked. The corruption perceptions index offered by Transparency International is new to me and interesting reading. If you operate in the critical infrastructure space you probably already subscribe to updates from DHS Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report. The daily reports run 20-30 pages each but the contents are organized by category for your convenience.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Is This Thing On?
Does anyone read this blog?
Who within the sound of my voice is interested in sitting down with their fellow law enforcement, corporate, commercial, and vendor members of the 394 Block Club some afternoon this summer?
Please respond here so that we may assess your interest.
Thanks.
Who within the sound of my voice is interested in sitting down with their fellow law enforcement, corporate, commercial, and vendor members of the 394 Block Club some afternoon this summer?
Please respond here so that we may assess your interest.
Thanks.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
City of Minneapolis Traffic Alerts Update x3
Guess you picked the wrong weekend to own a car in Minneapolis...
Several Downtown streets close for Sunday, June 27 Pride Parade
Minneapolis will close several streets in downtown on Sunday, June 27 for the Ashley Rukes GLBT Pride Parade. The following streets will be closed:
Beginning at 8 a.m.:
3rd Street South will close from Hennepin Avenue to Portland Avenue.
Beginning at 10:30 a.m.:
Hennepin Avenue will close from 3rd Street South to Spruce Place.
Traffic will be allowed to cross Hennepin Avenue at 4th, 5th, 7th, 10th, 11th and 12th streets.
Spruce Place will close from Hennepin Avenue to Yale Place.
Yale Place will close from Spruce Place to Loring Park.
These streets will reopen following the parade at about 3 p.m.
Stretch of I-35W in Minneapolis to close June 25 weekend for ramp work
A stretch of I-35W between I-94 and Highway 280 will close for the weekend beginning at 10 p.m. on Friday, June 25. Southbound I-35W ramps on this stretch will close one hour earlier at 9 p.m. During the full closure of I-35W this weekend, motorists will be detoured to I-94 and Highway 280. Motorists should anticipate delays or plan on taking alternate routes. The roadway and ramps are scheduled to re-open at 5:30 a.m., Monday, June 28.
The closure is necessary as Minnesota Department of Transportation crews begin a major rehabilitation of the ramp from Interstate 94 to 5th Street in Minneapolis. The 5th Street ramp spans Interstate 35W and necessitates the closure.
The ramp to 5th Street from westbound I-94 will be closed beginning at 8 p.m. June 25 and will remain closed until July 31. Motorists will be detoured to the 11th Street exit in order to access 5th Street.
In addition, overnight I-35W lane closures will occur at I-94 during the week before and after the full closure. For real-time traveler information anywhere in Minnesota, visit 511mn.org.
Buses to replace light-rail service June 25-27 weekend
Road and rail maintenance work will affect light-rail service on a significant portion of the Hiawatha line the weekend of June 25-27. Buses will replace trains between Target Field Station and Fort Snelling Station from 10:30 p.m., Friday, June 25 until 3:30 a.m., Monday, June 28. Trains will operate normally between Fort Snelling Station and Mall of America Station.
Buses will mirror the light-rail schedule during the shutdown, and Metro Transit staff will be at key locations to direct customers to their buses. In downtown Minneapolis, replacement bus service will operate on 4th Street.
Light-rail service is being suspended on this portion of the Hiawatha line to allow road work at the Fifth Street exit ramp off of I-94 into downtown Minneapolis and for other rail maintenance along the line. During this time, platform edge tiles at Lake Street/Midtown Station will also be replaced. Full train service will be restored in time for the Monday morning rush hour.
Metro Transit operates the Hiawatha Line. Customers boarded Hiawatha trains 4 million times during the first five months of 2010, 5.3 percent higher than the same period last year. Metro Transit is a service of the Metropolitan Council.
Project updates will be available on the Rail Maintenance Hotline at 612-373-3333, option 6.
Several Downtown streets close for Sunday, June 27 Pride Parade
Minneapolis will close several streets in downtown on Sunday, June 27 for the Ashley Rukes GLBT Pride Parade. The following streets will be closed:
Beginning at 8 a.m.:
3rd Street South will close from Hennepin Avenue to Portland Avenue.
Beginning at 10:30 a.m.:
Hennepin Avenue will close from 3rd Street South to Spruce Place.
Traffic will be allowed to cross Hennepin Avenue at 4th, 5th, 7th, 10th, 11th and 12th streets.
Spruce Place will close from Hennepin Avenue to Yale Place.
Yale Place will close from Spruce Place to Loring Park.
These streets will reopen following the parade at about 3 p.m.
Stretch of I-35W in Minneapolis to close June 25 weekend for ramp work
A stretch of I-35W between I-94 and Highway 280 will close for the weekend beginning at 10 p.m. on Friday, June 25. Southbound I-35W ramps on this stretch will close one hour earlier at 9 p.m. During the full closure of I-35W this weekend, motorists will be detoured to I-94 and Highway 280. Motorists should anticipate delays or plan on taking alternate routes. The roadway and ramps are scheduled to re-open at 5:30 a.m., Monday, June 28.
The closure is necessary as Minnesota Department of Transportation crews begin a major rehabilitation of the ramp from Interstate 94 to 5th Street in Minneapolis. The 5th Street ramp spans Interstate 35W and necessitates the closure.
The ramp to 5th Street from westbound I-94 will be closed beginning at 8 p.m. June 25 and will remain closed until July 31. Motorists will be detoured to the 11th Street exit in order to access 5th Street.
In addition, overnight I-35W lane closures will occur at I-94 during the week before and after the full closure. For real-time traveler information anywhere in Minnesota, visit 511mn.org.
Buses to replace light-rail service June 25-27 weekend
Road and rail maintenance work will affect light-rail service on a significant portion of the Hiawatha line the weekend of June 25-27. Buses will replace trains between Target Field Station and Fort Snelling Station from 10:30 p.m., Friday, June 25 until 3:30 a.m., Monday, June 28. Trains will operate normally between Fort Snelling Station and Mall of America Station.
Buses will mirror the light-rail schedule during the shutdown, and Metro Transit staff will be at key locations to direct customers to their buses. In downtown Minneapolis, replacement bus service will operate on 4th Street.
Light-rail service is being suspended on this portion of the Hiawatha line to allow road work at the Fifth Street exit ramp off of I-94 into downtown Minneapolis and for other rail maintenance along the line. During this time, platform edge tiles at Lake Street/Midtown Station will also be replaced. Full train service will be restored in time for the Monday morning rush hour.
Metro Transit operates the Hiawatha Line. Customers boarded Hiawatha trains 4 million times during the first five months of 2010, 5.3 percent higher than the same period last year. Metro Transit is a service of the Metropolitan Council.
Project updates will be available on the Rail Maintenance Hotline at 612-373-3333, option 6.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Bankcard Skimmers Getting Smarter, Thinner, Harder to Detect
Made to order by eastern European gangsters...
Brian Krebs reports on Sophisticated ATM Skimmer Transmits Stolen Data Via Text Message This new twist eliminates the need for the crooks to return to the skimmer to collect stolen credit and debit card numbers and PINs. This is shaping up to be quite the arms race.
If you're interested in this sort of security concern Krebs on Security: In-Depth Security News and Investigation blog is worth a bookmark or an RSS feed subscription.
Brian Krebs reports on Sophisticated ATM Skimmer Transmits Stolen Data Via Text Message This new twist eliminates the need for the crooks to return to the skimmer to collect stolen credit and debit card numbers and PINs. This is shaping up to be quite the arms race.
If you're interested in this sort of security concern Krebs on Security: In-Depth Security News and Investigation blog is worth a bookmark or an RSS feed subscription.
Monday, June 21, 2010
CSOonline Delivers
I subscribe to a variety of security, safety, business continuity, and management online newsletters. Most days they're mostly chaff but today's email from CSOonline is chock full of timely topics:
Social engineering techniques.
Banning worthless car alarms.
The concept of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) gaining traction.
Not safe for work: What's acceptable computer use in today's office?
And the new CSO Daily Dashboard. This could be pretty handy for a one-stop snap shot of the day's security priorities.
Social engineering techniques.
Banning worthless car alarms.
The concept of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) gaining traction.
Not safe for work: What's acceptable computer use in today's office?
And the new CSO Daily Dashboard. This could be pretty handy for a one-stop snap shot of the day's security priorities.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Give Real Change
Although Give Real Change affects only one city in the 394 Corridor community it seems like an effort worth noting. Give Real Change offers people and businesses in Minneapolis an opportunity to reduce panhandling, provide for the homeless, and serve the community, all at the same time. One hopes this approach moves the panhandling homeless off the public sidewalks and entrances to Minneapolis businesses towards the social service organizations where they can receive life changing assistance.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
High-rise rescue system evacuates buildings using exterior collapsible cabins
Here is a though-provoking solution to a problem we hope never to have.
Like the Gizmag article suggests, it's certainly better than rappelling or parachuting.
Like the Gizmag article suggests, it's certainly better than rappelling or parachuting.
ASIS Private Security Officer Selection and Training Guideline
ASIS Commission on Standards and Guidelines of ASIS International has just released the ASIS Private Security Officer Selection and Training Guideline, 2010 Edition If you're a member of ASIS you can download once for free. If you're not a member you'll need to pay for the report. ASIS standards and guidelines are setting the standard of care for security functions. Learn more today!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
What Your CEO Thinks
In What Your CEO Thinks: As Recession Recedes, Security Execs Feel C-Suite Spotlight, Bill Zalud offers a wide-ranging analysis of business issues affecting corporate security professionals as the recession lightens. Interesting reading.
Severe Weather Awareness
Sorry I didn't notice this last month but Homeland Security and Emergency Management Minnesota (HSEM) has a very nice Severe Weather Awareness website. Worth a look and a bookmark.
Minnetonka Crime Prevention Fund
Did you know that Minnetonka has a Crime Prevention Fund? The Crime Fund is a non-profit, tax-exempt community effort that is separate from the police department. The Crime Fund is use to support crime prevention efforts. The fund is solely supported by tax-deductible contributions from residential, retail, and commercial sources, as per section 501(c) (3). Crime Fund money is spent to purchase specialized crime prevention equipment and to pay for rewards that lead to the apprehension and conviction of criminals. To contribute, please send your tax-deductible donations to: The Minnetonka Crime Fund, PO Box 1255, Minnetonka, MN 55345
St. Louis Park Block Captain Quarterly
The Spring 2010 Block Captain Quarterly is available from St. Louis Park PD. Looks like a fun organization.
Plymouth CFMH 1 Certification
Plymouth PD is hosting Phase I Crime Free Multi-Housing certification and refresher training for landlords and owners June 26, 2010. This course is co-sponsored by New Hope and Maple Grove.
MDOC Predatory Offender Registry
Residents in the 394 Corridor are certain to be interested in Level Three predatory offenders in the community. Seems to me persons who work in or operate businesses in the Corridor ought to be interested too. For more details visit the Minnesota Department of Corrections Level Three Predatory Offender Information page.
Golden Valley Crime Prevention Fund
Golden Valley members of the 394 Block Club - personal, commercial, or corporate - may not be aware that they can contribute directly to crime prevention efforts in their fair city. Have a look at the Crime Prevention Fund for more details.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
MN Chapter of ASIS Training Webinar: Stand Out at Work - New Techniques for Women
MN Chapter of ASIS Training Webinar: Stand Out at Work - New Techniques for Women
Please join us for this professional development opportunity. The webinar will be hosted at Saint Mary’s University. Please click on this link for more information about the webinar. https://www.asisonline.org/store/program_detail.xml?id=11303632
Webinar Date: Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
Meeting Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm CDT
Meeting Place: Saint Mary’s University, 2304 Park Avenue, Room 125, Minneapolis, MN 55404-4403
Cost to Attend: Free for local MN Chapter of ASIS Members
$35.00 for Non-members
To RVSP by June 1, or if you have questions or need further information, email Lisa Mountain.
Please join us for this professional development opportunity. The webinar will be hosted at Saint Mary’s University. Please click on this link for more information about the webinar. https://www.asisonline.org/store/program_detail.xml?id=11303632
Webinar Date: Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
Meeting Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm CDT
Meeting Place: Saint Mary’s University, 2304 Park Avenue, Room 125, Minneapolis, MN 55404-4403
Cost to Attend: Free for local MN Chapter of ASIS Members
$35.00 for Non-members
To RVSP by June 1, or if you have questions or need further information, email Lisa Mountain.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Minneapolis SafeZone General Membership Meeting
SafeZone General Membership Meeting
Wednesday, May 26 - Wednesday, May 26, 2010
10am - 11am
Downtown Minneapolis Public Library (Doty Room)
300 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55401
Click here to register
Wednesday, May 26 - Wednesday, May 26, 2010
10am - 11am
Downtown Minneapolis Public Library (Doty Room)
300 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55401
Click here to register
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Parking Structure Security
In Best Practices for Securing a Parking Lot or Garage, Joe Wenzl describes several common sense solutions for parking ramps.
A classic in the genre is Mary Smith's Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design in Parking Facilities published by NIJ all the way back in 1996 (not much has changed).
Of course in Minneapolis we've been abiding by the Minneapolis Parking Ramp Safety Design Criteria since 1990. Details of this ordinance (and St. Paul's) are found in Smith's article.
A classic in the genre is Mary Smith's Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design in Parking Facilities published by NIJ all the way back in 1996 (not much has changed).
Of course in Minneapolis we've been abiding by the Minneapolis Parking Ramp Safety Design Criteria since 1990. Details of this ordinance (and St. Paul's) are found in Smith's article.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Bill Chandler: "Keeping Minnesota Ready"
Bill Chandler will speak on "Keeping Minnesota Ready" at the ASIS MN monthly meeting on May 13, 2010!
Bill Chandler is the Homeland Security Branch Director of the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division in the Minnesota Department of Public Safety since December 2008.
Reserve your seat and pre-register your attendance at the MN ASIS website Major credit cards are accepted. Pre-registration is required and must be received no later than May 5, 2010.
See you at the meeting!
Bill Chandler is the Homeland Security Branch Director of the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division in the Minnesota Department of Public Safety since December 2008.
Reserve your seat and pre-register your attendance at the MN ASIS website Major credit cards are accepted. Pre-registration is required and must be received no later than May 5, 2010.
See you at the meeting!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Crime Stoppers of Minnesota
Just got back from the April luncheon meeting of ASIS Minnesota. Our guest speaker, Bob Dennistoun, gave an excellent talk on the Crime Stoppers of Minnesota program. Did you know Crime Stoppers was founded in Minnesota, but has since spread to many communities across the country and to several countries around the world? Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers via a toll free phone call, a test message, or email. The information is scrubbed of any information that might identify the provider and then is forwarded to the appropriate Minnesota law enforcement agency. Crime Stoppers has been told that a single tip can save investigators 100 hours of work! Of course most of us reading this blog probably don't know too many fugitives from justice but there is another way we can help Crime Stoppers of Minnesota. Running Crime Stoppers costs money. Perhaps you or your firm or your company's foundation would like to make a donation to fund this important public service. To do so please visit the Support Us page at the Crime Stoppers of Minnesota website. Remember, Crime Stoppers of Minnesota is an alternative to silence.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
MN ASIS: April Chapter Meeting April 8, 2010
Robert Dennistoun will speak on Crime Stoppers of Minnesota
Robert Dennistoun of Crime Stoppers of Minnesota will be our featured speaker for the April Chapter Meeting. Robert serves as the Executive Director of Crime Stoppers of Minnesota. He is an employee of Hannon Security Services, Inc., a Bloomington based regional security company, on loan to the non-profit Crime Stoppers of Minnesota. Crime Stoppers of Minnesota is designed to collect information anonymously about crime, and give that information to law enforcement to investigate. His role as Executive Director is to build awareness in the public about Crime Stoppers, coordinate with law enforcement tip information that is collected, and to raise funds for operations and to pay rewards. He is well known to the Minnesota ASIS chapter as he has served on the Board and as Chapter President. He came to Crime Stoppers with 20 years experience in the private security industry managing a $12million operation of 450 employees, and before that worked in the computer and communications industries.
Please visit the ASIS Minnesota Chapter #25 to reserve your seat and pre-register your attendance online. Major credit cards are accepted. Pre-registration is required and must be received no later than March 30, 2010. If you have questions or need further information, email Lisa Mountain.
Meeting Date: April 8, 2010
Meeting Time: 11:30 – 1:00
Meeting Place: Zuhrah Shrine Center located at 2540 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404-4403.
Cost to Attend: $25 to attend the meeting, lunch will be provided.
Robert Dennistoun of Crime Stoppers of Minnesota will be our featured speaker for the April Chapter Meeting. Robert serves as the Executive Director of Crime Stoppers of Minnesota. He is an employee of Hannon Security Services, Inc., a Bloomington based regional security company, on loan to the non-profit Crime Stoppers of Minnesota. Crime Stoppers of Minnesota is designed to collect information anonymously about crime, and give that information to law enforcement to investigate. His role as Executive Director is to build awareness in the public about Crime Stoppers, coordinate with law enforcement tip information that is collected, and to raise funds for operations and to pay rewards. He is well known to the Minnesota ASIS chapter as he has served on the Board and as Chapter President. He came to Crime Stoppers with 20 years experience in the private security industry managing a $12million operation of 450 employees, and before that worked in the computer and communications industries.
Please visit the ASIS Minnesota Chapter #25 to reserve your seat and pre-register your attendance online. Major credit cards are accepted. Pre-registration is required and must be received no later than March 30, 2010. If you have questions or need further information, email Lisa Mountain.
Meeting Date: April 8, 2010
Meeting Time: 11:30 – 1:00
Meeting Place: Zuhrah Shrine Center located at 2540 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404-4403.
Cost to Attend: $25 to attend the meeting, lunch will be provided.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
MN ASIS Now Has A Blog!
MN ASIS now has its own blog. If you'd like to keep track of ASIS Minnesota Chapter 025 activities come by to visit, subscribe, or follow. See you there.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
ASIS Minnesota Now Has a LinkedIn Group
No Facebook page or Twitter feed yet but you can follow the activities of the ASIS International Minnesota Chapter 025 from your LinkedIn page. Search groups for MN ASIS; we're the group with the loon for the logo. See you there.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Wi-Fi finders let thieves track down hidden laptops
Out of sight is not necessarily out of mind. The good news is that there's a relatively simple solution.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Are You Company's Thumbdrives Being Sent to the Cleaners?
According to CSOonline a recent study found that "clothes dropped off at the dry cleaners are often filled with forgotten USB sticks." Despite the diligent efforts of IT security organizations the protection of your company's business information still depends on physical security precautions applied - or not - by the end user.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
A Guide to Building or Rebuilding Your Security Program
Many thanks to the ASIS Security Management Daily for the link to this neat little article "Extreme Security Program Makeover" at http://www.securityinfowatch.com/ This concise review of the issues involved in assessing and reorienting your security program asks a very important question: "What Should Your Mission Be?" Well worth a look.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Data Thieves Hide Credit Card Skimmers Inside Gas Pumps!
From ASIS and Schneier on Security this week we learn of cases in the U.S. where very sophisticated and apparently well-funded criminals have hidden credit card skimmers behind the front panel of service stations gas pumps.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
ASIS Standards and Guidelines
If you are not yet a member of ASIS you may not know that they offer security standards and guidelines for download. The standards are complimentary, the guidelines are available for purchase by non-members (all the more reason to join ASIS International today).
Friday, January 29, 2010
Minneapolis Police Department Nixle Alert 1-28-2010
Nixle (Communication)
Community Message has been issued by the Minneapolis Police Department.
Thursday January 28, 2010 14:43 PM CST
If you would like to receive Nixle alerts visit http://local.nixle.com/city/mn/Minneapolis/ to register.
Minneapolis Police are holding a public safety exercise at Target Headquarters on Saturday morning.
1-28-2010
MPD to conduct public safety exercise with partner agencies
Target Corporation hosts exercise at downtown headquarters building
WHAT: Minneapolis Police Department Public Safety Training Exercise
WHEN: Saturday January 30th, 2009 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Target Corporate Headquarters (Target Plaza North) 1000 Nicollet Mall
MORE: The Minneapolis Police Department and other local, state and federal agencies will be conducting a multi-discipline training exercise in Target Plaza North. The exercise will be used to test the readiness of the MPD and partner agencies to respond to a terrorism incident here in the Twin Cities. Target Corporation has provided their headquarters building to allow the training to be held in a realistic environment.
Community Message has been issued by the Minneapolis Police Department.
Thursday January 28, 2010 14:43 PM CST
If you would like to receive Nixle alerts visit http://local.nixle.com/city/mn/Minneapolis/ to register.
Minneapolis Police are holding a public safety exercise at Target Headquarters on Saturday morning.
1-28-2010
MPD to conduct public safety exercise with partner agencies
Target Corporation hosts exercise at downtown headquarters building
WHAT: Minneapolis Police Department Public Safety Training Exercise
WHEN: Saturday January 30th, 2009 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Target Corporate Headquarters (Target Plaza North) 1000 Nicollet Mall
MORE: The Minneapolis Police Department and other local, state and federal agencies will be conducting a multi-discipline training exercise in Target Plaza North. The exercise will be used to test the readiness of the MPD and partner agencies to respond to a terrorism incident here in the Twin Cities. Target Corporation has provided their headquarters building to allow the training to be held in a realistic environment.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
5 tips for cybersecurity-training your employees
From Federal Computer Week:
These tips for boosting the boosting the effectiveness of employee cybersecurity training ought to help in non-federal agencies and enterprises as well. Getting through to employees and then keeping the lines of communication open on security topics like these is a neverending process.
These tips for boosting the boosting the effectiveness of employee cybersecurity training ought to help in non-federal agencies and enterprises as well. Getting through to employees and then keeping the lines of communication open on security topics like these is a neverending process.
Prevention of Commercial & Institutional Burglary
This just in from ASIS International
"Prevention of Commercial & Institutional Burglary Subject of Latest CRISP Report
While there is a considerable amount written about domestic burglary, research is less in evidence when the locale is non-residential. Gain insight into how to assess, manage, and respond to burglaries that occur at commercial and industrial sites. Download Preventing Burglary in Commercial and Institutional Settings: A Place Management and Partnerships Approach (pdf) today."
"Prevention of Commercial & Institutional Burglary Subject of Latest CRISP Report
While there is a considerable amount written about domestic burglary, research is less in evidence when the locale is non-residential. Gain insight into how to assess, manage, and respond to burglaries that occur at commercial and industrial sites. Download Preventing Burglary in Commercial and Institutional Settings: A Place Management and Partnerships Approach (pdf) today."
Monday, January 25, 2010
Minneapolis SafeZone Meeting 27 January 2010
SafeZone General Membership Meeting 01-27-10
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
10am - 11am
Downtown Minneapolis Public Library (S-275)
Minneapolis, MN 55402
For more details or to register click here.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
10am - 11am
Downtown Minneapolis Public Library (S-275)
Minneapolis, MN 55402
For more details or to register click here.
Friday, January 22, 2010
The most common computer password is 123456
In a New York Times article detailing recent research on a large batch of stolen passwords (32 million samples) we're told the most common computer password is 123456. Is it time to change yours?
Thanks to the ASIS Security Management Daily for the link to this article.
Thanks to the ASIS Security Management Daily for the link to this article.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
ATM Skimmers Coming Soon to a Cash Machine Near You?
This interesting blog post demonstrates the hazards of "ATM skimmers," unauthorized devices that copy the mag stripe on ATM cards and observe the user entering his or her PIN. Earlier incidents involving this criminal technology were seen in Europe. This device was found in California.
Tip of the hat to www.schneier.com for linking to this article.
Tip of the hat to www.schneier.com for linking to this article.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Security vs. Sustainability?
Going green is a priority for many organizations these days. By planning ahead businesses need not have have to choose between security and sustainability.
Failures to think clearly about security
Here are a few amusing examples of failing to think clearly about security objectives. They might come in handy at your next staff meeting or in-service training session.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Target Center skyway assault
A Community Message has been issued by the Minneapolis Police Department, Tuesday January 5, 2010 12:40 PM CST.
Police seek assistance in identifying "person of interest" in Target Center skyway assault....see link for photos.
January 5, 2010 (MINNEAPOLIS) Minneapolis Police Robbery Investigators seek the public's help in identifying a person of interest in an assault that occurred in the Target Center Skyway on 1/1/2010.
The person of interest was last seen with the victim prior him being found unconscious in the skyway.
Anyone with information about this person is asked to call Robbery Investigator, Sgt Jeff Harvey, at 612-673-3648.
For full details, go to http://local.nixle.com/alert/738652/
Police seek assistance in identifying "person of interest" in Target Center skyway assault....see link for photos.
January 5, 2010 (MINNEAPOLIS) Minneapolis Police Robbery Investigators seek the public's help in identifying a person of interest in an assault that occurred in the Target Center Skyway on 1/1/2010.
The person of interest was last seen with the victim prior him being found unconscious in the skyway.
Anyone with information about this person is asked to call Robbery Investigator, Sgt Jeff Harvey, at 612-673-3648.
For full details, go to http://local.nixle.com/alert/738652/
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