Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) December 22, 2014
Recent protests around the country regarding deaths in various cities, as well as holiday travel and the upcoming Superbowl in Phoenix, are at the top of the list for security professionals, according to Michael Shetler, CEO of Phoenix-based Shetler Security (http://www.shetlersecurity.com) .
Mr. Shetler, a 40-year law enforcement and security expert noted: “The country is at a pivotal time where the right to protest, one of the most important rights we have as Americans and Arizonans, is caught in the crossfire of public opinion and keeping order and the proper security measures on all sides have never been more important or more suspect. In addition, the everyday activities we enjoy as travelers and spectators are often hot spots of crime and awareness and education is our best offense and defense.”
Shetler has served in various law enforcement posts, including Deputy County Sheriff, Ohio; Detective Sgt, TX; Asst. Chief, FL(also, Governor's Council on Narcotics and Organized Crime), Director of Public Safety, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, CO; Sheriff, Montezuma County, CO; and Director of Public Safety-Unalaska. In 1990, Shetler entered the private security business as owner of Alaska Security, with such clients as the cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks, before moving to Arizona in 1996. Over the past 14 years, he has served as CEO of several global security concerns (AT Systems Security), and among his security work in the diplomatic sector, financial institutions, he has also provided security services at Phoenix, Sky Harbor Airport, Mohave Airport and Victorville Airport, CA and El Paso International Airport, some of which Shetler Security represents today.
His thoughts on current issues:
Ferguson: ‘This was a perfect storm of public sentiment arising out of a death and a grand jury decision. The security measures of state and local law enforcement must all come together in these situations to do three things: protect a citizen’s right to voice their opinion, protect life and property and maintain calm in a delicate situation. There are many lessons to be learned from this and how to coordinate such instances in the future.”
Superbowl XLIX: “One of the greatest lifts to the Arizona economy will be Superbowl 2015 in Phoenix. Enormous public gatherings such as these require intricate and rehearsed security tactics to protect businesses and spectators alike. Such events are also draws for criminals intent on robbery, car theft and car jacking, other assault crimes, sex trafficking and unfortunately, acts of terrorism. The public needs to be educated and made aware as to how to avoid such situations and if involved, how to handle themselves should they see a crime or be an unwitting victim. In addition, many people in event cities rent out their homes and don’t do background checks and may end up with substantial damage. “
Airport Security: “The holiday season requires all the procedures one would normally take before heading out of town. These include checking schedules, printing passes and not trying to challenge TSA rules or guidelines. Long lines lead to frustration which can turn to anger and perhaps, violence. One of the most important things a traveler can do is be vigilant: If asked to keep an eye on a bag for someone you don’t know, don’t do it. If you see a bag unattended, better to be safe than sorry and bring up your concern to a TSA officer. And the one thing people feel funny about? Spotting suspicious people. It’s important to keep your personal views in check and act only if you see a real threat. Not everyone can be watched all the time.”
Foreign Travel: “ Americans, despite attacks of the past, still feel safe and while it’s important to be self-assured, it’s important not to be foolish. When traveling, you want to stay in neighborhoods that are reasonably safe and not stray into unknown areas. Speaking with people you know who have been to a place you are visiting is a good choice, as well as doing your own research into a makeup of a city. The usual danger spots can be people begging on the street, bait and switch, being jostled in a crowd and groups of seemingly innocent children gathering around you. In Paris, criminals tie a red string around your arm as a keepsake, then demand money, leading to a confrontation. Or people who hand you gifts, such as a flower and then ask for compensation. Hotels and accredited tourist bureaus can provide you with tips on how to spot illegal cabs or schemes. One word of advice in a tumultuous world where protest is seen on every street in every country: stay away from demonstrations or protests. It may be ‘cool,’ to get a photo but you may end up in a mass arrest or violent confrontation.”
Shetler Security International provides security services for some of the most well-known financial institutions in the United States, private companies, universities, and large events. Their staff has over a century of supervisory and executive command level law enforcement experience. This extensive and diversified combination of training, education and experience positions Shetler Security International to conduct expert consultation, evaluation, assessment and implementation of a wide variety of security industry needs, including guard and roving patrol, corporate and executive security, diplomatic and foreign theater security and technology solutions. http://www.shetlersecurity.com