In cooperation with our cross-sector safety partners, Titan Security is monitoring the events around the 2022 Chicago Marathon, set to be held on Sunday October 9. Streets throughout the downtown Chicago area will be closed beginning Monday October 3. Closures for the Chicago Marathon will conclude at 6:00 a.m. on Monday October 10. These closures will impact high traffic areas including Lake Shore Drive, Wacker Drive, Michigan Avenue and the area around Millennium Park and Grant Park.
FROM CHICAGO OEMC:
City of Chicago officials and Bank of America Chicago Marathon organizers are reminding the public in advance of Marathon weekend that street closures in the Grant Park area will begin on Monday, October 3.
Traffic Impacts/Street Closures
With street closures prior to and during the race, those traveling throughout downtown, and the various neighborhoods should allow extra time, expect delays, or consider alternate routes–such as the expressway system–to avoid the impacts of the marathon on Sunday, October 9 along with the Abbott Chicago 5K on Saturday, October 8.
Monday, October 3
- Balbo from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive at 10 a.m. through Wednesday, October 12 at 6 a.m.
Wednesday, October 5
- Jackson from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive at 10 a.m. through Monday, October 10 at 6 a.m.
Thursday, October 6
- Balbo from Michigan Avenue to Columbus Drive at 4 a.m. through Monday October 10 at 6 a.m.
- Columbus Drive from Roosevelt to Ida B. Wells will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Monday, October 10 at 6 a.m.
Friday, October 7
- Jackson from Michigan Avenue to Columbus Drive will close at 4 a.m. through Sunday, October 9 at 8 p.m.
- Ida B. Wells from Congress Plaza to Columbus Drive will close at 4 a.m. through Sunday, October 9 at 8 p.m.
- Ida B. Wells from Michigan Avenue to Congress Plaza will close at 4 a.m. through Sunday, October 9 at 8 p.m.
- Congress Plaza at Michigan Avenue from Van Buren to Harrison Streets will close at 4 a.m. through Sunday, October 9 at 8 p.m.
- Columbus Drive from Monroe Street to Jackson will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Sunday, October 9 at 8 p.m.
- Columbus Drive from Jackson to Ida B. Wells will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Sunday, October 9 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, October 8
- Columbus Drive from Randolph to Monroe Street will close at 6 a.m. and open on Sunday, October 9 at noon.
- Monroe Street from Michigan Avenue to Columbus Drive will close at noon and open on Sunday, October 9 at noon.
- Monroe Street from Columbus Drive to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will close at noon and open on Sunday, October 9 at 5 p.m.
- Roosevelt Road from Columbus Drive to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will close at 11 a.m. and open on Sunday, October 9 at 6 p.m.
Sunday, October 9
- Michigan Avenue from Madison to 9th Street will close at 4 a.m. and open on Sunday, October 9 at 9 a.m.
- Roosevelt Road from Michigan Avenue to Columbus Drive will close at 4 a.m. and open Sunday, October 9 at 6 p.m.
- Columbus Drive from McFetridge Drive to Roosevelt Road will close at 4 a.m. and open on Sunday, October 9 at 6 p.m.
- Michigan Avenue from 9th Street to Roosevelt Road at 5:30 a.m. and open on Sunday, October 9 at 4 p.m.
Note: All streets, except Balbo from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be fully reopened by Monday, October 10 at 6 a.m.
Race day street closures along the route will begin at approximately 7 a.m. on Sunday, October 9 and are anticipated to be reopened by 4:30 p.m. or when it is deemed safe to do so. Visit link for Bank of America Chicago Marathon Street Closures and Route.
Abbott Chicago 5K Street Closures on Saturday, October 8
Motorists and residents can also expect street closures for the Abbott Chicago 5K. For race details, visit Chicago5K.com. The following streets will be closed to traffic between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. on October 8.
- Ida B. Wells St, between Columbus Dr. and Congress Plaza Dr.
- Congress Plaza Dr., between Harrison St. and Van Buren St.
- Harrison St., between Michigan Ave. and Franklin St.
- Franklin St., between Harrison St. and Van Buren St.
- Van Buren St., between Franklin St. and Wacker Dr.
- Wacker Dr., between Van Buren St. and Dearborn St.
- Jackson Blvd., between Wacker Dr. and Clark St.
Marathon Map
To view the full 2022 Chicago Marathon course and map, click here.
Public Transportation
As always, public transportation is encouraged if heading to the Marathon or other destinations in the impacted areas. For more information on CTA services and reroutes, visit TransitChicago.com or call 836-7000 from any area code/1-888-YOUR-CTA. Metra will offer extra service on race day. For specific schedule information, visit Metra.com. The City has worked with licensed Transportation Network Providers (TNP rideshare services) to ensure that pick-up and drop-off locations are available throughout the city, in geo-fenced areas that are a safe distance off the route.
Emergency, Traffic and Weather Notifications
OEMC will continue to monitor the event in collaboration with public safety partners and the Chicago Police Department will enforce race day restrictions along the route as well as facilitate traffic. OEMC will issue any alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on street closures, weather conditions and emergencies. Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org. For businesses, OEMC also issues text alerts as well, to opt in for CHIBIZ alerts TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3.
Safety Tips Near/During Large Events
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
About Titan Security Group
Titan launched in 1994 with a vision for a better way to provide security services to the Midwest. Today, Titan is one of the largest security companies in North America, scheduling approximately 115,000 hours per week, employing more than 3,000 security staff, and have enjoyed over twenty-eight consecutive years of successfully serving our clients across a wide range of industries. Titan delivers results to clients through flexible, customized security solutions, and superior customer service. The Titan approach combines traditional security staffing with electronic security systems to provide integrated and efficient, customized security solutions from a single source.
Titan Security has taken part in multiple recent safety and security briefings with a range of private-sector associations and public-safety agencies. Both groups are closely monitoring an expected gathering of juveniles on Saturday evening, as well as the ongoing risk posed by organized retail theft rings. (See the post “Updated Notice of Protest Activity: December, 2021” for more information.) A summary of briefing content is provided below.
Specific Measures
- Titan Security is working with our public-sector partners as we monitor multiple activities and special events in the Central Business District (CBD) this weekend
- Regular updates will continue to be posted at https://marksmantitan.wpengine.com/news-and-resources/
- The Chicago Police Department will be deploying additional resources in the CBD this weekend, including foot patrols, bike units, and the mounted unit
- Other City agencies will be deploying personnel, barricades, and equipment in the CBD and in retail corridors
- Additional security measures and hours of operation will be in place at Millennium Park on Saturday
- There may be localized safety restrictions on pedestrian or vehicular traffic in the CBD
- Increased situational awareness for all Loop residents and employees is highly encouraged
- Emergencies should result in a call to 911, situational communication may utilize the BOMA Slack channel or 311
- Please contact your Titan Security representative with any questions or concerns
Update from the Chicago Police Department Business Liaison Office
“The Chicago Police Department is aware there has been online chatter regarding the possibility for unsupervised youths to come into the Central Business District again this Saturday. CPD will have extra personnel and resources in and around the CBD.
There has also been some misinformation distributed through various media outlets and email chains suggesting there will be limited access to the CBD this weekend. There are currently no plans for mass street closures or limited access to the CBD this weekend.
For several years, the City of Chicago and CPD have had an emergency plan in place wherein the CBD can be ‘locked down’ if necessary. This plan is only implemented under extreme conditions.”
Safety Tips During or Near Protest Activity
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
City of Chicago officials, including the Mayor’s Office and the Chicago Police Department, provided written and verbal briefings this week on measures being taken to enhance safety and security through the extended holiday weekend.
Specific Measures
- The Chicago Police Department (CPD) has confirmed that they will be assigning extra uniformed and plain-clothes officers to the Central Business District through the extended Thanksgiving weekend.
- Public works assets, such as Streets & Sanitation salt trucks, will also be prepositioned in and around the Loop and in other retail corridors.
- Additional technology may also be deployed to monitor persons/vehicles traveling into and out of the area.
- Multiple cities have experienced organized theft rings targeting high-end retail stores in recent days.
- City departments have run frequent drills in 2021 utilizing such assets to deter opportunistic criminality or civil unrest.
- Special events will include the Christkindlmart in Daley Plaza and the Thanksgiving Day Parade along State Street.
- The verdict in the Ahmaud Arbery murder trial in Georgia may be imminent, and has factored into the City’s planning.
- A related demonstration is anticipated at Federal Plaza (230 S Dearborn) on the evening of any verdict announcement.
- An additional, visible security presence facing the public way is encouraged by CPD.
- Increased situational awareness for all Loop residents and employees is highly encouraged.
- Emergencies should result in a call to 911, situational communication may utilize the BOMA Slack channel or 311.
Safety Tips During or Near Protest Activity
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
Titan Security continues to monitor the status of the Georgia murder trial in the death of Ahmaud Arbery. New information will be posted as it is received and vetted.
Update 1: As of the evening of Monday, November 22, closing arguments have been completed by both the prosecution and the defense. Brief rebuttal arguments are expected on Tuesday, November 23, and the jury could begin formal deliberations that same afternoon.
A coalition of activist groups have announced a planned protest on the evening of any verdict announcement, commencing at 6:00pm in Federal Plaza (230 S Dearborn). We will continue to monitor for additional demonstration activity.
Update 2: As of 10:45am Central time on Tuesday, November 23, the jury has begun formal deliberations in Brunswick, Georgia. We will continue to monitor multiple sources for updates, while any specific timeframes rest largely in the hands of the 12 jurors. We continue to anticipate a protest in Federal Plaza at 6:00pm on the evening of any verdict announcement.
Update 3: As of the evening of Tuesday, November 23, the jury has concluded deliberations for the day. Per law enforcement sources, the jury will reconvene to deliberate for a half day on Wednesday, November 24. If no verdict(s) has been reached by midday, they will break for the Thanksgiving holiday, and return for a full day of deliberation on Friday, November 26.
Update 4: As of midday on Wednesday, November 24, the jury in Georgia returned guilty verdicts in 23 of the 27 charges facing the defendants, including multiple counts of felony murder. A sentencing date is pending. As a result, any scheduled demonstrations are more likely to be nonconfrontational in nature. Titan Security continues to monitor the situation both nationally and locally.
Anticipated Demonstration Activity
11/24 @ 6:00pm, 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza), Group will gather for their cause “Ahmaud Arbery Murder Trial”
Safety Tips In/Near Protest Activity
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
- If you see an unattended bag, alert police as quickly as possible
Additional Resources
- Demonstration Building Security Preparedness Checklist – Click Here
- BOMA/Chicago Best Practices Guide for Civil Unrest/Disturbances/Protests – Click Here
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
The murder trial of Antioch teen Kyle Rittenhouse is nearing its conclusion in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Update 1: As of Thursday, November 11, the defense team had rested its case. Final arguments are anticipated on Monday, November 15, and the trial could go to the jury at that time. Titan Security will continue to closely monitor events in Wisconsin, and any related protest or demonstration activity in the Chicago area.
Update 2: As of Tuesday, November 16, the jury has officially started deliberations. There is no immediate indication indicating a verdict outcome, a hung jury, etc. The judge in the case has promised “at least” one hour of notice prior to any verdict announcement(s) being made. Two protests in the Chicago area have been announced for the evening of any verdict announcement – one in Millennium Park and one in Federal Plaza.
Update 3: As of the evening of Thursday, November 18, the jury in Kenosha has concluded its third day of deliberations without reaching a formal verdict. Jurors have been dismissed for the night and will resume deliberations on the morning of Friday, November 19.
Update 4: As of midday on Friday, November 19, the jury in the Kyle Rittenhouse has returned verdicts of not guilty on all five counts faced by the defendant. Again, Rittenhouse has been acquitted on all counts. We will continue to closely monitor any local impacts to Titan’s service area and Client sites.
Safety Tips In/Near Protest Activity
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
- If you see an unattended bag, alert police as quickly as possible
Additional Resources
- Demonstration Building Security Preparedness Checklist – Click Here
- BOMA/Chicago Best Practices Guide for Civil Unrest/Disturbances/Protests – Click Here
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
Location, Location, Location: Don’t Be Surprised
Certain areas make it easier for carjackers to engage with you. Drivers should be aware of the following frequent carjacking locations:
- Anywhere a driver slows down or stops
- Residential driveways (getting in and out of the vehicle)
- Parking lots and garages
- Gas stations
- ATMs
- Intersections with stop lights
Scenarios: Be Aware
Bump and Run
- You are rear ended. A passenger from the vehicle that bumps you jumps into your driver seat when you assess the damage and exchange driver information. Note their description and call 911.
Stranded Motorist
- Do Not Stop for apparently stranded strangers along the road. Note their location and call 911.
Safety Tips: Think Ahead
Always be aware of your surroundings. Make it a habit to enter your car, lock your doors immediately and drive away. Look around for suspicious persons sitting in vehicles or loitering in the area before entering your vehicle.
- Park in well-lit, visible areas
- Keep your windows up and doors locked
- Equip your vehicle with anti-theft/GPS
- Give yourself room to maneuver around stopped traffic. Don’t get ‘boxed’ in.
- Keep your cell phone in your pocket
- Trust your instincts
Create a Smart 911 profile and include your vehicle information.
If You Are The Victim Of A Carjacking
- Give up your car and leave the scene
- Remember the suspect(s)’ description and their vehicle’s description (if they have one)
- The vehicle can be replaced. You are irreplaceable
- Avoid verbal/physical confrontations
- If there is a child in the vehicle, let the carjacker know “my child is in the car”
- Call 911 immediately to report the crime
Download Carjacking Prevention Tips Flyer
Chicago Police Vehicular Hijacking Task Force
Expanded in 2021, the Vehicular Hijacking Task Force consists of Chicago Police, Cook County Sheriffs, Illinois State Police, and federal law enforcement professionals who specialize in the investigation of robbery and violent crime cases, dedicated to the vehicle hijacking incidents in Chicago.
You can contact the Vehicle Hijacking Task Force by email at [email protected] – or – you can submit videos, photos and detailed descriptions of the events, people involved and other information relevant to investigations at CPDtip.com.
You can choose to remain anonymous or to provide your contact information for future contact if needed. Click here to get started.
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
We have received information of public gatherings and large caravans related to the “EL GRITO” Mexican Independence celebration. We are not sure the number, if any, but due to last year’s celebration, CPD is preparing for crowds on lake shore drive from September 11th through September 18h. Please anticipate longer travel times and delays.
Tentative info for the activity is listed below:
- Nightly through September 18th at 9:00 pm at 4343 S Pulaski. The group will gather for their cause “Mexican Independence Day Take Over Week Car Caravan.”
- Mexican Independence Day on September 16th. Multiple large caravans are anticipated which will significantly impact local traffic flow.
Safety Tips:
- Avoid large crowds of people
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
- If you see an unattended bag, alert police as quickly as possible
Additional Resources:
- Demonstration Building Security Preparedness Checklist – Click Here
- BOMA/Chicago Best Practices Guide for Civil Unrest/Disturbances/Protests – Click Here
- NotifyChicago Notification System – Click Here
- City of Chicago Emergency Guidance for Evacuation and Shelter-In-Place – Click Here
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
Titan Security Group is excited to partner with Quad-C Management, a leading middle market private equity firm based in Charlottesville, VA.
Titan was looking for a financial partner with a proven track record to support our continued growth and ensure we have the resources and expertise to continue to thrive as a premier privately-held independent security organization.
Quad-C’s experience with both human capital and tech-enabled service businesses will provide Titan with valuable resources to enhance our capabilities for the benefit of our clients and team members.
Link to Press Release Announcing Partnership with Quad-C Management
Opinion and Thought Leadership
By Tom Henkey, CEM
Director of Emergency Management, Titan Security Group
We are living in very interesting times. To cite just one recent example, the riotous violence at the U.S. Capitol in January was shocking. Seeing the seat of representative democracy being breached and ransacked by domestic extremists – in the midst of a pandemic – is certainly nothing I ever expected to witness in my lifetime.
But it also provided a valuable lesson to everyone responsible for the safe operation of any large building or facility. Whether in a role as a building owner, property manager, engineer, or security professional, we must all heed this warning. Preparing for one hazard is not enough, we must collectively embrace all-hazards planning. A pair of initial reports on the January 6 violence at the U.S. Capitol display the critical importance of being able to track multiple threats or hazards, and what happens when those in charge fail to do so.
The U.S. House of Representatives drafted Retired General Russel Honoré to compose an initial report on the incidents leading up to and including January 6. Just weeks following the event, Honoré released a blunt assessment of the failings of multiple responsible parties to secure the seat of representative democracy. He specifically noted a lack of recognition of the threat posed by an unruly mob provoked by fiery political speeches just blocks from the Capitol, and a lack of adequate staffing and equipment for those assigned to protect the facility. The Honoré report may be found here: https://www.scribd.com/document/497886680/Read-Capitol-security-review-report#from_embed
A more recent report by Architect of the Capitol Inspector General Christopher P. Failla came to very similar conclusions. While the office of the Architect of the Capitol is not a household name to most Americans, it has responsibility for the daily maintenance and operation of the Capitol and surrounding buildings, and reports directly to the U.S. Congress. In his report, released April 27, Failla notes the glaring lack of planning and training for and by Capitol staff, where topics tended to focus on severe weather. In fact, not a single drill or exercise in 2019 or 2020 focused on the threats of protestors or civil unrest. The Architect of the Capitol report may be found here: https://www.oversight.gov/sites/default/files/oig-reports/AOC/Flash-Report-SeriesAOC-Emergency-Preparedness-2021-0002-IE-P.pdf
Taken together, these initial reports represent a pretty glaring lack of planning and preparation for a clear risk. So what does a property owner, manager, engineer, or security director do to counter such a broad range of potential threats?
On a local level we can take a wide ranges of proactive steps to manage such risk. Recognition is a key first step, as ignoring multiple intelligence reports prior to January 6 all-too clearly displayed. Yet potential solutions abound. All-hazards planning has been around the emergency management community for decades, yet is just starting to gain wider recognition and acceptance. A critical and foundational step for any organization is a thorough and honest risk assessment. Any solid emergency operations plan will then specifically address each and every identified hazard. And ultimately, our teams must be prepared to handle multiple crises simultaneously. (Pandemic and civil unrest, anyone?)
On a more macro level, we can work together as a sector to set expectations, coordinate with law enforcement agencies, and share best practices with one another. As Failla noted, we have a responsibility to “address known and unknown threats such as active shooter, workplace violence, protestors, and civil disturbances.” Addressing such a wide-ranging threat cannot take place in a bubble and must be a collaborative effort utilizing all available partners.
It is incumbent on those of us responsible for protecting people or facilities to truly prepare for all hazards – not just the ones we choose to address. We must proactively seek out intelligence and insight into our organization’s potential risks, and plan accordingly. It can be a dynamic and dangerous world out there, but all-hazards planning has the capability to bring some order to the chaos.
Milwaukee, WI—Starting on Thursday, April 15th, Titan Security expanded its footprint to provide security services to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This expansion illustrates Titan’s commitment to grow, expand, and develop in the Midwest and become an asset to a broader array of organizations and companies. Titan’s first assignment is the Schlitz Park commercial office complex, located alongside the Milwaukee River, with direct access to the Milwaukee Riverwalk. Schlitz Park’s paved pedestrian trail spans nearly three miles through the heart of the City’s Downtown. Once home to “The Beer That Made Milwaukee Famous,” the complex is a Milwaukee landmark location.
“We are excited to partner with Lincoln Property Company at Schlitz Park and look forward to providing our boutique style customer-centric service offerings including security staffing, door staff and concierge services, and security consulting and emergency preparedness to Southeastern Wisconsin and the Greater Milwaukee area,” said Dave Pack, President and CEO of Titan Security Group.
This expansion comes after Titan has experienced steady growth over the past 11 years in the Chicagoland area driven by an active senior management team, centralized service model, and integrated approach to security solutions.
About Titan
Established in 1994, Titan is headquartered in the Chicago West Loop neighborhood and has branch offices strategically located in the Chicago suburbs to serve clients throughout Chicagoland and surrounding areas. With service offerings including security staffing, professional door staff, security technology solutions, emergency planning services, and more, Titan is positioned to make an immediate impact on clients in the Milwaukee area’s security needs.
To learn more about Titan’s service offerings, visit https://marksmantitan.wpengine.com or contact a Titan representative at 312.902.3400.
