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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

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

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

Safety Tips During or Near Protest Activity

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

Additional Resources

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

Additional Resources

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:

Scenarios: Be Aware

Bump and Run

Stranded Motorist

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.

Create a Smart 911 profile and include your vehicle information.

If You Are The Victim Of A Carjacking

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:

Safety Tips:

Additional Resources:

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.

Spring weather in the Midwest and Great Lakes can be especially fast-changing and unsettled. Such conditions can lead to risks due to wind, hail, heavy rain, and even tornadoes. Taking simple precautions can help managers and supervisors prevent accidents and injuries.

Spring Storms

Per the National Weather Service (NWS), severe thunderstorms are storms capable of producing hail that is an inch or larger or wind gusts over 58 mph. Hail this size can damage property such as plants, roofs, and vehicles. Wind this strong can break off large branches, knock over trees or cause structural damage to trees. Some severe thunderstorms can produce hail larger than softballs or winds over 100 mph, so please pay attention to the weather, so you know when severe storms are possible. Thunderstorms also produce tornadoes and dangerous lightning; heavy rain can cause flash flooding. In severe weather, security personnel are advised to head indoors, away from exterior doors and windows, and listen for weather alerts and updates.

Driving Safety

Slips can happen when entering and exiting your vehicle, so be cautious. Use a three-point stance when getting in and out of your vehicle. Use a grab-bar or door frame for stability. Be aware that the vehicle itself can lose traction, causing uncontrolled skids.

Final Tip: Whether on foot or in a vehicle, high winds can produce debris or indicate worsening weather. Take shelter and take care during severe weather!

Additional Resources

Stay aware of changing weather conditions. Consider signing up for weather alerts from:

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).