A situation involving civil unrest or disturbance can take multiple forms but typically involves a protest or demonstration. It is imperative to plan for such events so that you have the opportunity to have a plan in place, increase security measures, add additional officers, communicate with the tenants and work with local police officers. Below are some tips for you to consider.

Pre-event Actions

• Review the following with Building Management:
  • Main point of contact for issues (Manager, Security, etc.)
  • Lock-down procedures for the building (# of people gaining access to the building, temperament of crowd in the building, complete lock-down or only limiting to badged employees, etc.)
  • Communication to building tenants on any changes to access control
  • Additional staffing needs
  • Templates for internal mass messaging to building employees and/or tenants
  • Worst-case scenario (Safe zones within building, Chicago Police Department intervention, etc.)

• Conduct a site survey of all access points and camera systems
  • 1^st floor windows, doors/locks are in good working condition (no cracks/loose hinges)
  • Unmanned areas are secure or can be secured if needed (dock, emergency exits – do not block exits)
  • Camera views are functioning and recording

• Inform staff of possibility of increased traffic
  • Remain vigilant with all post orders (Visitor Management processes)
  • Observe and report activity around perimeter of the building (Increased traffic, temperament of crowds, direction of crowds, protest signage/verbiage)
  • Review security officer processes
    • Maintain Professionalism – do not engage protestors
    • Be polite
    • Communicate with management
    • Document everything
    • Lock-down processes (Manual lock or access control software)

Event Actions

• Follow information via news channels and from management to monitor when activity may be increased in your area
  • Ready mass communications
  • Boots on the ground – Conduct perimeter and interior patrols prior to event.
  • Stay in the lobby or near CCTV controls during the event
  • Communicate as often as possible with management (Client and Titan)
  • Be ready to respond to emergency situations
  • Be prepared to hold over security, engineering, or management staffing

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).

Incidents involving active threats or active shooters remain a concern. Fortunately, there are tangible actions we can all take before, during, or after such an incident to make ourselves, our neighbors, our coworkers, and our communities safer. The following overview provides general guidance to minimize or mitigate the impact of violent assailants, and includes links to additional informational resources.

Before – Prepare and Prevent

• Foster a respectful work environment and report deviations
• Recognize the signs of deteriorating mental health and stability 1.) Unusual stress or “trigger events” at home or at work, 2.) Significant changes in appearance or hygiene, 3.) Behavioral changes such as isolation or outbursts
• Develop and maintain a current, all-hazards emergency operations plan
• Prepare facility with training and education, alert system(s), and multiple exit routes

During – Respond

• Notify: Call 911 when safe to do so, providing street address and floor number, and alert building occupants of situation via public address and/or mass notification systems.
• Secure: Lock down the building, including all access points such as entrances, loading docks, and garages. To avoid additional risk, only first responders should be allowed to enter.

Take Action: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends the following courses of action when faced with an active threat.

• Run, rapidly move away from the threat. Evacuate only if escape route is available and it is safe to do so.
• Hide, shelter in place when evacuation is not an option, Hide in a secure area, away from suspect’s view.
• Fight, incapacitate the aggressor. Directly attack the perpetrator only as a last resort and if there are no other options.

After – Recover

• Follow instructions by security and first responders
• Assist neighbors/coworkers who may be injured or traumatized
• Perform accountability checks and report to first responders
• Help law enforcement gather potential witnesses
• Take care of yourself, make use of counseling or employee assistance program services

Additional Resources

• Department of Homeland Security: https://www.dhs.gov/cisa/active-shooter-preparedness
• Federal Bureau of Investigation: https://www.fbi.gov/about/partnerships/office-of-partner-engagement/active-shooter-resources
• Ready.gov Website: https://www.ready.gov/active-shooter