As a security professional and owner of several small businesses, I understand the importance of conducting background checks on my employees.  One of my companies employs over 100 security officers and, for several years, I was content on a standard state police background check.  After securing an account with a school district, at which we [...]

How often do you vary your route to and from work?  How often do you sit and look around your house, before getting out of your car? Do you roll up your car windows when stopped at a stoplight?  Do you have your keys in hand when approaching your car in a parking lot?  Do [...]

As a police officer and security professional, I’m constantly reminded of the importance of home security.  Contrary to the violent world we live in, our right to feel safe and protected within our own home should never be compromised or violated.  Yet on a daily basis, thousands of homes across the country our invaded and [...]

If you have ever had your credit card number copied and used without your knowledge, you were a victim of credit card skimming.  By definition, credit card skimming is the theft of credit card information used in a otherwise legitimate transaction.  More often than not, this type of theft is typically perpetrated by a dishonest [...]

Far too often we here of gunman in a standoff with police.  As we sit, tuned in to our favorite TV news station, we slowly begin to learn the full details.  More than just a lone crazed gunman, the captor has fourteen hostages that are being held against their will.  Men, women and young children, [...]

Security should be an important consideration in everything we do on a daily basis.  Unfortunately, we live in a violent and unpredictable world where, far too often, innocent people are victimized.  Throughout my years in law enforcement, one of my primary goals has been to teach people how to protect themselves.  Through this blog, I [...]

Your Residence

Keep Service door, between house and garage, locked when not in use
Activate security system (if available) at night. This should include all doors and windows
Keep all blinds and curtains closed at night
Install “peephole” or intercom at front door to challenge those requesting entry
Install deadbolt locks on all exterior doors
Plan an escape route from the [...]

There can be no definitive answer as to whether or not pepper spray will protect you.  It all depends on the type of pepper spray used and the manner in which you use it.  I have been a police officer since 2000 and have used pepper spray several times to protect myself and others.  As [...]