For security leaders, frontline retention is no longer just an HR concern; it is a core driver of security operations, risk mitigation, and service level consistency. The security guarding industry continues to face significant workforce churn, with turnover, as ASIS reports, as the top challenge facing security services companies today, with more than 40% identifying it as their primary workforce issue.

To counter this, leading organizations are adopting data-driven strategies for security staffing and retention.

Key tactics include:

• Competitive wage benchmarking aligned with site risk levels.
• Clear career pathways into supervisory and specialized roles
• Predictable scheduling to reduce burnout and absenteeism
• Ongoing training in de-escalation, workplace violence, and situational awareness
• Recognition programs and strong site leadership communication
• Regular engagement surveys to assess satisfaction levels

Security programs built on experienced, tenured Security Officers outperform high-churn models in incident prevention and client trust. High retention also reduces training costs, improves compliance, and enhances overall performance in security risk management.

For security leaders, investing in retention is not just a workforce metric; it is a core component of security excellence.

At Inter-Con, retention is approached as a strategic priority grounded in culture and intentional talent alignment. The Company’s workforce of dedicated security professional is the backbone of its business, supported by a workplace culture rooted in family values and guided by its core values such as integrity and trust, transparency and collaboration, innovation, and responsiveness.  As Allie Garcia, Senior Director of Corporate Talent at Inter-Con, explains, “Retention is the result of clarity and trust. By partnering closely with stakeholders to understand the nuances of their hiring needs and maintaining intentional, ongoing communication with our candidate pool, we create matches that last.”

This philosophy reinforces a simple truth; sustainable retention is not accidental. It is built through thoughtful hiring, strong leadership engagement, and a commitment to supporting Security Officers throughout their careers.

Building a strong culture of security and safety requires more than just policies; it demands leadership commitment, employee engagement, and consistent reinforcement across daily operations. For today’s organizations, integrating physical security, risk management, and workplace safety into the company mindset strengthens resilience and protects people, assets, and reputation.

To help advance this commitment, the Risk Management team at Inter-Con has introduced several initiatives designed to keep safety front and center while helping reduce and prevent workplace injuries. These efforts include monthly Safety Audits, a Near Miss reporting program, Safety Moment resources, and a dedicated Safety Specialist who works directly with team leaders and security officers in the field to identify hazards and reinforce safe practices. The program is further supported by an EHS Specialist, who helps coordinate safety communications, committees, and compliance efforts across the organization.

Managers and supervisors at Inter-Con are also encouraged to utilize the company’s Safety Toolbox, an internal resource designed to support safety awareness and training across operations. The toolbox provides quick training guides and practical materials that can be used during shift changes, roll calls, and safety briefings, helping teams reinforce safe practices as part of their daily routines.

Reinforcing a strong safety culture also means integrating safety practices into everyday workflows. Practical ways organizations can strengthen safety awareness include:

• Encourage employees to share safety observations or tips in staff meetings.
• Incorporate security updates and safety reminders into the company’s internal newsletter.
• Deploy short, focused safety training modules to improve employee situational awareness.
• Ensure there is visible signage that reinforces visitor management and badge compliance.
• Create recognition programs that reward proactive safety behavior.
• Embed safety messaging into onboarding, training, and leadership communications.
• Ensure there are clear reporting channels for suspicious activity and security incidents.
• Practice regular fire and emergency response drills.

By embedding safety and security practices into your organization, you can create a culture where security awareness becomes second nature, driving stronger compliance, improved response, and long-term operational excellence.

As Orit Harrington, Vice President of Risk at Inter-Con, explains:

“As we continue strengthening our safety culture, our commitment remains clear: Safety is the Standard, Not the Goal. Through the initiatives led by our Risk Management team, we are ensuring our employees have the tools, resources, and support needed to keep safety at the forefront of everything we do.”

For more information, contact Inter-Con today.

For security leaders, an emergency preparedness plan isn’t just a requirement; it’s a critical component of organizational resilience. Disasters, whether natural or human-caused, can disrupt operations, compromise safety, and expose vulnerabilities. A well-structured plan ensures rapid response and mitigates risk. Below are key elements that should be taken into consideration when creating a robust plan:

1. Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment. Identify threats specific to your business environment, such as power outages, severe weather, active shooter scenarios, or cyber disruptions.
2. Establish clear communication channels. During a crisis, timely alerts and accurate information are essential. Integrate mass notification systems and ensure frontline security teams have reliable communication devices and well-understood communication protocols.
3. Ensure evacuation plans are clear. Establish evacuation routes and assembly points. Ensure that plans are regularly reviewed, practiced, and communicated to all parties within your business.
4. Back up resources & systems: stock emergency supplies, verify backup power systems, and confirm access control measures remain functional under stress conditions.
5. Prioritize training and drills. Security guards and staff should practice evacuation procedures, lockdown protocols, and incident response steps regularly. Realistic training exercises build confidence and reduce chaos when seconds matter.

By embedding these elements into your security operations plan, your company strengthens its business continuity and protects people and assets. Emergency preparedness is a strategic imperative for every organization.

Contact Inter-Con to help you update your emergency preparedness plans.

Workplace violence in healthcare is becoming a growing crisis. Recent data from National Nurses United reveals that 81.6% of nurses experienced some form of workplace violence in 2023, ranging from verbal threats to physical assaults. Nearly half (45.5%) reported an increase in incidents compared to the previous year.

For security leaders, these numbers emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive violence-prevention strategies, risk assessments, and incident response protocols. Security Guards in hospitals and clinics must go beyond basic healthcare/hospital security protocols. Specialized de-escalation training, preparedness for mental-health–related behaviors or patient agitation are critical—especially in emergency departments, behavioral health units, and other high-stress environments. Security Guards should be trained to recognize early warning signs, intervene before escalation, and protect both staff and patients.

A strong, visible security presence combined with patrols and clear reporting channels can deter aggression and enhance safety. Protecting healthcare workers also reduces turnover and mitigates costly absenteeism. According to The Burden of Violence to U.S. Hospitals | AHA, workplace violence costs hospitals millions annually in lost productivity.

Ultimately, integrating security teams into a holistic prevention plan—one that prioritizes mental-health awareness, conflict resolution, and rapid response—is essential for patient safety and organizational resilience.

Contact Inter-Con to help you with your Healthcare security needs.

As winter sets in and temperatures drop, security programs face increased challenges that require proactive planning. Extreme cold and heavy snow don’t just disrupt operations; they create real risks to physical security, business continuity, and overall safety.

For frontline teams, clear protocols are essential. Security Guards should be equipped with insulated gear, high-visibility layers, and reliable communication devices to maintain situational awareness during snow, ice, and low-visibility conditions. Rotating posts more frequently can prevent cold-related injuries like hypothermia and frostbite, while regular check-ins ensure officer well-being.

Security leaders should reinforce emergency response procedures for power outages, frozen access points, and delayed first-responder support. Conducting winter-specific risk/threat assessments helps identify vulnerabilities such as icy walkways, obstructed cameras, or weakened perimeter barriers.

Equally important is preparing for increased incidents like slips and falls, stranded vehicles, and after-hours access requests. By integrating winter hazards into your security operations plans, you create resiliency that protects people and property assets.

With the right planning, training, and real-time oversight, your team can operate safely and effectively all winter long.

Contact Inter-Con Security to learn more about how we can help you stay prepared.

The holiday season brings increased travel and, with it, heightened security risks. For security leaders, proactive planning is essential to protect employees, assets, and sensitive information during this busy period.

Risk Assessments

Start with risk assessments tailored to the holiday period and travel. Identify potential vulnerabilities such as unattended facilities, reduced staffing, and increased cyber threats targeting remote access. Reinforce physical security protocols for offices and parking areas, ensuring access controls and surveillance systems remain fully operational.

Employee Travel

For traveling employees, emphasize situational awareness. Encourage staff to avoid sharing travel plans on social media, keep devices secured, and use encrypted connections when accessing company networks. Lost or stolen devices are a common holiday risk – be sure to implement clear protocols for quick reporting and mitigation.

Transportation Safety

Transportation safety matters too. Advise travelers to park in well-lit areas, lock vehicles, and keep valuables out of sight. For international trips, provide guidance on local security conditions and emergency contacts.

Communication Plan

Finally, a strong security culture depends on strong communication plans – quick updates and clear escalation paths. By integrating these measures into your security operations plans, you reduce exposure and ensure business continuity—even during peak holiday travel.

Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and keep your team safe this holiday season.

In today’s complex social and political climate, protests and rallies have become increasingly common near government buildings, commercial centers, and corporate campuses. While most demonstrations remain peaceful, even well-intentioned events can quickly disrupt operations, threaten employee safety, or cause property damage.

For security leaders, the challenge is not if these events impact your organization, but when. Preparation is key. Below are some helpful tips to consider:

• Conduct a Risk Assessment: Collaborate with your security services provider or corporate security team to conduct a risk assessment. Mapping potential protest routes, identifying access points, and determining ingress and egress points can be very helpful. Intelligence-gathering and monitoring tools can also help track planned demonstrations and assess crowd sentiment.
• Reinforce Access Control: When a protest or rally is happening near your business, tighten access control procedures. This includes badge credentialing, stationing security guards at all entry points, and ensuring that CCTV surveillance systems are fully operational and monitored.
• Develop Strong Communication Plans: Ensure employees know what to do, where to go, and how to stay informed if a protest escalates. Security leaders should coordinate closely with law enforcement and facility management to share information.
• Train Security Guards: Provide specific training on crowd management, de-escalation techniques, and emergency response protocols.
• Protect Critical Infrastructure: Secure parking lots, loading docks, and any high-value or sensitive areas. Whenever possible, install temporary fencing or barricades to prevent vehicle intrusion.

Protests and rallies will continue to be part of today’s landscape. Organizations that are well-prepared and vigilant can protect their people, assets, and reputation. Inter-Con Security can help your business prepare.

For new security decision makers, a strong risk assessment is the foundation of every effective security program. It identifies vulnerabilities, prioritizes threats, and informs measures that reduce operational, financial, and reputational risk. Below are key steps to formulating an effective and robust risk assessment:

1. Conduct a threat identification analysis. Evaluate internal and external risks from theft and workplace violence to cyber breaches, supply-chain disruptions, and natural hazards. Engage cross-functional department leaders and frontline employees to ensure all potential threats are listed.
2. Perform a vulnerability analysis. Review physical security protocols, access-control systems, lighting, surveillance coverage, visitor management, and guard-force deployment. Identify gaps that could allow unauthorized access, safety incidents, or business interruption.
3. Assess likelihood and impact. Using a simple risk-matrix approach, categorize each threat as low, medium, or high. This helps security teams allocate resources strategically and justify budget decisions to senior leadership.
4. Translate findings into a clear risk-mitigation plan. This may include enhancing patrol routes, adding security guard staff, upgrading cameras, improving cybersecurity training and practices, revising emergency procedures, or training employees in situational awareness.

An effective risk assessment not only strengthens your overall security posture but also empowers security leaders to drive informed decision-making and build a safer, more resilient organization.

In recent years, active shooter incidents have become a tragically familiar risk across workplaces, schools, public venues, and even hospitals. According to CNN and Gun Violence Archive, there have been 331 mass shooting events YTD (through October 5, 2025) alone in the U.S. 

Training, preparation, and the proper security protocols are key for your organization when the unthinkable happens. Below are suggestions to put in place before, during, and after an incident with your security teams.

Preparation & Prevention (Before an Incident):

• Conduct threat assessments and security audits: examine entry/exit points, vulnerable zones, parking lots, blind spots, etc.
• Install physical security layers: access control, which can include badge screening, turnstiles, metal detection, and weapons screening when feasible. Investigating technologies like cameras, mass notification systems, etc., as an additional layer.
• Train staff in active shooter response: not just lockdown but options protocols (run, hide, fight) and coordinated drills.
• Define communication and evacuation plans: building-wide announcements, clear emergency roles and responsibilities, and evacuation plans with multiple egress paths.

Response & Control (During an Incident):

• Act decisively: within your training and authority.
• Execute the Run, Hide, Fight Options mindset: support escape, when possible, direct occupants to safe zones, and engage only if there is no other choice.
• Maintain situational awareness: monitor attacker movement, changing conditions, and lines of fire.
• Coordinate with backup security teams and law enforcement: relay real-time intel.
• Prioritize life safety by helping occupants and assisting the injured: If needed, provide first aid or life-saving trauma care until medical help arrives.

Post Event & Recovery (After the Incident)

• Account for occupants and provide status to first responders
• Assist law enforcement: with witness statements, CCTV footage, building layouts, etc.
• Secure the scene and preserve evidence when possible.
• Conduct after-action reviews: what worked, what failed, lessons learned. Revise training protocols and physical security measures based on lessons learned. Conduct refresher training regularly.

With proper training, regular drills, and coordinated planning with facility leadership and law enforcement, Security Guards can save lives and mitigate chaos when seconds count.

Inter-Con can help your company with conducting a risk assessment for your business and ensure your security coverage is ready and right for your business.

PRESS RELEASE

September 29, 2025

Contact: [email protected]

New Orleans, Louisiana. — September 29, 2025 — Inter-Con Security announced that it was awarded last evening the coveted Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding) Award at the OSPA’s and will be a sponsor at tonight’s Women in Security /Next Gen Reception.

 “The company is honored to have been recognized by the security industry at this year’s OSPAs Award Ceremony and is very proud to be a sponsor of this evening’s ASIS Women in Security/Next Gen Reception,” said Henry Hernandez, President and CEO of Inter-Con Security.

Founded in 1973 by U.S. Army Veteran and retired LAPD Detective Lt. Enrique “Hank” Hernandez, Inter-Con has nearly tripled in size over the past three years to become one of the largest and fastest-growing security companies, employing over 40,000 employees. This recent growth has been entirely organic, and Inter-Con has neither acquired nor merged with any other security company in its 50-year history. Inter-Con remains 100% owned by the Hernandez Family, making it one of the largest family-owned, certified Minority Business Enterprises in the United States.

Mr. Hernandez added, “Inter-Con’s tremendous growth over the last several years would not be possible without the incredible people on our team who go above and beyond to support our clients and communities every day. The diversity of perspectives and skills within our organization significantly contributes to our ability to innovate and succeed in supporting some of the most complex, high-requirement programs in the world. We are incredibly proud to have won this year’s Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding) award.”

About Inter-Con 

Inter-Con is a global provider of fully customized, high-touch integrated security solutions. Inter-Con is a 100% Hispanic-owned, certified Minority Business Enterprise, and is the largest minority-owned and operated security company in the world, employing over 40,000 people across North and South America, and Africa.