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.
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 37,000 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 37,000 people across North and South America, and Africa.
PRESS RELEASE
August 27, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
San Diego, CA – August 27, 2025 – The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has earned the Gold Standard Award for Security from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the agency’s highest honor for excellence in transit safety. Out of 6,800 transit systems nationwide, only two were recognized in 2024, and Inter-Con Security is proud to serve as the trusted security partner for one of them.
This award highlights the strength of MTS’s partnership with Inter-Con Security, a globally recognized leader in protective services. As one of the largest private security companies in the United States, Inter-Con has a proven record of delivering customized solutions for transit systems, government agencies, and critical infrastructure. With highly trained officers, advanced technology platforms, and comprehensive risk management strategies, Inter-Con continues to raise the bar for transit security nationwide.
The TSA Gold Standard Award is earned through rigorous evaluations across categories such as strategic planning, training, public outreach, and technology use. Inter-Con’s ability to deploy professional, highly trained officers, paired with MTS’s ongoing commitment to innovation, distinguished San Diego as one of the safest and most secure transit systems in the country.
Together, MTS and Inter-Con are redefining security excellence in public transportation, ensuring millions of riders every year can travel safely and with confidence throughout the San Diego region.
Learn more here.
About Inter-Con
Inter-Con Security is a global provider of fully customized, client-focused integrated security solutions. As a 100% Hispanic-owned, certified Minority Business Enterprise, Inter-Con is the largest minority-owned and operated security company in the world, employing over 37,000 security professionals across North America, South America, and Africa.
PRESS RELEASE
August 12, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
Pasadena, CA – August 12, 2025 – Inter-Con Security proudly announces its inclusion in the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, an annual ranking by Inc. Magazine that honors the fastest-growing private companies in America. This recognition marks a significant achievement for Inter-Con in a highly competitive landscape, and the second consecutive year the company has earned a spot on the list.
The Inc. 5000 is a respected benchmark of entrepreneurial excellence, spotlighting companies that have achieved notable revenue growth over a three-year period. Inter-Con’s continued presence on the list reflects its dedication to innovation, exceptional client service, and a mission-driven approach to security.
“I’m so incredibly proud of our team for this achievement,” said Henry Hernandez, President and CEO of Inter-Con. “Recognizing that Inc. measures growth as a percentage increase in revenue over the last several years, a company of our relatively large size to make this list is very impressive and serves as a testament to all of our team’s hard work.”
Inter-Con’s back-to-back recognition further reinforces its position as a trusted leader in the security industry. The company’s sustained growth underscores its unwavering mission to protect people and communities around the world while maintaining operational excellence.
To view the complete list of Inc. 5000 companies and learn more about Inter-Con’s accomplishments, please click here.
About Inter-Con
Inter-Con Security is a global provider of fully customized, client-focused integrated security solutions. As a 100% Hispanic-owned, certified Minority Business Enterprise, Inter-Con is the largest minority-owned and operated security company in the world, employing over 37,000 security professionals across North America, South America, and Africa.
As the 2025 hurricane season approaches its peak (typically August through early October), security guards across the country must remain vigilant and prepared for the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and experts at Colorado State University recently announced that they expect an “above-normal” season, predicting between 13 to 21 named storms, with 6 to 11 of those becoming hurricanes. The threat is real, and the implications for businesses, facilities, and personal safety are serious.
Recent flooding disasters in Florida, Texas, and the Northeast have underscored how quickly severe weather can evolve into a crisis. In May, record-breaking rainfall in Houston resulted in flash floods that damaged critical infrastructure, displaced thousands, and overwhelmed emergency response systems. Similar flooding in New Jersey shut down power grids and left many without access to emergency services. These events serve as a stark reminder that emergency preparedness is crucial.
Security guards play a pivotal role in disaster response planning and execution. From protecting physical assets to safeguarding employees and supporting business continuity, security teams are on the front lines before, during, and after a storm.
Here is how security leaders can be prepared:
- Review and Update Emergency Response Plans: Ensure that hurricane preparedness protocols are current, site-specific, and aligned with local emergency management directives.
- Conduct Risk Assessments: Evaluate your facility’s vulnerability to high winds, flooding, or storm surges. Secure loose items, test back-up power systems, and assess the need for physical reinforcements like sandbags, etc.
- Communicate Early and Often: Ensure there are clear, proactive communication protocols in place with clients, staff, and leadership. Make sure that emergency contact lists are updated and that your team understands roles and responsibilities during emergencies.
- Train and Conduct Drills: Regular emergency drills will ensure your team is ready to respond swiftly and confidently. Incorporate realistic scenarios that mimic evacuations, flooding, and shelter-in-place requirements into the training. Ensure security guards are up to date on their fire life safety training.
- Leverage Technology: Utilize mass notification systems, GPS tracking for mobile units, and real-time weather alert tools for optimal situational awareness.
Hurricane season is not just a weather event – it is a test of leadership, readiness, and resilience. As climate events become more extreme, the role of private security grows increasingly important.
Now is the time to reinforce emergency management plans, promote cross-functional coordination, conduct risk assessments, and invest in hurricane preparedness. By taking these steps, security guards will be protecting not only property but also lives.
Contact Inter-Con today to assist with your security and emergency preparedness needs.
In recent years, the alarming rise in school shootings has changed the role of school security from a routine responsibility to a crucial life-saving mission. As we prepare for the upcoming school year, security leaders must acknowledge a difficult truth: schools in America have become frontline environments that require layered, intelligent, and deeply human-centered protection strategies.
The Statistics Are Alarming:
According to a recent CNN article, there have been 23 school shootings in the United States as of May 13, 2025
- The K-12 School Shooting Database recorded 330 school shootings in 2024.
- Over 70% of active shooter incidents in schools are perpetrated by current or former students, according to the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center.
- A Pew Research Center study found that 63% of U.S. parents fear for their children’s safety at school, a significant increase from just a decade ago.
What Security Leaders Should Consider:
- Invest in Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams: Proactive security is not just about responding to incidents; it also involves early detection. Assembling teams that include security personnel, educators, mental health professionals, and administrators is essential. These teams can monitor concerning behavior, assess intent and capacity for violence, and intervene with support services or law enforcement when necessary.
- Upgrade Physical Security Infrastructure: Ensure proper physical security guard coverage at your school. Additionally, evaluate and enhance access control systems, CCTV coverage, alarm systems, lockdown mechanisms, and perimeter security.
- Train for Real-World Scenarios: Security professionals should conduct regular drills so that all staff members are equipped with run-hide-fight protocols. They should also have established communication trees for real-time coordination and receive medical training. Involve EMS and law enforcement in these drills to improve preparedness.
- Build Community Partnerships: Collaborate closely with local law enforcement and fire departments. Foster relationships with mental health organizations and engage with parent and student groups.
By implementing these strategies, we can better protect our schools and ensure the safety of students and staff. Inter-Con stands ready to support your campus security needs and help tailor a security program that is right for you.
News
July 23, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
Pasadena, CA – July 23, 2025 – Inter-Con Security is proud to announce its selection as a finalist in five distinguished categories of the 2025 Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs). This recognition underscores Inter-Con’s unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation within the security industry.
The categories in which Inter-Con has been shortlisted are:
- Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding) – Inter-Con Security
- Outstanding Contract Security Manager – Jillian Brown & Stephen Dhimitri
- Outstanding Security Team – Nike
- Outstanding Security Officer – Fernando Saaveda & Raceme Yates
- Outstanding Young Security Professionals – Luis Chavez & Garrell Henderson
The OSPAs are internationally acclaimed awards that acknowledge and reward companies and individuals across the security sector for their outstanding performance and contributions. Being named a finalist is a significant achievement and highlights Inter-Con’s position as a leader in the security industry.
Inter-Con Security has a longstanding reputation for providing customized security solutions that meet the diverse needs of clients worldwide. With a focus on innovation, integrity, and superior service, Inter-Con continues to set the standard for the security industry.
The winners of the 2025 OSPAs will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony on September 28th at Global Security Exchange (GSX).
Inter-Con looks forward to this event and the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of all finalists.
Learn more here.
About Inter-Con
Inter-Con Security is a global provider of fully customized, client-focused integrated security solutions. As a 100% Hispanic-owned, certified Minority Business Enterprise, Inter-Con is the largest minority-owned and operated security company in the world, employing over 36,500 security professionals across North America, South America, and Africa.
News
May 16, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
San Diego, CA – May 16, 2025 – Inter-Con Security, a leading provider of comprehensive security solutions, proudly announces it has been awarded the contract to provide security services for San Diego County. This strategic partnership underscores Inter-Con’s continued commitment to public safety and excellence in protective services.
Under this new agreement, Inter-Con will support the safety and security of San Diego County’s operations across multiple county facilities. The partnership reflects the County’s confidence in Inter-Con’s capabilities and its proven track record in delivering high-quality security services.
Inter-Con Security has a long-standing reputation for excellence, with decades of experience providing security solutions to government, commercial, and international clients. The San Diego County contract will generate new employment opportunities for local residents and reinforce Inter-Con’s role as a trusted security partner throughout California and beyond.
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 35,000 people across North America, South America, Europe, and Africa.
News
April 10, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
Las Vegas, NV – April 10, 2025 – As Las Vegas continues to grow and evolve, so does its public transit system — and at the heart of its safety transformation is Inter-Con Security, proudly partnering with the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada to deliver a safer, more responsive transit experience.
In 2024, RTC Transit served over 52 million passengers. Recognizing the critical role of security, RTC invested $23.1 million to enhance public safety — and Inter-Con Security has been instrumental in that mission.
Key achievements include:
- Expanding officer presence from 247 to 300 highly trained security officers
- Upgrading officer training programs to address evolving safety needs
- Deploying real-time GPS tracking and nano GPS panic buttons for faster response and added protection for transit operators
- Implementing cutting-edge AI-powered weapon detection technology (ZeroEyes), ensuring rapid identification and mitigation of potential threats
These improvements have produced clear results:
- 40% reduction in assaults among passengers
- 26% fewer assaults on operators
- Response times to incidents reduced by 4 minutes
In recognition of these efforts, RTC has been honored with the 2025 APTA Bus Security Award, marking a significant achievement in transit safety excellence.
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 35,000 people across North America, South America, Europe, and Africa.