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.

News

April 9, 2025

Contact: [email protected]

Nokesville, VA – April 9, 2025 – K-9 Officer James “Rusty” McIntosh II and his K-9 partner, Argo, proudly placed 2nd and 3rd in two categories at the 2025 Iron Dog Event, held on April 5th at Kettle Run High School in Nokesville, Virginia. The competition, hosted by the Virginia Police Canine Association, Fauquier K-9, and Community Organization, brought together 40 law enforcement K-9 teams from across Virginia and the DC area to compete in a series of challenging tasks designed to test the strength, stamina, and teamwork of both handlers and their K-9 partners.

During the event, which featured a 1.5-mile course with seven skill-testing stations, McIntosh and Argo made an impressive debut, securing 3rd place in the Explosive Detection Carousel Search and 2nd place in the Overall Explosive K-9 category. The competition’s demanding format required teams to demonstrate precision and agility, with penalties for any incorrect finds or failure to complete obstacles.

The Iron Dog Competition serves as an opportunity for K-9 teams to display their capabilities in real-world scenarios, and McIntosh and Argo’s success showcases the hard work and training that goes into each K-9 team.

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.

In today’s world, the challenges faced by Security Guards are increasingly complex. While mental health issues do not directly cause extremism, there is a significant intersection where vulnerabilities can be exploited, leading individuals down a path of radicalization. Understanding this connection is crucial for Security Guards who must not only identify potential threats but also take proactive steps to mitigate them.

The Mental Health-Extremism Nexus

Mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, or personality disorders, do not inherently lead to violent extremism. However, they can make individuals more susceptible to radical ideologies, especially when combined with other factors like social isolation, a sense of injustice, or exposure to extremist propaganda. For instance, individuals experiencing mental health crises may seek out communities that offer a sense of belonging, even if those communities promote harmful ideologies.

Extremist groups are often adept at identifying and exploiting these vulnerabilities, offering a distorted sense of purpose or identity to those who feel marginalized. This manipulation can be particularly effective if the individual lacks strong social support or has unmet psychological needs.

The Role of Security Guards

Security Guards play a critical role in identifying and addressing the potential threats posed by individuals vulnerable to radicalization. Here are key strategies they can employ:

1. Enhanced Training on Mental Health and Extremism: Security Guards should receive comprehensive training that goes beyond basic awareness, focusing on how mental health issues can intersect with extremism. This training should equip security teams with the skills to identify early signs of radicalization linked to mental health challenges and provide them with the tools to approach these situations with empathy and understanding. Scenario-based training exercises can be particularly effective in preparing teams to respond appropriately in real-world situations.
2. Specialized De-Escalation Techniques: Developing and practicing de-escalation techniques is crucial for Security Guards. Training should emphasize how to calmly and effectively manage individuals exhibiting signs of distress or radicalization, focusing on reducing tension and preventing the situation from escalating. This includes verbal and non-verbal communication skills, as well as strategies for managing confrontational or potentially violent scenarios without the use of force.
3. Community Engagement: Security Guards should work closely with community organizations to foster a sense of trust and collaboration. By engaging with communities, security teams can better understand local dynamics, identify early warning signs of radicalization, and provide resources to those at risk.

Preparing for the Future

As the landscape of extremism evolves, so too must the strategies employed by Security Guards. Understanding the complex relationship between mental health and extremism is essential for developing effective security measures that protect both individuals and communities.

In a world where the lines between mental health and security are increasingly intertwined, the role of security guards is more critical than ever. By preparing themselves and their teams to navigate these challenges with sensitivity and skill, they can contribute to a safer, more resilient society.

In the constantly changing world of corporate security, organizations aim to adopt models that best suit their individual needs. Two prominent models in the security services sector are the dedicated service model and the branch model. Understanding the benefits of each can assist businesses in making an informed decision that ensures optimal security and operational efficiency.

The Dedicated Service Model

The dedicated service model integrates security personnel directly into the client’s organization. These security professionals become an intrinsic part of the company’s daily operations, collaborating closely with employees and management. This is the model that Inter-Con has been specializing in for over 50 years.

Benefits of the Dedicated Service Model

• Deep Integration with Company Culture: dedicated security personnel are fully immersed in the company’s culture, values, and goals. This integration fosters a strong alignment between the security team and the organization, leading to more effective and cohesive security practices. Security personnel understand the company’s specific needs and can tailor their approach accordingly.
• Enhanced Communication: Proximity and daily interaction with other employees facilitate better communication and collaboration. Security personnel are more accessible and can quickly respond to incidents or security concerns, ensuring prompt and effective resolution.
• Customized/Tailored Security Solutions: With an intimate understanding of the company’s operations, dedicated security teams can develop highly customized security solutions. They can anticipate potential security threats specific to the organization and implement measures that address these unique challenges.
• Stronger Relationships and Better Retention: Building relationships with employees helps create a safer and more secure environment. Familiarity and trust between security personnel and staff can lead to better compliance with security protocols and a more loyal and vigilant workforce.
• Consistent Monitoring and Reporting: Continuous presence within the organization allows for consistent monitoring and timely reporting of security issues. Dedicated security teams can provide real-time updates and insights, enabling proactive measures to prevent incidents.

The Branch Model

The branch model involves security personnel operating from a separate location, typically managed by a central security firm/branch. These teams provide security services to multiple clients and rotate between different sites.

Benefits of the Branch Model

• Cost Efficiency: The branch model can be more cost-effective, as resources and personnel are shared among multiple clients. Businesses can benefit from high-quality security services without the financial burden of maintaining a dedicated team.
• Access to Specialized Expertise: Security firms employing the branch model often have a diverse pool of talent with specialized skills. Clients can access this expertise as needed, ensuring they receive top-notch security solutions for specific challenges.
• Scalability and Flexibility: The branch model offers greater flexibility in scaling security services up or down based on demand. Whether an organization needs additional security for a short-term event or a temporary increase in coverage, the branch model can quickly accommodate these changes.
• Objective Oversight: Operating from an external location provides a degree of separation that can result in more objective oversight and evaluation of security practices. Security firms can offer unbiased assessments and recommendations to enhance the overall security posture.

In summary, understanding the distinct benefits of each model can help businesses make a strategic choice that ensures robust and effective security tailored to their unique environment. The dedicated service model offers deep integration, personalized solutions, and stronger relationships, making it ideal for companies that value close-knit, customized security practices. If these benefits interest you, contact Inter-Con today!