Today’s security leaders face more pressure than ever to protect people, assets, and operations in an increasingly complex risk environment. Building a reliable, disciplined workforce is not simply a nice-to-have—it is essential. 

Hiring military veterans, along with their spouses, is one of the most effective ways for physical security services organizations to strengthen their guard operations. Leaders looking to take action can start by partnering with military transition programs, connecting with local veteran organizations, or attending job fairs on or near military bases. Establishing relationships with military family support groups and offering flexible opportunities tailored to military spouses can also help attract this talented workforce. These practical steps make it easier to connect with candidates who bring the skills and commitment needed for security success. 

Military service instills qualities that closely align with the demands of professional security work. Veterans develop discipline, situational awareness, and the ability to follow procedures while adapting to changing conditions. They’re accustomed to working in team environments where accountability and clear communication are critical. 

In real-world situations, this translates to stronger incident response, better coordination, and a steady presence in high-pressure moments. Veterans are trained to make decisions with limited information while remaining calm—an essential skill when seconds matter, and lives may be at risk. 

But the strength of the military community extends beyond those who serve. 

Military spouses bring equally valuable strengths to the workforce. Many have navigated frequent relocations, adapted quickly to new environments, and built resilience through uncertainty. These experiences foster adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a strong sense of responsibility—qualities that directly support effective security operations. 

Recognizing the value of the entire military family is key. Supporting veterans without also supporting their families overlooks an important driver of long-term success and workforce stability. For security organizations, hiring both veterans and military spouses helps build cohesive teams grounded in shared values of service, commitment, and mission focus. 

According to national workforce data, there are approximately 17.6 million veterans in the United States, representing about 7% of the civilian population aged 18 and over. Women now make up roughly 12% of the veteran population, reflecting the continued growth of female service members. In the security industry specifically, veterans represent a significant portion of the workforce—studies estimate that as many as 20% of private security guards have prior military service. This means that security leaders have a strong opportunity to tap into a proven talent pool that is already widely represented in the sector. 

At Inter-Con Security, veterans and active service members account for nearly 9% of the workforce, exceeding the national average. Military spouses are also a key part of the company’s hiring strategy, helping to build a workforce known for adaptability, accountability, and mission focus. 

This strong representation of military-affiliated talent has had a measurable impact on operations. Teams with veteran leadership consistently demonstrate faster incident response times and high client satisfaction. Clients often point to professionalism, composure under pressure, and effective teamwork as key differentiators. 

“As veterans, we’re trained to expect the unexpected and to protect those around us, no matter the circumstances. In security, that mindset isn’t just valuable—it’s essential. We know how to work as a team and stay calm when it counts most.” 
— Richard Stack, COO, of Inter-Con Security, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran  

While many view hiring from the military community as a way to support those who have served, it is also a strategic decision that strengthens daily operations and enhances long-term reliability. 

Effective security operations depend on professionals who can perform under pressure, uphold commitments, and work seamlessly as part of a team. Veterans and military spouses demonstrate these qualities every day in ways that are both visible and measurable. 

As security needs continue to evolve, organizations that tap into this talent pool gain a more resilient workforce and a stronger overall security posture. This approach also reinforces the connection between service, community, and safety. 

If you’re a veteran or military spouse looking to take your career to the next level, connect with one of our recruiters today. 

Large-scale sporting events present enormous opportunities and significant risks for host cities and organizers. From national championships to the global stage of the Olympic Games, effective protection starts with a strong physical security presence.

While cybersecurity and AI-driven tools support operations, trained security guards and law enforcement remain the first line of defense. Professional security guards patrol perimeters, enforce access control, conduct screening and bag checks, and manage complex crowd dynamics. At high-attendance venues, disciplined entry procedures and credential verification are essential to reducing unauthorized access and insider threats.

Security planning for these types of events must be multi-layered. It demands strategic risk assessments, layered deployment, clear incident response protocols, and strong supervision. Organizations must train security guards in de-escalation, behavioral threat recognition, evacuation procedures, emergency response, and coordination with law enforcement and emergency medical teams.

Large-scale events also bring additional challenges, including VIP protection, athlete safety, protest activity, and dynamic crowd movement. A well-coordinated security guard force maintains operational continuity while preserving a positive fan atmosphere.

Physical security guarding services are the backbone of any event protection plan.

“At large-scale sporting events, technology is a powerful force multiplier—but it’s people who ultimately secure the environment. Well-trained security professionals on the ground are essential for managing risk in real time, detecting behavioral threats, and responding decisively when seconds matter. A layered security strategy only works when skilled guards are empowered, prepared, and fully integrated with law enforcement and emergency partners.” 

– Jon Timberlake, CPP, Inter-Con Security Division President

Contact Inter-Con to help with your next event.

As threats grow more complex, organizations can no longer rely on a single layer of security. Today’s most effective security programs combine advanced technology with experienced security personnel to create proactive, intelligence-driven protection strategies.

Data analytics and artificial intelligence are transforming how organizations detect and respond to risk. Modern security technologies leverage real-time data, predictive analytics, and AI-driven algorithms to enhance threat detection, improve situational awareness, and support faster, more informed decision-making.

By analyzing patterns across staffing deployments, access control activity, and incident reports, organizations gain deeper insight into potential vulnerabilities. This intelligence-led approach allows security leaders to allocate resources more strategically and strengthen overall operational resilience.

However, technology alone cannot mitigate risk. Professional Security Guards remain the critical frontline defense. Trained personnel interpret data insights, identify threats, maintain perimeter security, and execute effective emergency response protocols. Their presence deters criminal activity while reinforcing operational continuity.

For organizations focused on enterprise security, loss prevention, and business continuity, integrating data, AI, and skilled guarding personnel creates a powerful, layered defense. As leaders across the security industry – including experts at Inter-Con Security – continue to demonstrate, this approach enables organizations to move beyond reactive security to anticipate and prevent threats.

“The organizations that stay ahead of risk aren’t relying on one line of defense — they’re building many. When data analytics, AI, and skilled guarding work in concert, you don’t just respond to threats; you prevent them.”

 — Lynn Phillips, Senior Vice President – Head of Product, Inter-Con Security

As the security industry continues to evolve, the presence and leadership of women in physical security, security management, and risk mitigation has become a strategic advantage for organizations. A diverse security workforce isn’t just a reflection of modern values; it directly strengthens operational performance.

Women bring perspectives and skill sets that elevate the profession: nuanced communication, collaborative problem‑solving, and a mission‑driven approach that enhances both day‑to‑day operations and long‑term program resilience. Their contributions help build security teams that are more adaptive, more engaged, and better equipped to navigate complex threats.

A recent study published by the Security Industry Association (SIA) found that women overwhelmingly view security careers as meaningful and mission-driven, with 99% reporting pride in their accomplishments and 92% believing the industry offers a fulfilling career path.  This sense of purpose fuels stronger retention, deeper commitment, and higher performance across the field.

The future of the security industry will be shaped by its ability to attract and retain diverse talent. Bringing more women into frontline, technical, and executive roles strengthens the talent pipeline, improves incident‑response readiness, and drives innovation across the sector. Organizations that champion diversity today are building the leadership bench the industry will rely on tomorrow.

At Inter-Con, we are proud that diversity is a cornerstone of our organizational ethos.

“At Inter-Con, we believe representation strengthens performance across the security profession. Women make up 29% of our workforce, including 27% of first- and mid-level official and manager roles and 35% of executive and senior leadership positions. These numbers reflect our commitment to building leadership pathways, investing in mentorship, and ensuring women continue to shape the future of protective security services.”

 — Natalie Griffiths, Chief Compliance Officer & Senior Vice President, Employee Relations

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:

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:

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.