CrisiSolution Conference:
Active Shooter, Workplace Violence, Kidnap, Extortion and Allied Perils
Venue: AIG Houston Conference Center
Date: November 02, 2017
Summary outline
The AIG Kidnap & Ransom Division is bringing a one day conference with top experts in their fields to educate attendees on the changing hazards of today’s world of events of Active Shooter, Workplace Violence, Kidnapping, Extortion, Emergency Evacuation, and other perils.
A key focus of the education will be: Perils traditionally thought to be only outside the U.S. are very much a risk inside the U.S. including Active Shooter, Workplace Violence, and Extortion.
Education scope: Commentary on recent events, including: San Bernardino, Orlando Nightclub, Fort Lauderdale Airport, and others.
Intent: Attendees should understand the risks- increasing nature of them- and how to take action to prevent such incidents, and if they were to fall victim how to best ensure the survival of their employees, families and guests.
5 Hours Continuing Education Credit
Hour 1: Global Risk inside the United States
Presenter: (Retired) Colonel Gus Green – AIG Global Threat Assessment
Since the Twin Towers incidents in 1993 and 2001 foreign perpetrated or influenced attacks have been part of our domestic landscape. However, these risks were thought to be contained to the major U.S. cities and principal landmarks. The events of San Bernardino in December of 2015 changed reality.
You will learn more about:
- Historical synopsis: events foreign and domestic.
- Targeting specific installations.
- How your organization can assess /review their risks, find weak points in physical installations, procedures.
- Liaison with public (police, FBI, others) and private resources to proactively discourage and detect potential infiltrations and issues.
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Hour 2:
Active Shooter or Workplace Violence; Crisis Communications
Presenter: Kendall Miller – Abernathy & MacGregor
In a company, when incidents occur, managers must quickly and adequately switch from normal public relations mode to what we call ‘Crisis Communications protocols’.
Most importantly, the victim(s), their families, visiting guests, and employees. Each of these stakeholders require accurate and timely communication of facts, action plans, and significant support.
Further, today’s rapid news cycle (mainstream and social media) require organizations to react proactively in a timely fashion to avoid becoming scapegoats, to avoid brand/reputation issues. Presenter will discuss:
- The psychology of Crisis Communications …and perception of corporate America.
- How to shift attitudes and actions from ‘public relations’ to effective Crisis Communications.
- Managing the crisis…orchestrating support activities…keeping victim(s), families, visiting guests, and all the employees well-informed.
- Understanding the Principals involved when managing mainstream media interaction… and response.
- Learning the proactive steps in order to successfully navigate social media.
Hour 3:
Global Crisis – Employee and Organizational Resiliency
Presenter: Christopher Helms – Director of Global Security Operations Center for AIG
Today, there are millions of Americans who either travel overseas on vacation or for work, or live as expatriates. The perils they face vary widely from auto accidents and food-borne illness, to endemic disease, unsafe workplaces, war, or civil commotion. Mr. Helms will discuss ‘best practices’ to protect employees and their families, customers, and visiting guests. Topics:
- Understanding the scope of the various perils, learning about key statistics that face Americans abroad.
- How global security / travel services prepare you for overseas exposures; help you cope with incidents.
- One phone number… report all incidents…ensure timely / proper duty-of-care.
- Examples: Pandemic disease incidents (Ebola), accident trauma (workplace), natural disaster evacuation.
Hour 4:
Active Shooter / Workplace Violence:
Presenter: Houston Police Department – Officer Erik Termeulen
From Columbine and Oklahoma City to Aurora and Sandy Hook to the latest incidents in San Bernardino, the Fort Lauderdale airport, Orlando nightclub, Oklahoma State University, domestic and foreign-influenced actors have been carrying-out attacks with alarming intensity.
Once the purview of lone-wolf perpetrators or from scenes in the movies, mass attacks inside the U.S. and Western Europe have become more common. Televised / social media publicity these attacks generate create more problems. Officer Termeulen will review:
- History and evolution of ‘active shooter’ and ‘workplace violence’ in modern America.
- Solutions: Enhanced protocols and preparedness by Law Enforcement.
- How to survive an incident …and importantly, what to expect when Law Enforcement arrives.
- Employers: Here’s what you can do to minimize / reduce the risk of occurrences.
- How organizations can work better with Law Enforcement to prevent and respond to incidents.
Hour 5:
Former victim discusses her ordeal … lessons learned –
Presenter: Mrs. Barbara Zurita – Mexican Citizen, but now a permanent resident of Houston
The former victim was living in Mexico City when she noticed an old acquaintance was at the mall, at the supermarket, etc. She brushed off the sensation of danger; the result was an ordeal that she affirms she wants to make sure no one else endures. She will share:
- How her life was idyllic, even in higher crime environment of Mexico City.
- How this old acquaintance surveilled her and her preschool son without drawing suspicion.
- The actual kidnapping event and absconding to the safe house.
- Her daily ordeal whereby her son and her were only two of many in a ‘rotating business of victims’.
- Her release and the subsequent psychological issues, leading her to relocate to Houston.
- She will tell you, how to take preventive measures; and if you are kidnapped taken, how you should react and live through the situation.
End of the Conference.