We have received information indicating multiple public gatherings and protests scheduled for Tuesday, March 2nd through Friday, March 26th. Tentative info for the protest activity is listed below:
Scheduled Protests/Assemblies
Ongoing Protests until May 25th, 2021
- Unknown times at 110 N Carpenter (McDonald’s HQ). The group will gather for their cause. “Don’t Be McFooled. Stop Systemic Racism (90-day Picket Campaign.”
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021
- 4:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “5 Years After Berta’s Assassination: Defund the Dictatorship!”
Saturday, March 6th, 2021
- 12:00 pm at 100 W Randolph (Thompson Center). The group will gather for their cause “Press Conference: March & Rally George Floyd Trial Begins.”
- 2:00 – 4:00 pm at 800 N Michigan (Canada Goose). The group will gather for their cause “Day of Action Against Canada Goose.”
Monday, March 8th, 2021
- 11:15 am at 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Rally to Support the Hotel Worker Comeback Ordinance!”
- 6:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “The People vs. Derek Chauvin: Trial Day 1.”
Saturday, March 13th, 2021
- 12:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Breonna Taylor Memorial & March ‘Say Her Name.”
- 12:00 pm at 100 W Randolph (Thompson Center). The group will gather for their cause “Press Conf: A Humanitarian Project: Homeless Lives Matter Too.” (Believed to be cancelled)
- 5:00 pm at 1412 W. Washington (FOP Lodge). The group will gather for their cause “Black Lives Matter: FOP Endorses Racist Trump.” (Believed to be cancelled)
Sunday, March 14th, 2021
- 12:00 – 1:30 pm at 700 N Michigan Ave (Saks Fifth Avenue). The group will gather for their cause “It’s Not Fashion, It’s Violence- Fur Protest.”
Saturday, March 20th, 2021
- 12:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Endless Wars = Few or No Gains for Working People.”
- 1:30 pm at 301 S Columbus Drive (Grant Park, the former site of Christopher Columbus Statue). The group will gather for their cause “The Struggle and Celebration for Black Liberation.”
Friday, March 26th, 2021
- 6:00 – 11:00 pm at Daley Plaza – 50 W. Washington St (bicycle caravan). The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Critical Mass (March 2021).”
Safety Tips:
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
- If you see an unattended bag, alert police as quickly as possible
Additional Resources:
- Demonstration Building Security Preparedness Checklist – Click Here
- BOMA/Chicago Best Practices Guide for Civil Unrest/Disturbances/Protests – Click Here
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
We have received information indicating multiple public gatherings and protests scheduled for Tuesday, February 23rd through Friday, February 26th. Tentative info for the protest activity is listed below:
Scheduled Protests/Assemblies
Ongoing Protests from February 23rd to May 25th, 2021
- Unknown times at 110 N Carpenter (McDonald’s HQ). The group will gather for their cause ““Don’t Be McFooled. Stop Systemic Racism (90-day Picket Campaign.”
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021
- 11:00 am at 60 E Van Buren (Chicago Housing Authority HQ). The group will gather for their cause “City of Chicago: House the Homeless Now!”
- 4:00 pm at 2525 S Michigan Ave (Mercy Hospital). The group will gather for their cause ““Mercy Hospital Press Conference & White Coat Rally.”
- 5:00 pm at 121 N LaSalle (City Hall). The group will gather for their cause “Citywide Day of Action: Stop General Iron #DenyThePermit.”
Friday, February 26th, 2021
- 10:00 am at 100 W Randolph (Thompson Center). The group will gather for their cause “Justice for All, Press Conference and Speak Out Against Northpoint in Elwood/Joliet.”
- 5:30 pm at 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Critical Mass Bicycle Caravan.”
Safety Tips:
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
- If you see an unattended bag, alert police as quickly as possible
Additional Resources:
- Demonstration Building Security Preparedness Checklist – Click Here
- BOMA/Chicago Best Practices Guide for Civil Unrest/Disturbances/Protests – Click Here
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
Below is a summary of what was discussed at the BOMA/Chicago Preparedness Committee meeting on February 17th. The meeting was hosted by Ron Tabaczynski (BOMA), Erin Belknap (Sterling Bay) and Tom Henkey (Titan).
The meeting included members of the Chicago Police Department (CPD), Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Winter Weather Storm Issues
- Included a recap of the recent winter storm, the upcoming National Weather Service forecast, ongoing travel/transit issues, and concerns regarding falling ice
Re-occupancy Preparedness and Public Safety
- The group reviewed the re-occupancy of commercial buildings and related challenges for the upcoming months.
COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution Plan:
- Recapped the logistics challenges of the vaccine distribution plan;
- Recommended pursuing individual and companywide vaccine programs.
Public Sector Updates:
CPD, 1st District:
- Well-being check is an ongoing issue due to winter weather conditions;
- Vehicle thefts are up from the previous year.
CPD, 18th District:
- Overall crime rates are down 44% from the previous year;
- Vehicle thefts up 13%, including carjackings.
OEMC:
- The agency is taking part in the CP3 update;
- The agency is also monitoring weather conditions, particularly along the lakefront.
DHS:
- Additional assets are being activated to assist FEMA’s ongoing COVID response.
Next Meeting:
- The next meeting is scheduled for March 16th, 2021, and held via Microsoft Teams.
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
As the City of Chicago, and surrounding areas continue to navigate through the current winter storm warning, Titan Security remains positioned to support our clients during these challenging times.
- Titan’s 24/7 Security Operations Center is active with additional operators to take all calls at any time and can be reached at (312) 902-3400.
- Extra Titan Field Supervisors in marked vehicles have been deployed to respond to incidents and support onsite staff members.
- Additional trained backup staff have been identified to provide support, if necessary.
- Titan’s Director of Emergency Management Services, former OEMC, Certified Emergency Manager, is leading our communication efforts including gathering and providing information to our clients and team members.
- Titan’s Managers including Senior Leadership team members are active and visiting sites to support staff and clients.
- Titan Electronics Service Technicians are active and available to service any electronic security equipment that may have been impacted by the winter storm.
- Titan is working with our active CPD partners to provide Off-Duty Law Enforcement support.
Per the National Weather Service, the winter storm warning remains in effect until Noon, Tuesday, February 16th. In response to the winter storm warning, Titan’s managers may be required to take extraordinary measures including but not limited to the items below, which may result in additional billing for our services during this time:
- Transporting security officers to and from work in company and personal vehicles;
- Arranging ride share or taxis for security officers to and from work;
- Coordinating parking for security officers that were able to drive to work; and
- Modifying schedules to ensure coverage is in place, even if it required overtime.
As we continue to experience these challenging winter weather conditions, the safety of Titan’s employees, as well as the safety of our clients and their visitors, remains Titan’s top priority. Please refer to Titan’s cold weather safety tips on the news and resource section of our website.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding security coverage or Titan’s Winter Weather Support, please contact your Titan representative or the Titan office at (312) 902-3400. We will continue to communicate with you via email and at https://titan-security.com/news-and-resources/.
When winter weather conditions become severe, it’s essential to prepare for any potential safety risks. Here are seven tips to help keep you safe and aware in preparation of dangerous weather conditions.
1) Look for Weather Forecast Updates
- Check www.weather.gov for weather updates.
- Look for winter weather warnings; warnings are searchable by local climate and are issued when significant snow and/or wind chills are expected.
2) Dress Warmly
- Dress in layers, with a wind-resistant outer layer.
- When it is cold, wear a hat and gloves. Keep your face warm with a scarf or facemask.
- Wear warm and waterproof footwear. When temperatures are very low, or the wind chill is significant, cover as much exposed skin as possible. For any exposed areas, such as the ears, nose, fingers, and toes, lose heat the fastest.
3) Plan Ahead
- Develop a cold-weather safety plan in advance to ensure safety concerns are addressed when it’s extremely cold or when the wind chills are significant.
4) Limit Time Outside
- When the wind chill is significant, get out of the wind and limit your time outdoors.
5) Stay Dry
- Wet clothing chills the body rapidly.
- Remove outer layers of clothing or open your coat if you are sweating.
6) Keep Active When Outside
- Walking or running will help warm you by generating body heat.
7) Be Aware
- Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia
- Some people are more susceptible to the cold, particularly children, the elderly, and those with circulation problems.
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
Referred to by law enforcement as vehicular hijacking, the crime of carjacking is on the rise in many urban areas. Chicago in particular saw approximately 700 cases in 2019, 1400 cases in 2020, and 150 cases in January of 2021. Here are safety tips to help keep you and your vehicle safe, as well as what to do if you are unfortunately the victim of a carjacking. Drivers should always maintain situational awareness and pay special attention to any suspicious persons loitering in the area.
Tips to Prevent Carjacking
- Do not leave your vehicle running while unattended
- Do not leave your vehicle keys or fob in the vehicle
- Drivers should keep doors and windows locked when in the vehicle
- Keep any bags or valuables out of view
- Never leaving any children or pets unattended in a vehicle for any period of time
- Drive away from any potentially threatening situation
- Offenders tend to be males in groups of 2-4, often in their teens
- Often victims are parked and sitting in the car
- Keep adequate distance from the car in front of you to not get blocked in
What Carjackers Are Looking For
- Gas stations
- Curbside pickup locations
- Desolate intersections with stop lights
- Parking garages
- Residential driveways
- Highway exit ramps
What To Do if It Happens
- Know your license plate and VIN number
- If the victim of an attempted carjacking, get kids or pets out first, relinquish the car
- Do not argue and move away from the vehicle
- Note getaway car and direction of flight to share with 911
- Provide a detailed description of the offender(s), including any vehicle description and license plate information
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
Tomorrow, Wednesday, January 20th, is the Presidential Inauguration. Government and civilian officials have indicated a heightened potential for violence in the lead up to and on Inauguration Day. In addition to intelligence gathered by law enforcement officials, there have been widespread calls for violent action from domestic extremists who continue to discuss targeting public officials, ideological opponents, and government property.
Recent incidents of ideologically motivated violence, including rioters storming the U.S. Capitol and major demonstrations involving armed protest at government buildings, have led to the mobilization and deployment of government, military and civilian security personnel. Key areas of concern are Washington D.C. and all the State Capitols.
While there are no known credible threats for Chicago, law enforcement in the City will be on a proactive footing to counter any violent activity that may occur. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) will activate the City of Chicago’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Wednesday, January 20th to coordinate the City’s public safety response to the events surrounding the presidential inauguration as needed.
As a precaution, City Hall (121 N. LaSalle) and the Cook County Building (118 N. Clark) will be closed on Wednesday, January 20th.
Scheduled Inauguration Day Central Business District Demonstration:
Wednesday, January 20th, 2021:
12:00 – 4:00 pm at 100 W Randolph St (Thompson Center Food Court). The group will gather for their cause “America First – Biden’s Not My President.” (Please note: The event is called to be held inside, but there is a high probability that any demonstration will be moved outside, including the public area at Randolph and Clark.)
Safety Tips:
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
- If you see an unattended bag, alert police as quickly as possible
Additional Resources:
- Demonstration Building Security Preparedness Checklist – Click Here
- BOMA/Chicago Best Practices Guide for Civil Unrest/Disturbances/Protests – Click Here
- Tips to Protect Chicago’s Businesses by City of Chicago – Click Here
- Join the BOMA/Chicago Security Slack Channel – Click Here
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
We have received information indicating multiple public gatherings and protests scheduled for Friday, January 15th through Tuesday, January 26th. Tentative info for the protest activity is listed below:
Scheduled Protests/Assemblies
Friday, January 15th, 2021
- 11:30 am at 1501 W Randolph (Union Park). The group will gather for their cause “Fast Food Workers Day of Action for $15/hour.”
Saturday, January 16th, 2021
- 11:30 am at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “BLM Women of Faith March.”
Monday, January 18th, 2021
- 11:00 am at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “MLK Day March and Rally for Anjanette Young.”
- 12:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Trump Out Now! March and Car Caravan.”
Tuesday, January 19th, 2021
- 4:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Inauguration Eve: Demand Real Change.”
Wednesday, January 20th, 2021
- 12:00 – 4:00 pm at 100 W Randolph St (Thompson Center Food Court). The group will gather for their cause “America First – Biden’s Not My President.”
Thursday, January 21st, 2021
- 10:00 am at 838 W Kinzie (City Hall Events) to 22 W Washington (CBS Studio). The group will gather for their cause “March for Reparations Chicago.”
Saturday, January 23rd, 2021
- 12:00 pm at 825 N Carpenter (St. John Cantius) through the Chicago Loop. The group will gather for their cause “March For Life Chicago Car Caravan.”
Monday, January 25th, 2021
- 5:00 pm at 230 S Dearborn (Federal Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “World Says No to War on Yemen! (Chicago).”
Tuesday, January 26th, 2021
- 12:00 pm at 50 W Washington (Daley Plaza). The group will gather for their cause “Chicago Solidarity Protest in Farmers in India.”
Safety Tips:
- If you see something suspicious, report it
- Carry water and stay hydrated
- Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
- Utilize the buddy system
- Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
- Leave any valuables at home
- Do not jump any barricades
- Secure handbags and wallets
- Stay calm and pleasant
- Follow your own instincts
- Leave yourself room to move quickly
- If you see an unattended bag, alert police as quickly as possible
Additional Resources:
- Demonstration Building Security Preparedness Checklist – Click Here
- BOMA/Chicago Best Practices Guide for Civil Unrest/Disturbances/Protests – Click Here
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has provided best practices and guidance related to suspicious items or suspicious activities. Explosive devices were among the hazards present during last week’s violence at the U.S. Capitol building. And as with any potential or actual incident, all suspicious activity or threat information should be immediately sent to local law enforcement agencies. Criminals or terrorists sometimes conceal improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in backpacks, suitcases, or other common items. If an item is determined to be Hidden, Obviously Suspicious, and Not Typical (aka “HOT”), use the “RAIN” process to safely determine if an item is a serious threat or just unattended. If an item is determined to be suspicious, you should:
- Recognize the Indicators of a Suspected Explosive Device
- Avoid the Area
- Isolate the Suspected Item
- Notify Emergency Services (911)
In addition, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) stands ready to support our partners to address any ongoing improvised explosive device security concerns. A wide range of resources are available to facilitate the sharing of threat and incident information, assist in decision-making, and enhance security capabilities. The following provides web-based entry points for seeking security assistance and access to various Counter-IED resources:
CISA Office for Bombing Prevention Resources
- Suspicious vs. Unattended (HOT/RAIN) Card: Unattended vs. Suspicious Item Postcard and Poster | CISA
- Bomb Threat Guidance: DHS-DOJ Bomb Threat Guidance | CISA
- Bomb Making Materials Awareness Program: The RACK Card and Employee Card are well suited for businesses, both attached
- What To Do: Video Series: Training Video Series (dhs.gov)
- VBIED Parked Vehicles Identification Flip Card: VBIED Identification Card (dhs.gov)
- Office for Bombing Prevention: www.dhs.gov/obp | [email protected] and TRIPwire website: https://tripwire.dhs.gov/
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).
The Chicago Police Department is conducting a training exercise this afternoon and overnight in the downtown area. There will be numerous resources deployed for the exercise, giving the appearance of a large scale event occurring.
This drill is not in response to any current incidents or events and is only a training exercise, but there will be a large police presence throughout the area. The exercise may cause some light traffic disruptions.
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).