Hot off the press! Have you received your copy of our quarterly newsletter, InSight Magazine? InSight is your go-to source for all the exciting happenings at Marksman-Titan Security Group! Stay in the loop and discover our latest achievements, insights, and initiatives. Features in this edition include:
- Interviews with two of our Vice Presidents, Global Partners Jeff Fuesting and Nicole Torres
- Details on the strategic merger between Marksman Security Corporation and Titan Security Group
- Special achievements from our talented security professionals from across the country
In partnership with our public-sector safety partners, Titan Security is monitoring the events and protest activity related to the U.S. General Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Local, state, and federal government agencies are all operating in a heightened state of awareness, with many planning to activate extensive operational resources and emergency operation centers. Such tension may be anticipated to continue through inauguration day on January 20, 2025 – and possibly beyond.
While the core election focus is the presidential contest between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump, there are many “down ballot” races, plus volatile issues such as abortion appearing directly on multiple state ballots. Each of these contests and issues has the potential to further increase tension among voters and the general public. Potential “swing states” such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin have the very real potential to experience activity related to protest demonstrations, and potentially, violence. Types of events include:
Political Extremists – Such organizations may seek to disrupt or forcibly influence the election and are particularly concerning due to the level of organization, online presence, and widespread possession and use of firearms.
Pro-Palestinian and Aligned Demonstrators – Protesters on behalf of Gaza, and in some cases overtly anti-Israeli, have been out in significant numbers in many U.S. cities in recent months. Sometimes these generally peaceful protesters have been joined or infiltrated by vandalism-prone anarchists, or by elements of the violence-prone Black Bloc, or the anti-fascist (Antifa) movement.
Cyberwarfare and Disinformation – Intelligence agencies are concerned with threats related to cybersecurity, and augmented/artificial intelligence has accelerated the threat. These hazards may originate with domestic hackers who are simply seeking to cause disruption or confusion by interfering with computer-based processes, or cyber criminals seeking to monetize threats to targets/victims, including governmental entities.
Lone Offenders – A number of recent incidents of political violence involved subjects who appear to be acting alone, with no direct connection to any larger movement, including an attempted assassination of candidate Trump in Pennsylvania, and an individual arrested for firing into a Democratic office in Arizona found to have 120 firearms and 250,000 rounds of ammunition in his home. The risk posed by such individuals is escalated due to the increased likelihood that they have not been previously identified and may be “flying under the radar” of law enforcement.
Mass Societal Protest – Multiple jurisdictions could see very large-scale demonstrations resulting from a failure of the political process. Such protests would likely be the result of a national election in which the results were not accepted by a very high percentage (or majority) of the voting public. This would include a disputed election result decided by legal wrangling and an unpopular Supreme Court decision – an escalated version of the contested election of 2000 taking place in a much more polarized and distrustful environment.
Safety Precautions
Election-related events/incidents could extend over several days or even weeks. As in 2020/2021, violent disruptions may extend into the electoral vote confirmation and inauguration period in January. Yet there are many actions that can be taken by property managers to prepare for and mitigate any potentially negative outcomes.
- Consider adding additional security personnel. Consider additional security staff as a deterrent and coordinate with first responders in an emergency.
- Discuss and practice soft lockdowns and hard lockdowns at your facilities. Talk about how to quickly and effectively secure buildings with limited access or no access.
- Review civil unrest procedures and protocols. Prepare for widespread civil unrest or protest activity, especially in the event of no clear election result.
- Remove all possible projectiles from property perimeter. Remove anything that could be used to damage property – trash cans, stanchions, construction materials, etc.
- Schedule operations staff for 12-hour slots to limit shift changes and commutes. Security and engineering staff should consider 12-hour days to maximize coverage.
- Plan for logistical needs. With potential access-control restrictions, acquire and stockpile essential supplies now.
- Plan to monitor multiple information sources. Utilize all channels to stay informed, including election officials, reliable media sources, and internal mass messaging.
- Make a communications plan, utilizing multiple channels/methods. Have multiple ways to contact key personnel, and test each of them prior to election night.
- Counter false information. Don’t spread rumors or unverified information. Keep an eye on the Department of Homeland Security website https://www.cisa.gov/rumorcontrol
- Report early and often on election day. Any voter intimidation or illegal election activity should be reported to 911, and to the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
Event/Protest Best Practices
- 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
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).
About Titan Security Group
Titan launched in 1994 with a vision for a better way to provide security services to communities. Today, we provide security services to 10 states across the Midwest and Southeastern United States. We employ more than 4,000 security staff and have enjoyed over thirty consecutive years of successfully serving our clients across a wide range of industries. Titan delivers results to clients through flexible, customized security solutions, and superior customer service. The Titan approach combines traditional security staffing and emergency planning solutions with electronic security systems to provide integrated, efficient, and customized safety and security solutions from a single source.
In cooperation with our cross-sector safety partners, Titan Security is monitoring the events around the 2024 Chicago Marathon, set to be held on Sunday, October 13. Streets throughout the downtown Chicago area will be closed beginning Wednesday, October 9. Closures for the Chicago Marathon will conclude at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, October 14. These closures will impact high traffic areas including Lake Shore Drive, Wacker Drive, Michigan Avenue and the area around Millennium Park and Grant Park.
From Chicago OEMC:
City of Chicago officials and Bank of America Chicago Marathon organizers are reminding the public in advance of Marathon weekend that street closures will begin on Wednesday, October 9.
Traffic Impacts/Street Closures
- Wednesday, October 9: Jackson Dr. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will close at 10 a.m. and reopen on Monday, October 14 at 6 a.m.
- Thursday, October 10: Balbo Dr. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr. will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Monday, October 14 at 3 p.m.
- Thursday, October 10: Columbus Dr. from Ida B. Wells to Roosevelt Rd will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Monday, October 14 at 3 p.m.
- Friday, October 11: Columbus Drive from Monroe to Jackson St. will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Sunday, October 13 at 8 p.m.
- Friday, October 11: Congress Plaza on Michigan Ave. (Van Buren St. to Harrison St. will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Sunday, October 13 at 8 p.m.
- Friday, October 11: Ida B. Wells from Michigan Ave to Congress Plaza will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Sunday, October 13 at 8 p.m.
- Friday, October 11: Ida B. Wells from Congress Plaza to Columbus Dr. will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Sunday, October 13 at 8 p.m.
- Friday, October 11: Jackson Dr. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr. will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Sunday, October 13 at 8 p.m.
- Saturday, October 12: Columbus Dr. from Randolph to Monroe St. will be closed at 6 a.m. and open on Sunday, October 13 at 2 p.m.
- Saturday, October 12: Roosevelt Rd. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be closed at 11 a.m. and open on Sunday, October 13 at 6 p.m.
- Saturday, October 12: Monroe St. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr. will be closed at 4 a.m. and open on Sunday, October 13 at 2 p.m.
- Saturday, October 12: Monroe St. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be closed at 4 a.m. and open on Sunday, October 13 at 5 p.m.
- Sunday, October 13: Columbus Dr. from McFetridge Dr. to Roosevelt Road will be closed 4 a.m. and open at 6 p.m.
- Sunday, October 13: Michigan Ave. from Madison to 9th St. will be closed at 4 a.m. and open at 9 a.m.
- Sunday, October 13: Roosevelt Rd. from Michigan to Columbus Dr. will be closed at 4 a.m. and open at 6 p.m.
- Sunday, October 13: Michigan Ave. from 9th St. to Roosevelt Rd will be closed at 5:30 a.m. and open at 4 p.m.
- All streets will be fully reopened by Monday, October 14 at 6 a.m.
- DuSable Lake Shore Drive
- Inner Lake Shore Drive will remain open from Diversey Parkway to Belmont Avenue. Access to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will remain open at Belmont.
- Expressways
For additional information related to the Chicago Marathon street closures, click here.
Abbott Chicago 5K – Saturday, October 12
- Ida B. Wells Dr., between Columbus Dr. and Michigan Ave
- Congress Plaza Dr., between Ida B. Wells Dr. and Michigan Ave.
- Harrison St., between State St. and Franklin St.
- Harrison St., between Michigan Ave. and State St.
- State St., between E. Harrison St. and W. Harrison St.
- Franklin St., between Harrison St. and Adams St.
- Van Buren St., between Wacker Dr. to Franklin St.
- Wacker Dr., between Lake St. to State St.
- Wacker Dr., between State St. to Wabash Ave.
- Wacker Dr., between Van Buren St. and Madison St.
- Wacker Dr., between Madison Ave. and Lake St.
- Jackson Blvd., between Wacker Dr. and Franklin St.
Parking and Race Day Routes
Beginning early Sunday morning, parking restrictions will be in effect along the course. For public safety and traffic flow, the towing of vehicles along the route and other posted “No Parking Zones” will be strictly enforced. Motorists are encouraged to read signage before parking and should call 3-1-1 to locate a towed vehicle.
The following main thoroughfares, among others, will remain open:
- DuSable Lake Shore Drive
- Inner Lake Shore Drive will remain open from Diversey Parkway to Belmont Avenue. Access to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will remain open at Belmont.
Marathon Maps
To view the full 2024 Chicago Marathon course and map, click here.
To view the full 2024 Abbott 5K course and map, click here.
Public Transportation
As always, public transportation is encouraged if heading to the Marathon or other destinations in the impacted areas. For more information on CTA services and reroutes, visit TransitChicago.com or call 836-7000 from any area code/1-888-YOUR-CTA. Metra will offer extra service on race day. For specific schedule information, visit Metra.com. The City has worked with licensed Transportation Network Providers (TNP rideshare services) to ensure that pick-up and drop-off locations are available throughout the city, in geo-fenced areas that are a safe distance off the route.
Emergency, Traffic and Weather Notifications
OEMC will continue to monitor the event in collaboration with public safety partners and the Chicago Police Department will enforce race day restrictions along the route as well as facilitate traffic. OEMC will issue any alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on street closures, weather conditions and emergencies. Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org. For businesses, OEMC also issues text alerts as well, to opt in for CHIBIZ alerts TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3.
Safety Tips Near/During Large Events
- 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
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).
About Titan Security Group
Titan launched in 1994 with a vision for a better way to provide security services across the country. Today, Titan is one of the largest security companies in North America, scheduling approximately 130,000 hours per week, employing more than 4,000 security staff, and have enjoyed over thirty consecutive years of successfully serving our clients across a wide range of industries. Titan delivers results to clients through flexible, customized security solutions, and superior customer service. The Titan approach combines traditional security staffing with electronic security systems to provide integrated and efficient, customized security solutions from a single source.
In coordination with our cross-sector public safety partners, Titan Security is monitoring the activity related to Hurricane Milton, scheduled to approach the west coast of Florida on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. A state of emergency has been called for 51 Florida counties. The following preparedness efforts have taken place in preparation of Hurricane Milton’s landfall on Wednesday:
Florida Preparedness Efforts
- The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1 since Tuesday, September 24, for Hurricane Helene, and is at a Level 1 for Hurricane Milton as of today, October 6, leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team.
- The State Emergency Response Team is engaged in over 450 missions to assist counties in their preparedness efforts. These missions accomplish vital tasks like staging resources to deploy for immediate response as soon as it is safe to do so, protecting critical infrastructure facilities like hospitals and utility stations, and coordinating personnel statewide.
- FDEM is establishing a 10,000-person base camp at Tropicana Field to support ongoing debris operations and post-landfall responders.
- FDEM is coordinating the deployment of fuel and EV chargers to pre-stage along evacuation routes to support evacuations.
- The Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs (FDVA) storm preparations are underway at all State Veterans’ Nursing Homes in anticipation of Hurricane Milton’s landfall.
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is performing maintenance on all equipment deployed during Hurricane Helene to ensure it is ready for use in Hurricane Milton.
- FDLE Regional Operations Centers in Tampa, Orlando and Fort Myers are establishing their Regional Law Enforcement Coordination Teams (RLECT).
- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has readied high-water vehicles and all other storm response resources statewide so they may be rapidly deployed to assist Floridians in need in the event of damage or flooding. Contingency plans based on forecasted landfall locations have been developed and remain flexible based on the storm’s projected path.
- In addition to local officers, approximately 75, FWC officers are ready to deploy and respond with a variety of specialized equipment as necessary, such as:
- Airboats
- Shallow draft boats
- ATVs/Side-by-sides
- Larger platform vessels
- Four-wheel vehicles
- Specialized high water vehicles
- FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) teams will serve as reconnaissance units for the state and report on damage after the storm has made landfall.
- FWC Aviation Section has been placed on standby and has readied all appropriate aircraft for potential deployment for aerial assistance, reconnaissance, and post-storm damage assessments when needed.
General Hurricane Safety Tips for Residential Properties
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Monitor local media for weather conditions and emergency information.
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Obtain emergency contact numbers for residents, and be sure they know what number to call for community information.
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Provide contact information for all team members and management contact persons.
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Ask residents to move furniture, plants, and other items from patios and balconies and place them indoors.
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Advise residents to fill bathtubs with water that can be used to flush toilets if necessary. Even residents who are evacuating may need water supplies upon their return.
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Ask residents who are evacuating to remove perishable food from refrigerators, to avoid having to clean out spoiled food in the event of a lengthy power outage.
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Drain pools about two feet. Move pool furniture, trash cans, outdoor seating, etc., indoors. Remove items from stairwells and walkways.
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Open property access gates that may become inoperable in the event of a power outage.
Flood Safety Tips
Before the flood reaches your area:
- Know if floodwaters might affect your home and property. Know your elevation above flood stage.
- Develop a flood emergency action plan.
- Evacuate immediately, if advised to do so. Bring important documents with you.
- Move to a safe area before access is cut off.
- Keep abreast of road conditions through the news media.
During the flood:
- Avoid areas subject to flooding. Do not attempt to cross flowing water.
- Never drive through flooded roadways. Nearly half of all people killed in floods are those who try driving through flooded areas.
- Do not drive around barricades, they are there for your protection.
- If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately.
- Never try to walk through or allow children to play around flood water.
After the flood:
- Do not visit disaster areas, your presence may hamper emergency operations.
- Throw out food that has come into contact with the floodwater and boil drinking water before using it.
- Stay out of buildings that remain in flood waters.
- Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas.
- If the power is out, use flashlights to examine buildings. Flammables may be inside.
- Report broken utilities to the correct authorities.
Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. Do not make assumptions. Check your policy.
Weather and Traffic Information
Florida Division of Emergency Management – Latest updates on Hurricane Milton and state emergency efforts.
Florida 511 – Get up-to-the-minute, real-time traffic conditions and incident information for the State of Florida with Florida 511.
Florida Highway Patrol – Florida Highway Patrol Live Traffic Crash and Road Condition Report. Reports are updated every five minutes. Incidents located within city limits also may not show on the map since it is not common practice for FHP to work incidents inside city limits.
Florida Traffic – Traffic incidents and conditions from Florida 511 and Florida Highway Patrol brought to you by Florida State Emergency Response Team Geographic Information Systems.
About Titan Security Group
Titan launched in 1994 with a vision for a better way to provide security services to communities. Today, we provide security services to 10 states across the Midwest and Southeastern United States. We employ more than 3,600 security staff and have enjoyed over twenty-nine consecutive years of successfully serving our clients across a wide range of industries. Titan delivers results to clients through flexible, customized security solutions, and superior customer service. The Titan approach combines traditional security staffing and emergency planning solutions with electronic security systems to provide integrated, efficient, and customized safety and security solutions from a single source.