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- 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.