GSS Security Services - New York

Did you know that New York City has already passed legislation that allows adults 21 years or older to possess up to three ounces of recreational cannabis? The use of medical or recreational marijuana is on a steady rise, meaning cannabis is a highly profitable plant and the reason for many dispensaries cropping up.

However, despite this remarkable growth, dispensaries have become prime targets for security threats. That has led to high demand for security companies like GSS Security Services, Inc. to protect high-risk businesses. The following are some reasons why your cannabis business in NYC might need our security services:  

Armed and Unarmed Security Officers 

As a top provider of armed and unarmed security services in New York City and beyond, GSS Security Services, Inc. works with numerous cannabis dispensaries to guarantee safety to the workers, customers, and their inventories. 

Armed Transport Services 

Since cannabis dispensaries are predominantly cash-only businesses, they are often faced with the challenge of storing and transporting vast sums of cash from their stores. As a result, this makes them excellent targets for criminals. However, GSS Security Services, Inc. provides armed transport services that ensure your cash and products safety. 

Robbery and Theft Prevention Services 

Our highly trained and armed security officers offer robbery and theft prevention services for your money and product. Besides, the presence of our security officers located around your marijuana dispensary helps to bestow and project a higher sense of professional credibility to your business. Since inside jobs are also a threat to the cannabis industry, enlisting our security guards in your business will remind employees that they are under constant monitoring, reducing employee theft. 

Conclusion

Ready to boost your company's security levels and earn more from your products? Contact us today to receive top-notch security services from the  industry experts.

K9 bomb detection services declined at the outset of 2020 as initial municipal lockdown brought special events, spectator sports, executive travel and political travel to a standstill.  Overseas flights were curtailed, and it seemed that threat levels using explosives diminished due to the shock and danger of the COVID virus.

Bomb detection services usually fall into two categories – a sweep to identify any threats in a protective environment, or a known threat that needed to be located, identified, and removed.  With the COVID lockdown in the city, both categories vastly diminished.

There was even a significant reduction in terrorist chatter addressing planned or imminent attacks.

As the year progressed, the lockdown was eased somewhat, but with social distancing still de rigueur throughout the city, the need for bomb detection remained unusually slow.   

GSS took advantage of this time to develop protocols for compliance with New York state Forward Safety Plan, including entry of K9 and handler to confined areas that potentially could harbor surface or airborne COVID pathogens. 

Our COVID protocols include the assignment of a COVID Compliance Officer (CCO), who is responsible for establishing and enforcing safety protocols, training staff, and monitoring compliance.

As 2020 ended, COVID vaccines made their appearance, bringing hope to the population.   Additionally, restaurants were beginning to open at reduced capacity, and outdoor dining.   Employers were balancing in-office working and remote working.

Once the vaccines were approved and distribution began the most vulnerable began to get immunized.   Concurrently there was more confidence in international and domestic air travel.  The impact of increased immunized population and those having recovered from infection resulted in a higher degree of protection for citizens – and miscreants.   It seemed that toward the close of 2020 terrorist threat levels increased, as rich target environments again presented themselves.

GSS explosive detecting dogs are critical for bomb search missions.   The COVID related risks impact basically the dog handler alone, and common surfaces he comes in contact with before, during, and after the missions.

Therefore, dog handlers are gloved, and wear face protection with double masking.   It is possible for dogs to carry COVID viral matter and transmit to humans.   With this in mind, at the conclusion of every mission, dogs are washed using a disinfectant proven to kill viral material on contact.

In the event explosive device or devices are located, EOD personnel are briefed by the GSS COVID Compliance Officer on protocol and potential contacts with viral matter.   Typically, an EOD operation involves only one or two technicians.   These personnel follow COVID precautions as much as practicable in their mission. 

With increased sporting events, conventions and trade shows, as well as visiting politicians and heads of state traveling to New York City, there will be an increasing need for K9 bomb detection services.

GSS anticipates a significant return to pre-COVID volume of these assignments in 2021.

Hospitality security is often the most challenging type of assignment.  Hotel guests can arrive from anywhere in the world, particularly in New York City.  They will touch common surfaces, linger in registration areas, pass each other in confined hallways.  

With the onset of the global COVID pandemic, reduced international travel severely impacted the hotel business.  Fear of infection also drove a significant decline in hotel stays.

For much of 2020 the hotel industry was struggling to stay in business.   Hotel staffing was reduced.   Entire floor and wings of hotels were closed.

Subsequently hospitality security assignments disappeared during the first half of 2020.

As the year progressed, with more effective COVID therapeutics, and later the appearance and distribution of highly effective vaccines, states and cities began to ease away from complete social lockdowns to an opening up.  International travel was resumed from certain countries, and conventions brought more travelers to New York.

The opening up resulted in resumed need for hostelry, accommodations, meeting areas, dining facilities.  These activities always require a consideration of security, particularly considering presence of COVID.

With foresight, GSS developed hotel security protocols, which complied with the New York state Forward Safety Plan, for maintaining social distancing, face coverings, and personal interactions at a distance.

GSS shouldered COVID protection as part in parcel with regular hotel security duties.   Each hospitality assignment, in addition to security personnel, has a GSS COVID Compliance Officer (CCO), responsible for establishing and enforcing safety protocols, training hospitality staff, and monitoring compliance.  The GSS CCO has successfully completed C19CO training.

Early this year GSS started receiving calls inquiring about our hospitality security expertise.   COVID is always a query topic, and discussions with these potential clients indicate planning to resume hospitality with COVID a significant topic.

With COVID threats, the COVID Compliance Officer modifies normal hospitality practices to adhere to the New York State Forward Safety Plan.  Social distancing, food and beverages served by properly protected personnel using disposable utensils and plates.  

Breakfast buffets are considered unsafe, as are public water fountains.  Room service during the pandemic is considered the safest dining option in the hotel, and all hotel personnel engaged in this practice from cooks to delivery personnel are closely screened and monitored.   GSS advises clients on sanitary protocol for the safety of hotel guests and hotel staff.

Hotel visitors require completion of NY state approved questionnaires, and temperature scans.   Signage is posted at all entrance locations, reminding visitors of social distancing requirements and required face covering.    Hand sanitizer stations are located at all entrance and exit locations, as well as in bathrooms.

With vaccinations underway at full speed, and recovered COVID patients also having had immunizations, GSS expects increasing relaxing of COVID related restrictions.   We expect to significantly bounce back later in 2021 for a robust hospitality security practice, owing in part to our careful planning for COVID protection protocol for our clients.

Some experts predict herd immunity to be achieved by the end of 2021, signaling return to normal hospitality security business.

2020 severely impacted special events in that for a time New York City was in lock down.   Social distancing was strictly enforced, and special events were vastly reduced.

There was real fear, both among citizens and municipal officials of infection and serious illness.   Hospital facilities were severely stressed and medical staff struggled with treatment procedures and therapeutics, often seeming ineffective.

Sporting events came to a standstill, conventions were cancelled, meetings were conducted electronically.  Executive public evolutions, through a majority of the year, were shelved.

As the year progressed, medical staff were armed with new drugs, and  combinations of drugs that were able to treat COVID patients, keeping them out of ICU’s and negating the necessity of ventilators.  

Concurrently, citizens adapted to social distancing, wearing of masks, and sanitation practices.  Executive protection security assignments cautiously resumed at an increasing pace.

Protocols were developed in the GSS office for compliance with New York state Forward Safety Plan, including reporting and contact tracing for any GSS employee in-office, or during executive protection security tasks.

GSS assigns a COVID Compliance Officer (CCO) to all executive protection planning.  This officer is responsible for establishing and enforcing safety protocols, training staff, and monitoring compliance.

At the close of 2020, COVID vaccines were completing testing with astounding efficacy – over 90% - and applications were in process with the FDA for emergency use of these vaccines.

2021 brought approval of vaccines for emergency use.   The vaccines were already in production prior to approval and distribution began immediately.   This, and the subsequent reduction of infections and deaths brings increased confidence in executive protection security roles.

GSS is well prepared for executive protection, one of our mainstays.   Having complied with NY state guidelines through 2020, we are able to smoothly execute security missions with COVID threats present.

Executive protection typically involves layers of protection – travel route screening and selection – with alternate route selections, personal armed bodyguards, pre-screening of destinations which include interviewing local staff, screening invitation lists, and K9 bomb detection.    COVID threats add another layer to planning and protection.

GSS offers screening for all planned staff and meeting invitees using NY state approved questionnaires, temperature scans, and supplier-contracted infrared monitoring of entranceways.   Signage is posted at all entrance locations, reminding meeting attendees of social distancing requirements and required face covering.    Hand sanitizer stations are located at all entrance and exit locations, as well as bathrooms.  Public water fountains are closed off, and bottled water is available.

Science has determined that those previously infected with COVID, and recovered, are protected from infection and transmission of the virus.   The numbers of these people increased significantly over 2021 – over 748,000 in New York city alone.  With the increasing numbers of people vaccinated, the sought after herd immunity is anticipated to be reached later in 2021.

GSS is receiving significantly more requests for executive protection security as 2021 progresses, and we anticipate a robust return to pre-COVID volume of these assignments.

Personal security is always challenging.  A myriad of action items must be considered: locale, known threats, travel routes, personnel, team coordination, timing, etc.

GSS top priority is the security of our clients.  COVID entered our planning as a distinct threat that had to be managed.   All planning meetings incorporated COVID security, affecting manpower, evolution planning, equipment and supplies, and required special expertise.

COVID affected virtually all items of our action planning and altered them for compliance with New York State guidelines.  Our clients’ social distancing, always carefully controlled due to security, had to be increased.   We had to ensure zero physical contact with third parties with a close eye to sanitation of commonly touched items.   Often our clients are preoccupied with business matters or image and needed to be observed for dangerous contact or proximity to possibly contaminated objects or people.

Sanitation of surfaces that might be touched by our clients was crucial.   GSS retained professional cleaning crews to sanitize limousines seats, door handles, arm rests, head rests, windows, and light switches.   Vehicles used were provided with hand sanitizer and wipes.   An adequate supply of surgical masks was available.   Similarly, all private aircraft used were sanitized, and aircraft crews were briefed on COVID security guidelines and procedures.  Guards accompanying clients carried sanitizers, and back up masks.

Advance GSS personnel would ensure meeting rooms were arranged in strict compliance with NYC social distancing guidelines.    GSS provided temperature sensors at entrances to meeting rooms, with various layers of security

Each planned greeting scenario, meeting facility, presentation room or auditorium was prescreened and brought into compliance.  Attendees to meetings or events were required to fill out the NYC-required questionnaire regarding COVID symptoms, exposure to COVID infected people, previous infection, and immunization history.

A typical evolution from an event entrance to or from limousine presents security challenges.  With COVID in mind all efforts were made by GSS to arrange for this evolution as private as possible, to minimize close contact with the public.  In those instances where privacy was impossible, GSS had extra manpower to significantly increase the spacing of the corridor from vehicle to doorway.

New York City has had a total of over 748000 confirmed and probable cases of COVID.  Statistically there were distinct probabilities of clients coming in proximity with infected individuals, either by common surfaces or airborne infected droplets.  The threat was widespread and needed to be considered at all locations and all times.

GSS utilized decades of experience in planning and execution to incorporate the COVID threat into security planning.   The results were highly successful.  Our clients were protected against all threats, including COVID, through the entire year of our COVID-affected operations.   

GSS demonstrated that incorporating COVID threats into the general threat landscape in personal security missions, results in threat mitigation and successful mission planning and execution.

Our clients can depend on GSS protection at any location, any time, for any duration.

When the virus made its first appearance in the USA early in 2020, Seattle was the focal point.  All flights from China were curtailed, but as events bore out, the virus was also entering the country from Europe.   Early on, Americans hoped the disease could be contained on the west coast.

Special events at that time cautiously continued.    Organizers remembered SARS from China coming to the United States, but being contained by contact tracing, hand washing, and disinfection of common surfaces.  SARS seemed to just die out.

In fact, some of the special events in the country turned out to be super spreaders of the disease.   Trade shows, conventions, basketball games were continued in the first quarter.

Very quickly, however, the Nation realized COVID was a global pandemic, and the number of severely ill Americans proved that this was no SARS.   Special events were cancelled across the nation, baseball, basketball and, later, football seasons were cancelled.  Warships were infected.   Cruise ships were infected.  Even church choirs turned out to be COVID spreading events.

As the special events were cancelled, GSS special event security missions subsequently became non-existent for much of 2020.

From the gloom of the pandemic, a light began to shine at the end of the tunnel of depression.    New treatment protocols and successful therapeutics were developed and put into action.   Most of the infected were able to quarantine at home, and after infection were considered immune. 

Later in 2020 sporting events cautiously resumed, as did conventions and trade shows – all rigorously adhering to CDC guidance.  

In addition to CDC guidelines, New York state created their Forward Safety Plan specifically addressing tasks and best practices for functioning in a COVID infected world.  Critical to planning were personal protection equipment, personnel interviews, log keeping and storing, and monitoring/reporting staff health.

GSS, anticipating a resumption of special event security assignments, established protocols complying with the NY Forward Safety Plan, which included assigning a COVID Compliance Officer (CCO) to all special events.  This officer, having completed C19CO training, is responsible for establishing and enforcing safety protocols, training staff, and monitoring compliance at all special events.

2021 brought approval of highly effective vaccines for prevention of COVID, with rapid distribution begun nationwide.  

GSS special event security business is returning in 2021.   Attendees and potential clients notice GSS professional screening of attendees, using NY state approved questionnaires, temperature scans, and monitoring of entranceways.   GSS signage is posted at all entrance locations, reminding attendees of social distancing requirements and required face covering.    GSS provides hand sanitizer stations.

Scientists are predicting, with the widespread vaccination of citizens, and those previously infected and vaccinated, that the country will achieve herd immunity later in 2021.   At that time society, and special events, will return to normal.  

The best advertising is word of mouth.  Having raised the GSS professional profile of successful special event security assignments, the company expects a robust rebound in special event security by the end of 2021.  In addition, in July 2020 GSS was tapped by the City to be part of the Citywide Events Advisory Group to strategize best practices, share industry-wide solutions and recommend innovations and protocols.   For further information see:  https://www.exhibitoronline.com/news/article.asp?ID=20810

Retail loss prevention has been a specialty for GSS for many years.    The training and experience of our officers assigned to these details have saved literally millions of dollars for our clients in prevention of shoplifting.

2020, and the associated strict social distancing caused many retail stores to close throughout the city.  New York City has an extremely high population density, and as such, the normal interior of most retail businesses reflected this density.  With a city in lock down, it was difficult for a business to stay open with no shoppers.

As the year progressed, the sense of fear decreased as people accommodated to social distancing and face covering.   Retail began to open and resume business, albeit with shorter hours and strict social distancing in the stores.   Our retail loss prevention services still did not see any rebound, perhaps because shoppers felt the need to quickly shop and depart the confines of a store where they felt more vulnerable to COVID infection.

However, toward the end of the year, with vaccines appearing, and people without work, retail noticed more losses, and GSS phones began to ring once again for loss prevention services.

GSS helps our customers reduce inventory losses.  These losses involve shoplifting – averaging 36% of losses, and employee theft – 30%.   GSS works with retailers by background screening of store employees, installing signage, and advising on optimum layout of merchandise to minimize easy shoplifting.

GSS found that the mandatory masking encouraged shoplifting as it gave thieves a sense of anonymity.  Store employees can minimize this by interacting with shoppers, good eye contact and reminding them of store security surveillance.  

Even so, the masking in the pandemic caused a significant uptick in shoplifting as more stores opened, resulting in more calls to GSS for retail loss prevention assistance.

As more people are vaccinated against COVID and previously infected people with vaccinations are similarly protected, there will be a greater desire to shop for essentials and luxury goods, particularly after being locked down for so long.

Some experts are predicting a boom in spending beginning later in 2021 as herd immunity is reached and restrictions are eased throughout New York. 

There will, unfortunately, also be increased inventory losses.  GSS feels that this environment will significantly increase the need for GSS retail loss prevention services.

Of course, all anticipated employee interviews, and interaction with management on merchandising will require strict adherence to GSS New York State Department of Health Forward Safety Plan.

GSS can also provide security personal to the retail store locations, to augment employee surveillance of shoppers and observe employees for theft.   The high profile of security guards also acts as deterrent to theft.

With the experience, knowledge, planning and resources GSS offers the retail sector, GSS has every reason to expect retail loss prevention services to significantly increase in 2021.

The security industry is extremely broad, encompassing most facets of personal security, business security, and threat mitigation.  All these pursuits involved human interaction, many at close quarters.

Obviously, human interaction was significantly changed by the COVID pandemic, and the impact was felt throughout the security business.

2020 saw varying phases of human response to the COVID threat.   When the virus first made its appearance on the US West Coast, most thought it would be arrested there, similarly to SARS in past years.   The rest of the country continued “business as usual” until it became apparent that the virus would become widespread.

People learned of new concepts such as social distancing and the need for facial coverings and extreme hygiene.   Cities were locked down, businesses were closed, public events were cancelled.

All these venues pre-COVID needed security services.   When executive travel dried up, executive protection security needs did likewise.   When special events and general travel significantly diminished, the need for security services at special events and hotels nearly disappeared.   Retail stores had no customers, very few employees working, and those that managed to stay open saw a significant decrease in retail loss.   Subsequently there was no need for retail security.

As the year progressed and it became apparent that the scourge of COVID would persist for many months, citizens adapted social distancing routines, wore face coverings, and adopted many other practices that minimized their potential exposures.  Thus they were able to work remotely, shop carefully, cook and eat at home and minimize social interactions.

With this adaptation over the last months of 2020, some travel resumed, hotel reopened, retail saw increase of sales – and the need for security services slowly increased.

There was a difference, however.   COVID considerations were incorporated into all security planning.   Indeed, in some instances COVID was itself a security issue.  Security companies developed COVID related security protocol and advised clients on their adoption and use in the workplace.

For the other aspects of security, COVID impacts, and mitigation, were incorporated into the previous protocol.   Executive security needed to include social distancing, common surface sanitizing, personal protective equipment and the like.   Special event security included screening of participants for COVID exposure, screening entrances, removing access to commonly used items such as water fountains, social distanced seating, dining protocol in adherence with COVID guidelines.   Even bomb detection services had COVID constraints that extended to K9 assets and handlers.

The involvement of COVID planning in all aspects of the security industry was necessary, and that impacted timing for security execution, personnel needs, pricing for COVID precautions and protocol, and organizational changes both in office and in the field.

COVID compliance officers became a new position to be filled.  Training of all personnel in COVID compliance and emergency planning needed to be included. 

COVID ultimately adversely affected the volume of security business in 2020.   It affected the level of effort needed to provide security services and increased the costs of services.  Security industry had to adapt, scientific methodology was paramount, and training of personnel in COVID protocol was essential. 

GSS emergency action planning adheres closely to OSHA guidelines.

• Considers all potential natural or man-made emergencies that could disrupt a workplace or security assignment location.
• Considers all potential internal sources of emergencies that could disrupt or endanger a workplace or security assignment location.
• Planning to tailor all responses to emergencies to the workplace.
• Plan contains names, titles, departments, and contact information of key personnel as well as contact information for local emergency responders, agencies, and contractors.
• Plan will address how rescue operations will be performed.
• Plan will address how medical assistance will be provided.
• Conditions under which an evacuation would be necessary, with a clear chain of command and designating a person authorized to order an evacuation.
• Specifying necessary shut down operations and involved personnel, and identification of evacuation routes and alternatives.
• A preferred method of reporting fires and other emergencies.
• Training and drill protocol development.

This emergency action planning is broad and meant to encompass all scenarios from office environments, industrial settings, security assignments, hospitality security, and executive protection.

At the beginning of 2020 GSS had in place effective emergency action plans for our security services.   With the appearance of COVID-19, it became obvious that many components of our plan would be seriously affected.

Considering the OSHA guidelines above, the appearance of COVID needed to be incorporated as a natural emergency impacting the safety of all work locations, that indeed disrupted and endangered the workplace and security assignments.

The presumed presence of the COVID virus everywhere caused what could be considered a shutdown of operations for our clients, and lockdowns could be similarly considered a permanent evacuation.

This situation through most of 2020 severely impacted GSS operations – both in the field, and in our offices. 

During the year, citizens became adept at following social distancing guidelines, covering faces, and sanitary habits to minimize exposure to COVID.   Hospitals developed protocols for handling and treatment of infected patients that in many cases minimized serious illness, and therapeutics were developed that proved to be highly effective in treatment of the disease.

Vaccines with unbelievable efficacy made their appearance late in the year and were approved for emergency use.   By 2021, millions of Americans were receiving vaccinations for COVID, minimizing the pool of potential infections, and gradually bringing the population into a herd immunity situation.

2021 saw an increase of emergency action planning roles for GSS in New York as companies cautiously reopened.    In fact, the experience of an entire year of an illness-caused emergency was a great stimulus for GSS clients to review and implement emergency action planning.

GSS has provided guidance in emergency action planning for our clients, and our experience with COVID and related protocol is proving invaluable in incorporating this experience for a comprehensive plan that would provide plans for any future pandemics as well.

We see our emergency action planning business bouncing back in 2021 as a result of lessons learned through 2020 and application of sound security practices.

The COVID-19 Compliance Officer (C19CO) is a newly designated position by Health Education Services.  responsible for establishing and enforcing COVID-19 safety protocols, training staff, and monitoring compliance on all security projects. This position is intended for a person who is educated in the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, disinfection, social distancing, CDC, local, and New York state guidelines, and other information related to preventing the spread of infection.  This person is responsible for safety compliance and enforcement of rules.

The C19CO does not have to be a trained medical professional.   He or she is a stand alone position with no other project responsibilities other than COVID-19 issues.

The C19CO will develop all project COVID-19 protocol.  He or she will follow and enforce all local, state, and CDC guidelines for executing the security project.

Send COVID-19 screening survey, testing information, and Covid-19 protocols to all project personnel, including those of Client so all know their duties and responsibilities.

The C19CO will be the first person on project site and be present during all working hours.  Before work is started the C19CO will ensure COVID-19 signs are in place reminding personnel of the need for social distancing, face covering, and hand sanitizing.   The C19CO will position and maintain hand sanitizing stations around the work location and inside/outside of bathrooms.

The C19CO will screen all personnel entering the project area, and maintain a roster of all GSS personnel as well as Client personnel.

Our COVID protocols include the assignment of a COVID Compliance Officer (CCO), who is responsible for establishing and enforcing safety protocols, training staff, and monitoring compliance.

One

Once vaccines are widely distributed it will take many months for Americans achieve her immunity, so the need for the C19CO will continue.   It is unclear when state and local health departments change their requirements.   It has become obvious that the work environment must remain hygienic - cleanliness will remain a priority.

The C19CO is a stand-alone position.   He or she will not be required to fill any other duty other than COVID-19 compliance on the work site and office.

In actuality, the C19CO position was originally created in California for film production casts and crew.    It was applicable specifically for:

• Set entry screening
• Positive test protocol while on the filming set
• Return to the set after exposure
• Crew COVID training
• Setting up social distancing on set
• Setting up social distancing for meals while shooting
• Setting up social distancing during transportation
• Film and audio equipment usage and sterilization
• Wardrobe COVID protocol
• Talent and actor protocol
• Casting protocol
• Disinfecting best practices

Obviously, even though C19CO was developed for film crews, it is immediately obvious that the same procedures and philosophy can be applied to any industrial, hospitality and security setting.

GSS assigns a C19CO to all our security assignments.  In doing so we feel we are able to minimize exposure of employees and clients to COVID-19 and in so doing broaden our security services spectrum over all assignments.

Under what situations should you consider security officer services? Most people don't consider getting security unless the situation is really dire. For example, if they have been receiving threats for some reason or if there are protests against what they are doing, then they'll consider getting security officer services. And although it's definitely a good idea to get security under these conditions, it's also a good idea to do so when the situation doesn't seem so extreme. Consider the following situations in which you can benefit from security officer services:

Protecting Sensitive Information

If your company is doing sensitive research, you don't want it to fall into the wrong hands. So consider getting security officer services.

Protecting Valuables

If you work in an industry where you're dealing with valuable goods such as jewels, rare antiques, valuable paintings or cash, you should get security officer services.

Protecting Executives

If you have executives in your company who are privy to sensitive information or who are conducting sensitive deals, you can get security officer services for their (or your own) protection.

Protecting Celebrities

If you're a celebrity or an agent/manager dealing with a celebrity, you should consider getting security officer services to protect them from overenthusiastic fans at big events.

Transferring Goods

Another situation in which you might want to get security is when you're transferring something valuable from one place to another.

Deterring Vandalism

If there has been any vandalism near your company, getting security officer services will nip it in the bud before the situation gets more serious.

Wherever There Are Crowds

If there's a special event going on or you're running a club with a lot of people, you should definitely get security officer services in order to keep things running in a smooth and orderly manner.

When There Is a Controversy

If you are dealing with something controversial at work (maybe a new product or new line of research) you should consider getting security officer services.

In Case of Threats

If you, your loved ones or anyone in your company has been receiving threats, you should definitely get security officer services.

Stalkers

It's not only celebrities who get stalked now and then; it can happen to normal people too. If you or someone you know has a stalker, consider getting security officer services.

Learn More About Security Officer Services

Contact us to learn more about the situations in which you can benefit from security officer services.

Although New York City may be a beautiful place to live and work in, celebrities and other executive figures must be on the alert. Whether it's from being harassed by the paparazzi or overzealous stalkers or it's being kidnapped or robbed, any of those things and more can happen to any celebrity living or working in New York City.

Private Security Sector

That's where GSS Security Services comes in. With decades of experience in the private security sector, GSS Security Services offers unparalleled protection for our celebrity clients. Whether it's enjoying a night out in the vibrant nightlife of the city or just going shopping with your kids, GSS Security Services will ensure that your public outing is safe and secure. We'll also ensure that any paparazzi or stalkers will have a hard time harassing you and your family and that they're completely and totally harmless as well. 

The Best Protection

Furthermore, no matter where in the Five Boroughs that you're staying at, our teams will be able to provide you with the best protection that the city has to offer. GSS Security Services has years of experience in protecting private clientele as well as private institutions like hotels, and so we'll ensure that your stay in New York City will be a safe one. 

Actor or Actress

If you're an actor or an actress who works in the city, we can also provide you with our security services at your place of work too. We have years of experience in securing and protecting movie sets from trouble as well, and we can extend that protection to you while you're working as well.

Learn More About Protecting Yourself

Whether our employees are blending into the crowd to not stand out or they're dressed to impress and scare off any would-be harassers, GSS Security Services will ensure that you and your family are safe in New York City.

For more information about our services, please contact us today.

With an increased threat of global security, an armed executive protection officer can be imperative to the threat of imminent danger, crisis management, and providing an immediate response during an emergency. In fact, an armed protection officer has higher qualifications than entry-level security personnel. First, let's discuss the role of an armed executive protection officer and then we'll touch on why they're an imperative source of protection for large or high profile clients. 

What Is an Armed Executive Protection Officer & What Do They Do 

An armed executive protection officer provides close protection (i.e. physical protection) with a firearm. Efficient and high-quality support are important to the welfare and assets of their clients. They're expected to use their training and experience to deflect the possibility of immediate danger, a kidnapping, or unauthorized access by an intruder. If necessary, using a weapon is a part of their attempt to secure their client or group. 

Why You Should Consider an Armed Executive Protection Officer 

If you're a high profile client, having an armed executive protection officer can help you restore your life to normalcy. A single encounter of violence or kidnapping can be avoided with their right protection. In fact, armed executive protection meets the needs of:

• Extremely powerful individuals 
• High profile people 
• Celebrities 
• Government officials 
• Successful people with influence 

Privacy  

If you're a public figure and need your privacy, an armed executive officer can meet your needs. They have the experience to keep overzealous, greedy photographers, and nosy people from occupying your personal space. Their skills can go a long way towards providing you with the protection you need to lead a private life. 

Personal Protection 

In an unpredictable society, many high profile people need personal protection to avoid danger or a threat. An armed executive officer provides you protection against any type of danger. In fact, they can also protect your value personal property. For instance, if you're carrying valuables from one location to another a experienced executive officer can help. 

Deter Criminal Activity 

The appearance of an armed security officer can often times deter criminal activity or a threat. Most criminals look for an easy opportunity to commit a crime. 

Learn More About The Benefits Of Armed Executive Protection Officers

Get the armed executive protection you need today! You're invited to contact us at GSS Security Services for more details. 

There are many cases in which a business executive might need protection. If you're dealing in something valuable and you need to carry it from one location to another, you'll feel a lot safer if you have a security officer with you. Or if you're doing some research which might be valuable to the competition, you might want to have a security officer present at all times to make sure that that research doesn't leave your premises.

Plus, there are times when high-level executives themselves become the victims of kidnapping because it might be valuable to other people to have them out of the way and also because this is profitable for kidnappers who ask for ransom.

Dealing with Extraordinary Situations

If you are a business executive who is feeling the need for security in any way, remember that it's always better to be safe than sorry. Even if it turns out that there is no attack or no attempt at stealing whatever you might be carrying, you'll just breathe easier knowing that there is a trained person next to you who will be able to deal with the situation.

Nine times out of ten, there might not be any danger to you or whatever you're carrying but the tenth time, there might be. It's in order to deal with this extraordinary situation that people get executive protection.

Signs That You Need Executive Protection

As an executive, you need to consider your position. Would getting you out of the way, even temporarily, benefit someone else? Maybe a rival executive at a different company or an organization which is opposed to what your organization is doing? If there have been any threats against you or your company or a lot of dissent about some research you might be doing, then it's a good idea to consider getting executive protection.

Contact us for more great tips to figure out when you might need to get executive protection.

Everyone wants their special event to go smoothly. You might be organizing a music concert, a wedding, a charity gala or a fashion show. In each case, you're going to have a number of people attending the event which makes it necessary for it to be organized and directed. You can do this with the help of special events security.

Security Helps You to Focus on Your Job

When you're backstage making sure that the performance goes smoothly or that the vows are said without a hitch, you can't be bothered about organizing everyone who's attending the event also. This job can be delegated to your security team.

Qualities of a Good Security Officer

You need security officers who have experience working at this kind of event. Not only should a security person be appropriately dressed and recognizable as someone in charge, but they should also direct people with confidence and authority. These are the marks of a good security officer.

Speaking Politely but Authoritatively

When security officers direct people to form a single line or to show their invitations/tickets, they need to do so politely but assertively. If a security officer starts shouting at the lines of people waiting for an event, it actually becomes difficult to take them seriously. At the same time, it is difficult to take someone seriously if they are difficult to hear. So speaking at the right volume, remaining polite and yet being authoritative is necessary for a special events security officer.

Being Alert in Case of Security-Related Issues

A security officer also needs to be alert in case there is any trouble at the event. The trouble could be as small as someone who doesn't want to wait in line or someone who is trying to gatecrash the event. A good security officer will be able to herd such a person to the side and send them on their way without making a scene. And if there is a more serious type of issue such as a fire, a security officer will be able to help people leave the event without stampeding and getting injured.

Contact us to find polite, competent, and authoritative security officers for your event.

What do all movie production sets have in common?

On a typical movie set, we have the movie actors, equipment worth millions of dollars, hundreds to thousands of production crew members and other third party staff and vendors.

The typical movie set is a recipe for chaos –perhaps even disaster –without the right management practices and safeguards in place. It is thus essential to have the right kind of protection on set to ensure the smooth running of production and the safety of all participants and means of production.

In seeking out a security protection services provider on your set, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

1. Prioritize Content

A security protection services provider should understand that content is vital on a movie set and organize all security functions accordingly. They should separate all the areas where content and media are created and stored from all other production areas on set. They should also limit access to these areas as is necessary to ensure optimum security. 

2. Embrace the Element of Surprise

A security protection services provider, acting within relevant local laws, you should put spontaneous security measures in place on set, including random searches, on entry or exit, of persons, cars, bags, and other personal effects. These security measures should be unmethodical in order not to be clocked or pre-empted. 

3. Make Sure You Control Access

 Security services protection providers should restrict the use of the internet, social media, personal and mobile devices by production crew members and third-party staff. Depending on the nature of the production, they may also limit or disallow the use of recording devices on set.

Limit access to production documents and oversee their destruction so that access to all production documents is limited to relevant personnel. They should have security policies that recognize production documents as intellectual property and treat them as such.

4. Enhance Your Monitoring Practices

Security services protection providers should monitor everyone on set and ensure that all crew members and third-party staff always have a means of identification on them. These means of identification should be differentiated to distinguish people on set and determine their function or purpose on sight.

Monitor all entry and exit points to the movie set. In helping clients choose a movie location, prioritize centralized and monitored alarm systems.

You should also watch the movie set outside of business hours.

In Conclusion

Do you need a one-stop solution to all security services protection needs on the set of your movie production? Do you need to be assured of the safety of all third party staff, production crew, and equipment on set?

GSS Security Services, Inc. has 25 years of experience providing all kinds of security protection services both domestically and internationally. GSS Security Services, Inc. also has a 250 man strong workforce of well-trained security professionals skilled in essential and effective security practices necessary in overseeing production and safety on a movie set. Please contact us with any security needs. 

Being in the public eye can be risky. CEOs, celebrities, famous entrepreneurs, top company executives and people in high-level or high-profile positions face more threats than the average person. This is especially so in an era when companies and brands try to humanize themselves by putting authentic information and relevant people in the spotlight. This fame makes it easier for anyone with a grievance or bad intent to pick a target and do them harm.

With increased visibility comes the need for increased caution. So, the need for specialized security services and executive protection is on the rise.

What Is Executive Protection?

Even though the term is often associated with 'bodyguards', executive protection is about much more than that. Bodyguards stay close to their clients at all times and keep them bodily safe from threats and annoyances. They are only a small part of the service offered by many executive protection outfits. Executive protection covers more proactive and analytical services. Some of these are;

• In-depth planning to prepare for clients itinerary
• Risk assessments customized for individual clients
• Advance identification of potential risks
• Reactive plans to eliminate or lessen the possibility of any security incidents

This approach significantly reduces the chances of exposure to danger or the need for executive protection specialists to even swing into action.

What Exactly Does It Offer?

The extent of executive protection services is usually dependent on the client's preferences, and their level of exposure to possible risk. Factors like risk history, location, age, and social ranking also influence how in-depth a protection plan should be. Generally, some of the types of security services offered to executives include;

Protective Surveillance

This service works best for clients who prefer not to make it obvious that they are being protected. It is a low-profile technique which protects from a distance, with security teams remaining close by and ready to act if their intervention is required. The client can go about their daily activities with no obvious disruptions or distractions, all the while assured that ample protection is hovering just out of sight.

Counter Surveillance Support

These are services provided to clients who suspect they are being followed or security teams who have received intelligence that the client they are protecting is being followed. Counter surveillance support teams covertly observe such clients or security teams to identify anyone monitoring them and take expert steps to stop or delay such persons.

Security Drivers

A security specialist behind the wheel is another way of keeping the client safe while they are in transit. Such a person is often trained in how to advise the client and react effectively in the event of an ambush, or on identifying any motorized surveillance. This can also include escort vehicles.          

Residential Security

Security operatives can be used to keep homes and offices safe. This type of protection can cover family and other loved ones. The operatives may be retained for the purposes of ensuring the client's privacy, assess or protect inside the home and outbuildings/perimeters, or provide home security while the client is away.

Asset Protection

This service covers the security of physical assets (like property: cars, houses, expensive collectibles) and ensuring the integrity of non-physical assets (digital information).

Travel-Risk Planning

Security outfits can provide executive protection for clients who are traveling locally or internationally, whether by road, water or air. They also assess the level of risk each method of travel comes with, provide travel intelligence and advise clients and their families on how best to stay safe.

Contingency Planning

Of great importance is the need to have plans in place for unforeseen circumstances. Executive security services provide contingency plans for egress, escape or retrieval during a crisis.

Learn More About Executive Protection

No one likes to think of bad things happening to themselves or their loved ones, but it is only smart to prepare for the worst, even if it never happens. At GSS Security Services Inc., we provide top-notch executive security services to high-profile individuals. Contact us to find out more!

When you're hosting a special event, you want everything to go smoothly. Whether it's a small event or a large one, it's still important that everything should take place in a tasteful and organized manner. In fact, special events security can help you to do this.

Running the Event in an Organized Manner

Special events security can make sure that people know where they are going and that there's no rushing around which can lead into accidents. If necessary, they can make sure everyone forms a line and that they are let in one by one. They can also handle it if there seems to be any aggressive behavior at the event or outside it.

Protecting Celebrities from Eager Fans

If you are hosting any high-level celebrities at your event, that makes it even more necessary to have special events security. Sometimes, it is possible for people to get out of hand when they see their favorite celebrities in person. It's possible for them to try to push through the lines and get a better view or even touch their favorite celebrity. And although it would not be a problem if only one person were trying to do this, it can get really out of hand when there are a number of fans trying to get closer to a celebrity.

Preventing Herd Mentality From Taking Hold

Even if you're not expecting any high-level celebrities, it is possible for people to behave differently when they are in a group. There's something known as herd mentality in which people start doing what other people are doing.

Sometimes, this can be beneficial. For example, if one person gives a standing ovation, other people also start giving standing ovations. But sometimes, it can get out of hand when the audience at your event starts behaving in a negative way and others also follow suit. Fortunately, having special events security can help you to avoid situations of this sort.

Contact us to learn more about getting special events security today.

One of the main characteristics of a well-run event is good planning and the ability to be ready. Factors ranging from the number of attendees to the size of the event space determine what safety plans should be implemented. Indeed, no one likes to hope to use these types of emergency plans, but it is better to make sure nothing has been left to chance.  You need to take smart steps to protect yourself, your staff, and any attendees at the event. 

When some people hear any alarms or realize they are in the midst of an emergency, fear takes over, and they may react without thinking. Thus, it is important to have a plan in place, and people who are primed and ready to react calmly to protect those who need help and guidance at that moment.

Event organizers have the responsibility of carrying out risk assessments to identify any hazards and think up plans to solve them or minimize their impact. One of the most important ways of ensuring safety at an event, big or small, is to have a good evacuation plan. Below are 5 things your emergency evacuation plans should do in a special event.

Identify Evacuation Routes

The best evacuation routes and most effective means of escape must be identified, and must not be obstructed during any events for ease of access. Also, these thoroughfares and exits must be visible, with clear signs explaining their purpose.

Staff Sensitization

All staff members must be prepared for emergencies and aware of the evacuation routes and plans. They should also be familiar with the details of whom to contact, the chain of command, and how best to manage attendees. Key personnel should be appointed to different duties and responsibilities, such as:

• Managing attendees
• Early recognition of emergency situations
• Application of CPR and first aid

Crowd Control

To prevent chaos, there must be an effective plan for crowd direction, control and communication, and documentation. Staff must be posted along the evacuation route, communicate calmly and loudly, and lead people to a safe assembly area.

Alerting External Agencies

Plans must be in place to communicate with and bring in outside emergency medical services (e.g. ambulances, fire and rescue services, police) if necessary, and effect a smooth handover of responsibility to them.

Regular Updates

A good evacuation plan must be dynamic and up-to-date at all times. It should take changes in things like personnel, event space, storage plans, and emergency phone numbers into account. Also, plans must be revised to account for any observed weak points. 

In Conclusion

During many events, meetings or conferences, the prospect of emergencies are often ignored. There must be reasonable steps taken to prevent harm or injury, and planning to calmly and effectively handle any unexpected situations that may arise. A well-planned emergency plan which includes a rock-solid evacuation process will manage risks, minimize danger and keep many people under your care safe.

GSS Security Services, Inc. has 25 years of experience providing all kinds of security protection services both domestically and internationally. Want to find out more? Please contact us and we will be able to guide you through your special event. 

Celebrities spend millions of dollars per year to keep themselves and their properties safe. For instance, early this year, Business Insider reported that rapper 50 Cent spends $70,000 a month to secure his 52-room Connecticut mansion. The total amount he spends annually to secure his properties and for personal security is cross to $1.6 million. 

As you can see, protecting celebrities today is much more than physically shielding them from harm by rogue fans or enemies. It encompasses a broad range of services such as close protection, preventing unwanted intrusions and property protection.

If your mandate as a security leader is to protect celebrities, here are key fundamentals you need to keep in mind.

Conducting Risk Analysis

The first step you need to take is to conduct a comprehensive risk analysis. There are several questions you will need to ask as part of the risk analysis. Does the client regularly travel to dangerous places? Has there been a history of security threats against the celebrity? What kind of security threat is your client most venerable?  This step requires full cooperation from the celebrity to make a strong case for protection.

Protection of Property

According to the recent news published on news.co.au, Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint of $14 million in jewels and phones. You should, therefore, ensure the celebrity's personal and work devices are secure. All sensitive data on those devices should also be encrypted using powerful data encryption software. For home protection, you can hire highly-trained security detail and install high-tech systems such as digital fingerprint identification and motion-triggered cameras.

Educate Celebrities About Possible Threats

Many fans do not have bad intentions, but your mandate as a security leader is to educate your client about potential security threats they may face. You can start with security awareness training to help them determine a real risk from just a typical fan.

Are You Ready for Expert Celebrity Protection?

GSS Security Services, Inc. has been providing celebrity security services for decades. We offer discreet, armed and unarmed escort and guard services internationally for clients and their loved ones. Contact us today for your free consultation!