Allied Universal -- which boasts the largest security force in North America -- issued a news release recently following the Department of Homeland Security's Jan. 4 National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin, stating that all of its security professionals had been informed of the bulletin and were now on heightened alert. Here is the text of Allied Universal's informative and helpful news release:

How Allied Universal Can Help

Our vast corporate security, intelligence, and law enforcement experts within Allied Universal® Risk Advisory and Consulting Services division are always available to help you prepare and manage a crisis. We have expertise that will enable you to better anticipate or respond to a high-risk event. We can help develop crisis management procedures and rapidly mobilize resources in high threat periods whether it’s the threat of terrorism, natural disaster, crisis, civil disturbance, or strike/labor unrest. Our subject matter experts can help you recover quickly and minimize disruption to operations. For additional information, feel free to contact us.

How You Can Help
  • If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious, trust your instincts and ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) by reporting possible terrorist activity in confidence. Any piece of information could be important, so it’s better to be safe and report anything you see. You can help the police prevent terrorism and save lives.
  • Report suspicious activity or information about a threat, including online activity, to Fusion Centers and the FBI’s Field Offices - part of the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative.
  • Crowded places, events, public transport, and iconic locations throughout the country are some examples of locations that could be potential targets for terrorists.
  • Look for anything that seems out of the ordinary, such as:
    • People in stationary vehicles watching a building or structure
    • Vehicles moving slowly near public buildings, structures or bridges, or parked in suspicious circumstances
    • People using recording equipment, including camera phones, or seen making notes or sketches of security details
    • Someone suspicious paying close attention to specific entry and exit points, stairwells, hallways or fire escapes
    • People loitering at or near premises for long periods and watching staff, visitors and deliveries for no apparent reason
    • People asking detailed or unusual questions about buildings and business operations, facilities (such as room layouts), security or parking for no apparent reason
Be Prepared
  • Be prepared for cyber disruptions, suspicious emails, and network delays.
  • Be responsible for your personal safety. Know where emergency exits and security personnel are located. Carry emergency contact and special needs information with you.
  • Implement basic cyber hygiene practices such as effecting data backups and employing multi-factor authentication.
  • For more information visit CISA.gov Connect, Plan, Train, and Report to prepare businesses & employees. Security tools/resources can be accessed through the DHS’s Hometown Security Campaign.
Stay Informed
  • The U.S. Government will provide additional information about any emerging threat as additional information is identified. The public is encouraged to listen to local law enforcement and public safety officials.
  • The Department of State issues international travel alerts and warnings.
  • For additional information, visit Ready.gov.
If You See Something, Say Something™.
Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or call 911.
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Mission Statement Part I.

The International Foundation for Protection Officers provides professional learning opportunities for security practitioners, to impart the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to maximize job performance and enhance career potential.

Purpose: to make a positive difference in the quality of the participant’s job performance and elevate the professional status of students who partake of our learning opportunities.

Business: to supply committed security practitioners with a quality education to help achieve their highest potential and provide recognized accreditation for successful completion of educational goals.

Values: commitment, integrity, responsibility, and standards of excellence, provide the platform that supports our journey as we pursue our mission.

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