Sunday, May 3, 2026

Security guard shot and killed at his gate in Spanish Town

 

A 29-year-old security guard was shot and killed by unknown assailants in Eltham Park, Spanish Town, St Catherine, on Friday night.

The deceased has been identified as Delroy Briton, otherwise called 'Delly', of Garnet Avenue, Eltham Park Housing Scheme in St Catherine.

Reports are that about 9:15 p.m. Briton, who works at a nearby school, was seated on a tyre at his gate when a car drove up.

Loud explosions were reportedly heard from the vehicle, which later sped away from the scene.

Initial checks revealed that Briton was shot and injured, and he was assisted to hospital where he died while undergoing treatment.

The police were alerted and the scene was processed.  

No motive has been established in the matter. 

Briton's murder brings to 10 the number of people killed in the St Catherine North police division since the start of the year, compared with 17 for the similar period in 2025.

The Spanish Town Criminal Investigation Branch is probing the matter.

 

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Thursday, March 12, 2026

FBI says its taking over the Michigan synagogue attack investigation. ( Score one for Security Officers!)

 Updated March 12, 20262:36 PM ET

 

 The suspect in Thursday's active shooting at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Mich., is dead, according to federal and local law enforcement officials.

Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said a man drove a truck into the synagogue. Security officers "engaged with the suspect" and began firing at him. The vehicle then "breached the building" through the doors and drove down a hallway of the large building and stopped inside, where security confronted him.

Bouchard said a body was found inside the truck. While security "did engage the suspect with gunfire," Bouchard said it's unclear how the man died. The sheriff said, "Something ignited in the vehicle." Thick, black smoke could be seen billowing from the building not long after.

The special agent in charge of the Detroit field office of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, James Deir, confirmed the suspect's death.

Bouchard said the vehicle struck one of the synagogue's security members, knocking him unconscious. The guard was taken to the hospital, where he was expected to recover. Bouchard said everyone inside the building has been accounted for and there are no other injuries.

The FBI said Thursday evening it was taking over the investigation of the attack.

"We are leading the investigation as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community," said Jennifer Runyan, the FBI special agent in charge of the Detroit office. She described the attack on Temple Israel as a "deeply disturbing and tragic incident."

Authorities did not release the suspect's name or a motive.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Temple Israel said "all 140 students" in its early childhood center, the staff, the teachers and "our heroic security personnel" are safe and accounted for.

"As you have no doubt heard, Temple Israel was the victim of a terrorist gunman who was confronted and neutralized by our security personnel who are truly heroes," the post said. "Our teachers followed their training and kept the children safe and calm."

The synagogue said it's unsure about future programming or services.

Scores of law enforcement officers and emergency personnel responded to Temple Israel following reports of an active shooter Thursday afternoon.

Bouchard told reporters he could not say whether the attack had any links to terrorism. Since the U.S.- and Israel-led war in Iran began, there has been heightened concern about retaliation. Bouchard asked residents within 1 mile of Temple Israel to shelter in place.

This synagogue, like nearly all Jewish places of worship in the U.S., has its own security officers. It also operates a school, and parents were rushing to a nearby reunification center.

The Detroit office of the FBI went to Temple Israel in late January and led an "Active Shooter Attack Prevention and Preparedness (ASAPP) training" for the clergy and staff at the synagogue. In a Jan. 30 post on X, the FBI said the course "combines lessons learned from years of research and employs scenario-based exercises to help participants practice the decision-making process … and take necessary actions for survival."

The Michigan State Police said on social media that it's "increasing patrols at other places of worship in the area."

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called the incident "heartbreaking," saying Michigan's "Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace." In a post on X, the governor said, "Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan."

President Trump said Thursday afternoon that he had been "fully briefed" about the situation in Michigan. He gave brief remarks at the top of a Women's History Month event at the White House.

"I want to send our love to the Michigan Jewish community and all of the people in Detroit, Detroit area, following the attack on the Jewish synagogue early today," he said. "And I've been briefed, fully briefed, and it's a terrible thing, but it goes on. We're going to be right down to the bottom of it. It's absolutely incredible that things like this happen."

The truck-ramming incident Thursday is similar to another attack on a religious building in the state last year.

In September, a man drove a truck into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building during a Sunday service in Grand Blanc, Michigan. The man then fired a gun and set the building on fire. Four people died, and eight others were injured.

West Bloomfield and Grand Blanc are about 35 miles apart.

Monday, August 11, 2025

WorkSafeBC data shows 'concerning' rate of injury among hospital security guards. Posted: Aug 07, 2025 8:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: August 7

 3 relational security guards tell CBC News they've being punched, kicked, spat on.

 It's been nearly two years since the province created a new class of hospital security guard, relational security officers or RSOs, in response to high-profile assaults against nurses and health care staff. 

Different from a typical security guard, the province says the new position focuses on trauma-informed training and de-escalation and prevention.

But new data obtained by CBC News shows the employees meant to keep hospitals safe are themselves being injured at an alarming rate. 

WorkSafeBC data for accepted short and long-term disability claims by hospital security guards show nearly 170 accepted injury claims last year. 

At that rate, it means security guards meant to protect health-care staff and patients from violence are being injured nearly every other day.

Accepted injury claims were highest in Fraser and Providence Health: 50 accepted claims in Fraser Health, 46 in Providence Health.

Security guards in Interior Health were off work due to injury 27 times, 22 times in Vancouver Coastal Health. There were 20 accepted injury claims in Island Health. 

Three relational security guards who work in Lower Mainland hospitals spoke to CBC News, describing the injuries they've experienced on a regular basis, which have led to WorkSafeBC claims, time off work and physical and emotional injuries.

CBC News is protecting their identities and workplaces because they're worried about punishment for speaking out. 

"I've scratched up my knee. I've broken skin," one security officer told CBC News. "Being spat on, being headbutted, being bitten by violent patients."

His job is to keep nurses, doctors and patients safe inside B.C. hospitals. But he says that the job often puts him and his colleagues at risk. And the three officers say they're not being given the training or the tools to keep themselves safe.  

Most hospitals use a mix of RSOs — who are unionized health authority employees — and private security guards.

The injury rates are a concern for the Hospital Employees' Union (HEU), which represents the province's 750 RSOs. 

"It's concerning. That could be the tip of the iceberg," says Lynn Bueckert, secretary business manager for the HEU. "Not all workers report for a whole bunch of reasons." 

The three RSOs who spoke to CBC say the health authorities are placing limits on the tools and de-escalation techniques they can use when someone becomes violent. 

 

For example, RSOs working in Fraser Health and Providence Health are not allowed to use handcuffs to restrain a violent individual.

Those who spoke to CBC News say that puts them at further risk of injury as they try to hold someone until police arrive.

"Sometimes we have to call the police to help us restrain them because they're so violent and we're being assaulted," one security officer said.

"When it comes time to actually dealing with violence, dealing with assaults on staff, dealing with threats and property damage, we don't have the tools to take care of the problem effectively. I feel that we're social workers that carry a radio and a set of keys."

Critic wants peace officers

B.C. Conservative public safety critic Elenore Sturko says the injury rates should be a wake-up call that the current system is not working.  

"Seeing the number of injury claims that have been reported to WorkSafe by RSOs is further confirmation that they are not adequately trained to deal with the level of violence they are seeing in the workplace," she said. 

Sturko would like to see the province employ peace officers in hospitals. They'd be equipped with a firearm, Taser and handcuffs and undergo an intensive training course of between six and 15 weeks, depending on the equipment they're given. This would be similar to the level of training provided to transit police. 

That's the system that exists in Alberta hospitals. 

There, protective services officers must complete a six-week training course, which is similar to that provided to correctional officers or sheriffs. 

The union echoes the call for better training and higher staffing levels. 

"We know from talking to our members they need more training … in de-escalation," Bueckert said. "They also need more staffing."

However, the union does not support putting peace officers in hospitals. 

"Relational security guards are not protecting buildings, they're protecting people. And people come into health care with very challenging needs," Bueckert said. 

Fraser Health says in a statement RSOs undergo rigorous training, which is tailored to the complex needs of the health-care environment.

The health authority says it is reviewing its policy on security teams' use of handcuffs and expects officers to be able to use them in the coming months. 

Health Minister Josie Osborne was not available for an interview, but the Health Ministry says it is looking into other tools to make hospitals safer, such as using artificial intelligence to detect weapons in emergency rooms — something that's been done in other Canadian hospitals. 

For the relational security guard who spoke to CBC News, the changes can't come fast enough. 

"I hope there's some sort of acknowledgment that what we have right now, it's not working as it's intended. We're just seen as a group of people who are called upon to get abused, to bear the brunt of the violence that goes on, so no one else has to."

 

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Jewelry store owner opens fire on mob to stop smash-and-grab July 21, 2025

 

ANAHEIM, CA – A stunning attempt at a jewelry heist unfolded in broad daylight as at least 20 individuals stormed a local jewelry store, only to be thwarted by the quick-thinking owner. The dramatic scene, captured on surveillance footage, shows the masked group descending upon the store with sledgehammers, ready for a smash-and-grab operation.

The chaos erupted as the suspects, clad in black hoodies, exited five vehicles and converged on the store like a swarm of bees. Employees inside were forced to seek shelter as the would-be robbers attempted to breach the entrance.

In a decisive moment, a single gunshot rang out, fired by the store owner who declined to appear on camera due to safety concerns. The shot scattered the group, abruptly halting their plans. The owner’s attorney described the act as self-defense, emphasizing the owner’s resolve to protect his livelihood.

This incident follows another brazen robbery attempt in the area just a month prior, where thieves drove a vehicle through a nearby jewelry store, making off with millions in valuables. Although two suspects were apprehended, the getaway cars remain unaccounted for.

In response to these threats, local business owners are heightening security measures and urging the community to remain vigilant. “Everyone should report suspicious activity to ensure safety,” the store owner advised.

Long-time local resident Mohammed Salem, who runs a food stand near the targeted store, described the scene as surreal, akin to a movie. The recent events have left many in the area on edge, concerned for the safety of their businesses and families.

Authorities have yet to release descriptions of the suspects, though the surveillance footage clearly shows a well-coordinated effort. The group appeared to time their arrival perfectly, striking immediately after the last customer had left the store.

The community remains shaken, with business owners and residents alike reinforcing their defenses and hoping for swift justice.

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Local News: 3 arrested after brawl with K9 security team at CTA station on South Side of Chicago

CBS News: Chicago

 https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/3-arrested-after-brawl-with-k9-security-team-at-cta-station-on-south-side-of-chicago/

 People have truly lost their goddamn minds. We won't exactly know what may have set this off. Whatever it was, I hope the law puts them away for a long damn time. Especially, the fool that punch the K9 and the other one who thought it was necessary to throw the trash can. A room should be reserved for them in prison. Security takes alot of shit and nothing usually happens. But, this.... wow. 

Albuquerque News VIDEO

VIDEO: Police shoot and kill armed woman at Albuquerque hotel

https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/video-police-shoot-and-kill-armed-woman-at-albuquerque-hotel/

 

All I have to say about this piece of news is that the Security Officer was probably outside of his depth to handle a person with a mental crisis. It is not unusual for my fellow Security to not be trained in such cases. We are not. If it wasn't for my start in Psychiatric counselor, I wouldn't know what to do except to talk my ass off with the person till someone gets there to take over.

Thursday, May 1, 2025

The crucial role of security and compliance in the cannabis industry

The expanding cannabis market presents unique opportunities but also comes with challenges in the realms of security and compliance.

The cannabis industry is experiencing exponential growth as more regions legalize its use for both medicinal and recreational purposes. This expanding market presents unique opportunities but also comes with unique challenges in the realms of security and compliance.

Compliance and security in the cannabis industry, while closely related, address different aspects of operational integrity. Compliance focuses on adhering to local and state regulations to ensure legal and safe production and distribution, whereas security involves protecting the physical and digital assets of the business (including inventory, cash and personnel) from theft, diversion and cyber threats.

Unique security challenges

Gone are the days of carrying backpacks full of cash to pay licensing fees and other obligations (yes, that really happened), but safety concerns surrounding cash transactions, product transport, and foremost, the safety of staff, remain paramount.

  • High-value inventory: Cannabis products, both in raw and processed forms, are highly valuable, not just monetarily, but also from a possession perspective. Carry limits are in place so that no one individual has access or control of large amounts of inventory with the intent to sell to minors or undeveloped markets. This makes them attractive targets for theft and diversion to be distributed in what is called the “gray” market. 
  • Cash-intensive operations: Most operators have access to a bank of some sort for their business, but most transactions with consumers take place with cash. This means that security measures must be in place for handling and storing large amounts of cash. 
  • Employee safety: Cannabis businesses are subject to stringent regulatory oversight. These measures have laid the foundation to ensure necessary protocols are in place to protect employees from a variety of pitfalls or situations that exist as they work with cannabis and cash. 
  • Stringent oversight: Regulatory oversight has laid the foundation to ensure compliance and security protocols are in place. While some security measures may seem extreme, such as checking in every person who is accessing limited access facilities, escorting visitors, transport safety measures and more cameras than you can count, they are all necessary when working in the cannabis space. 


Implementing robust security measures

To address these challenges, cannabis businesses must implement comprehensive security strategies. Key components include physical security, employee training and cybersecurity.

Physical security encompasses surveillance systems, secure storage facilities, and stringent access controls. High-resolution cameras, alarm systems and reinforced vaults are essential to safeguard valuable inventory and cash reserves.

Additional safety measures come into play, even when hiring cannabis employees. Each state has its one set of rules for who can work in cannabis, but strict and repetitive background screens take place for every employee before someone can be trusted to work in cannabis. This helps weed out the bad actors.

Employee training is equally important. Employees must be trained to recognize and respond to security threats. This includes understanding protocols for handling cash, managing inventory and ensuring the integrity of the supply chain. Regular training sessions ensure that all staff are up-to-date on the latest security practices and are equipped to handle potential threats.

In 2024, cybersecurity cannot be overlooked — or overstated. As with any modern business, cannabis companies must protect their digital assets along with environmental control systems that live in the cloud. This involves safeguarding customer data, securing online transactions and preventing cyberattacks or hacking into system databases.


The importance of compliance

Compliance in the cannabis industry is multifaceted, involving local and state rules. Key areas of focus include:

Licensing: Obtaining and maintaining the necessary licenses is fundamental to operating a legal cannabis business. This process can be complex and requires meticulous attention to detail. Businesses must navigate an evolving regulatory landscape, submit comprehensive documentation and often undergo rigorous inspections. The cost of non-compliance can be severe, including hefty fines, license suspension or permanent closure.

Product testing and labeling: Product testing and labeling are critical components of compliance. Cannabis products must meet stringent safety standards to ensure they are free from contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals and microbial impurities. Accurate labeling is equally important, providing consumers with essential information about the product's potency, ingredients and usage instructions. This transparency helps build consumer trust and ensures safety for products that hit the store shelves.

Record-keeping: Detailed records must be kept for all aspects of the business, from seed to sale. Traceability and accountability become paramount when a product is recalled or needs to be investigated for product safety.


Building a company culture of compliance

Creating a culture within a cannabis organization requires commitment from all levels of the business. Compliance and security are everyone's jobs! Senior management must lead by example, while all employees need to embrace the importance of compliance. Regular training sessions and clear communication of policies are essential. Additionally, this is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process. Businesses must stay abreast of changing regulations and continuously refine their practices — rules can change overnight to be implemented the next day.


Partnering with experts

Given the complexities of security and compliance, partnering with experts can be invaluable. Security consultants, legal advisors and compliance specialists can provide the insights and support needed to navigate the regulatory landscape and implement effective security measures.

The cannabis industry is at a critical juncture, with enormous potential for growth and innovation. However, the risks associated with security and compliance should not be underestimated. The adage “You're only as strong as your weakest link” is particularly relevant in the cannabis industry. It is critical to build a company-wide culture of compliance and security, ensuring that every member of the organization is aware of their role in maintaining these standards. By prioritizing these aspects, businesses can not only protect their assets and reputation but also build a foundation for long-term success.