Sunstates Security

National provider of contract security guard services

COVID-19 UPDATE: WHAT SUNSTATES SECURITY IS DOING

Updated May 12, 2020

 

In accordance with the government’s “Opening Up America Again” initiative, Sunstates Security is taking steps to return to normal operations.

For employees:

  • Staying in communication with furloughed officers, assisting with funding options, checking on their well-being, and providing updated information as it becomes available on when their positions may return.
  • Continuous communication with active employees to check health, ensuring site safety protocol compliance, and collecting feedback on how we can best support their specific operation.
  • Preparing for gradual return to work in Phase 1, including employee training & screening, workplace modifications to accommodate social distancing, enhanced cleaning protocols, and limitation of visitors and contractors.

For clients:

  • Continued evaluation of federal, state & local government regulations by our legal & compliance team as it relates to shelter in place, stay at home, PPE guidelines, etc.
  • Actively recruiting and increasing our talent pipeline to ensure we have the resources to respond quickly to increased site coverage requirements as the economy begins to reopen.
  • Implementing automated processes for electronic issuance and approval of invoices and payment options for all clients.
  • Collaborating with client management teams on return-to-work processes and procedures to ensure the safety of their employees, clients, visitors, vendors and contractors while continuing to enforce security protocols.
  • Continued sourcing of new pipelines for procuring PPE and sharing resources with clients as necessary.

Sunstates Security continues to focus on the health and well-being of our employees and the safety of those we serve while fulfilling our service commitments.

On the following pages we have included a timeline of actions the company has taken since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis and which we continue to maintain as the scenario unfolds. 

Summary of Actions Taken to Date

For our employees…

Sunstates appreciates our employees, and our first and foremost concern is their safety and well-being. Our goal is to keep people employed, while providing a safe workplace and clear operating protocols in line with CDC guidelines.

  • Ongoing Safety Communications/Resources:
  • As needed, provisions of PPE, cleaning and sanitizing supplies provided for offices and posts while maintaining an updated inventory by region.
  • Ongoing and regularly scheduled conference calls including Legal & Compliance, Human Resources, Quality Assurance, Training, and Executive Management Team members to discuss COVID-19 updates, hygiene practices, evolving client requirements and operational processes.
  • March 16 – Sunstates began providing ongoing communication to educate employees, including COVID-19 Safety & Preparedness Bulletin, Hand Washing & Sanitizing Guidelines, and Social Distancing Strategies Protocol.
  • March 20 – CEO Kathryn Burrell communicated to all employees regarding safety and employee resources.
  • March 23 – Sunstates issued a bulletin regarding security employee classification as essential employees by the DHS and provided officers with a letter to carry, along with their state licenses, when traveling to/from work.
  • March 26 – Human Resources sent communication regarding medical coverage, including availability of Telemedicine visits and COVID-19 testing.
  • April 17 – Rolled out an employee pledge campaign asking all officers to commit to social distancing and other COVID-19 recommended safety guidelines; participation will be tracked through the LMS system.
  • COVID-19 Training: Sunstates launched a mandatory COVID-19 training module for all employees on March 16, easily accessible and tracked through our online LMS. 
  • April 1 – Released new training module regarding use of PPE with enrollments based upon management request; updated information released on April 10.
  • April 13 – Released new training module regarding vehicle cleanliness; managers send job numbers to the training department to auto-enroll officers with driving positions.
  • April 20 – Released new training module for conducting temperature checks including important guidance on maintaining proper social distance, utilizing permanent barriers and incorporating technology such as thermal imaging cameras that achieve safety, accuracy and efficiency.  This training is mandated for all employees performing this function.
  • Continued Employment: Sunstates is doing everything possible to retain employees who may have been affected by reductions in coverage by cross-training at other locations, refining schedules, adjusting to 32-hour work weeks, and offering opportunities to fulfill additional service requests through the Sunstates Mutual Aid Rapid Response Team (SMARRT) program.
  • Employee Benefits: On March 20, our Human Resources Department distributed information on government benefits. We have also expanded company policy to allow those whose positions are negatively impacted by COVID-19 to retain employee status with the ability to resume work at Sunstates without having to reapply or losing tenure once the emergent situation has passed. Continue to share information about virtual health care resources, EAP information, and communications from Empower for those enrolled in the Sunstates Security 401(k) program.
  • New Protocol for Recruiting & Onboarding to Ensure Safety and Social Distancing: 
  • Phone and/or video interviews, using multiple platforms, such as Skype & Facetime.
  • Staggered timing for hiring events, in-person interviews, sizing for uniforms, etc., to limit the number of people and to allow for six-foot distancing.
  • Changes in location or size of training classes to allow for adequate distancing; implementation of live-stream video training for state licensing (where approved by state licensing agencies) as well as Sunstates orientation.
  • Employee Recognition: Special recognition of officers who are going above and beyond the call of duty during this challenging time. 

For our clients….

Sunstates Security continues to serve our clients, adjusting coverage requirements as needed. As the situation evolves, Sunstates is exploring creative solutions to fulfill client requirements and to meet our internal quality standards, while ensuring safe social distancing and compliance with CDC guidelines.

  • March 16 – Implementation of Virtual Quality Assurance Checks.
  • April 9 – introduced new COVID-19 specific virtual QA check to ensure proper use of PPE and compliance with social distancing and hygiene guidelines.
  • Scheduled and impromptu video meetings and calls with clients.
  • Continued consultation with clients to develop protocol and share best practices regarding new pandemic-related requirements such as social distancing measures, use of PPE, sanitary standards, temperature checks, etc. in ways that mitigate risk for our clients and our officers.
  • Provide PPE, cleaning & sanitizing supplies for officers at client sites when needed.
  • Proactive planning for additional coverage requirements through expanded recruiting and enrollment with the Sunstates Mutual Aid Rapid Response Team (SMARRT). In the past 60 days enrollment has increased substantially, providing an enhanced emergency coverage resource for Sunstates clients.

Such strategic changes to our processes and operating procedures will allow us to continue taking care of our employees and clients, while stimulating the economy by creating new employment opportunities throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Please reach out to the Sunstates management team or search for employment opportunities on our website.

REGIONAL MANAGER SPOTLIGHT

Bryan AlonzoSunstates Security is pleased to spotlight Regional Manager Bryan Alonzo. Bryan joined Sunstates as Regional Manager and oversees operations in Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri. Bryan has over a decade of experience in the contract security industry and is playing a key role in our expansion in the Kansas City market. Bryan’s security career began while he was pursuing his  master’s degree in Justice Management. He accepted his first job as a security officer working for a large retail client in Kansas. Through hard work and dedication, Bryan was consistently promoted through the ranks of Site Supervisor to Director of Human Resources and Training, then on up to Director of Security.

His unique position of having held numerous positions within the industry gives him excellent perspective on what is important to both our employees and clients. He has extensive experience serving as the liaison for clients, creating and implementing specialized training programs, and ensuring client satisfaction. His experience and passion for motivating his people have made him a tremendous asset to the Sunstates team.

In his free time, you can find Bryan traveling, hiking, and camping with his wife and two kids. We are excited to have Bryan on our team and hope that you will reach out if he can assist you in any way. He can be reached at BAlonzo@SunstatesSecurity.com.

Regional Manager Spotlight

Sunstates Security is pleased to present a spotlight on Shaun Root. Shaun joined Sunstates as Regional Manager overseeing operations in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming. Shaun has 19 years of experience in the contract security industry and is playing a key role in our expansion in the Southwest and Rocky Mountain markets. Shaun’s success story started after completing his degree in Criminal Justice and Business at the University of Cincinnati. He accepted his first full-time job as a security officer working for a large corporation’s headquarters in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Through hard work and dedication, Shaun was consistently promoted through the ranks to his current position. He has gained unique perspectives having held numerous positions within the industry, which gives him an excellent outlook on what is important to both our employees and clients. He has also had the opportunity to work with various vertical markets and understands the importance of customizing each program to fit the needs of the individual client. This perfect blend of industry expertise and passion for employee training and mentoring is the foundation for our success in these regions. In his free time, you can find Shaun with his sons or participating in a local Mud Run. We are excited to have Shaun on our team and hope that you will reach out if he can assist you in any way. He can be reached at SRoot@SunstatesSecurity.com.

SUNSTATES SECURITY PROMOTES ROBERT ROGALSKI TO SVP,
ROBERT THURMAN TO CFO

INDUSTRY VETERANS HELP COMPANY CONTINUE ITS DOUBLE-DIGIT ANNUAL GROWTH

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Robert Rogalski, Senior Vice President of Operations

RALEIGH, N.C., April 23, 2019—Sunstates Security, a national security services firm headquartered in Raleigh, NC, recently announced the promotions of Robert Rogalski and Robert Thurman. Rogalski has been promoted from Vice President of Operations to Senior Vice President of Operations, and Robert Thurman has been promoted from Vice President of Finance to Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

“Both men have been a big part of why Sunstates Security has grown by more than 20% a year over the past six years,” said Sunstates President Glenn Burrell, CPP. “Quality assurance, training, safety, and smooth, efficient operations are critical to sustaining our organic growth, and those are Robb Rogalski’s primary responsibilities.

“Robert Thurman is probably the only CFO who has come up through the ranks within the security services industry. He started as a third-shift security officer working his way through school. His industry experience and knowledge are invaluable.”

Rogalski joined Sunstates Security as a branch manager in 2009, overseeing operations in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina. He now oversees all operations, training and quality assurance nationwide, while drawing from nearly two decades of security experience, serving clients in many industries: corporate campuses, financial, pharmaceutical, healthcare, commercial properties, malls, government, educational and industrial.

Robert Thurman, Corporate Controller

Robert Thurman, Chief Financial Officer

Thurman has been in the security industry for 20 years and uses that experience to mentor newer employees. Since joining Sunstates in 2013, he has expanded the Finance and Accounting team to meet the growing company’s needs, while grooming staff members to take on leadership roles.

The reason for Sunstates Security’s growth, Burrell said, is simple. “We’ve reinvested over and over again in our people, giving them a career development path and enhancing benefits, based on employee feedback. We treat our employees with professionalism and respect, and in turn, they’re motivated to go the extra mile for our clients. Everybody wins.”

The promotions of Rogalski and Thurman will support the changing needs of the growing firm, while creating new opportunities for team members at every level of the organization.

About Sunstates Security
Based in Raleigh, N.C., Sunstates Security provides uniformed security personnel and security consulting services to clients throughout the United States. The company is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Greater Business Women’s Council, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

 

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QUALITY ASSURANCE: CONSISTENT SUPPORT FOR SECURITY OFFICERS

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Sunstates Security has always focused on providing consistent, high-quality service. For clients, that means Sunstates officers are professionals they can count on.

Behind the scenes, what clients don’t see is the high level of training, support and oversight our security officers receive. With double-digit growth for the past several years, we’ve recently promoted one of our own to a new position: Ryan Moran, formerly Sunstates regional manager in Raleigh, is now the director of quality assurance. He’s been in the industry 18 years, starting as a security officer when he was in college, and he knows the demands that challenge clients daily.

His job is simple: to make sure we live up to our principles with every client, and to help managers and officers live those principles every day. He demonstrated that as a regional manager, managing the biggest portfolio of clients in Sunstates.

Sometimes he’ll be an extra expert, dropping in wherever he’s needed. Other times, he’ll be working with regional offices to help officers and managers continue to deliver the high level of professionalism our clients expect.

“What better person to have in the quality assurance position than someone who knows what to look for?” said Sunstates President Glenn Burrell, CPP. “He knows our system so well, and he knows and embraces the Sunstates culture.”

Here’s what to expect with this new role and resource:

• More support. The expanding quality assurance program will help managers and officers collaborate and support each other.
• More services. We’ll continually add new ways to support our clients, such as site vulnerability assessments and other services.
• More customization. We will expand on our custom quality-assurance checks for specific sites, to ensure we always do what we say we’re going to do.
• More sharing. With Ryan’s new position, we’ll be better able to share insights, strategies and best practices among multiple regions.
• More communications. Ryan will be another point of contact and resource when needed for our clients.

The Game of Work
Every manager at Sunstates receives a book called The Game of Work. The main principle of the book embodies our philosophy: work should be fun, and work teams should succeed together as sports teams do.

Great teams work together: All members know the plan and their role in it. And everyone knows the critical measurements that define success for their team. Those Key Performance Indicators, or KPIs, vary by client and region. Our quality assurance initiative will help you identify and achieve the ones that are more important for you and your team.

What Clients Will See
With so much of what we do going on behind the scenes, how will quality assurance help our clients?

The answer comes from a long-time client, who’s been with Sunstates for 20 years. He said he’s never considered going anywhere else because we’ve consistently given him the same high level of service since day one.

“We always want to make sure that we’re doing what we say we are going to do,” said Ryan Moran, Director of Quality Assurance. “It takes oversight to make sure that’s happening.”

We value the trust our clients have in Sunstates, and we always want to live up to that trust. By leveraging Ryan’s operational expertise, we can continue to provide outstanding service to our clients, and continue to support Sunstates’ officers and managers as they provide that service.

Do you want to know what Sunstates’ quality assurance will mean for you and your site? Please contact Sunstates Security at 866-710-2019 or email us.

HOW TECHNOLOGY ADDS VALUE TO SECURITY SERVICES

The foundation of good security is good people, and that’s always been the focus at Sunstates Security. At the same time, we’re always looking for opportunities to help our people provide even How Technology Adds Value to Security Services post imagemore value. That’s why we partner with proven experts as needed and we employ the best technology to enhance and extend what our security officers are doing. This policy allows us to apply best practices from a wide range of industries to enhance client security programs.

“We apply the concept of ‘dog fooding,’ where you should never promote or sell something that you’ve never tasted yourself,” says Sunstates President Glenn Burrell, CPP. “We identify a strategic partner and use their product or service to better understand its capabilities and limitations so we’re able to advise our clients on whether it’s an appropriate answer to their problem.”

New Solutions for Common Problems
Some of the technology we use is behind the scenes: our clients won’t necessarily know we’re using it. Some is more client facing. We constantly review the available technological solutions and work with trusted partners to employ the best solutions on clients’ behalf.

• Proximity Readers and License Plate Recognition Software. Many facilities, such as corporate/school campuses and residential communities, have a high volume of both regular traffic (e.g., residents, students, employees, etc.) and visitors (e.g., guests, vendors, etc.) driving in. We know what systems can most efficiently read a tag or other device from the front of a vehicle as it approaches a gate, allowing quicker entry. Pairing such technology with license plate recognition software can confirm identity.
• Key Tethers. A key tether connects a key (or set of keys) with another device and provides an instant alert when, say, keys are detached from a belt. We often also attach a GPS tile to find separated keys. Clients frequently entrust us with the keys to their facilities, and we have a critical responsibility to take care of their keys, regardless of cost. Key control is critical to our clients’ safety and well-being.
• KnoxBoxes. Many property management clients have maglocks on their doors because they’re convenient: access cards can be easily programmed to control access for individual employees. But those doors will lock down in a power outage. While they can be opened from the inside, authorized personnel cannot enter the facility, even with an access card. We’ve found a solution by using KnoxBoxes, which uses a master key—available for security or management—to open those doors manually.
• Mass Notification Systems. We partnered with Punch Technologies to offer clients the Punch Alert emergency communication platform. The system allows individuals to report emergencies and safety hazards through a smartphone app. In addition, the platform permits two-way communication during an incident, so users can submit information and responders can issue mass updates.

We evaluate new technology constantly to find solutions that provide a higher level of security and convenience to our clients. Technology will never replace the eyes and ears of trained security officers, but it can help them do their jobs better every day.

Do you have a challenging security issue that’s keeping you awake at night? Contact Sunstates Security at 866-710-2019 or email us. We’ll help you find a solution.

2018 WINNERS OF 50 FASTEST GROWING WOMEN-OWNED/LED COMPANIES ANNOUNCED BY WOMEN PRESIDENTS’ ORGANIZATION

 Sunstates Security Recognized at 11TH Annual Awards Ceremony Held in Los Angeles

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Image for Women's Presidents' Organization PostRaleigh, N.C. – May 23, 2018 – The Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) has announced the 11th annual ranking of the 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies during the WPO Annual Conference held this year in Los Angeles. The companies featured on this year’s 50 Fastest list include a variety of industries — such as technology, finance, retail and entrepreneurial ventures. With aggregate revenues of $8.3 billion, this number is up $1 billion from last year’s ranking.

Kathryn Burrell, CEO, Sunstates Security based in Raleigh, N.C. has been ranked 47th among this year’s WPO 50 Fastest-Growing list.

Kathryn co-founded Sunstates Security with Glenn Burrell in 1998 and is active in every aspect of the company’s operation. Her role is critical in giving support to internal corporate functions and attending to vital client expectations of responsiveness and efficiency. Before launching the privately owned Sunstates Security, Kathryn was working as a partner in a multimillion-dollar, family business in the UK.

Sunstates Security is an industry leader with a differentiated approach to providing quality contract security services to Fortune 500 companies, municipalities and small business entities throughout the United States. Sunstates has millions of hours of contract security experience, and all the resources and strength you expect from the largest providers, but our organization is uniquely structured to ensure consistently superior, client-centric service at the local level, with over 2,000 employees nationwide.

“Since 2007, the WPO launched the listing of the 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies to focus much-needed attention on the vital role that women-owned/led companies have in boosting the economy and enhancing overall job growth,” notes WPO President and Founder Dr. Marsha Firestone. “We are proud that Kathryn is among the unique women business leaders facing challenges yet rising to accelerate the growth of her business in today’s consistently growing economic landscape.”

All eligible companies were ranked according to a sales growth formula, combining percentage and absolute growth. To qualify for the ranking, businesses are required to be privately-held, woman-owned/led companies and have reached annual revenue of at least $500,000 as of January 1, 2018. Applicants are not required to be WPO members.

Additional facts about the 2018 WPO 50 Fastest:

– Average age of women-owner/leader is 51; with half of the winners in their 30’s and 40’s
– Aggregate revenue is $8.3 billion, up $1 billion from last year
– Average 2017 revenue was $165.3 million
– Average number of employees on first day: 13; projected average for 2018: 799
– Funding sources at company start:
70% with their own funds
12% with funds from friends and family
4% with a bank loan
8% with a line of credit
4% with a credit card
4% with private investors/angels

The WPO is the premier peer advisory organization connecting women who own multi-million dollar companies. In monthly meetings across six continents, chapters of 20 women presidents from diverse industries invest time and energy in themselves and their businesses to drive their corporations to the next level. Local WPO chapters are coordinated by a professional facilitator and meet monthly to share business expertise and experience in a confidential setting. For more information, contact 212-688-4114 or visit www.womenpresidentsorg.com. Follow the WPO on Twitter @womenpresidents and Facebook @TheWPO.

Contact:
Andrea Pass
Marketing Maven
Andrea@MarketingMaven.com
646-661-2203 Office
201-873-6087 Mobile

Susan Johnson
Women Presidents’ Organization
sjohnson@womenpresidentsorg.com
(212) 688-4114 Office
(917) 601-5778 Mobile

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SUNSTATES SECURITY CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF SERVICE

RALEIGH-BASED SECURITY FIRM REPRESENTS FOUNDERS’ REALIZATION OF AMERICAN DREAM

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RALEIGH, N.C., April 4, 2018—Sunstates Security, one of the nation’s fastest-growing providers of uniformed security services, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. While the company officially incorporated in October 1997, it wasn’t until March 1998 that founder and president Glenn Burrell left his homeland of England to pursue his childhood dream of living in the United States.

Today, Sunstates Security employs more than 2,200 men and women in 22 states. In addition, the company has achieved organic, double-digit growth for the past five years, at a time when most security firms rely on acquisitions for expansion.

Glenn Burrell arrived in Raleigh, N.C., with 20 years of experience at Scotland Yard and a business connection in North Carolina. As he made connections in the business community, his wife, Kathryn, remained in the UK, working as a partner in a multimillion-dollar, family business, while raising two young children.

“It was brutal to be away from my family,” recalls Glenn. “For a year and a half, they would visit during school holidays. The geographic distance was terribly challenging, but Kathy and I refused to fail. We had worked too hard and sacrificed too much.”

The company’s two-decade track record speaks for itself. Not only does Sunstates Security continue to provide security at its first-ever account, but the current client contact at this facility originally served as a third-shift security officer for Sunstates. She advanced to site supervisor and was recruited by the client organization, again working her way through the ranks to become facility manager.

“Over the years, we’ve heard a number of people say they’re ‘intrigued’ by Sunstates,” says CEO Kathryn Burrell. “Initially, they were intrigued by our accents, by Glenn’s years at Scotland Yard and by our journey from the UK to North Carolina. Now they’re intrigued by our success and what makes us tick.”

About Sunstates Security
Based in Raleigh, N.C., Sunstates Security provides uniformed security personnel and security consulting services to clients throughout the United States. The company is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Greater Business Women’s Council, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

Contact Information
Denis Kelly
Sunstates Security
http://www.SunstatesSecurity.com
919-987-1403

 

 

4 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR SECURITY DIRECTORS

As we start the New Year, most of us have personal and professional goals to which we aspire. For security professionals, we recommend the following resolutions to help make 2018 a successful, uneventful one for your organization.

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1. Update and test the business continuity plan (BCP). Beyond the dangers of a national emergency, every organization needs a current, robust plan to recover from a crisis. In recent years, companies across the country have experienced disruption from weather emergencies. Advances in cloud computing and increasingly remote workforces are two developments that can have a dramatic impact on a BCP. The breakneck pace at which technology continues to transform business practices makes annual review and testing of BCPs more important than ever. Today, the plan should include procedures that apprise organizations of employees’ whereabouts—particularly when key personnel are traveling. Putting a plan on paper is not enough; companies need to conduct a tabletop exercise and drill at least annually.

2. Establish (or enhance) an active shooter policy. Every company should have at least a basic policy that is communicated to employees. The U.S. Department of Homeland Safety publishes a guide that organizations can use as a starting point. In reviewing the active shooter policy, security directors need to keep in mind that the threat has increased. More shooters are forgoing handguns in favor of assault weapons. By the time police arrive, the assault is typically over. Contingency plans should include safe rooms where employees can retreat. In addition, organizations need clear guidelines regarding who closes and locks the door and when. Similar to BCPs, active shooter plans should also be tested annually with a combination of tabletop and live drills.

3. Ensure vendor compliance with internal screening standards. Many organizations have strict background screening standards for their employees but don’t extend those requirements to vendors that provide contract or temporary personnel. As some companies have learned through repeated incidents and infractions, external partners may perform minimum screening to fulfill a vague contractual obligation. Outline the basic requirements for vendor background screenings in the security policy. At a minimum, service agreements should include this specific language. Preferably, the host organization should identify a trusted third party to ensure consistent screening standards for all on-site personnel.

4. Perform penetration testing at key locations. While security protocols may appear iron-clad on paper, most are surprisingly easy to overcome. Resolve this year to put access control to the test: inspect perimeter fencing, check for blind spots in CCTV monitoring. Internal personnel can conduct preliminary testing, but organizations should consider contracting a qualified third party for unbiased reporting. Testing should focus on vulnerable entry points, testing the physical, human and technological aspects of the security program.

For information on how Sunstates Security can help your organization implement these resolutions, call 866-710-2019 or email us.

SECURITY OPERATIONS CENTERS: MORE ACCESSIBLE THAN EVER

As technology becomes more sophisticated, more affordable and more compatible, an increasing number of organizations are developing security operations centers, or SOCs, to support their security programs. In fact, Sunstates Security has partnered with companies to manage these command centers both locally and internationally.

Benefits of GSOCs

No longer restricted to spy thrillers and global mega-corporations, SOCs allow small-to-medium enterprises to leverage technology in expanding their security capabilities, while reducing headcount.

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• Universal protocols. Managing security operations from a SOC makes it easier for large companies to apply security standards across their organizations. Controlling access from a central location, for instance, reduces the need to rely on individuals to follow company protocols. SOCs can help ensure that every facility adheres to the same procedures and benefits from the same level of security expertise.
• Improved asset control. Many companies use these centers to provide additional layers of asset control. Local employees are trusted to do the right thing, and technology provides verification. For example, some companies track high-value shipments with GPS technology. Geo-fencing the route sends an alert if the vehicle travels a specific distance off course, and SOC personnel can contact the driver and offer assistance, if needed. Similarly, SOCs can support employees traveling to high-risk countries by providing information on demonstrations or other incidents that could affect their safety.

• Remote monitoring. Technology integration has significantly increased the capabilities of SOC operators. In addition to monitoring an airplane hangar, for instance, to prevent tampering with corporate aircraft, security personnel can interact with individuals on site. In some cases, SOCs have allowed the remote identification of intruders, who ultimately left the facility before causing damage. Other operators have witnessed medical emergencies and directed responders to provide assistance.

• Real-time intelligence. Some sophisticated organizations have built briefing rooms adjacent to the command centers. If a major incident affects a company or one of its operating regions, executive teams move to the briefing room, which duplicates many of the monitors and other equipment in the SOC.

Additional Considerations

In developing and supporting SOCs for client companies, we’ve seen some common misconceptions. Frequently, organizations tend to overestimate cost savings from reduction in security personnel, while underestimating the risk of information overload.

  • Lower headcount, higher skill level. Beyond the expense of creating the SOC, these sophisticated centers require highly skilled operators with specialized training. Security departments are “doing more with less” in terms of personnel, but these positions command higher pay, better benefits and increased training. At some locations, for instance, operators complete between 80 and 120 hours of one-on-one training before they enter the SOC.

  • Less is more. Many organizations want to fill an entire wall with monitors, allowing command-center personnel to view more areas at once. However, operators can only absorb so much information. A more efficient practice is to support primary monitors with secondary monitors. If an incident occurs, the relevant images are transferred to the primary screens.

Thinking of creating a SOC at your organization? Sunstates Security can help you optimize a control center from a security perspective, in addition to arranging tours of active SOCs. Call us at 866-710-2019 or email us.

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