Page 64 - Security Today, March 2019

One area where we have made a demonstrable difference is with training on active threat events, and Pittsburgh is an example of the life-saving impact that can result.
For years, the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh has taken proactive steps to enhance its security posture. In 2017, in consulta- tion with SCN, the Pittsburgh Federation hired a Community Secu- rity Director to implement and oversee standardized, best practice safety and security measures for the community, its institutions and its members. One key component of that strategy was the delivery of active threat training.
Since January 2017, Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh se- curity director Brad Orsini, a retired FBI special agent specializing in crisis management, trained more than 5,600 people on various re- sponse efforts, including active threat/active shooter response, hate crimes reporting and “Stop the Bleed” techniques to be used in the event of an emergency.
The value of our approach to security is not theoretical.
An assessment was undertaken at the Tree of Life Congregation to discuss security policies and procedures.
In the months prior to the attack, Orsini provided active threat training at the Tree of Life Congregation. Survivors of the deadli- est attack on the American Jewish community in the history of the United States have noted how that training helped save lives and minimize injury.
Orsini and the Tree of Life Congregation rabbi also discussed the need for someone to be able to call 911 during Shabbat—a time when observant Jews typically do not use the telephone, or even carry a cell phone—in case of an emergency. The rabbi ultimately agreed, and it was his call that first alerted law enforcement to the attack.
The Jewish community’s standardized approach to security, un- dertaken in partnership between SCN and local organizations, and
inclusive of assessments, information sharing, capability enhance- ment and training, among other elements, pays dividends. It can save lives. It has saved lives.
SCN is committed to taking lessons learned from experience to enhance the safety and security of our community. Recognizing the value of tailored content, SCN plans to unveil best practice active threat training developed with case studies and examples specifically situated for the Jewish community.
Moreover, we are working through networks and associations to deliver active threat training to keep our most vulnerable populations and our most sacred spaces safe—from houses of worship to schools and community centers.
While threats to the Jewish community are persistent and dynam- ic, succumbing to fear has never been an option. Instead, SCN is committed to fostering a sense of empowerment within communities. By providing institutions and individuals with the training and tools necessary to address threats they may face, we are enabling them to respond with confidence and exhibit resilience.
With this comprehensive and strategic approach, SCN continues to work towards the same mission with which it was founded: to enhance the safety and security of the Jewish community in North America. We have made tremendous progress, but know there is more to do.
Jewish tradition instructs that “we do not rely on miracles.” Through our efforts and those of our partners, we will maintain and strengthen our faith with the resolve that the
responsibility for the safety and security of our
community today—and for future generations rests firmly in our own hands.
Michael Masters is the national director and CEO of Secure Community Network.
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