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Saturday, November 28, 2009

Security Theater


What is "Security Theater"?  Like a theatrical play, it's putting on a big production that isn't real - it doesn't actually accomplish anything other than make us feel good.  It's all sizzle but no steak.

We're seeing it right now with the New And Improved security measures they're implementing at Fort Hood since the shooting of 40+ people - 13 dead, 30 wounded:

Military brass at Fort Hood, Texas, on Tuesday announced tightened security procedures and the availability of a range of mental health services in the wake of the November 5 shooting spree that killed 13 people on the post.
They're going to be especially tight with who is able to enter the base, they will arm a few more soldiers at strategic positions, and a lot of very important sounding measures.

But what will it do?
But, Cone [the commanding general of the base] said, had the changes been in place on November 5, they might not have been enough.

"I don't think necessarily they would have had an effect on this event," he said.
Security Theater at its finest.
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Many people have their own home-versions of Security Theater.  They buy guns, pepper spray and stun guns, but don't get the training on how to use them.  They buy home and auto alarms, but don't set them.  They install heavy-duty deadbolts, but use short screws to hold them in place.

They buy the "stuff" but don't know how to use it.  They're just going through the motions.

The problem is, the bad guys aren't playing make-believe.  They're playing for real.  They WILL take your money and your property.  Sometimes, even your life.


Accept The Challenge

Don't fall into the comfortable trap of Security Theater.  Your life and the things you've worked for are too valuable to leave their security to chance.  Take steps today to review your security measures.

Will they buy you some time?  Will they act as a deterrent?  Will they prevent an assault?  Will they allow you to truly defend yourself?

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Copyright 2009 Bison Risk Management Associates. All rights reserved. You are encouraged to repost this information so long as it is credited to Bison Risk Management Associates. www.BisonRMA.com

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

True enough. Possession of equipment is pretty futile if you don't put forth the effort to use and maintain it, or don't know how to do so.

Chief Instructor said...

I spoke with a fellow last night who has a number of guns in his home for self defense, but has not shot or EVEN CLEANED them in the past 15 years.

I hope he knows how to swing them like a club because that's the only guaranteed result he's going to get.