two take-aways

The recent killing of a healthcare executive and the subsequent search and capture of the assailant are good reminders for emergency mangers.

It was not that long ago that you had to go to the post office to see a list of the FBI’s Top Ten Wanted criminals. Depending on the crime, their pictures might also show up in a newspaper right after the crime was in the news—but, then disappear. Fast forward to 2024 and we have digital photos, street and store cameras (Taxi’s too), that capture people’s images. Then the Internet is available to broadcast those “everywhere.”  The relatively new slogan of “See something-Say something” shows the power of “the crowd” being employed for civic action. Remember to use that power in situations that can benefit your operations.

Then, there is the threat of violence—EVERYWHERE! in our society today. Lone actors with a gripe and a grudge can act on those feelings. As we saw in North Carolina, there are online actors who feel embolden to press their case against government and how we are responding to a disaster situation. In NC it was FEMA in the bullseye, but that can change, and your organization become a target. When activating your Emergency Operations Center (EOC) security should always be a consideration. When I showed up recently a half hour late to a church service, I found the entrance doors locked. There is an example of a procedure being in place to protect those who are there to worship. Yes, there was also someone there to open the door for me.