Specifically Speaking with Steve Rutledge

What's your title and role at the company?

As the president and chief operating officer for SJR Security Consulting Services LLC, my role with the company is to serve as the lead subject matter expert in support of our clients. I also perform the roles of business development, marketing, proposal development, etc.

What kinds of systems do you design/specify and what services does the company provide?

When conducting a security assessment for clients or when performing any duties that require any type of mitigation, we will recommend services and systems that will mitigate security risks. This can include: CCTV, intrusion detection systems (IDS), access control, and guard services.

SJR provides the following services:

·      Workplace violence prevention & planning

·      Security assessments

·      Risk management

·      Policy & procedures development

·      Critical infrastructure protection

·      OPSEC

·      Security education, training & awareness

·      Crisis management/contingency planning

·      Security strategy & program management

·      Insider threat

·      Antiterrorism/force protection

·      Physical security

·      Investigations

·      Business continuity planning

What vertical markets does the company specialize in? Any interesting projects that you can mention?

We are currently supporting clients in the insurance industry, government contracting companies, local/city governments, etc.

In regard to interesting projects, we currently support a large insurance company with workplace violence prevention and planning. Our current efforts are centered around training the security staff, HR & legal staffs, managers and ultimately all employees on active shooter incidents. This training includes awareness training centered on company employees and indicators that may be exhibited prior to carrying out such an event as well as reporting, etc. We also discuss the Run, Hide, Fight approach and what that means. We are also discussing the development of training for employees in the field that visit clients to address claims. There are occurrences where employees are verbally accosted by clients and these verbal encounters could turn into physical confrontations.  The training would focus on situational awareness for employees and how to prepare to handle any incidents that occur while in the field.

How did you get started in security and designing/specifying?

I joined the Marine Corps in 1987 and was assigned as a part of Marine Corps Security Forces. I then received my security clearance and when I left the Marine Corps, I went to work in the intelligence community so I could maintain my clearance. I initially wanted to go into law enforcement but decided maintaining the clearance was key and I stayed in the security world.

Can you talk about what new or emerging technologies you are seeing or specifying today?

I think a key emerging technology centers around social media and how you use that information to your benefit. For example, I am involved in a lot of workplace violence prevention and planning and one area we use is social media. If a client is concerned about an employee and they have “open” social media sites, we will review their sites to see if there are any indicators that they may potentially carry out an act of violence. I think that is an excellent way to predict potential threats for a variety of venues and assets.

What is your view on the industry moving forward?

I think technology is going to play a key role. However, I encounter a lot of “non-security” people that want to completely replace the human element with technology. Yes, there are areas where technology is more efficient and effective that people but not for everything. Security professionals need to ensure they are properly advising clients and their leadership appropriately and not giving into pressures to reduce the human factor.