Security During Government Shutdown

The current government shutdown continues to keep employees on furlough, with many continuing to perform their tasks without pay until the budget is resolved. Sadly, even the military is being impacted, along with many other government organizations. As the budget remains a hot topic, some agencies have been required to lay off workers. Uncertainty and workers working even during shutdown can create conflict and resentment. Financial stress can lead to disgruntled employees at home and in the workplace. Hiring skilled private security guards can alleviate the stress on workers who continue to monitor internal and external threats until this is resolved. As threats of strikes and civil unrest circle the topics, creating a great divide, the best way to ensure a secure work environment is by using experienced security officers.

Protection Against Workplace Violence

As we enter the third week of the government shutdown, the mood of workers, both furloughed and contract, is likely to shift from inconvenience to feeling the impact of missed paychecks. Disgruntled employees, internal threats like employees taking supplies, or, worse, the theft of trade secrets, can devastate an organization. Surveillance equipment is only a backup and matters after a crime. Live patrols track and monitor access, ensuring only those meant to be there are, and that anyone without approval stays off the location. Private security officers follow protocols and orders from the customer, meticulously fulfilling the security needs unique to each location and situation. Tailored security solutions are the only way to address government shutdown concerns in and near the workplace.

Active Shooter Security

Active shooter training is an authentic preparation conducted by organizations because it is a real threat, as we have witnessed in the news. Being prepared and having the right staff is critical in an emergency like an active shooter.

Lockdown and Evacuations

Lockdowns, evacuations, and having an appointed officer with the training and skills to appropriately respond to external threats are critical for helping employees feel safe at work during government shutdowns and public displays of civil unrest.

Civil Unrest and Protests

Protesting workers and groups can be chaotic, and only someone trained in these scenarios can distinguish a genuine threat and address it before it becomes a problem. The absence of a uniformed security guard, whether armed or unarmed, can lead to greater displays of violence and crime in a pack mentality setting like a protest. It would be great to think all government protests would be peaceful, but there is never a guarantee.

Proactive Security During Government Shutdown

Taking a proactive approach to security during a government shutdown is the best way to protect the organization, its assets, its people, and its integrity as the budget is resolved and people return to the workplace. Once government workers return, there is a continued risk of internal threats, which should be monitored throughout the resolution process. As workers return, it is a risk that there will be disruptions in the workplace or near the facility, which is why only someone trained to identify behaviors that are connected to acts of violence or disgruntled employees can be of use to government agencies and other organizations wanting to do everything they can to ensure workflow and productivity pick right back up where it left off.

Supplementing Law Enforcement Efforts

In some situations, the availability and sheer numbers of police and law enforcement can be overwhelmed when the entire nation is being impacted by something like a government shutdown or an election. It is critical to consider that the other needs and demands of law enforcement don't cease during times like this, so their plates can quickly become overfull due to the physical inability to respond to the needs of some government organizations. Instead of being on the reactive side of security, hiring private security guards, whether armed or unarmed, for temporary need is an excellent way to provide elevated safety and protection during and following the government shutdown.

Other impacted groups are hospitals, schools, banks, and financial institutions. These are always high target industries that often face threats, especially during economic hardship. As we emerge from this shutdown, and in hopes of a favorable resolution soon, protect your company, workers, and assets to ensure a smooth transition back to the workplace, alleviating stress and confrontations that are often inevitable after a lengthy shutdown. Off Duty Officers, Inc. has been providing exceptional security officers to assist in workplace violence, emergencies, and access control and monitoring. Our officers, who are well-trained and have expertise in the workplace, immediately take the pressure off the situation. If you are affected by the government shutdown, have concerns about displays of civil unrest at the workplace, or have experienced signs of disgruntled employees or any threats, please do not hesitate to contact Off Duty Officers, Inc. today for a hassle-free quote. Our coordinator will walk you through the different options we have and ensure the solution is tailored to your unique needs, filled with bonded, licensed, insured, and stringently vetted officers. We can dispatch immediately – call today at 844-517-5603.