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US announces new terror alert system
Reprinted from Agence France-Presse (AFP) – January 27, 2011
WASHINGTON — Citing the need to keep Amer-icans better informed about specific terror threats,President Barack Obama's top US security official announced Thursday an end to the color-coded alert system drafted in the wake of 9/11.
The old system, to be phased out by late April, willbe replaced by a two-tiered National Terrorism Advisory System, or NTAS, detailing either an "imminent threat" or "elevated threat" of a terror
attack, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said.
The alerts rainbow, launched in 2002 by then-president George W. Bush,ranged from the lowest level green to blue (guarded), yellow (elevated), orange (high) and red (severe).
The system was often mocked by critics as a relic of post-September 11,2001 frenzy that caused alarm without explaining the reasons for the alerts.read more on page 8
EEOC files class action lawsuit focusing
on employer use of credit checks
In the latest move toward restricting employer use of credit reports, theEqual Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently filed a classaction lawsuit against Kaplan Higher Education (EEOC v. Kaplan HigherEduc. Inc., N.D. Ohio, No. 1:10-cv-2882). The EEOC alleges that Kaplanengaged in racial discrimination against black applicants by using credit reports as a criterion for employment.
The EEOC’s claim is premised on blacks’ and other racial minorities tending to have lower credit scores than whites. Under existing EEOC regulations, any screening or testing that disproportionately disqualifies aparticular racial group must be “job-related” and “consistent with businessnecessity.” read more on page 7
In this issue...
Color Alerts Fade Away 1
Checking Up on Credit 1
The Value of Membership 2
Region Builds Future Leaders 3
Upcoming Events 4
Benefits of Certification 6
CPP Review Questions 6
2011 ASIS
Boston Chapter
Leadership
Jennifer Goba, [email protected]
David Corbin, CPPVice [email protected]
Michael Art, [email protected]
Dennis Crowley, [email protected]
Under existing EEOC regulations, any screening or testing that disproportionately disqualifies a particular racial group must be “job-related” and “consistent with business necessity.”
The Security Beacon
march 2011 Boston Chapter of ASIS International
Chairperson’s Message
The variety of topics is one of the things I enjoymost about our Chapter meetings. Still, I wonderwhy the number of attendees does not reflect thestrength of our membership. Some feedback Ihave received is, “The topics don’t pertain to me.”As I ponder that sentiment, I find I cannot agree.
I began my career as an investigator with the Attorney General’s office and quickly became an “expert” in specific types ofinvestigations. Although being an “expert” in a defined area was great, Ilearned the necessity of being professionally diverse. I believe many peopleunderestimate the amount of diversity accessible through training.
I was fortunate to receive valuable training at the Attorney General’s office,later, through the Department of Mental Retardation, and during my 12years in the Army National Guard. However, it was not until my current position that I grasped how important diversified training truly is. Withoutan organization that supports diversifying skill sets and encourages growth, I would not have acquired my current skills nor would I have passed theCPP exam.
While our speakers may not pertain to every individual, each program offersan opportunity to diversify one’s skills by listening to others, understandingdifferent specialties and learning new approaches. When we believe we havereached an “expert” level, the risk of complacency is sure to follow, not tomention an excess of ego. I am proud to say that I am still learning and stillbenefitting from training. I encourage you to challenge yourself by attendingour monthly meetings, educational programs and the Boston Security Expoat the Holiday Inn in Boxborough on April 27, 2011.
I am pleased to announce that Bob Michalski, CPP, has received a “LifetimeMembership” in acknowledgement of his dedication to the Chapter, ASIS International and the security profession. Congratulations also to our RVP Bob Johnson who received the “RVP of the Year” Award from ASIS International. This award is a richly-deserved honor. In addition, our Chapter was honored with the “Newsletter of the Year” award and “Honorable Mention” for our website at the ASIS International Annual Meeting. Congratulations to our Communication team for ensuring ourcommunications truly are the best.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Goba, CPPChairperson, ASIS Boston
March 2
Treasurer’s Report
January 2011
Previous Month Balance $42,794.14
Income This Month $1,795.56
Sub Total $44,589.70
Expenses This Month $9,972.12
Current Balance $34,617.58
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
Education Seminar Income $125.00
Interest .56
Meeting Income $1,170.00
Total Income $1,295.56
Expense
Awards Expense $137.57
Bank Charge
• Bank Charge AMEX $30.92
• Bank Charge RBS $146.94
• Bank Charge - Other $60.38
Total Bank Charges $238.24
Education Seminar $4,458.14
Goodman Award $-500.00
Meeting Expense $2,556.84
Web Site $2,381.33
Total Expenses $9,272.12
Net Ordinary Income $7,976.56
Net Income $7,976.56
Account Balances
Primary Checking $24,300.10
Internet Account $5,529.45
Manning Fund $3,735.64
Goldman Fund $1,052.36
Total $34,617.55
March 3
Welcome New ASIS
Boston Members!
Jerry Apuzzi Will Baron Michael J. Belmonte Kenneth W. Breton James Brooks Nicholas Cakounes Andrew Clark David Croston Matthew C. Delaney Kevin T. Dobbs Martin E. Fay Paul K. Grossman Jacob A. Hill Audra E. Jones John H. Linnert Wayne E. Martin Christopher C. Moore Larry A. Rees Jeffrey C. Refinati Kevin W. Regan Kristopher B. Salt Edward J. Sullivan John M. Yerardi
Region 18 Update
Reaching out to future
leaders
ASIS International Region 18 is starting the NewYear with a new initiative: the ASIS InternationalYoung Professionals Task Force. This exciting newprogram was created to better engage young professional members in ASIS programs and activ-
ities. I am asking our chapter leaders today for support in this important undertaking by nominating a Young Professional Chapter Liaison to serve asthe point of contact for all communications related to this program.
The ASIS Young Professionals Group holds as its mission the developmentand education of young security industry careerists. The group is establishedupon high standards for members, ethical conduct, quality offerings, and aprogressive program for the development of young professionals.
Our goal is to create a comfortable environment for this segment of up-and-coming members and future leaders. Some of our priorities this year will beto create an engaging learning environment at the international and localchapter level, appointing Chapter Young Professional Liaisons, developingforums for communication throughout the society, and encouraging men-torship opportunities.
While our definition of a young professional would typically include members less than 40 years old or with fewer than five years in the securityprofession, we want to encourage the participation of anyone passionateabout this initiative, regardless of age or experience. I encourage you to helpdevelop our future leaders by supporting this program!
Also during our January meetings, awards were given to chapters that daredto apply. I am pleased to announce that Region 18 was well represented onceagain. The Boston Chapter won Newsletter of the Year for their group, andBoston, Maine and Connecticut walked away with honorable mentions inthe Website of the Year category!
As our leadership team gets back in gear with Phil Stewart and Gary Mivillereturning as assistant regional vice presidents, I look forward bringing homemore awards from next year’s meeting. Let’s make 2011 a year for recogni-tion of every Region 18 chapter!
Sincerely,
Bob JohnsonRegion 18 Regional Vice President
ASIS Boston Security Expo:
The Gateway to Our Next Generation
of Security Innovation
April 27, 20117:00am - 3:30pm
Holiday Inn242 Adams PlaceBoxborough, MA
Don't miss this chance to learn from leading professionals about what's happening in the field of security today.Register online NOW at www.ASIS-Boston.org.
Calendar of Events March - June 2011 4
April
8 - 9CPP Review/PSP ReviewLe Pavilion Hotel, New Orleans, LA$825.00 Now $725.00 each
27
Corporate Kidnapping: PreparingManagement for the UnthinkableWebinar $99.00
30
Best Methods for Using InternetSearch and Analysis in Intelligenceand Investigations Webinar $99.00
March
7 - 10APC I: Concepts & MethodsWestin Casurina, Las Vegas, NV$1,235.00 Now $1,135.00
14 - 15
2011 Spring Conference of theCSO RoundtableWestin AlexandriaAlexandria, VA $1,000.00
17ASIS Boston monthly meeting –Joint IAHSS MeetingBoston Marriott Newton
3/27 - 4/1ISO 28000 Lead Auditor CourseCastle Oud-PoelgeestOegstgeest, Netherlands
30
Best Methods for Using InternetSearch and Analysis in Intelligenceand Investigations Webinar $99.00
Certified Fraud
Examiner Events
March
2Legal Elements of Fraud ExaminationNew York, NY
3 - 4Conducting Internal InvestigationsNew York, NY
14Fraud PreventionArlington, VA
15 - 16Digital Forensics Tools & TechniquesArlington, VA
21Building Your Fraud ExaminationPracticeChicago, IL
21 - 22Introduction to Digital ForensicsPortland, OR
22 - 23Mortgage FraudChicago, IL
28 - 31CFE Exam Review CourseAustin, TX
Learn about ASIS's Professional Developmentprograms at www.asisonline.org
April
4 - 5How to TestifyLas Vegas, NV
17 - 192011 European Fraud ConferenceBrussels, Belgium
18 - 21CFE Exam Review CourseWashington, DC
May
2 - 3Financial Statement FraudCleveland (Independence), OH
Investigating on the InternetAtlanta, GA
16 - 17Interviewing Techniques for AuditorsLouisville, KY
June
12 - 1722nd Annual ACFE Fraud Conference & ExhibitionSan Diego, CA
Learn more about these and other ACFE programs at www.acfe.com
March 5
Become a leader in criminal justice.Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies, in collaboration with the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, offers the online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership. This innovative master’s degree provides a path to excellence for leaders in law enforcement, courts, private security, and corrections organizations. Our flexible format combines online courses with a one-week on-campus summer workshop.
For more information and to apply:877.668.7727 www.northeastern.edu/cps/cj_leadership
March 6
Test your Knowledge
CPP® Review Questions
By Mark H. Beaudry, CPPIBM Corporate Security 978-399-5438 T/L 333-5438,[email protected]
1) A trade secret is best described as: A. A patent that gives the opportunity to gain advantage our competitors who can’t view it
B. An unfair trade practice that gives competitive advantage
C. A monopoly advantage, granted by government
D. A formula, pattern, device or compilation of informa-tion used in one’s business which gives the opportunityto gain advantage over competitors who don’t know it
2) The main cause of loss of information is: A. Computer hacking B. Industrial espionage C. Inadvertent disclosure D. Theft by outsider
3) The primary tool for pre-employment screening is: A. The background check B. The investigation C. The credit report D. The application form
Answers on page 8
CPP Member Profile: Michele Freadman
CPP certification ranks
high with much-honored
security pro
Security executive Michele Freadman has morethan 25 years of interdisciplinary experience in theprivate and public sectors, corporate and home-land security, and criminal and institutional investigations. A Northeastern University graduate
with a BS in Criminal Justice with High Honors, she currently serves asDeputy Director of Corporate Security for the Massachusetts Port Authority(Massport). Before joining Massport, Freadman held management positionsat Metropolitan Life Property & Casualty Insurance Company and theCIGNA Property and Casualty Companies. She began her career in law enforcement and served as a detective for six years with Boston’s Transit Police Department. The following is excerpted from her recent conversationwith ASIS Boston Chairperson Jennifer Goba, CPP.
JG: I know you often stress the importance of mentoring. Can you tell mea little more?
MF: I am a member of Massport’s Mentoring Steering Committee and Ihave been actively involved in mentoring students from Northeastern University and other universities. This process has been truly rewarding forme and illustrates the value of reverse mentoring. The mentoring relation-ship provides each of us with the opportunity to learn from each otherthrough the exchange of different perspectives. At Massport, we frequentlyhire student interns in the Corporate Security Department because this program is both rewarding and mutually beneficial. We seek out the energy,fresh ideas, and dedication of the interns. In exchange, the students gain reallife experience, knowledge and skills which fortify their career path and future employment. Afterward, I can share their success stories from the jobsthey’ve acquired once their internships are over.
JG: You’ve had quite an expansive career to date. What would you consider your two greatest accomplishments?
MF: The two accomplishments which truly tested my perseverance andself-confidence and pushed me to succeed despite my fear of failure are notthings I have created or problems I have solved. Rather, they are experienceswhich caused me to sacrifice, overcome adversity and believe in myself. Thefirst would be graduating first in my police academy for Academic Achieve-ment and Firearms Expertise. This experience made me stronger both men-tally and physically and prepared me well for my adventurous career path.
The second accomplishment would be earning my CPP this past Augustafter completing a rigorous study program. This certification was special inmany ways. It enabled me to invest in myself, expand my knowledge baseand become a more valuable partner in the ASIS network. I was mentored
read more on page 8
March 7
Class Action Lawsuit Continued from page 1
Determining whether these standards are met can be difficult since there islittle guidance on when credit history is sufficiently related to the duties of aparticular job. In a statement, the higher education company said that itconducts background checks “For employees whose responsibilities includefinancial matters, such as those who advise students on financial aid.” Back-ground checks also include job-related credit histories.
The EEOC held a public hearing on employer use of credit checks in Octo-ber and has indicated it may issue guidance to employers on the use of creditchecks, but so far has not done so. This case and another EEOC class actionchallenging background screening criteria, EEOC v. Freeman Cos., D. Md.,No. 09-CV-02573, will be watched closely as employers struggle to developscreening policies that effectively reduce risk while avoiding potential dis-crimination claims.
Legislative Update: States move to limit use of credit reports in employment screening
In addition to the recent EEOC actions, legislation to restrict employer useof credit reports was recently introduced in at least eight states, with morelikely to follow. A new law in Illinois went into effect in January. The lawprohibits employers from obtaining or using credit reports unless one of thefollowing criteria is met:
• State or federal law requires bonding or other security covering an individual holding the position;
• The duties of the position include custody of or unsupervised access tocash or marketable assets valued at $2,500 or more;
• The duties of the position include signatory power over business assets of $100 or more per transaction;
• The position is a managerial position which involves setting the direction or control of the business;
• The position involves access to personal or confidential information, financial information, trade secrets, or state or national security information;
• The position meets criteria in administrative rules, if any, that the U.S.Department of Labor or the Illinois Department of Labor has promulgated to establish the circumstances in which a credit history is a bona fide occupational requirement;
• The employee’s or applicant’s credit history is otherwise required by orexempt under federal or state law.
Hawaii, Oregon and Washington already have similar laws in effect.
Used by permission from www.krollbackgroundscreening.com
Welcome to Ashley Ditta, new
ASIS Boston Placement Chair
March 8
Continued from page 6
Answers to CPP®
Review Questions
1) A trade secret is best described as:D. A formula, pattern,
device or compilation of information used in one’s business which gives the opportunity to gain advantage over competi-tors who don’t know it
2) The main cause of loss of information is:C. Inadvertent disclosure
3) The primary tool for pre-employment screening is:D. The application form
The threat level mostly hoveredaround the yellow and orange range,never dipping to green or blue. It only reached red once, on August10, 2006, amid a disrupted Al-Qaeda plot targeting transatlanticflights.
In a sign of just how vague it has become, the color has not changedfrom orange, or elevated, since2006.
Republicans and Democrats alike on the House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Securitybacked the move to replace thecolor-coded alerts, which were fea-tured in public service announce-ments at US transport hubs.
"The days are numbered for thoseautomated recordings at airports,"Napolitano said.
Copyright © 2011 AFP. All rights reserved.
Terror Alert System
Continued from page 1
"This new system is built on a clearand simple premise: when a crediblethreat develops that could impactthe public, we will tell you and pro-vide whatever information we can sothat you know how to keep your-selves, your families and your com-munities safe," Napolitano said in aspeech at George Washington Uni-versity that she described as herdebut "state of homeland security"address.
"The alerts will be specific to thethreat posed," she said.
"They may recommend certain ac-tions... and they will have a specificend date. You can clap on that one,yes," she said in an apparent ac-knowledgement of the frustrationsmany Americans voiced over theconstant state of heightened alertthat critics of the system say left thecountry in a perpetual state of fear.
It said the new alerts "will provide a concise summary of the potentialthreat, information about actionsbeing taken to ensure public safety,and recommended steps that indi-viduals and communities, businessesand governments can take."
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been mullingdoing away with the color alertssince 2009, when Napolitano ordered a 60-day review.
Last November DHS sent a draftproposal of the new system to theWhite House, with a goal to "replace a system that communicatesnothing with a system that communicates precise, actionable in-formation based on the latest intelligence,” a senior Homeland Security official told The Washington Post at the time.
Michele Freadman
Continued from page 6
by another CPP, Shawn Reilly, Director of Greenville Hospital System, who personally inspired andmentored me. Since obtaining myCPP certification, I have shared mylearning, experience and encourage-ment with other professionals studying for their CPPs.
JG: We’ve covered your two greatest accomplishments. Whathas been your greatest professionalhonor to date?
MF: Being named one of the topten women for three consecutiveyears at one of my prior employerswas certainly an achievement I willalways remember. However, mymost memorable honor was beingchosen to be the 2009 KeynoteSpeaker for the Northeastern Uni-versity College of Criminal JusticeSenior Ceremony. This was a gratifying experience on many levels,and one of the most meaningful experiences in my professional andpersonal life.
JG: Michele, I think what you haveaccomplished over the years is trulywonderful and impressive. To wrapup our talk, can you tell us whatASIS has meant to you?
MF: Since joining ASIS and participating as both a member andspeaker at the local chapter and national seminar, I have been exposed to many opportunities andhave met many admirable securityprofessionals around the countrywho have enriched me both profes-sionally and personally. ASIS has enabled me to grow in ways that Iwould not otherwise and I am especially grateful to have been afforded this opportunity.
