From the Editor's Desk

Do you feel safe?

So it’s a loaded question.

The fact is that we live in a world where literally anything can happen. And security professionals are expected to plan for—and protect against—the unexpected. It’s part of the job description.

A description that keeps expanding.

More and more security directors find themselves heading the life safety department as well. Erica Harrison’s cover article addresses this trend. She shares best practices from two security professionals who have successfully embraced both roles, Chief William J. Curcie of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department and Michael Dziuk, Security and Life Safety Director at 140 Broadway.

User-centered design, the subject of the article co-authored by Norman Groner and Kenneth Grossberger, explores yet another approach to improving safety. Too many emergency plans ask employees to follow complex instructions that may not always follow the rules of common sense. This method gives a little more credit to human judgment—and results in a higher compliance rate. Try it.

Rounding out this issue’s editorial content is an insightful piece by Vincent Bove, which offers thought-provoking commentary on leadership. Specifically, Bove points out how history still holds important lessons for us today. Whether we—or anyone else in a position of authority—choose to listen remains to be seen...

And now, if you’ll humor me, I’d like to thank all of these individuals for their contributions to this magazine. Thanks also to the many other talented, dedicated persons who have carved time out of their packed schedules to make this publication possible. Specifically, Oksana Farber, Thomas Leo and Laurie Venditti have been amazing, consistent contributors throughout my term as editor, and I am forever grateful to them.

The last 15 months have been an incredible ride. I’ve met and worked with so many hard-working men and women—not the least of whom include the leaders of the New York City chapter of ASIS International. Bob, Jimmy, Frank, Mike, Ray, Lynn... And even that list ignores the efforts of people like Fern, Wayne, Bernie, Charlie, Mark and... Literally, the list goes on and on.

These individuals make running the show look easy. But don’t let them fool you. They work days, nights and weekends to make the New York City chapter the brightest star in the ASIS International galaxy.

And they’re always looking for good help.

Finally, I’d like to extend sincere appreciation to all the members who have made me feel so welcome during my stint as editor. I look forward to continuing our relationships in the months and years ahead.

What?

You didn’t think you were getting rid of me that easily, did you?

Ciao.

—Mistina

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