In light of the Aurora movie theatre shootings and on behalf of the Albuquerque Police Department, Police Chief, Ray Schultz, would like to extend deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Having experience a similar tragedy here in Albuquerque in the 2010 Emcore shootings, Chief Schultz and APD express empathy for all who have been touched by this terrible event. The Albuquerque Police Department be conducting escalated security at all movie theaters throughout the weekend in order to offer peace of mind to moviegoers.
In addition, here are some tips to the private sector in order to make businesses a safer place and prevent similar incidents:
∙ Keep all emergency plans up to date
∙ Prepare ahead of time and understand indicators of threats to include
∙ Surveillance of potential targets
∙ Threats received by phone, email or postal mail
∙ Clearly defined photographing or videotaping facilities, security posts and entry/exit posts
∙ Plans for special events, ceremonies, or activities drawing large crowds
∙ Questioning of employees associating with suspicious individuals
∙ Marking camera locations
∙ Possession of fraudulent IDs, blueprints, evacuation plans
∙ Bulky clothing used to conceal explosive devices or small arm weapons
∙ Unattended backpacks, briefcases, duffel bags, boxes or other items
∙ Suspicious vehicles (unattended, close proximity to facility, parked illegally, etc.)
∙ Nervous behavior (limited eye contact, profuse sweating, avoidance of security officials, etc.)
∙ Train all staff to understand the signs of someone conducting surveillance and signs of suspicious behavior. Make sure all new staff members are trained on emergency situations
∙ Confirm with staff the rules about parking near entry points or around the facility. Consider contracting a towing company to manage parking violators
∙ Confirm with staff that they must report all suspicious activity to law enforcement and management
∙ Outreach to adjacent and neighboring properties to share information regarding suspicious activity
∙ Confirm all security systems are operating effectively, recording and if possible, constantly monitored for suspicious activity
∙ Confirm all fire and life safety systems are operations and permits are current
∙ Confirm all security and front of house personnel have first aid training
∙ Confirm all exit doors (non public entrances) lock from the outside immediately upon closure. If possible, have a staff member monitor exterior doors
∙ Consider implementing a limitation on the carrying of backpacks/gym bags, etc. into public assembly areas.
Officer Tasia Martinez
APD Public Information Officer
