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Where industry leaders turn for security services and resources
SPRING 2015
ARE YOU READY FOR AN ACTIVE SHOOTER? HOW TO CREATE A SAFER FACILITY
CHRIS BELDEN: SECURITY SYSTEM NEWS 20 UNDER 40 CAREER PATHWAYS: MOVING UP WITH ODS SECURITY MANAGEMENT OF HIGH RISK POPULATIONS
MANAGING FORENSICS AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PATIENTS
HEALTHCARE SECURITY INDUSTRY BEST PRACTICES
Where industry leaders turn for security services and resources
A LETTER FROM OUR CEO AND PRESIDENT
After a long winter with lots of snow and ice around the country, we welcome spring! It has been a busy time for ODS and we continue to add to our staff as our client partnerships grow. We are proud to recognize Chris Belden, ODS Director of Security and Lieutenant of Company Police, as a Security System News 20 Under 40 winner. You can read more about him on page 3 of this issue. Chris joins ODS team members Chris Cromer and Brent Mast who were also previously honored with this outstanding designation. With the many recent healthcare sentinel events, we have dedicated part of the Spring issue of The Sentinel to managing high-risk patient populations and preparing for a potential active shooter in any industry. Knowing how to prepare and mitigate risks is our number one concern. We offer valuable tips and information on how to anticipate possible acts of violence and how to proactively identify behaviors of concern. In the article, “Are You Ready for an Active Shooter”, we provide details on what you need to know. Chris Cromer, ODS Vice President of Security and Deputy Chief of Company Police, provides important information on managing high risk populations. He includes details in this issue on the basic security officer’s role in managing high risk populations, and outlines some of the required training basics. These recommendations should be adapted for any industry. ODS is proud of our reputation of offering employees an environment and culture that fosters personal growth, professional development, and opportunities for advancement. You will read about four (4) of our outstanding employees who have embraced opportunities to grow and learn. These individuals demonstrate how hard work and commitment to excellence leads to more rewarding careers through promotions and advanced learning. Our culture encourages excellence and cultivates long-term career paths for higher retention rates. We know that people who are committed to what they do will be much better performers
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– and high retention rates translate into better service for clients through consistency and continuity of our people and our processes. And finally, you will find updates on The Joint Commission when preparing for a security audit. Our highly experienced security team has successfully navigated many TJC audits and established industry-leading best practices. The best practices checklist will help ensure a successful TJC security audit of healthcare facilities. We are honored and humbled by our client partners who place their confidence in ODS for comprehensive security solutions. We know that what we do has purpose, cause, and meaning. That drives us to excellence every day. We are committed to delivering the best possible security solutions augmented by outstanding customer service. All of us at ODS look forward to working with our client partners in the year ahead. Sincerely, Rafe Wilkinson CEO, ODS Security Solutions
A quarterly look into our company, our employees, and the industry we serve
Spring 2015 In This Issue: CEO Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Industry News & Knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Technology & Training . . . 5 Employee Highlights . . . . 13
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Industry News & Knowledge
CHRIS BELDEN HONORED: SECURITY
SYSTEM NEWS 20 UNDER 40 Christopher Belden, 31, was recognized as End Users 20 Under 40 by Security System News in December 2014. Belden is employed by ODS Security Solutions as the Director of Security, Duke Regional Hospital, Durham, N.C. He is also a Lieutenant for ODS Company Police. Belden oversees the entire security department for the 256-bed hospital, including armed and unarmed security officers. He is an expert in developing policies, risk assessments, and security management plans and works closely with cross-department hospital administrators on security issues, including technology solutions. Belden is also highly experienced in conducting vulnerability and risk assessments, disaster preparedness/recovery, and developing multi-tiered security solutions. Belden and other honorees received awards and recognition at a special reception at TechSec Solutions, in Delray Beach, Florida on February 3-4, 2015. “ODS Security Solutions is proud to have Chris recognized with such an honor. He is an outstanding member of our ODS leadership team and his commitment to Duke Regional Hospital
and all of our clients helps ensure the highest quality safety and security for patients, staff, visitors, and the community we serve,” says Rafe Wilkinson, CEO of ODS. Prior to joining ODS, Belden served as a police officer with the Duke University Police Department. He is an expert in marksmanship, and has received multiple awards and recognition including Expert Marksmanship awards each year from 20082011 from the Duke Police Department. Belden holds multiple certifications in security services including NCPPSB Certified Unarmed Instructor, NCPPSB Certified Armed Instructor, Violent Patient Management Certified Instructor, CPI Certified Instructor, and IAHSS Certified. He completed Basic Law Enforcement Training at the Chapel Hill Police Department and completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the North Carolina Central University.
TJC ADDRESSES E-CIGS Is your healthcare facility’s smoking policy up to date with The Joint Commission? Check it out now (February 11, 2015 TJC issue on Accreditation). In part the Standard reads as follows: Joint Commission Environment of Care (EC) standard EC.02.01.03: The hospital prohibits smoking except in specific circumstances – prohibits smoking in an organization’s buildings, regardless of whether it is tobacco or electronic… To address this new technology, organizations should institute a policy that covers tobacco and e-cigarette use, and update existing policies to include e-cigarettes.
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Where industry leaders turn for security services and resources
Industry News & Knowledge
HEALTHCARE SECURITY BEST PRACTICES
PREPARING FOR THE JOINT COMMISSION SECURITY AUDIT By Matthew Daniel, ODS Director of Healthcare Security*
Preparing for The Joint Commission Onsite Survey is not an event, but a continuous process of planning, managing, enhancing, testing, evaluation, and ensuring the highest levels of safety and security for everyone. After successfully managing dozens of mock and actual TJC Security audits, ODS has comprised a list of the ‘best practices’ from healthcare organizations that have continuously met or exceeded TJC requirements.
Best Practice Checklist Charge onsite Security Manager/Director with ownership of the Security Management Plan Enter all Security related policies into an electronic policy database system Maintain one single printed master copy of the Plan in the Security Office Refer Officers to the electronic database to view the policy routinely Provide Security Officers with complete list of performance expectations relative to the Plan Provide staff with instruction on how to recommend enhancements or provide Plan updates Routinely train and assess staff knowledge on the Security Management Plan Educate staff on who is responsible for the development/management of the Plan Provide staff with the Standards of Performance used to evaluate a Plan’s effectiveness Provide Officers with basic training in the environment of care standards Educate Officers on “findings” from each of the 6 areas of the EC and EM chapters Coordinate security training with clinical and non-clinical hospital staff Collaborate with external resources on training (local law enforcement, other) Post visual charts and reminders in appropriate locations to reinforce Plans Utilize technology and tracking software for reporting, tracking, trending, and managing Share report data with Officers routinely and include Annual Key Performance Indicators for alignment with overall hospitals goals and departmental performance expectations Assess Plan’s effectiveness at least annually and make necessary modifications Establish the Security Department as an extension of the EOC committee
Matt Daniel, Director of Security for ODS Security Solutions, is a healthcare security and regulatory audit expert. He also oversees security at Sampson Regional Medical Center in Clinton, NC. Matt has a high level of knowledge and experience in conducting mock audits, HSEEP exercises, and other security audits. He is a current member of the International Association for Healthcare Safety & Security (IAHSS), and has been responsible for development and oversight of various Safety, Security, and Emergency Management programs for multiple healthcare facilities. 4
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Technology and Training
MANAGING HIGH RISK PATIENT POPULATIONS: SECURITY’S ROLE
Justin Mackie was a forensics patient at Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia on a Sunday afternoon in January 2015. Shackled and handcuffed in his hospital room, murder-suspect Mackie was anxious to escape and took advantage of an opportunity to make his move. A By Chris Cromer, correctional officer was removing his Vice President of ODS Security handcuffs to allow him a bathroom break Solutions and when the forensic patient attacked and Deputy Chief of dragged the officer into the bathroom, Company Police beat him, and fled. He punched two nurses when exiting, knocking one unconscious. He was quickly apprehended on the first floor lobby by hospital security. (Source: Philly.com - http://articles.philly.com/2015-01-14/ news/58029507_1_justin-mackie-otif-wright-hospital-room) On January 25, 2015, a 20-year old man was arrested following a shooting at Exodus Health Urgent Care Center in California. He had engaged in a scuffle with the clinician during the intake process. (Source: Fierce Healthcare - http://www.fiercehealthcare. com/story/how-much-hospital-security-too-much/2015-01-28) These and many similar events highlight the question about the role security officers play in managing high-risk patient populations. Forensics, behavioral health, and other high-risk patient populations pose increased risk of violence for hospital staff, visitors, and the security staff. Exactly how do hospital security officers prepare for potential acts of violence? Statistics Hospital workers are at a much higher risk of workplace violence than other industries (8.3 assaults per 1,000 healthcare workers, vs. 2 assaults per 1,000 workers all other industries). According to a 2011 Emergency Department Violence Surveillance (EDVS) study, 54% of nurses reported they had experienced physical violence and/or verbal abuse recently.
Violence was most often experienced from behavioral health patients, and patients under the influence of alcohol or prescription/illicit drugs.
EMTALA The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act of 1986 (EMATALA) requires every hospital emergency department to accept and stabilize every patient entering the doors. Treatment is required regardless of ability to pay and patients of all types enter the hospital. Patients such as forensic, behavioral health, suicidal, gang members, and other high-risk populations create a higher risk of violence and elopement. Since hospital doors are open to these high-risk individuals 24/7, it’s critical to have a highly qualified security staff that is able to identify, intervene, and mitigate violence.
Psychiatric patients have a higher rate of using the emergency room than other patient populations when compared to a national sample (Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, “Increased Emergency Room Use by People with Mental
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Where industry leaders turn for security services and resources
Illnesses Contributes to Crowding and Delays.”)
TRAINING BASICS
A decrease in psychiatric and chemical dependency beds compounds the problem by causing more patients to be housed in the emergency department (ED). Security officers are often call on to ‘watch’ these patients in the ED so they do not cause harm to themselves or others.
Examples of mandatory security officer training should include, but not be limited to, the following:
Forensic patients pose another serious threat for hospitals, particularly in the ED where many are treated. They are required to wear restraints of some type to prevent prisoner escape. A 2010 TJC Sentinel Alert noted a significant increase in crime and acts of violent aggression in hospital settings. Transferring patients from policy custody to the ED is risky. One way to manage potential acts of violence in hospital settings, and particularly in the ED, is to ensure high level, comprehensive officer training. Effective training equips security personnel to better manage violent or potentially violent individuals. Their ability to identify, intervene, and mitigate risks of violence early is highly dependent on training and experience.
AMA and Elopement EMTALA HIPAA Privacy TJC, CMS and other regulatory Restraint and Seclusion Non-Violent Crisis Intervention De-escalation Basic Life Support (BLS) Identifying Behaviors of Concern Stages of Violence
In addition to all other training, female officers should be required to complete Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) – Personal Defense for Women training*, and the security department should deliver ongoing personal defense training classes for hospital clinical and non-clinical staff.
Managing high-risk populations in the healthcare setting has become increasingly critical in today’s world. For more information or a consultation on available security services, contact ODS Security Solutions at 1.888.221.0802.
*ODS Security Solutions offers extensive training programs for clients and partners, including RAD Training for Women. Contact us for information at 1.888.221.0802.
BASIC SECURITY ROLE IN MANAGING HIGH-RISK POPULATIONS
Be approachable and welcoming Serve as concierge and help people find their way Watch for ‘behaviors of concern’ Demonstrate normalized behavior in stressful situations Proactively identify signs of violence Intervene appropriately Maintain persistence in the face of adversity
Execute a plan to mitigate and contain violence Use minimal amount of force Alert leaders and management to concerns Protect self and others from injury or death Take proactive stance against violent individuals Manage post-situation recovery Carry out moral obligation of the organization
For more on hospital security officer roles in managing high-risk populations, consult the latest healthcare resource, “Preventing Emergency Department Violence” by Lisa Pryse Terry, CHPA, CPP (available at HCPro.com/store). You will find tips and tools to keep your facility safer based on this industry-leading training and resource manual authored by our ODS Healthcare Security Advisor and colleagues. 6
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A LOOK INSIDE ODS IMPORTANT EMPLOYEE BENEFITS INFORMATION ODS is now offering a voluntary Vision Care Plan and Short Term Disability! Benefits Open Enrollment for all eligible ODS employees is May 1-15 with an effective date of June 1, 2015. Please visit the Ultipro website for additional information.
Captain Kurt Henderson congratulates Mark Johnson, who was recently promoted to Sergeant at ARMC, ODS Company Police. Congratulations to Sgt. Johnson.
BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY Way to go Officer Louis Shields - once again, ODS officers going above and beyond the call of duty to provide outstanding customer service and security! “I received a call from our [client] commending one of our officers, Louis Shields, for his assistance. He informed me that at approximately 3am this morning, maintenance received a call from one of the residents that her water heater had begun to leak and spray water all over the attic space. Security Officer Shields was able to get the water turned off in a timely manner to prevent major damage. The water had caused very little damage but could have been much worse without Officer Shields’ intervention based on the client’s comments. The client was extremely pleased with Officer Shields’ response and willingness to assist in these frigid temperatures.” Chris Kinne Client Service Specialist
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Where industry leaders turn for security services and resources
WOW RECOGNITION As part of our journey to excellence, ODS Security Solutions has established a program to recognize staff that go above and beyond – delivering outstanding performance. Clients, ODS leaders, and staff recognize individuals who exemplify ODS core values, and who deliver the highest levels of safety, security, and customer service. Here’s how the WOW Program works: 1.
An ODS Client, Client employee, or ODS employee sends a letter or email to the individual’s manager to commend an employee for his or her actions.
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The employee being recognized receives a WOW card along with a gift as a token of appreciation for going the extra mile to support clients and our organization.
Clients and internal ODS staff have recognized many employees since program inception. Names of employees recently recognized as WOW performers are listed below. Please join us in congratulating these ODS employees observed doing something exceptional. Be sure and let us know if you spot someone doing something great that supports the ODS mission. Steve Boyer assisted with an employee [having potentially serious medical problems]. He called 911 and assisted with monitoring his vitals until first responders arrived. Ms. Senaca Rollins and Mr. David Howell were recognized by a hospital visitor for their outstanding customer service. Great job officers! Josephine Thomas is recognized for her honesty and integrity! Congrats for being an outstanding ODS employee. We received a letter from a client stating, “In the past several weeks there have been two separate instances when Officer Craig Secor went above and beyond normal expectations to provide assistance to my nursing staff and residents.” And that’s how we do it at ODS. Thanks Officer Secor - you exemplify our mission to always go above and beyond in every situation!
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A hospital associate recognized Officer Latrice Miles for having a great attitude, being very organized, very helpful, and just doing a great job all around. We recognized Officer Demetrius Stephens recently for doing a great job. He assisted Law Enforcement in a difficult situation with a patient. Law Enforcement had begun taking the handcuffs off of the patient when the patient became unruly. Security Officer Stephens assisted the Law Enforcement Officer in controlling the situation to deescalate risks of violence. While actively patrolling the building perimeter, Security Supervisor James Leenerts discovered a potential safety hazard on the hospital premises. He took the proper steps to notify proper individuals and get the issue taken care of promptly to mitigate any safety risks. Yemi Akindolie was recently recognized for outstanding performance by performing CPR for someone attempting to get to the hospital. Daniel Tacconi and Hakeen Khan were recently recognized for their assistance to the husband of a patient at the hospital during her two week stay. Outstanding patient and family experience thanks to these two fine officers! Peter Ibrahim was recognized for his assistance with a dead car battery for a visitor on one of the coldest nights last week. Prince Arku and James Kingsberry are recognized for outstanding performance. Thanks officers for demonstration of great team work in dealing with an aggressive patient and maintaining a calm environment! Your commitment to safety, security, and excellence resulted in de-escalation of a potentially volatile situation. Danny Rexrode, John White, Alexander Capaldi, and Kevin Walton were praised for handling an incident with an armed individual effectively, efficiently, and appropriately. Great job officers - your work helped maintain a calm hospital ED environment and ensured the highest levels of
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safety and security for patients, staff, visitors, families, and the community.
an excellent job. Thanks for a great job today and always! You are leaders in our ODS Journey to Excellence!
Officer Corey Turner did an outstanding job when responding to a patient who refused to cooperate with hospital staff. He was able to calm the individual and get the patient to sit in a wheelchair and depart with [person]. De-escalation training and non-violent crisis intervention training in action! AND - Officer Corey Turner was recognized by our client management for going above and beyond expectations to help a staff member resolve an issue. Way to go Officer Turner!
Our great clients at Mary Washington Hospital recently recognized Brian Claus and Derrick Alsop for outstanding performance. Great job officers!
Richard Bowden, Cassandra Jones, Kenneth Dozier, and Andre Cromartie were recognized by our client for doing
Brian Kelly is recognized for proactive response to a patient who needed immediate support. He interacted with the patient and helped expedite his care and treatment by coordinating with the clinical team. Great job of always being observant, watching for details and signs that others need help, and being an outstanding officer - Kudos to Officer Kelly for always contributing to a positive patient experience.
ODS EMPLOYEES CELEBRATE MILESTONES Congratulations to the following ODS employees: Jim Rowe and Susan Rowe celebrated 18 years with ODS in January. Randolph Bland celebrated his 17th year anniversary with ODS in March. Betty Williams celebrates her 18th year anniversary in April. Officer Robert Simmons celebrates his 17th anniversary with ODS in June.
GREAT JOB MANAGER REESE David Reese was recently recognized for outstanding performance at Duke Regional Hospital. The following recognition was shared by the client at their weekly staff meeting: I would like to take a moment of your time to send a deserving “manage up” for Mr. David Reese. Mr. Reese puts his heart and soul into our security department here at Duke Regional. Through countless hours of sacrificing personal time to ensure the department is running on all cylinders, Mr. Reese is a true example of someone who lives out our values every day. Through his insight and expertise a decision can be made at a moment’s notice that helps provide the best care and safety for our patients, visitors, and staff. It has been an absolute pleasure to work side by side with him and watch him grow into a wonderful leader, mentor, and team player. A huge “Thank You” to David for everything you do for us all Sir. Chris Belden
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Where industry leaders turn for security services and resources
HOW EMPLOYEES SAVE MONEY ON MEDICAL COSTS It’s time to think about employee benefits programs again. Medical, Dental, and Life insurance open enrollment is May 1-15, 2015. As you consider your options for health insurance, remember that there are ways you can save money when utilizing your benefits,” explains Stephanie Woodrum, ODS Director of Human Resources. One important way to save money is to reduce the cost of medications. You can save as much as 90% simply by using generic rather than brand-name medications. Generic drugs work just as well as brand-name drugs and this applies to both prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Don’t miss the opportunity to save by looking for $4 generic programs at local retail chains for additional savings. Just ask the pharmacists at your local drug store or grocery store about this option. Also, ask your doctor if over-the-counter (OTC) drugs will work just as well to save even more. Many previous drugs
SNOW REMOVAL VOLUNTEERS Thanks to Evante Chew and Calvin Bostic at Mary Washington Healthcare. These outstanding ODS employees volunteered to assist with snow removal during the recent snowstorm. Way to go above and beyond expectations! You demonstrate outstanding leadership and the highest levels of customer service. 10
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available only by prescription are now available OTC. If your doctor prescribes a medication that is expensive, don’t hesitate to ask if there is a cheaper alternative. You may be surprised at what you learn. Another way to manage your personal healthcare expenses is to always ask your doctor about tests he or she prescribes. Evaluate the need for expensive screening tests. Diagnostic testing can detect diseases in early stages, but they can also create false alarms. Stephanie recommends talking with your doctor about tests before having them and considering your options. Your job is to take the best care possible of yourself and make sure everything you do for your health is helpful and necessary. “ODS is proud to offer health benefits for our employees and their qualified dependents. Utilizing your benefits in the best way possible will help you stay healthier and save you money,” explains Stephanie.
GO RED! Thanks to two of our colleagues, Vince Wiley and Holly Rasche from ODS Security at Northwest Community Hospital for celebrating Go Red Day at Northwest Community Healthcare. Way to be part of the team. We had many of our officers and staff wearing red on ‘Go RED’ day to remind us of the importance of heart health.
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Technology and Training
ARE YOU READY FOR AN ACTIVE SHOOTER?
By Kurt Henderson, Captain ODS Company Police In June 2010, The Joint Commission (TJC) issued a Sentinel Event Alert urging hospitals to pay greater attention to violence issues. The alert encouraged better control of facility access. It was hard to imagine how critical this planning and preparation would be in subsequent years. Hospitals have experienced many active shooter situations in recent years and months. Hospitals present many challenges relative to planning for active shooters. Populations served, geographic location, hospital policies, disparate campuses, and other vulnerabilities present unique situations. This makes pre-planning for an event even more critical. Incident commanders and a coordinated effort to mitigate loss of life and property are essential. Utilizing the “Run, Hide, Fight� model is a good place to start – but it is just the beginning of creating a comprehensive plan to protect lives. Preparing for a violent event 1. Have a plan/protocol in place a. Ensure the plan involves law enforcement assistance b. Include a comprehensive communication plan c. Detail processes and procedures to ensure patient and employee safety 2. Train ALL staff on the plan a. Train security staff in the plan/protocol to include eliminating the threat as a last resort b. Train employees how to report, respond, and react c. Train employees who to call and how to protect patients d. Emphasize mitigation strategies for high-risk security sensitive areas (ED, OR, other) 3. Know the overall layout of the facility 4. Understand the best escape/evacuation routes and lockdown areas
5. Train and conduct tabletop drills on defending in place if necessary 6. Plan for post-event debriefings Priorities during an incident 1. Notify Police immediately! 2. Protect the lives of patients, visitors and staff 3. IMMEDIATELY implement the active shooter protocol 4. Activate the Critical Incident Management Team or HICS 5. Capture or neutralize the suspect as soon as possible 6. Protect the lives of others and self, and provide safety
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Where industry leaders turn for security services and resources
for those in near proximity of shooter 7. Protect lives and provide safety for those in the general area 8. Provide for safety of police officers responding and assist ODS Security Solutions specializes in planning, preparing, and training for acts of violence and active shooter situations in hospitals and healthcare. For more information on developing an effective active shooter plan, establishing a Threat Assessment Team (TAT), and other critical measures to mitigate risks of violence, contact us at 1.888.221.0802 for a free consultation. Our mission is to make healthcare institutions safe and secure.
Preparing for Violence in Healthcare The best way to manage a violent attack or an active shooter situation is to prepare in advance. This allows everyone to react in the most effective and efficient way possible – saving lives and property. There are three (3) things to keep in mind with any active shooter plan. 1. Learn the behaviors of concern and signs of potentially violent individuals, and ways to prevent violence from occurring. 2. Learn the strategies to increase survival of self and others in an active shooter event. 3. Be ready to execute the emergency plan and engage law enforcement immediately.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: ACTIVE SHOOTER The International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS) guidelines address active shooter situations and provide the following recommendations.
system. 4. Educate employees and staff on awareness, reporting and response. 5. Clarify activation of the active shooter response plan and what is involved.
1. Appoint a multidisciplinary team to designate its plan in writing for response to an active shooter situation in coordination with local law enforcement. 2. Create communication procedures based on emergency code or plain language, and procedures to institute a response to the situation. 3. Execute a timely campus-wide notification alert
6. Create post-event communication and reporting policies and procedures. For more details and information on creating an effective active shooter plan, visit IAHSS at iahss.org or contact ODS Security Solutions at 1.888.221.0802.
HOW ODS IS DIFFERENT
Shatter industry stereotypes and disrupt the industry status quo
Listen to our partners and take action
Offer unparalleled professionalism, consistency and continuity
Create a quantum shift in what security is all about
Deploy leadership and technology models to drive excellence
Provide peace of mind that drives partner productivity and success
Create global, full-service solutions for our partners
Exceed partner expectations and constantly overdeliver
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Employee Highlights
CAREER PATHWAYS: MOVING UP WITH ODS ODS Security Solutions has a long-standing record of identifying and developing officers and staff for a continuous career path throughout our organization. Raheem Smith is an excellent example of the opportunities ODS offers for career advancement. He has held multiple ODS positions and has continuously moved up in the organization - from a Security Officer, to a Site Supervisor, to a Field Supervisor, to a Payroll and Billing Specialist – and now to his current position as an Area Account Supervisor. His success story is just one of many at ODS. Our goal is to hire individuals with the skills and aptitude to succeed, and we encourage personal growth and development for every employee. The ODS managers and leadership team proactively identify individuals who demonstrate potential to grow with the company – and we give them the resources and tools to advance. We don’t wait for employees to come to us – we tap them on the shoulder and help guide and direct them with learning opportunities through training, mentoring, seminars, and other industry-leading advancement resources and opportunities.
providing them with new learning opportunities. Individuals who want a promising career path and who take advantage of learning, initiate positive change, and embrace professional development opportunities are on the move at ODS. As examples, we are proud to highlight four (4) of our staff who have recently enjoyed career growth and advancement with ODS as a result of our commitment to continuous employee development. Raheem Smith Current Position: Area Account Supervisor Length of Service: 7 years+ Previous Positions: Security Officer, Site Supervisor, Field Supervisor, Payroll and Billing Specialist
“We know that leading our officers and staff to grow personally and professionally within ODS is a way to help them advance, and it is a way to ensure the highest levels of consistency and quality in security services for our client,” explains Stephanie Woodrum, ODS Director of Human Resources. “Proactively identifying individuals with the potential to succeed provides us with greater depth and breadth of experience and skills to ensure clients receive the best possible security resources.”
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and a concentration in Human Resource Management, Raheem knew he wanted to work for a company that recognizes and rewards excellence. After receiving multiple honors and awards in the US Army, including Army Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, he was hired by ODS Security Solutions as a Field Supervisor.
ODS also invites officers and staff to seek ways to advance with the company. “When we have an officer who expresses interest in learning and growing, we immediately begin to work with him/her on a career path. It’s one of the biggest advantages of working with ODS – we value people!” explains Stephanie.
It didn’t take long for ODS management to recognize that Raheem had lots of potential for career growth. Raheem’s work ethic and desire to learn, combined with the ODS leadership teams program of developing employees, soon made a big difference for him.
ODS Security Solutions is proud to recognize and reward officers and staff for outstanding performance and a focus on high levels of customer services. We are also proud of our company’s track record of identifying individuals for career advancement and leadership positions by proactively
Raheem advanced in the organization from a Security Officer, to a Site Supervisor, then to a Field Supervisor, next to a Payroll and Billing Specialist, and most recently to an Area Account Supervisor. With his manager’s support and the broad range of ODS training resources, he built on his
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skills and knowledge and has benefited through multiple promotions. He has a strong career path ahead with ODS. “The best advice I can give the officers [and staff ] of ODS is to continue to work hard and not to limit yourself,” explains Raheem. He also praises Rafe Wilkinson, CEO of ODS, and other leadership team members for being approachable, providing professional development resources, and ensuring there are always opportunities to move up within the company. Rafe and the entire ODS management team are committed to career pathways for officers and staff, and they demonstrate this commitment every day.
toward a common goal and for a specific purpose. As Julie has been promoted through the organization, she now provides support and help for others seeking to advance. As far as where she is today, it’s a step on her own journey to continuous career growth with ODS. When asked how others in the company can continue to grow professionally, Julie doesn’t hesitate. “Be open to opportunities, be willing to learn whenever another person is wiling to teach.” And like Julie did, let management know that you are ready, willing, and able to advance! David Reese
Julie Doyle Current Position: Billing and Payroll Manager
Current Position: Security Operations Manager
Length of Service: 12 years
Length of Service: 2.5 years
Previous Position: Assistant Site Supervisor, Site Supervisor
Previous Position: Customer Service Specialist (CSS)
Julie earned her degree from Coastal Carolina Community College in Jacksonville, NC. She was initially certified as an unarmed security officer before expanding her professional goals years later to move into the corporate office environment. “I’ve always had the mindset that if someone is willing to teach me something, why wouldn’t I be willing to learn and rise to the challenge,” she explains. Julie has definitely risen to the challenge as she was promoted from an Assistant Site Supervisor, to a Security Site Supervisor, and eventually to her current position as the Billing and Payroll Manager. She credits much of her career growth in this new position to Betty Williams who “had the patience to teach me the payroll process and let me ask endless questions.” Betty is just one example of the ODS team that proactively seeks ways to help employees learn, grow, and advance professionally with the company. Julies further explains, “To continue growing as an individual, you have to keep pushing yourself to learn. ODS provides so many ways to grow professionally.” Julie values teamwork and sees it as an essential part of her job. She recognizes the value of everyone working together
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David’s B.A. in Criminal Justice was just the beginning of his educational pursuit. He is also a CPI, PPCT, and VPM Instructor. David joined ODS Security Solutions as a CSS and embarked on a career path that has taken him to new heights of success. His managers saw tremendous potential in him as a new recruit and they began providing him with training opportunities to catapult his career path with ODS. David eagerly took advantage of the leadership and proactive approach of his managers to move upward. “I feel I am a very fortunate individual being surrounded by the ODS team. When I first began working in this field of security, I had no idea there were so many opportunities to learn and grow professionally,” David explains. Fortunately, ODS management team members offered David many career growth possibilities and was able to open doors for him that he didn’t know existed. They included David in conferences, leadership summits, and many training exercises to help prepare him for advanced positions with the company. “I’ve never been around an executive team that works with you hands-on so much, and provides so many ways for you to be successful in what you do,” David explains. He looks
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to leaders including Tim Quist, VP of Healthcare Security in Virginia and Illinois, and Chris Cromer, VP of Healthcare Security in NC and Deputy Chief of Company Police, for guidance as leaders and mentors. Being able to tap into the ODS leadership team has proven extremely beneficial for David. “I hope to be the type of leader that inspires others to become great by continuing to strive for greatness myself. If I can inspire one of my peers, they in turn will inspire another, and the cycle just keeps repeating.” “Apply yourself through each step, and don’t be afraid of a challenge when it comes. Seek help. No one gets far alone. Everyone I talk to wants to get far in life. ODS offers them that opportunity if they work for it,” David says. Brian Claus Current Position: Security Manager for Fauquier Health Length of Service: 5.5 years Previous Position: Security Officer, Site Supervisor, Administration & Training Manager Brian earned his Bachelor’s Degree in History with a minor in Political Science from West Virginia University. As a Certified Advanced Healthcare Security Professional, and a certified instructor in CPI Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, he continues to increase his education and learning. Brian has demonstrated a competitive nature since his first day on the job and his managers did not hesitate to tap him on the shoulder to present career growth opportunities. He strives for excellence and takes advantage of every opportunity grow professionally with the company. “I enjoy knowing that there will always be something new or different occurring each and every day.
No day is the same and the constant challenge inspires me and helps me to continue growing.” “I am participating in the SUCCESSTOOLS Leadership program taught personally by Rafe [Rafe Wilkinson, ODS CEO]. During this course, I am learning new information, new processes, and new procedures that aid my growth as a leader and a person. In addition, I am also learning how to help future ODS officers grow for a future promotion inside of ODS,” explains Brian. As a result of his personal experience, Brian knows that ODS leadership team members proactively recognize and reward individuals who want to advance with the company. The leadership team was instrumental in identifying Brian as a high-potential leader and giving him the resources and training for career advancement. Brian looks forward to doing that for others who want to grow professionally too. Brian reminds officers and staff not to become complacent, but continue to ask supervisors for increased responsibility. He knows that officers who ask for more training and resources will get it. “If you see a potential problem or issue developing, create an action plan with multiple ways of dealing with the potential problem. This will make it easier for management to see that you want to grow and that you have the potential for growth.” When it comes to career growth, promotions, and advancement, ODS provides many opportunities for success. “It’s a 2-way street where: (1) ODS management team members proactively identify high-potential performers and provide training and other resources for career development, and (2) officers and staff step forward requesting more responsibility and enhanced training. The combination of a management team that is committed to internal employee growth/ development and career advancement, and employees with a passion and strong desire to continuously grow, are what make us the most successful security firm in the country,” says Stephanie. “After all, security is about people and when we give our people the resources for a career trajectory, everyone wins.”
ODS WELCOMES NEW OFFICERS ODS is proud to welcome new security officers to our team at Northwest Community Hospital in Chicago. Ivan Calvillo, Yordan Illiev, Todd Davis, and Tom McInerny are four (4) of our outstanding staff at this partner location.
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