Recent shootings at schools, churches, and hospitals have brought the urgent need for strategic security management to the forefront. Gun violence remains a severe public health crisis, affecting millions of Americans annually. In 2021, gun violence claimed the lives of nearly 49,000 Americans, the highest number ever recorded. That’s an average of 134 people per day, or one death every 11 minutes. Firearm-related homicides increased by 7.6%, and gun suicides reached record levels, increasing by 8.3%. These are staggering numbers, and they represent a public health crisis that demands our attention.
SECURITY CONSULTANT
Meaningful research on gun violence has long been hindered by the Dickey Amendment, a federal law that prohibits the CDC from utilizing funds to advocate or promote responsible gun acquisition and ownership. Fortunately, the CDC has managed to surmount the Dickey Amendment through its groundbreaking FASTER (Firearm Injury Surveillance and Research in Emergency Departments) program.
Strategic Security Management: Safeguarding Lives and Property
Strategic security management is the comprehensive process of devising, implementing, and evaluating security measures to safeguard individuals and assets from potential threats. It encompasses identifying and evaluating risks, developing, and executing security policies and procedures, and continuously monitoring and improving security performance. With strategic security management, gun violence can be deterred and effectively addressed. A robust security plan is crucial for any organization or facility facing a potential risk of gun violence.
FASTER Grants: Overcoming Obstacles to Gun Violence Research
The groundbreaking FASTER program represents a critical milestone in circumventing the constraints of the Dickey Amendment. Thanks to a congressional compromise in 2018, the CDC was granted the authority to conduct research on gun violence without explicitly advocating for gun control. As a result, FASTER grants worth approximately $225,000 each were awarded to ten states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Utah, and Wisconsin. These grants enable state health departments to collaborate with emergency departments to collect near real-time firearm injury data.
The data gathered through FASTER grants encompasses a wide range of crucial gun violence-related topics, including:
1. Types of Injuries
Understanding the nature of injuries sustained in gun violence is essential for targeted prevention efforts.
2. Demographics of Victims
Analyzing the demographics of gun violence victims helps tailor interventions to vulnerable populations.
3. Circumstances and Motives
Pinpointing the circumstances and motives of gun violence incidents guides the development of preventive measures.
4. Firearms Involved
Identifying the sources and types of firearms used in gun violence contributes to informed policy decisions.
5. Treatment Costs and Outcomes
Understanding the costs and outcomes of treating gun violence injuries aids in resource allocation.
6. Effectiveness of Prevention Strategies
Evaluating the effectiveness of various gun violence prevention strategies provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners.
FASTER Grants: Filling Knowledge Gaps and Enhancing Security Management
FASTER grants play a crucial role in closing knowledge gaps and equipping policymakers and practitioners with evidence-based insights to combat gun violence effectively. By providing timely and reliable data on firearm injuries, these grants contribute to enhanced strategic security management by identifying trends, patterns, risks, and best practices. In the face of mounting gun violence, strategic security management stands as a vital tool for organizations and facilities to effectively deter and respond to such incidents. With the support of FASTER grants and access to invaluable data, decision-makers and security professionals can take proactive steps towards creating a safer society.
SECURITY EXPERT
A Unified Effort for Safer Communities
If you wish to learn more about how strategic security management can help prevent gun violence or how our company can assist you in protecting your people and assets from potential threats, please do not hesitate to contact us. At Strategic Security Management Consulting (SSMC), we offer a full suite of security consulting services tailored to industries such as healthcare, retail, hospitality, corporations, manufacturing, and education. From security planning and workplace violence prevention to forensic consulting and training programs, we have the expertise to address your security needs. Contact us online or call us today at 407-385-9167 to benefit from our comprehensive services and secure your organization.
To read more about the FASTER grants and how they enable the CDC’s groundbreaking research on gun violence despite the Dickey Amendment’s constraints, read NPR’s report:
The CDC is helping states address gun injuries after years of political roadblocks – NPR (July 2023)
From our blog articles:
Gun Violence and Active Shooter Incidents in the U.S.: Recent Insights – SSMC (June 2023)
