| Since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, maintaining a safe and secure environment for public assembly facilities has become a hot topic. And rightly so. At the San Diego Convention Center, we have always considered the security and safety of anyone entering our building a top priority.
“Our  security function is a 24/7 operation. We take the safety and well-being of our guests very seriously,” says Charles Gutensohn, Manager Guest Services/Asset Protection.
On an on-going basis, Gutensohn and his team proactively meet with clients well in advance of an event to gain a sense of what type of security the event will require and to offer assistance if there are any specific security concerns. Depending on the event, Asset Protection staff works closely with the San Diego Police Department and the Harbor Police, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, and other government law enforcement agencies to insure that events are secure.
“We coordinate with other agencies and do everything we can to be prepared. Training is a very important component of our emergency preparedness program. Our Asset Protection team is trained to respond to any type of emergency, whether man-made or by 'Mother Nature.' No matter what happens we want to be prepared to respond and recover with as little inconvenience as possible to our clients and guests,” he adds.
 All employees must undergo mandatory emergency preparedness training annually. Asset Protection staff undergoes intensive mandatory training on a continual basis covering everything from fire and bomb threats to natural disasters and terrorist attacks.
Also of importance is the booklet the Center prepared called Emergency Preparedness. The booklet focuses on how to respond to any given number of emergency situations and identifies key members of the Emergency Management and Recovery Team who are responsible for directing and supervising actions to minimize and recover in the event of an emergency. New hires of the Asset Protection staff are asked to sign an acknowledgement indicating their commitment to review and know the established procedures outlined in the booklet.
“Our clients receive a copy of the booklet as well. We want to provide them with a comfort level that we are taking every possible precaution and are committed to providing them with a safe, secure environment,” says Gutensohn.
Gutensohn believes that our comprehensive training program is the glue that holds our overall Emergency Preparedness Plan together. “When something happens, the training pays off – our staff will know how to react and what to do to keep everyone safe.” |
