The headlines out of New York this summer around workplace security were unsettling: a shooter at 345 Park Avenue and, months earlier, the attack on the UnitedHealthcare CEO. For many, these incidents stripped away the assumption that a prestigious address or a respected brand offers protection. They don’t.
That’s why Kastle convened a panel of leaders from corporate real estate, tenant organizations, law enforcement, and security integration. The goal was clear: move beyond headlines to hard truths, share tested practices, and sharpen the playbook for organizations that take safety seriously.
The central message was consistent: workplace security is not optional. If your approach isn’t advancing, it’s already behind.
1. Security is About Tradeoffs, Not Checklists
Matt Smith of JBG Smith opened the discussion by underscoring a core reality: security posture is always about tradeoffs. Every building must strike a balance — openness versus control, accessibility versus protection, centralized oversight versus distributed responsibility. What works for a suburban corporate campus may be inappropriate for a downtown landmark.
Smith laid out five elements that apply across all property types:
- Physical security: design, barriers, entrances
- Security officers: placement, training, role clarity
- Access control: credentials, cloud-based platforms, visitor management
- Alarms and analytics: cameras as baseline, intelligence as the differentiator
- Communications: mass notifications, guard software, tenant alerts
The message was blunt: if any one of these elements is missing, the building is exposed. If they aren’t tested regularly, the exposure is even greater.
2. Guards Are More Than Guards
Jonathan Salomons of Empire State Realty Trust highlighted the role of lobby guards as the most important “sensors” in a building. They recognize rhythms, faces, and irregularities long before systems do. Too often, though, they are underpaid, under-trained, and underappreciated.
Salomons takes a different approach by treating guards as true insiders: he implements daily roll calls, constant communication, and active inclusion in the security culture. His advice was clear — invest in them, build their confidence, and make them part of the mission.
Equally critical are local law enforcement ties. “Your best allies are the two beat cops outside your building, not the FBI,” he noted. Something as simple as knowing precinct officers by name or making sure they know the layout of your loading dock, can save precious seconds when it matters most.
3. Tenants Have Skin in the Game
Security isn’t solely a landlord’s responsibility. Tenants play a pivotal role, and alignment between the two sides is essential.
Steve Meincke of Nestlé and Lindsey Staples of McDermott Will & Emery emphasized that monthly coordination meetings, shared drills, and transparent communication prevent the confusion that can derail a response in the moment of crisis.
Staples added a people-centered perspective: train employees to engage as both hosts and gatekeepers. A simple line like, “I don’t recognize you — can I help you find where you’re going?” blends hospitality with security and can disrupt a threat before it escalates.
She also urged tenants to strongly consider implementing “do-not-admit” lists for former employees who present security concern, domestic violence concerns, or litigation-related risks. Assuming these issues don’t apply can become a dangerous mistake.
4. Security is a Culture, Not Just a Tech Stack
Former Boston Police Chief Dan Linskey brought the conversation back to culture. Technology matters, but in an active shooter event that may last just 2–5 minutes, the first responder is not 911 — it’s the people on site.
His formula:
- Train realistically — “run, hide, fight” is more than a slogan; watch the FBI video and practice it.
- Involve law enforcement in exercises so they know the building before a crisis.
- Normalize reporting — if something feels wrong, speak up.
As Linskey put it, culture eats cameras for breakfast.
5. Technology Has to Work Together
Rob Brannon of i2G Systems stressed that security is not achieved by stacking cameras, readers, and alarms on top of each other. It’s achieved when systems, policies, and people are aligned.
That requires:
- Interoperability — avoid vendor lock-in.
- Data sharing — with police, hospitals, and neighbors.
- Preventive maintenance — test regularly or risk failure when it matters most.
Brannon compared it to a backup you’ve never restored: “If you haven’t tested it, you don’t own it.” A $4 million access system without drills or audits isn’t protection — it’s theater.
6. Don’t Waste a Crisis
Several panelists pointed out a hard truth: after an incident, leaders have a short window of undivided attention from the C-suite. That’s when budgets, staffing, and upgrades are most likely to get approval.
Jonathan Salomons was direct: “Don’t put your head in the sand. Use the moment to address what you know is broken.”
7. Training is the Great Equalizer
When budgets are tight, training remains the highest-return investment. Local police departments often provide tabletop exercises at no cost. Federal agencies like DHS and the FBI publish free videos, guides, and playbooks.
As Staples put it: “Training and relationships are the foundation.”
8. Leadership Means Owning Safety
The closing message from Linskey was personal: “Go home safe to your family. Make sure your coworkers go home safe to theirs. If your company isn’t prioritizing this, step up and lead. It’s your obligation.”
Leadership in security isn’t about titles or departments. It’s about owning a duty of care that cannot be delayed, delegated, or ignored.
Final Word: Are You Ready?
The consensus from the panel was clear: security is a multi-layered equation of people, process, and technology. Improvement doesn’t always require a massive budget. It requires awareness, alignment, and accountability.
The Park Avenue shooting was a gut punch. The only question is whether it knocks organizations down — or wakes them up.
If it happens in your building tomorrow, are you ready?
