Defense By Design

I was just invited to speak this November at the Texas Municipal League state conference, this year convening in San Antonio, my third conference down there this year (so far).

Obviously this targets a myriad of professionals, and administrators from interests around the state of some 1,200 such entities.

This in conjunction with presentations to the Texas Municipal Human Resources Association and Texas PRIMA bode well for ongoing such work here in the state. The physical, data and reputational risks are real for such government entities given their hybrid staff makeup of both in-office and in-the-field staff, but this is where I shine as for decades now, I have addressed both scenarios in those three arenas mentioned.

Should any of my or carrier, company or agency contacts that work with these same entities be interested, I think we have areas of synergy to investigate as well.

I know someone who can help.

A woman just shot two outside the courthouse following her loss of a case against the city involving her mother's death in which she was seeking damages. Yes, retaliation is a VERY real thing!

And this does not just apply to or , though they are certainly in a high-risk group for retaliation. Those in the profession, doctors and alike can also be targeted for the same. In fact, I am keynoting a state medical conference this fall in Iowa for this and related reasons of workplace violence.

This is also one of the reasons I work with city governments. As one city manager said to me, "let's face it, Jeff, when most people come to city hall, they're typically 'NOT' in a good mood." Point taken.

There are absolutely pre-incident indicators that speak to such risk potential, but most do not even know the "dots," let alone how to connect them. Whether in-person training or my online courses, I address such concerns, patterns and indicators. I even have a select course for any interested given you are unfortunately at one of the top target groups for a myriad of reasons (violence, data theft, reputation management, etc.). If you represent such a firm, message me for details.

And for my carrier, company or agency folks out there, once again, this would be a great topic to cover for such interests that you commercially represent, so let's talk about a presentation to their managers, owners, administrators, executives or partners.

I know someone who can help.

Woman allegedly shoots attorneys outside of courthouse after hearing A woman allegedly shot two attorneys outside of a courthouse following a hearing for a civil case she and the lawyers were involved in.

When I speak of just ask the or fellow where this practiced how things are going at the firm with 'this' in the news.

By the way, I have a specific online course for law firms and staff. For those interested, message me.

Seems this attorney's wife caught him on surveillance cameras they had installed while contractors were working in their home. She was worried about the "contractors." Good precaution, but seems they caught another very disturbing action.

Now the chorus of and as well as will say, "but how can we control what our people do 'off-the-clock'?" You can't, but what you 'can do' is make sure that proper education and communication has been done with your staff -- whatever your business -- so that (God forbid) something comes up, you have a clear and present paper trail of documentation and education to then take those necessary next steps. But make no mistake, the paper alone won't work, just ask any family law attorney or police officer who deals with domestic violence and restraining orders.

For and , take note. For all your staff that you think "know better," go ahead and assume they do not and adjust, train and document accordingly.

And for any or carrier, company or agency wishing to help your commercial clients avoid such controversy, let's talk.

I know someone who can help.

Earlier this week, I posted about a similar lawsuit settlement of another state employee who won $125K as 2 of 12 suing her state for a similar termination. What seems to be the one thing missing from 'these' cases that were not in other such cases that failed? Documentation.

I have posted of other such cases where the employee 'tried' to sue, but the lawsuit went nowhere as the employer had signed agreements in place to prohibit such activities and activism online from their employees. These cases where we're seeing such settlements have no mention of such policies, which tells me, this was probably the determining factor.

But paper is paper, like the average restraining order, it does not necessarily alter behavior -- that takes education and training, if not self-initiated behavior modification. This is possible, but again, via instruction.

In just a few weeks, I'll be addressing a conference for and professionals hosted by the City of McAllen, TX discussing these very issues. Also attending will be professionals from and corporate interests around the state.

For and , take note. You cannot simply take action without prior instruction and expect 'not' to face consequences, either in court...or the court of public opinion. Both are costly.

I know someone who can help.

Florida biologist fired over Charlie Kirk post wins $485,000 settlement Biologist was fired by a state agency for criticizing Charlie Kirk on social media after his shooting death

In a few weeks, I'll be keynoting a conference hosted by the City of McAllen, TX for not only interests, but also and administrators and from around the state.

This is a prime example of going south. And having worked a great deal in the sector over the years, I cannot say that I am surprised. Even at the collegiate level, this comes as no surprise as countless coverups have occurred there as well when/where student athletes or even coaches were involved.

I offer not only training in this arena, but for educational/nonprofit institutions even a 3-hour in-service seminar covering a myriad of topics rarely covered in such training events. For those interested, I am happy to provide an outline of that content addressed. And for other employers, yes, I offer condensed training for more corporate workplace environments.

There are physical concerns, data concerns and reputational concerns beyond the obvious, ones that your and general counsel will appreciate 'being' covered.

Just because certain people are in leadership does not necessarily mean someone has addressed such topics with them. No, they don't "know better" unless you make SURE they do.

I know someone who can help.

Court documents detail why Longview School District's superintendent is charged in an alleged cover-up of abuse Despite being briefed on an internal investigation into allegations of student sexual assault, investigators say Karen Cloninger wanted the matter kept under wraps.

This was a very serious attack on an apartment manager from a resident. Her condition is not known at this time, but these were serious wounds.

I have offered training through various associations on assessing potential threats. I wish I could say it was about 'connecting the dots' but the fact is most don't even know what 'dots' to look for, let alone how to connect them. You have to start with the basics.

This is far from the only such scenario I am aware of. I have even seen where it was the security guard 'for' the community who ended up killing the manager, or other resident-based attacks. I do believe 'some' could have been prevented, but ONLY if there is training prior to help them better assess such threats prior to their manifestation or escalation.

I welcome speaking inquiries from apartment associations and property management companies alike as well as their or carrier, company, etc. to sponsor such training 'for' their property management clients.

I know someone who can help.