New Initiatives to make our Community Safer

New Initiatives to make our Community Safer

Meredith Burke | Director of Community Security

For my first Chronicle article, I wanted to share some steps I have taken to help make the Alpert Jewish Community Center more secure and to outline some ways you can participate to help make your lives and Jewish Long Beach institutions safer.

Security procedures at the AJCC

I wanted to ensure everyone is familiar with Alpert Jewish Community Center (AJCC) security procedures, some new and some long-standing, before arriving. The intent behind AJCC security procedures is to keep members and visitors safe so they can enjoy every visit to our wonderful community facility.

Visitors to the AJCC who are members will have been issued membership badges and parking passes. Upon entry to the parking lot, members should have their parking pass displayed, ideally hanging on the vehicle’s rearview mirror. They should also have their membership badge ready to scan upon entering the building. It’s easy, and you’ll be instantly recognized as a member upon entry. If you are not already doing this, please make it your new, regular habit.

Visitors to the AJCC who are not members will be welcomed by a security guard or membership staff member, who will ask politely as to the nature of the visit. That security guard or staff member will record information, including the vehicle’s license plate number. Non-member visitors will also be required to show photo identification at the front desk and will be issued a visitor badge, which they should wear at all times during their visit. This is the protocol even if the visitor believes the staff member(s) and/or the security guard knows them personally, and even if they visit the AJCC regularly. Members who have forgotten or lost their membership badge and/or parking pass, should please be prepared to follow the nonmember protocols until they have acquired replacement(s).

When the AJCC closes operation for the day, the parking lot gates are locked until opening the next business day. If a vehicle is locked in, the owner will not have access to it until the following day. Additionally, unauthorized vehicles that are left in the parking lot after hours are subject to being towed at the owner’s expense.

I am also making changes to help ensure the safety of our Early Childhood Education (ECE) attendees. Parents will receive specific information directly from our Program Directors. I am also hoping to meet parents at an upcoming ECE event soon.

Training and Assessments for JLB

Beginning on April 26, 2023, and continuing regularly, free in-person and virtual training developed by Secure Community Network will be available to JLB community members. Topics include Situational Awareness, Countering Active Threats, Stop the Bleed, and Travel Safety, with additional training being developed and available in the future. Be sure to check out the JLB Security webpage for dates and times (https:// www.jewishlongbeach.org/resources/security). I would be happy to customize Countering Active Threats training for your specific facility.

In April, together with my Secure Community Network colleagues, I completed complimentary Threat, Vulnerability, and Risk Assessments (TVRA) for several JLB institutions. TVRAs help facilities become aware of items to be updated, corrected, or installed to bolster physical security. TVRAs also provide the basis for security grant applications. Please contact me if you would like to have a free assessment conducted at your facility.

The intent behind AJCC security procedures is to keep members and visitors safe so they can enjoy every visit to our wonderful community facility.

Security Advisory Group

We have assembled a Security Advisory Group for JLB and have met several times since January. One of the most robust items discussed to date has been cybersecurity for JLB institutions. If you would like to join this volunteer group, please contact me.

Incident Reporting Form

Finally, I wanted to make you aware of the implementation of the Secure Community Network (SCN) Incident Reporting Form (IRF), which you can find on our website (https://www.jewishlongbeach.org/resources/ incidentreporting). While emergencies should be reported by calling 9-1-1, and crimes should first be reported to law enforcement, the IRF can be used to report all matters of concern to the Jewish community, including:

• In-person assaults or threats

• Suspicious persons or activity

• Property damage or vandalism

• Threatening or suspicious phone calls, text messages, or social media

• Suspicious packages or letters

• Spam and phishing emails

• Antisemitic or threatening flyers

Your reports will come directly to me, as well as to the 24/7 SCN Duty Desk, which will analyze reports for connections and trends across the county, and which may be able to provide investigative leads. Whenever applicable, I will work with established law enforcement liaison contacts to address matters. Additionally, your reports are shared with the Anti-Defamation League, which may also be able to provide resources. Please be empowered to report any matter you deem important!

To learn more about security, please contact Meredith Burke, Director of Community Security at mburke@jewishlongbeach.org