The recent tragedy at 345 Park Avenue, highlighted in HR Brew’s recent article, brings renewed urgency to the conversation around securing lobbies and common areas in corporate buildings. The piece raises essential considerations — especially the tension between investing in physical security infrastructure and relying on human vigilance.
As professionals in the corporate security space, we both must acknowledge the insights of industry peers and expand the conversation with practical, people-focused recommendations grounded in real-world experience, shares Bill Durso, Principal Consultant at COSECURE.
Technology Helps — But People Prevent Harm
The HR Brew article notes the increasing reliance on technology — cameras, access control, analytics — to secure buildings. These are foundational tools. But the reality is this: technology alone can’t stop a determined individual from causing harm. It must be paired with a culture of vigilance, clear communication, and a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach that prioritizes people.
Having worked in some of the most secure buildings in Lower Manhattan, I’ve seen firsthand how easily physical barriers can be bypassed if the human element isn’t engaged. Tailgating still happens. Threats still get missed. That’s why we advocate for a “people-first, tech-enabled” security approach — one that emphasizes human behavior, coordination, and readiness.
Build from the Inside Out: Insider Threats & Cross-Departmental Teams
The article rightly emphasizes the importance of internal coordination. But putting that into practice means establishing real-time, cross-functional threat response teams that include HR, Legal, Facilities, EHS, and Security. These teams should monitor former employees, disgruntled individuals, or known risks across all tenants in a building.
It’s not easy — but watchlists, consistent communication, and scenario planning can surface vulnerabilities early. Think of this as proactive, not reactive, security.
Rethink Lobby Defense: Train for Behavior, Not Just Access
Security lobbies aren’t just access points — they’re pressure points. Rather than relying solely on physical barriers, property managers should invest in:
- Trained and vigilant guards
- Anti-tailgating procedures
- Bullet-resistant enclosures
- Stricter visitor escort protocols
- Behavioral screening, emotional interviewing, and de-escalation training
Other countries screen for intent, not just objects. We can take a cue from that. Psychological cues, demeanor, and behavior should be part of our front-line defense strategy.
Run, Hide, Fight Is Not Enough — Psychological Preparedness Is Key
The run, hide, fight model is effective only when practiced. But even more important is building psychological resilience in tenants and staff. Regular drills should include everyone — tenants, building owners, property managers, and the security team — because in a real event, everyone’s response matters.
This kind of training builds not just muscle memory, but trust and cooperation across stakeholder groups.
Monitor Threats in Real Time — Internally and Externally
Organizations must evolve beyond static monitoring (e.g., door alarms) and look outward. Threat intelligence teams can actively scan social media, news, and open-source platforms to identify early warning signs. Coordination between building security, tenants, and private intelligence partners ensures that no signal is missed.
Security Culture Matters More Than Ever
Ultimately, the deterrence factor lies in visible, consistent readiness — not just in hardware or headcount. An alert guard, a locked door, a practiced team – all send a signal that a building is not an easy target.
That said, we must also address the ongoing shortage of trained guards, which undermines even the most well-designed systems. It’s not about hiring more – it’s about hiring smarter, training better, and managing fatigue. This includes shift overlaps, ongoing drills, and leadership visibility.
Final Thoughts
The HR Brew article sparked a necessary conversation, and it’s a commendable piece. But as professionals committed to safer spaces, we must go further and really look at these things as our environment evolves.
We need to challenge the idea that security can be automated or outsourced entirely. True safety is more than one layer, but many… people-centered, and proactive.
After 28 years in the field, I’ve seen that while no system is perfect, the presence of a cohesive, well-trained, and communicative security strategy often makes the difference between a close call and a crisis.
