News, Events & Resources
Resources
November 2, 2020
October 12, 2020
Recognizing that gaps still existed in the state’s school safety planning efforts, in April of 2019 Vermont’s Agency of Education and Department of Public Safety embarked on an 18-month school safety planning, training and exercise initiative. The state selected Margolis Healy (MHA), and developed an aggressive 3 phased data driven training approach that focused on the fundamentals of developing on Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), how to design and deliver school safety drills and exercises, and Immediate Action Response Training (IART) with a specific focus on Run/Hide/Fight.
September 18, 2020
Since the U. S. Department of Education (ED) updated its COVID-19 guidance in a series of Electronic Announcements (EA), most recently on 8/21/20, MHA has worked to help you understand your current Clery Act obligations.
June 26, 2020
IntroductionThe May 25, 2020 brutal murder of Mr. George Floyd by four members of the Minneapolis Police Department has, once again, re-ignited the urgent need for educational institutions to “re-imagine” how they create, maintain, and foster safe environments on their campuses. This is especially critical for institutions that maintain their own safety, security or law enforcement entity.
March 30, 2020
As campuses continue to navigate their COVID-19 responses the Clery Act’s requirements present critical compliance challenges. Our resource provides important perspective, context, and guidance to support your efforts in flattening the curve.
March 17, 2020
While effective communication can be challenging during normal operations, it can be even more difficult during emergencies with rapidly evolving and sometimes conflicting information quickly working its way through a 24 hour news cycle and of course social media platforms.
March 5, 2020
To prepare for possible community transmission of COVID-19, the most important thing for IHE to do now is plan and prepare. As the global outbreak evolves, IHE should prepare for the possibility of community-level outbreaks. IHE want to be ready in the event COVID-19 does appear in their communities.
August 6, 2019
SAMPLE Table of Contents– From the University President/Vice President/Provost (general message)– From the Chief of Police/Director of Public Safety (specific message about security initiatives/review of past year, etc. )– About the Annual Security Act (Policies for preparing the annual disclosure of crime statistics)– About the Department of Public Safety (current policies concerning campus law enforcement/working relationship with State and local police/MOUs-MOA/ Daily Crime Log)– Crime reporting procedures (including confidential reporting)Timely Warning Reports– Security of and access to campus facilities, including campus residences (in general, physical security program, i. e.
July 9, 2019
A training tool for investigation, evaluation, and interventionThe guide was developed as part of a grant Margolis Healy received to assist colleges and universities with the adoption and implementation of campus threat assessment programs, policies, and evaluations by hosting seminars throughout the country. The Campus Threat Assessment Studies Training Tool includes:Overview on how to use the guide;Facilitator instructions;Eight case studies that serve as a guided approach to the four parts of the threat assessment process and illustrate the principles of threat assessment in practical exercises. U.
July 2, 2019
Margolis Healy developed this sample Title IX Coordinator job description. You may utilize this template for purposes of drafting a job description that is customized to your institution. Our experts are available for consultations on Title IX programs and compliance; for further information, contact info@margolishealy.
July 1, 2019
Requirement: Policies for preparing the annual disclosure of crime statistics. What does this mean? This refers to how the annual security report is prepared.
April 26, 2018
IACP Model Policy: Active Shooter: This model policy developed by BJA and IACP updated in April 2018 is available on the secure IACP web site. The policy, for responding officers at active shooting and similar deadly force incidents, provides protocols for assessing the threat and performing intervention tactics to limit serious injury or loss of life.
September 11, 2017
Timely Warning Report (TWR) Decision Matrix
January 25, 2017
The White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault released a sample memorandum of understanding (MOU) PDF to provide law enforcement and institutions of higher education with language they can use when developing a formal relationship to improve communication and coordination between campuses and local law enforcement in their efforts to address the serious issue of sexual violence in higher education. The Task Force emphasizes that the sample MOU does not constitute legal advice and that "there is no one-size-fits-all approach in this undertaking. " State and local laws vary, and agencies and IHEs may decide to leave out or include certain provisions.
November 1, 2016
What is the universities commitment to campus safety and security? You can gauge this commitment in a number of very visible ways, starting with the campus public safety agency:Is the agency adequately resourced? Are the members of the department appropriately trained?
June 23, 2016
New from the Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education the highly anticipated Handbook for Campus Safety and Security Reporting 2016 Edition, essential for Clery Act reporting.
June 20, 2016
The challenges of Clery compliance have increased rather than decreased, and necessitate an employee dedicated to Clery compliance for at least 50% of their position. Our recent white paper, "Common Clery Challenges" by Director for Regulatory Compliance Michael N. Webster, covers six key areas where mistakes are made:Publication and ContentCampus Security Authorities and Data CollectionCommon Errors in Data and ReportingThe Violence Against Women Act AmendmentsTesting Your Policies and ProceduresStaffing for Clery ComplianceDownload this paper for detailed information on solutions to avoid mistakes.
October 8, 2015
Margolis Healy, with input from the National Center for Campus Public Safety, conducted an anonymous, online survey for five and a half weeks beginning in April 2015, to assess the current state of campus public safety, confirm findings from the field and information found in other recently released reports such as the Bureau of Justice Statistics' Special Report Campus Law Enforcement 2011-2012. Respondents were invited from Margolis Healy’s and the National Center's email subscribers, social media, and through partnerships with other professional associations via their membership lists and social media. A total of 513 people responded.
May 8, 2015
Planning and Managing Security for Major Special Events: Guidelines for Law Enforcement: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, US Dept. Of Justice. March 2007.
April 27, 2015
On Friday, April 24, 2015, the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), Department of Education (ED), released three new guidance documents for Title IX Coordinators. The documents apply to all school districts (K-12), colleges and universities receiving Federal financial assistance and are inclusive of all previously released guidance documents that have been released by ED and OCR. Dear Colleague Letter: Title IX Coordinators addresses the following:Factors that should be considered when designating a Title IX CoordinatorTitle IX Coordinator's responsibilities and authoritiesTitle IX Coordinator's visibility within the school community and appropriate trainingLetter to Title IX Coordinators include the following:Explanation of accompanying resource guideExplanation of the importance of full support from your institutionTechnical support informationThe Title IX Resource Guide includes the following information:The scope of Title IXResponsibilities and authority of a Title IX CoordinatorAdministrative requirementsApplication of Title IX to various issuesCollection and reporting of informationIf you have any questions about the impact of these documents on your Title IX Coordinators, or your compliance, please don't hesitate to contact us.
April 29, 2014
Margolis Healy Senior Director of Security and Emergency Management Services Daniel R. Pascale, CPP, was invited to submit a chapter to this year's Emerging Issues in K-12 Campus Security: Leading Lawyers and School Security Experts on Creating an Emergency Response Plan, Training Staff, and Observing Warning Signs. His chapter, The Evolution of Campus Security Needs, "is intended to discuss some of the challenges facing school safety and security professionals today and into the future, and to discuss the evolving roles and responsibilities of campus safety stakeholders.
April 24, 2014
State and Local Anti-Terrorism Training (SLATT) for College Law Enforcement: This is a one- to two-day workshop designed to provide terrorism awareness training to campus law enforcement personnel. Course topics are tailored to the specific concerns of college and university campuses and include terrorism indicators, domestic and international terrorist/extremist groups, violent radicalization, and officer safety issues.
April 24, 2014
Major Cities Campus Security Guidelines: MCC and BJA developed the Campus Security Guidelines in order to make a genuine difference in how law enforcement prevents, prepares, responds to and recovers from critical incidents on campus. The Guidelines are real operational policies, developed by the experts—local and campus law enforcement—that can be implemented across the nation. The guidelines include model Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that can be used to assist campus law enforcement to better coordinate with their counterparts in towns, counties, and cities in protecting their campuses.
January 9, 2013
The "I Love You Guys" Foundation was created to restore and protect the joy of youth through educational programs and positive actions in collaboration with families, schools, communities, organizations and government entities.Learn more at iloveyouguys.org
January 3, 2013
In response to the tragic attack at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, Secure Community Network (www. scnus. org) coordinated and hosted the special webinar with the US Department of Homeland Security and the US Department of Justice.
November 8, 2012
Emergency Message Templates General Guidelines
February 6, 2012
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal statute requiring colleges and universities participating in federal financial aid programs to disclose campus crime statistics and security information. The U. S.
November 17, 2011
Based on Margolis Healy's highly experienced team of professionals with extensive practical, policy level, and academic credentials working with institutions to meet and exceed their Clery Act compliance needs; we would like to share with you a sample, Margolis Healy-developed, Clery Act Compliance Coordinator job description. Position InformationPosition Title: Clery Act Compliance CoordinatorDate Prepared: Nov. 2011Reports to: AVP, Police/Public Safety and SecurityPrepared by: AVP of Police/Public Safety and Security ServicesDescription:Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Police and Security Services, the Clery Act Compliance Coordinator works collaboratively with various offices at the University to ensure the institution’s compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and associated regulations.
Margolis Healy has compiled a variety of resources about our industry to share with those who want to learn more. Here you'll find specific information on issues facing higher education institutions including regulatory compliance, campus safety, and security. We're always looking for new resources to add to our growing list of whitepapers, presentations and articles, so please contact us if you have recommendations or feedback.
Recent News
March 9, 2023
Workplace violence has been on the rise in recent years. This trend reflects both a more violent society generally and the unique disruptions created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many organizations are facing novel security challenges because their “new normal” often means remote and hybrid workforces.
March 2, 2023
Since 2014, the American workforce has experienced over a million violent crimes every year. Per the Department of Labor Statistics, in 2020 alone, more than 20,000 workers in private industry were subjected to assault resulting in lost workdays, and 392 workers were victims of workplace homicide. In 2021, the number of fatalities rose to 481.
February 23, 2023
Dan Pascale, Executive Vice President of Margolis Healy, will speak at this seminar centered around crucial topics like workplace security, data protection, and crisis communications for small to mid-sized law firms. The seminar will feature three segments. The full lineup of presentations and speakers includes:Management “Land Mine” #1: Workplace Security Cybersecurity Essentials – Phish, Whales & Other Sea Creatures: How to Identify & Avoid Common Hacking Attacks – Ron Menold, Brian Gillam & Trevor McGuinnessPhysical Security Essentials – Build That Wall: Ensuring Your Personal Safety, Protection & Emergency Response at Home & at Work – Dan PascaleWorkplace Security Essentials – Ensuring a Safe Workplace Law Firm Environment – Debbie FriedmanManagement “Land Mine” #2: Protecting Data & Avoiding DisqualificationManaging Client Data and Preserving Privilege – Joe Tate & Nicole GillNavigating Thorny Ethics, Professional Responsibility & Positional Conflicts Issues – Deb Winokur & Sarah SweeneyManagement “Land Mine” #3: Handling Crisis CommunicationsNot All Press is Good Press: Handling Crisis Communications, Reputation Management & Litigation Communications – Tilden Katz & Lynne Espy-WilliamsCLE is approved in NY, CA, TX, IL, NV, and PA.
September 27, 2022
To read the article, click here
August 23, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA. – August 23, 2022 – Margolis Healy, a professional services firm and ancillary business of Cozen O’Connor, is excited to announce several key additions to its experienced staff of consultants and subject matter experts. The firm welcomes four new seasoned industry professionals to its rapidly growing consulting practice to provide strategy and expertise to workplaces, communities, schools, and campuses to create safe, welcoming, and respectful environments for their employees, students, and community members.
August 22, 2022
Daniel Pascale was quoted in HR Dive discussing the increase of violence. The last few years have brought a jump in homicides, Daniel pointed on in an August 3 webinar. And sadly, he said, “we’re going to see that spill into the workplace.
May 2, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA. – May 2, 2022 – Margolis Healy is excited to announce that Jonathan Kassa has joined its consulting practice. Jonathan has led innovative national initiatives to increase community safety and victim advocacy over a career spanning 29 years.
September 29, 2021
Steven Healy spoke with NBC5 about the importance of emergency alerts sent on campuses. He recommends all universities take steps to make sure there's no delay in emergency alerts. "Institutions should be testing their systems on a regular basis.
February 11, 2021
WILLISTON, VT. – February 11, 2021 – Margolis Healy is excited to announce that Gabe Gates, formerly from the University of Virginia and the Pennsylvania State University, has joined its consulting practice. Gates brings his extensive leadership experience in campus safety, Clery Act compliance, youth protection, and policy development to his role with Margolis Healy.
April 2, 2020
Earlier today, CEO and co-founder of Margolis Healy Steven Healy announced the promotion of Robert L. Evans to director of K-12 Services. Since 2014, Evans, a retired captain with the Vermont State Police and a former Army Ranger, has served in a unique role for Margolis Healy as the liaison to the Vermont Agency of Education and Department of Public Safety.
September 9, 2019
WILLISTON, VT. – September 9, 2019 – Cozen O’Connor and Margolis Healy announced that Christi Hurt has joined both firms as vice president for strategic initiatives. In this newly created position, Hurt will lead strategic initiatives for both Margolis Healy and Cozen O’Connor’s Institutional Response Group.
June 7, 2019
Dan Pascale discussed with WCAX3 about the efforts in Vermont to keep children safe at school. Law enforcement evaluated 95 percent of schools in Vermont last year. Now, almost $700,000 from a Department of Homeland Security grant will help schools with emergency preparedness.
May 16, 2019
Kathy Zoner discussed with Campus Security Report about what a campus safety leader should do when creating an efficient unit. “Nothing beats face-to-face” for getting feedback on your performance, Zoner said. You can conduct surveys or hold forums.
May 7, 2019
Steven Healy discussed with the USA Today about how a campus layout impacts protecting people on campus like it did at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Universities can be particularly hard to protect against people with bad intentions. They tend to be open spaces, especially public colleges like UNCC, and it can be hard to track everyone who comes and goes.
April 29, 2019
BURLINGTON, VT. – April 29, 2019 – Margolis Healy today announced that the firm will partner with Vermont’s Department of Public Safety to provide school safety planning, training, and exercise assistance to Vermont schools. This partnership marks the second phase of a school safety strategy announced by the Scott Administration in February 2018, following the first phase of a statewide school safety assessment overseen by DPS.
March 7, 2019
Margolis Healy will be discussing our campus safety report during a special meeting with the Board of Trustees, PSU community and public. Click here for the full story.
March 5, 2019
Kathy Zoner — who worked for 27 years in the Cornell Police Department, the last decade serving as the university’s chief of police — joins Margolis Healy as director of organizational assessments. Kathy will manage all projects related to campus safety assessments including management and staffing studies, post-incident reviews, special investigations, and other projects related to campus safety and security. “I am excited for the opportunity to more broadly share the vast human relations knowledge and positive police-community relationship building I have gained while at Cornell.
August 3, 2017
Cozen O’Connor Acquires Safety and Security Consulting FirmMargolis Healy & Associates serves universities, colleges, K-12 schools, government agencies, and private entities across the country on matters of safety and security Philadelphia, August 3, 2017 - Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce the acquisition of Margolis Healy & Associates, LLC, a leading consulting firm specializing in safety and security and regulatory compliance in the United States. This acquisition by a business subsidiary of Cozen O’Connor comes six months after Cozen O’Connor launched the country’s premier Institutional Response Group led by Gina Maisto Smith and Leslie Gomez. The highly accomplished attorneys in the Institutional Response Group provide legal advice and guidance to assist institutions in preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based harassment and violence, child abuse, and other forms of interpersonal violence.
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Margolis Healy and Associates and COSECURE hosted a webinar in conjunction with PaWARN on the cyber and physical security threats that water and wastewater facilities face today. Dr. Ronald Menold of COSECURE and Daniel Pascale of Margolis Healy were joined by Mike Snyder of PaWARN for this webinar.
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