Exposing School Security Risks and Closing the Gaps
By: Michelle Cummings Managing Director, Hedge Security Solutions An educators goal is to provide a full and meaningful education to all students under their
The numbers publicly reported on mass shootings are FBI numbers, which do not define mass shootings as we would understand. The numbers they release are “mass murder” numbers, which they define as 4 or more people killed. This thinking minimizes the impact of mass shootings on our society. The Gun Violence Archive tracks mass shootings which more accurately represents the impact by tracking events where 4 or more people are shot or killed, not including the shooter.
In 2022, the numbers shown by the FBI were 36 mass shootings. In reality, there were 645 mass shootings. So far in 2023, the FBI numbers are 30. There have actually been 563 mass shootings. The differences in this methodology are astronomical. The final death tally for these horrific events is not what we should be looking at to classify this type of violence. The intent of the killer is what is important.
What measures are you taking to ensure the safety and security of your students, employees, volunteers, and customers? Make your people your priority!!
The numbers publicly reported on mass shootings are FBI numbers, which do not define mass shootings as we would understand. The numbers they release are “mass murder” numbers, which they define as 4 or more people killed. This thinking minimizes the impact of mass shootings on our society. The Gun Violence Archive tracks mass shootings which more accurately represents the impact by tracking events where 4 or more people are shot or killed, not including the shooter.
In 2022, the numbers shown by the FBI were 36 mass shootings. In reality, there were 645 mass shootings. So far in 2023, the FBI numbers are 30. There have actually been 563 mass shootings. The differences in this methodology are astronomical. The final death tally for these horrific events is not what we should be looking at to classify this type of violence. The intent of the killer is what is important.
What measures are you taking to ensure the safety and security of your students, employees, volunteers, and customers? Make your people your priority!!
In 2022, the numbers shown by the FBI were 36 mass shootings. In reality, there were 645 mass shootings. The differences in this methodology are astronomical. The final death tally for these horrific events is not what we should be looking at to classify this type of violence. The intent of the killer is what is important.
What measures are you taking to ensure the safety and security of your students, employees, volunteers, and customers? Make your people your priority!!
In 2022, the numbers shown by the FBI were 36 mass shootings. In reality, there were 645 mass shootings. The differences in this methodology are astronomical. The final death tally for these horrific events is not what we should be looking at to classify this type of violence. The intent of the killer is what is important.
What measures are you taking to ensure the safety and security of your students, employees, volunteers, and customers? Make your people your priority!!
In 2022, the numbers shown by the FBI were 36 mass shootings. In reality, there were 645 mass shootings. The differences in this methodology are astronomical. The final death tally for these horrific events is not what we should be looking at to classify this type of violence. The intent of the killer is what is important.
What measures are you taking to ensure the safety and security of your students, employees, volunteers, and customers? Make your people your priority!!
At Hedge Security Solutions, LLC, we are certified through the National Institute of Crime Prevention as Professional Designation Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Site-Security Assessors. We are also certified through the American Crime Prevention Institute as Security Assessment Specialists and School Security Specialists. We are also certified as A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival and “Stop the Bleed” Instructors. We now offer the new Hedge Security Solutions Situational Awareness Training.
These are in-depth assessments that cover every area of security. We address:
Environmental Security
Physical Security
Electronic Security
Procedural Security
We provide a crime analysis of the area a facility is located in and access everything from property boundaries to the inner most part of the facility. We will provide you with the most cost-effective measures to make the needed improvements to the facility’s security.
This is a 2-hour course that is available in person, online, or via Zoom. In the near future, it will also be available on a self-paced online platform. This training prepares anyone to recognize potential problems before they become real problems.
Inhibitors to awareness
Listening to your intuition
Recognizing abnormal behaviors
When to have heightened awareness
Changing body language to become a “hard target”
Exercises to improve awareness
“What if” training
A.L.I.V.E. is the best active shooter survival training program on the market today. It is an improvement on the “Run, Hide, Fight” program. A.L.I.V.E. puts a major focus on mindset and presents a more proactive approach to responding to this type of violence. The course is available in person, via Zoom, and on a self-paced online platform. This training can also be personalized for your facility.
“Stop the Bleed” is emergency first aid for gunshot wounds. It covers the following:
Applying pressure to stop bleeding
Wound packing to stop bleeding
Applying a tourniquet to stop bleeding
In an active shooter event, first aid will not be given until the threat is neutralized. Blood loss is one of the leading causes of death after being shot. This course teaches how to provide these life saving measure if you are every confronted with this situation.
Hedge Security Solutions will provide your organization with a comprehensive security assessment as well as a written security plan. This will involve conducting a security survey with the client and subsequently performing a walkthrough site assessment. The following areas will be addressed in the security plan
Emergency Planning – the product of this area will be a comprehensive security plan based upon the overall security needs of your organization. This will include, but not limited to, evacuation procedures, how to respond in the case of a violent intruder, changes in lighting and landscaping, and/or numbers to call in the case of an emergency for the quickest response time.
Active Shooter Training – we have Certified Active Shooter Trainers on staff who can train your employees on appropriate ways to respond in the event of a violent intruder gaining access to your facility.
Physical Security – we have vendor partners who are available to provide your organization physical security as needed. Whether your organization is having a special event with more people than normal at your facility, you need to protect a special asset, or you need physical security on an ongoing basis, we have a solution for you.
Security Systems and Cameras – we have vendor partners who will provide high tech solutions that fit the specific needs of your organization. This may include indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, glass break sensors, motion sensors, and the best and highest technology in alarm capability.
Campus Perimeter Improvements – campus perimeter improvements
are not something that is normally considered by an organization when thinking about the security of the facility. In fact, changes in landscaping can improve the visibility from your windows to the exterior of your facility, improve the flow in and out of your facility, and/or prevent quick access into the facility.
Safe Rooms – we have vendor partners that will design and install a safe room based upon the needs of the organization and the number of people that it needs to protect.
Stop the Bleed is a training program we provide along with the ALIVE Training.
By: Michelle Cummings Managing Director, Hedge Security Solutions An educators goal is to provide a full and meaningful education to all students under their
By Michelle Cummings and Daniel Dean January 19, 2024 Recently, we studied the independent investigation conducted by Guidepost Solutions, LLC, in reference to the school
By: Daniel Dean, Michelle Cummings January 12, 2023 UPDATE – on January 14, 2024, the Principal of Perry High School died, bringing the number killed
By Michelle Cummings December 13, 2023 Situational Awareness applies to EVERYONE EVERYWHERE in ALL situations. We need to be aware of what is going on
Appointment Scheduling
Site Visit/Security Assessment
Project Bid
Appointment Scheduling
Site Visit/Security Assessment
Project Bid
Finalizing/Implementing Security Plan
Michelle is an Army Veteran and served in the regular Army as well as the TN Army National Guard and the AL Army National Guard. She graduated as Honor Graduate from the TN Military Academy and Officer Candidate School in 2003. In her role as a business owner in Huntsville, AL, she has worked closely with the Huntsville Police Department since 2006. She was a member of the Huntsville Community Watch Association Board for 4 years and continues to work closely with the Huntsville Police Department to this day. While working with the City of Huntsville, she trained as a Certified Civilian Response Team (CERT) Member.Michelle has owned a number of successful businesses since 2006 and is committed to the security of her facilities as well as of the people who use them. Her commitment to this security goal made her mindful of the need for organizational security solutions for others. For this reason, she created a company to investigate every aspect of a company’s security plan and help them keep their people safe.
Dan is a retired Huntsville Police Department senior supervisor and a 25 year veteran of HPD. He was a patrol supervisor for 13 years, the supervisor of the Property Crimes Unit for 3 years, and also served as the interim supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit. Dan is a certified instructor in ALIVE Active Shooter Survival. He is also certified with a Professional Designation through the National Institute of Crime Prevention as a specialist in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). He has received specialized training in Terrorism Awareness, Emergency Response to Terrorism, Critical Incident Stress Training and numerous other related courses.
Dan is a life-long resident of North Alabama. He graduated from Madison County High School and Athens State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies. He is the father of 3 children, 2 of which are still in the Madison County School System. He serves as a Deacon at Pleas Mount Baptist Church and has been a Sunday School Teacher for both children and adults. Dan’s passion, lifelong training and law enforcement experience is an asset for organizations and our community in order to help prevent and prepare for a moment of crisis.
As a security solutions provider, Hedge Security Solutions, LLC is committed to helping organizations maintain a safe and secure environment.
As a security solutions provider, Hedge Security Solutions, LLC takes a proactive approach to helping organizations develop comprehensive strategies to
Michelle is an Army veteran, who also served in the Tennessee and Alabama National Guard. She graduated as Honor Graduate from the Tennessee Military Academy and Officer Candidate School in 2003. In her role as a business owner in Huntsville, AL, she has worked closely with the Huntsville Police Department since 2006. She was a member of the Huntsville Community Watch Association Board for 4 years and continues to work closely with the Huntsville Police Department to this day. While working with the City of Huntsville, she trained as a Certified Civilian Response Team (CERT) member. Michelle has owned a number of successful businesses since 2006 and is committed to the security of her facilities as well as of the people who use them. Her commitment to this security goal made her mindful of the need for organizational security solutions for others. For this reason, she created a company to investigate every aspect of a company’s security plan and help them keep their people safe. Michelle is also an instructor and co-creator of the Hedge Security Solutions Situational Awareness Training Course.
Dan is a retired Huntsville Police Department Sergeant and a 25-year veteran of HPD. He was a patrol sergeant for 13 years, the sergeant of the Property Crimes Unit for 3 years, and also served as the interim sergeant of the Financial Crimes Unit. Dan is a certified A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Instructor. He is certified with the professional designation as a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Assessor through the National Institute of Crime Prevention. He is also certified as a Security Assessment Specialist and a School Security Specialist through the American Crime Prevention Institute. He has received specialized training in Terrorism Awareness, Emergency Response to Terrorism, Critical Incident Stress Training, and numerous other related courses. Dan is an instructor and co-creator of the Hedge Security Solutions Situational Awareness Training Course.
Dan is a life-long resident of North Alabama. He graduated from Madison County High School and Athens State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies. He is the father of 3 children and serves as a Deacon at Pleas Mount Baptist Church. Dan’s passion, lifelong training and law enforcement experience is an asset for organizations and our community in order to help prevent and prepare for moments of crisis.
Jill is a consultant with Hedge Security Solutions, LLC. She is the owner of The Uplift Effect Coaching and Consulting, LLC. Jill is a professional consultant and executive leadership coach, as well as a counselor/therapist who is passionate about supporting leaders as they develop their skillsets in the workforce. Jill graduated with a BS in Clinical Counseling and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She is in an ongoing process of certification through the ICF (International Coaching Federation). Jill serves in a variety of roles at Hedge Security Solutions, LLC. Jill is also an instructor and co-creator of the Hedge Security Solutions Situational Awareness Training Course.
Kara has a diverse background that makes her uniquely qualified to be a member of the Hedge Security Solutions, LLC team. She has a degree in Merchandising from the Southern Institute, which provides her with the education to contribute to marketing, sales and advertising. Her focus is to get the message out regarding the training and services we provide.
Kara also has a degree in Nursing from Jefferson State Community College and worked as a nurse for over 20 years. She can relate to the physical and psychological damage that a traumatic event can cause on victims and survivors, as well as the extended effect on family and friends.
"This is excellent training I think everyone should have.
I would like to see it taught in schools and to all the parents and in all work places"
"Very good information. Eye opening stuff I have never thought about"
"I appreciate this & the information. It could very well save lives"
"Dan did a great job - very informative"
"I thought the instructor did an exceptional job and was well-versed in his material"
I can attest to Hedge Security's professionalism, expertise, and dedication to ensuring the safety and security of a school campus. Their team conducted a comprehensive security assessment for our school, and the results were clear, concise, and tangible.
President. Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE)
He(Dan) did a threat assessment and constantly communicated each step with us...I have been thoroughly pleased and would recommend them to your church or school.
Head of School. Cullman Christian School
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