Security for Danbury, Connecticut-based Cartus requires continuously monitoring and reporting on situations or events that could impact its employees working and traveling around the world.
The company provides mobility and workforce development support to corporate, government and membership organizations worldwide. Cartus assists more than 130,000 transferees, expatriate assignees and members each year, and offers consulting, intercultural training, outsourcing and mobility management services to its clients.
Cartus’ 2,700 employees work at 11 offices in Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas, as well as in 33 client offices in seven countries. Securitas USA monitors the needs and travel plans of Cartus employees and maintain a direct line of support to them, wherever they are. It notifies them via PDA or e-mail, or they can access current information and talk to a live person 24 hours a day by calling a special telephone number.
When a situation that has the potential to pose a broader threat to Cartus or its employees occurs, a Headquarters Crisis Management Team consisting of on-site Cartus and Securitas managers quickly convenes to chart an appropriate course of action.
Security for headquarters
At Cartus headquarters, Securitas works closely with Debbie Smith, director of facilities, to recruit employees in each area of the building to act as floor/fire wardens who identify and report potential hazards, and assist if a building evacuation is necessary.
“We depend on the Securitas account management team to help us standardize procedures and handle emergencies,” says Smith. “They schedule drills, monitor our security systems, and respond to emergency situations. That goes a long way toward helping our employees feel safe in their work environment.”
During business hours, Securitas security officers greet visitors, direct any internal emergency calls to the security/facilities team and emergency dispatcher, and monitor CCTV cameras and news reports. In addition, Securitas staff handles security and access control at shipping and receiving and other main entry points, and operates two security vans that shuttle employees or visitors to and from the parking lot and other local sites.
International Support
“Three years ago, Securitas was designated as one of our preferred vendors,” says Larry Post, Cartus’ vice president, Global Real Estate and Facilities. “That was not only based on their U.S. performance, but also on the support they’re able to provide to us internationally.”
With a single call, Cartus can arrange for security services at any U.S. location, as well as at all of Cartus’ major international locations through affiliates of Securitas USA. In addition, Pinkerton Consulting & Investigations has provided Cartus with valuable intelligence and advice, particularly in the U.K. and Asia.
“The single point of contact concept is one of the most valuable services that Securitas USA provides,” added Post. “We do not have to make multiple calls on any item to get things in motion. Whether the matter is urgent or routine, Securitas USA handles things right from the initial call. They are dependable yet flexible and understand their clients’ needs.”