Vision Al Blog
On June 25, 2019, at 6:00 p.m., a 60-year-old man, armed with two handguns, walked into the Morgan Hill Ford dealership in California. Just hours after being fired, he opened fire on his former colleagues, tragically killing two managers.
This tragic event is not an isolated incident—according to the FBI, 95% of active shooters in businesses closed to pedestrian traffic—such as manufacturing centers, office buildings, and distribution centers—are current or former employees. But the risks don’t stop there. Other environments, like universities, hospitals, and corporate campuses, also face significant threats ranging from insider attacks to workplace violence.
What if these incidents could be prevented? Increasingly, when the assailant is known, they can.
In our latest podcast episode, “Proactive Strategies for High-Stakes Environments: Technology, Training & Tactics,” our experts delve into innovative approaches and tools for preventing critical incidents. While threats may be inevitable, our panel demonstrates that bad outcomes are never acceptable nor unavoidable.
Meet the Experts
Joe Souza
Vice President of Sales, Serverli
Former Director of Security, University of Florida
LinkedIn
Joe Souza, with over 35 years of experience in the security field, discusses the importance of preparation and response in high-stakes environments. Reflecting on his experience, Joe notes, “One of the biggest concerns that’s existed for decades now, going back to Columbine, is active shooter scenarios. Training and proactive measures are key to preventing these tragedies.”
Avi Golan
CEO, Oosto
LinkedIn
Avi Golan, who has been at the forefront of developing AI technologies for security, shares insights on how predictive analytics and AI are transforming the way organizations approach security. “AI helps us understand the environment before an incident happens,” Avi explains. “It’s about predicting what could happen and taking action before it does.”
Wes Drake
Chief Operating Officer, Omni Response
LinkedIn
Wes Drake, Retired Military Veteran that has an elaborate network within Special Operations and Joint Environments and an expert in school safety and active shooter response, emphasizes the importance of rehearsals and integrated technology. “Rehearsals are the number one thing that’s overlooked, yet they’re critical. They reveal pain points and help us integrate technology effectively during an emergency,” Wes states.
Patrick Welsh
General Manager, Americas Oosto
LinkedIn
Patrick Welsh, with over 25 years of experience in enterprise security, discusses the necessity of integrating technology and human insight in crisis situations. “It’s not enough to have the right tools—you need to ensure that your people and systems are ready to act, and that requires thorough preparation and ongoing assessment,” Patrick asserts.
Episode 3
The Power of Preparedness
Learn how routine rehearsals and risk assessments can expose vulnerabilities and improve response strategies before a crisis occurs. Wes Drake emphasizes, “Rehearsals expose vulnerabilities and give us the chance to refine our strategies before we face a real threat.”
Behavior Recognition
Explore how monitoring behavioral changes and early warning signs can help prevent tragic incidents like those involving disgruntled employees. Joe Souza emphasizes, “Ignoring the signs is not an option—understanding behavior is our first line of defense.”
Coordinated Crisis Response
Discover why building strong, proactive relationships with law enforcement is essential for effective crisis management in high-stakes environments. Joe Souza shares, “Coordinating with law enforcement and having them familiar with your facilities is crucial. That’s not the time to give them a map and say, ‘Here you go.’”
Why Listen?
Security challenges are evolving, and so should your strategy. This episode offers practical, actionable advice from industry leaders on how to stay ahead of the curve and protect your organization from unexpected threats.
Listen Now: oosto.com/podcast
