SM Online February 2016
RETAIL SHRINK
In the retail sector, global shrink increased in the United States to nearly 2 percent of sales during 2014-2015, up from 1.28 percent of sales in 2013-2014, according to the most recent Global Retail Theft Barometer report. Worldwide, shrink rose to 1.42 percent of sales in 2014-2015, up from 0.94 percent the previous year, according to the study. Another report, the National Retail Security Survey, found that U.S. inventory shrink amounted to $44 billion in losses for retailers in 2014. The Organized Retail Crime Survey from the National Retail Federation reports on the status of organized shoplifting. Highlights from the three reports are available at SM Online.
CORRUPTION
Corruption is putting international security at risk in the Middle East and North Africa, according to a new report by Transparency International. Among other things, corruption is contributing to arms proliferation and the infiltration of organized crime into the region.
MEDICAL HACKS
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is required by law to post the information of any medical cybersecurity breach affecting more than 500 people. The roster, which begins in 2009, lists more than 1,400 incidents.
SECURITY AWARDS
A new program, the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs), recognizes companies and individuals across the security sector. The criteria for these awards are based on extensive research on key factors that contribute to and characterize outstanding performance. Three countries have already held awards ceremonies, and the program aims to be international in scope.
RAIL SAFETY
Before Congress extended the deadline for U.S. railroads to install positive train control technology, the American Chemistry Council published a studyoutlining the economic impacts of a nationwide railway shutdown.
SAFE HARBOR
The European Court of Justice struck down the European Union Commission's Safe Harbor agreement with the United States, declaring it invalid in a recent ruling. The court reasoned that U.S. public authorities are not subject to the agreement, enabling interference "with the fundamental rights of persons."
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE
Before shooting his former colleagues on live television, Vester Lee Flanagan II filed a lawsuit against his former employer, the Roanoke, Virginia, television station. The court documents provide insight into Flanagan's behavior leading up to the shooting. Documents that can be viewed via SM Online include personnel records, subpoenas, correspondence, and court filings.
