| October 27, 2009. A high school student is brutally | | | | If they were versed in matters of security, they |
| raped and robbed on Richmond High School grounds | | | | would know to conduct threat and vulnerability |
| during a homecoming dance in a dark alley. The rape | | | | assessments on a regular basis, and before a major |
| continued for over two hours while bystanders | | | | event (such as a dance). If they were experts then |
| watched, and some even participated. It was not until | | | | they would have identified the alley as a security |
| the police received a phone call from someone who | | | | vulnerability before the event.[4] If they were experts, |
| overheard the perpetrators bragging about the incident | | | | they would have implemented a security awareness |
| that they located her unconscious under a bench. [1] | | | | campaign before they hosted the dance. If they were |
| Apparently, security guards responsible for the event | | | | responsible, they would have realized they were not |
| were released a half-hour before the victim left the | | | | experts, and hired a consultant. The whole matter |
| dance. There were four police officers present at the | | | | could have been easily avoided. |
| dance, but as police officers they were not under the | | | | The responsibilities that Richmond High School |
| direct control of the school district, and their presence | | | | neglected are the same responsibilities many |
| was not sufficient to ensure security at the event. [2] | | | | businesses and industries have towards their |
| The dance was a school sanctioned event, and the | | | | customers and employees. Although the school district |
| incident occurred on the school grounds while the | | | | was strapped for cash, there were several proactive |
| student was waiting for their parent to arrive. | | | | steps that they could have taken in order to fulfill their |
| Richmond High School therefore had a "duty of care" | | | | duties. By electing not to consult with an expert, a |
| [3] to ensure the safety and security of everyone | | | | business can face similar operational threatening |
| present. By failing to provide adequate security, the | | | | liabilities for failing to secure personnel, information, or |
| school has breached its duty of care responsibilities | | | | trade secrets. Security Consultants are experts who |
| and is liable for the incident. Even worse, the school | | | | can help with threat intelligence, emergency and |
| was aware of the lighting problem in the alley but did | | | | continuity planning, policy development, security |
| not direct security personnel to patrol it. [4] | | | | awareness programs, and controlling risk. Operating |
| The individuals in charge, from the superintendant up | | | | without one is like walking a tight rope without a net. |
| to the board, have been making security related | | | | End Notes |
| decisions. They are not security professionals. They | | | | [1] B. Kates, "Richmond High School gang rape: Cops |
| lack the expertise to properly secure their students | | | | arrest 2 in attack on Calif. teen girl; Bystanders did |
| and fulfill their "duty of care". Instead, they hired a few | | | | nothing", Daily News, October, 2009 |
| guards and brought in local police. | | | | [2] S. |