January kicked off the year with a clear message: security programs must be designed to adapt, integrate, and lead with both insight and intent.
As organizations navigate an increasingly complex security landscape, January’s blogs offered fresh insights into how modern security programs are evolving. From proactive threat preparedness on campus to why human officers still matter in an AI world, here’s a look back at the top thought leadership pieces from this month.
Campus security in 2026: threat assessment and preparedness
Universities face a broader range of risks, including behavioral and unauthorized access, operational disruptions, and emergency events. In this blog, Chris Connolly, Area Vice President at Securitas USA, shares strategies that help campuses balance openness with preparedness. The emphasis is on proactive threat assessment, integrated response models, and collaborative leadership to help strengthen resilience in higher education settings.
The new standard of integrated security
Security delivery is evolving beyond traditional hybrid approaches. Tommy Zarna, Mobile Region President, explores how intentional integration of people, processes, and technology can help create adaptable, intelligence-driven programs. This new standard shifts the focus from reactive coverage to strategic, future-ready design.
Why officers still matter in an AI world
In a narrative that brings the human element of safety to life, Connor Nash, Digital Programs Manager, explains why officers remain essential. Even as AI reshapes detection and analytics. Technology can filter data and enhance awareness, but it cannot replace human judgment, context, and the ability to build trust. The most effective security blends data with presence, empathy, and situational judgment.
How innovation helps drive safer client outcomes
Security programs must adapt to increasingly interconnected physical and digital risks. This post by Connor Nash, Digital Programs Manager, and Lauren Castellano, VP of Product Management & Innovation, highlights how digital tools, data-driven insights, and human-centered design are redefining modern security delivery. Innovation isn’t about the newest technology; it’s about creating adaptable, insight-driven operations that help support better decision-making. When technology and people co-evolve, teams can move from reacting to risks to anticipating them.
Risk Intelligence trends & projections
Security leaders need more than alerts; they need anticipatory insight. Our newest Security Connected webcast episode dives into how intelligence-led decision-making is redefining protection for global enterprises. Moderated by Laura Rose, VP of Strategy & Marketing, the conversation brings together three experts: Mike Evans, Director of Risk Intelligence, Raymond Fleck, Global Account Director of Pinkerton, and Tammy Wood, VP of Sales, to unpack how AI, predictive analytics, and human expertise converge to turn raw data into foresight for organizations navigating global risk.
These insights help security and business leaders better anticipate disruption, help protect people and assets, and help leverage intelligence as a strategic advantage, not just a security function.
This episode also builds on insights from the Annual RIC Outlook Report, which explores emerging risk drivers, global intelligence assessments, and forward-looking scenarios shaping 2026 and beyond. Dive deeper and explore the Securitas Annual RIC Outlook Report with detailed analysis and strategic guidance for security and business leaders navigating the year ahead.
Setting the foundation for a smarter security year
January’s insights highlight a common theme shaping security in 2026: progress happens when people, technology, and strategy work together by design. From integrated delivery models to human-centered innovation, these perspectives reinforce the importance of building security programs that are flexible, intelligence-led, and grounded in real-world expertise.
As the year continues, Securitas USA will continue to share insights to help organizations and leaders anticipate risk, adapt with confidence, and make smarter security decisions. Stay tuned for more thought leadership in the months ahead.
