Introducing…Conversations with CAP
Welcome to Conversations with CAP, our new video and podcast series where we sit down with leaders, innovators, and subject matter experts from across the security and risk management world. Each episode dives into real-world challenges, evolving industry trends, and the strategies professionals are using to stay ahead. Whether you’re managing security for a single location or overseeing operations at a national scale, these conversations are designed to spark ideas, share knowledge, and help you make more informed decisions.
A Conversation with Mary Gates
In this inaugural episode of Conversations with CAP, CAP Index’s Executive Vice President Walter Palmer sits down with Mary Gates, President of GMR Security Services. Mary shares insights from her extensive background in financial services security, including leadership roles at the American Bankers Association and within ASIS International. She discusses the value of collaboration, mentoring, and building strong programs in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
Highlights from the Conversation
Comprehensive Security Risk Management: Beyond Crime Data
Effective security risk management requires a holistic approach—crime data is a vital component, but only one piece of a much larger puzzle. To truly understand and mitigate risks, organizations must evaluate multiple factors including the specific location, the surrounding environment, facility characteristics, and operational patterns like traffic flow during day and night. Crime statistics alone, especially when inconsistent or outdated, offer limited insight without context.
Collecting reliable crime data can be challenging due to variations in reporting standards across jurisdictions and evolving systems like NIBRS. This complexity means that organizations must supplement data analysis with thorough risk assessments, on-site evaluations, and tailored intelligence solutions—such as CAP Index reports—to identify threats, vulnerabilities, and inform security strategies that protect both people and property.
The Power of Professional Engagement and Networking
Staying effective and growing as a security professional demands ongoing learning, collaboration, and connection. Industry involvement through organizations like ASIS or sector-specific groups provides invaluable access to experienced peers, mentors, and current best practices. Whether you’re starting out or transitioning from law enforcement or military roles, building a network offers practical benefits—from troubleshooting unique challenges to discovering innovative solutions and career opportunities.
Engagement with professional communities helps security practitioners stay informed, challenged, and supported throughout their careers, ensuring they can adapt to the evolving demands of security disciplines—be it corporate, physical, cyber, investigations, or specialized sectors like energy or financial services.
Guidance for Emerging Security Professionals
For those early in their career or exploring the security field, immersing yourself in a broad professional community is key. Joining groups like ASIS allows you to explore diverse security disciplines and find your passion—whether in investigations, physical security, cyber, or niche industries. Security today goes far beyond traditional concepts of guards and gates; it is a specialized, dynamic profession with numerous pathways.
Taking the time to identify what inspires you will guide your development and career choices. Leveraging professional organizations, local chapters, and peer networks helps you gain practical knowledge, mentorship, and meaningful connections that will empower your growth and success in this critical and rewarding field.
See the full article on the CAP Index website.