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Securing Public Spaces Through Prior Planning

In recent years, it seems as if terror attacks and active shooter events have become almost commonplace.  While cable news networks and social media platforms use fear mongering tactics to lead the public into believing that no place is safe, with reliable information, and sound prior planning, the above myth can be overcome.  While tragedies do happen at our nation’s schools, concerts, sporting events, and transit stations, the truth is, statistically speaking, the odds of these events unfolding is still exponentially small.  Creating a safe gathering place for friends and family to attend openly, freely, and with peace of mind, can still be accomplished.

Private citizens are now hyper aware of the presence of law enforcement and safety personnel at special events. The first step you can take as an event organizer is to determine a security budget for the event. If the budget allows, hiring off duty law enforcement, or a private security company goes a long way in providing deterrence to criminals. Not only that, having this increased presence will help provide peace of mind to event consumers and organizers, hopefully increasing your attendance. Outsourcing your security needs to trained, vigilant officers really is the best bang for your buck. Law enforcement and security officers are trained in disaster response, de-escalation, and CPR, just to name a few. If you decide to have an in-house employee stand in as a security officer, the odds of them having the same formal training would be rare. Taking shortcuts when it comes to security opens you up to immense risk and will definitely be noticed by attendees.

Next, placing as many barriers between the event space and surrounding structures, including streets, can have an enormous impact in keeping event goers safe. This seems like common sense, but according to many security industry experts, many event organizers take this step for granted. In a day in age where terrorists are using vehicles as weapons, a simple, heavy concrete barrier can be an effective deterrent. Making unauthorized entry as difficult as possible is key. This becomes harder to manage the larger the event is. Limiting the number of entrances and exits, while it may lead to longer lines and wait times, is truly the best way to manage the event traffic flow. Bag checks are another integral part of the process. Consider instituting a “clear bag” policy for all attendees, or a mandatory bag check. For large street events, not all barriers have to be visually unsightly. For example, large, cement filled potted plants and trees can be an effective, but aesthetically pleasing barrier.

Finally, perhaps the newest frontier in securing public spaces starts with architectural and structural design. Many new constructions are now utilizing various styles that the general public might not even realize are done to enhance security. For example, after the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy, designers fully remodeled the school to include landscaping that limited the building’s visibility from the street, added bullet resistant windows, and floor to ceiling windows to increase surveillance on anyone within the immediate vicinity of the school. Large office complexes and shopping centers are no different. The more open design concept and incorporation of more windows is not only on trend in modern architecture, but also adds peace of mind to customers and employees alike. As a general rule, designers have adopted the mindset that natural surveillance is key. The less potential criminals can see into a structure the better, and on the other hand, the more insiders can see what’s going on outside the better.

Unfortunately, the risk for mass violence will never fully be eliminated. However, if event organizers, business managers, and the general public take steps to be vigilant in thwarting potential attacks, the likelihood of such tragedies are exponentially decreased. It’s very important to show resolve and continue to be confident when attending events and visiting public spaces. Not doing so, means the bad guys win.

If you are an event organizer, or business owner and want to someone to assess your security needs, contact Signal Security, to schedule a free estimate. Living out peace of mind is what you do. Leave the rest to Signal.

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For Barb Alekna and Greg Pencosky, building Signal of West Virginia has always been about more than growing a security business. It’s about creating an organization where people can build meaningful careers, develop into leaders, and make a lasting impact in the communities they serve.

Since launching Signal of West Virginia in September 2024, that vision has guided the team’s approach to growth. From earning their first client to developing their first leaders, Barb and Greg have focused on building the business one relationship, one employee, and one client at a time.

That commitment to people, consistency, and continuous improvement is helping Signal of West Virginia establish a reputation for professionalism and dependable service across the state.

Building a Culture People Can Grow In

When Barb and Greg reflect on what makes them most proud, their answer comes back to their team. From the beginning, they wanted to create more than a successful security company. They wanted to build a career culture where employees could grow, take pride in their work, and become leaders.

“We strive to create an environment where each security officer and team member understands they’re not simply filling a security post,” they explain. “They’re protecting people, building relationships, solving problems, and representing the Signal brand with professionalism and integrity.”

That philosophy shapes how the team approaches every client and every assignment. Whether supporting apartment communities, healthcare facilities, major retailers, or special events, officers are expected to bring more than security expertise to the job.

Professionalism, reliability, communication, and dedication are all part of the standard.

For Barb and Greg, some of the most rewarding moments come from watching that culture take shape: seeing a new hire gain confidence, an officer advance into a leadership role, or a client recognize a team member for going above and beyond.

Earning Growth One Relationship at a Time

Launching a new franchise comes with challenges, but building Signal of West Virginia meant starting almost entirely from scratch.

Before the first contract, the organization had no established presence in the state, no existing clients, no employees, and no revenue. Barb and Greg had experience leading successful Signal operations, but they understood that success in another market wouldn’t automatically translate to West Virginia.

Instead, they relied on proven Signal processes while taking the time to understand the local market and build credibility from the ground up.

“Everything we’ve built since then has been earned one relationship, one employee, and one client at a time.”

That approach required humility, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Not every proposal became a contract, and not every challenge had an immediate solution, but each experience became an opportunity to improve.

From securing their first client and hiring their first employee to celebrating their first promotion and major contract, each milestone represented another step toward building a reputation in West Virginia.

Continuous Improvement Drives the Team

For the Signal of West Virginia team, showing up at their best starts with a mindset of continuous improvement.

“We never want to become complacent or assume we know everything,” they explain. “Every conversation with a client, every interaction with an employee, every success, failure, and every challenge give us an opportunity to learn, improve, and become better than we were yesterday.”

That mindset extends beyond individual performance. Barb and Greg see clear communication as one of their most important responsibilities as leaders.

By staying connected with clients, supporting their team, and being proactive instead of reactive, they work to build trust and strengthen relationships.

For them, long-term growth isn’t something to chase. It’s something to earn through consistent effort, strong relationships, and exceptional service.

Redefining Professional Security

As Signal of West Virginia continues to grow, Barb and Greg want the community to see private security as more than simply placing officers at a post.

Their goal is to build long-term partnerships, invest in the communities they serve, and create a career culture where employees are empowered to make a positive difference.

“We’re here for the long-term, and we genuinely care about making West Virginia a safer place to live, work, and do business.”

That commitment is supported by the combination of Signal’s global resources and local, owner-led leadership.

The team benefits from Signal’s technology, innovation, experienced leadership, and proven operating model while maintaining a local presence built around responsiveness, accountability, and lasting relationships.

For Signal of West Virginia, that means officers aren’t simply providing security. They’re becoming an extension of their clients’ teams—protecting people, safeguarding property, assisting employees and visitors, and representing both the client and Signal with professionalism.

The goal is to become a trusted partner that helps reduce risk, strengthen operations, and provide lasting peace of mind.

Developing People and Leaders

For Barb and Greg, one of the most rewarding parts of ownership is watching people grow.

Whether it’s mentoring an officer into a leadership role, helping an employee build a long-term career, or developing a client relationship into a trusted partnership, those moments represent the impact they hope to create.

They also recognize that growth doesn’t happen in isolation.

The Signal network has provided opportunities to learn from experienced security leaders, including Paul Alekna and the team at Signal of Canton-Youngstown. Their mentorship and willingness to share experiences have played an important role in the growth of Signal of West Virginia.

That collaboration reflects another strength of the Signal network: franchises supporting one another and sharing knowledge to help each other succeed.

Building What Comes Next

For Barb and Greg, the most exciting part of the journey is knowing they’re still building.

“Every new team member we develop, every client relationship we earn, and every opportunity to strengthen our team is another chance to make a lasting impact.”

Their focus remains straightforward: invest in their people, serve clients with excellence, and build an organization that employees, clients, and the community can be proud of.

Being named Franchise of the Month for May 2026 is an important milestone, but the recognition is viewed as motivation rather than a finish line.

Barb and Greg credit their entire team for the franchise’s success and remain focused on creating a career culture where great people can grow, delivering exceptional service, and making a lasting impact throughout West Virginia.

Congratulations to Barb Alekna, Greg Pencosky, and the entire Signal of West Virginia team on being named May Franchise of the Month in 2026. Their commitment to developing people, serving their communities, and growing with purpose is a powerful example of what’s possible across the Signal network.

 

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