Securitas North America Announces Partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Securitas Security Services North America has formed a new partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), a private, U.S.-based nonprofit organization focused on finding missing children, reducing child sexual exploitation and preventing child victimization. The partnership between Securitas and NCMEC is a first of its kind, pairing a protective services company with an organization that supports the recovery of missing children.
More than 100,000 Securitas officers across the United States will have access to special training for identifying situations involving missing and exploited children and reporting to law enforcement to support recovery. Geotargeted posters of missing children will also be dispatched to Securitas officers, providing more eyes and ears in the field. As part of the multi-year relationship, Securitas will also make a substantial financial contribution and the two organizations will share resources to further the NCMEC mission.
“As a security company, Securitas understands what it means to help protect others,” said Cal Walsh, co-host of the Investigation Discovery television series “In Pursuit” and child advocate for NCMEC. “The Securitas purpose statement is ‘We help make the world a safer place.’ That’s perfectly aligned with our mission at NCMEC and makes our partnership such a great fit. Securitas brings so many unique and powerful resources to help us achieve that goal.”
Securitas officers will have access to specially designed NCMEC training modules and resources to raise awareness around issues relating to missing and exploited children and child safety. They will also attend a tailored e-learning event covering endangered runaways, child sex trafficking, preventing child abduction and recognizing indicators of child endangerments.
“From our hundreds of local branches to our pervasive feet on the street, we’re eager to contribute to the important work done by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children,” said Greg Anderson, Securitas president and CEO, North American Guarding. “This partnership is so meaningful to all of us, and we are proud to be able to put our resources to work in a way that can truly make an impact on the lives of children and families.”
Securitas and NCMEC will also share resources to build awareness within the organizations and externally through media outreach and thought leadership. Together, they are committed to addressing child safety and advancing NCMEC’s mission.