Hotel Security Network
Written by: HANTX
A partnership between the Hotel Association of North Texas and local area law enforcement agencies.
- Similar to a “crime watch” for hotels.
- Founded with the Hotel Association and the Dallas Police Department, but has since expanded to include local and national law enforcement agencies.
- Fax and Email Alert System notifies hotels and law enforcement agencies in the program when an issue occurs.
- Enables properties to communicate with each other to prevent repeated criminal activity at hotels.
- Program identifying window decal.
- Hotel Security Network Manual available for use as a reference guide or “front desk” tool.
History of the Program
Beginning in 1999, the Hotel Security Network allowed North Texas area hotels to communicate security concerns (known as alerts) to each other to prevent repeated criminal activity at hotels. Working in conjunction with 13 local law enforcement agencies, and state and federal officials, over 1,000 alerts have been distributed through an extensive fax network, resulting in the confirmed apprehension of numerous criminals.
The program has met with measurable success and positive responses from the law enforcement and hospitality community. According to Officer Vickie Stonaker of the Dallas Police Department, in one year´s time, the Network area experienced a 45% decrease in the amount of auto thefts and burglarized motor vehicles.
In addition, the Network has hosted numerous educational seminars on topics ranging from detecting methamphetamine labs to credit card fraud. The Network has arranged for bi-lingual speakers and has offered security awareness training, in conjunction with local law enforcement, to employees at every level.
The Network is a voluntary part of the Department of Homeland Security, the Amber Alert Child Recovery Network, and has worked with the FBI. Ms. Murphy and the Hotel Security Network have been recognized by the Dallas City Council´s Neighborhood Crime Watch Recognition Award (2001) and the Texas Crime Prevention Association´s Outstanding Crime Prevention Citizen Award (2002). In 2003, the Hotel Security Network was recognized by a Resolution of the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau and given national recognition, being placed on the American Society of Association Executives 2004 Honor Roll.
The Hotel Security Network also helped create a manual to deter criminal activity and made several cash awards to employees who spotted wanted individuals or helped local law enforcement identify criminal activity. The network is open to member and non-member hotels.
In order to ensure the security alerts reach the appropriate individuals at your hotel property- please make sure to fill out the Security Contacts Form and send to Amanda@hantx.org.
NEW!! Important SUPER BOWL XLV links:
Suspicious Activity Awareness Video- Department of Homeland Security (scroll down to see video after you click the link)
iwatchdallas flyer- Important Suspicious Activity Tool
IMPORTANT HSN FORMS:
Hotel Security Network Alert – Look out for this HSN Alert in your emails so you are aware of incidents happening in North Texas hotels.
HSN Reporting Form- When an incident occurs on your property call 9-1-1 and fill out this reporting form and email it to Amanda@hantx.org.