The shootings at an Orlando nightclub that left at least 49 people dead and 53 injured have forced businesses across the country to look in the mirror when it comes to their own security.
In various communities, people might see increased police presence in cities, temporary “no bags” policies at bars and restaurants or increased security at LGBT events (the Orlando shooting occurred at a gay nightclub).
These measures and more will be or currently are being adopted at businesses to make sure they’re ready in the event of a person trying to inflict similar harm to innocent people at their establishment.
Jim McNulty, executive vice president at Securitas, told The Washington Post that he had seen an increase in companies performing active-shooter drills before Sunday morning’s Orlando shootings. But there might be an even bigger change that public places might start adopting: metal detectors.
“I don’t think it’ll be long before you see metal detectors in certain public spots,” McNulty told The Post. “It’s something as a people we’re loath to do because we cherish our freedom to move about freely.”
Related: Security Tightened at Orlando Theme Parks After Nightclub Shootings
Major malls and retail stores have their own methods of security, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers.
“While some security measures deployed at shopping centers such as the use of bollards, uniformed patrols by law enforcement officers and surveillance camera systems will be evident to customers, many more protective measures will not,” the organization said in a statement.
