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FDLE Unveils System To Protect Businesses

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 8, 2008

TAMPA - The Florida Department of Law Enforcement unveiled a new system Wednesday to notify businesses of domestic security issues that affect them.

Dubbed BusinesSafe, the free Web-based counterterrorism program allows Florida businesses and individuals to register to receive electronic alerts.

The program, offered in conjunction with the state's Regional Domestic Security Task Forces, is designed to help businesses protect themselves and their communities from potential threats, according to a news release from FDLE.

"BusinesSafe creates a two-way communication highway that can be accessed and traveled by every single business in Florida," FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey said. "With the click of a mouse, we can directly connect with businesses ranging from restaurants to retailers to service industry providers."

The program also offers safety tips on ways to identify suspicious activity and better protect assets. Businesses are encouraged to pass on information about unusual activity through BusinesSafe's online reporting form.

Also participating in the program are the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Department of State, which incorporate, license and regulate hundreds of thousands of Florida businesses.

Mark Wilson, president and chief executive of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber, which represents more than 139,000 businesses, encourages its members to participate in the system "to make our business community safer and smarter."

To learn more about BusinesSafe or to sign up for the alerts, businesses are encouraged to visit FDLE's Web site, www.fdle.state.fl.us, and click on the "BusinesSafe" icon.

The creation of the Alert Messaging System was funded by a Department of Homeland Security Law Enforcement Terrorism Protection grant. The system cost $6,100 to establish and will cost $4,500 annually to maintain, according to FDLE.

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