ABSTRACT
Not only are Americans being targeted in the places in which they study, worship, and heal, but shopping and recreational venues are also now in the crosshairs of violent criminals and terrorists. These profit-taking soft targets do not want to become fortresses and typically struggle with the challenge of balancing security with a pleasant customer experience. Unfortunately, the decision to lower the security construct in exchange for customer satisfaction and loyalty presents increasing risk to those who own and operate the venues. Although terrorism insurance protects loss of assets in the event of an attack, the loss of life on a property due to an attack is disastrous from an economic standpoint, as well as politically. The terrorist’s main goals are achieved: instant notoriety for the group and the cause, a ripple of fear in the community, immediate impact to a business sector, and making the government appear to be unable to protect communities and civilians.
