DHS and FBI brief U.S. building owners on Mumbai attacks

I work in a hotel/casino in Reno, NV. If it were to be invaded by a group of armed people, the response we would have is absolutely clear to me: we would kiss our butts goodbye. We have security people, as do all Nevada hotel/casinos. Our security does not carry weapons and I cannot imagine a response any stronger than dialing 911. I have no idea what sort of plans or contingency the Security Department has made, but I do know that no one outside of that department has received any kind of training, instruction, or advice on what to do. I have a feeling that were we to receive any such advice, its usefulness would fall in the category of "duck and cover under your desk in the event of a nuclear attack."

It's unfortunate that less civilians carry legal firearms. Alledgedly there were only 10 men. Granted, people on vacation in their bathingsuits aren't likely to be carrying weapons, but from lessons learned from countless terrorist attacks at various locations, people need to be more vigilant. If you are going to die, then take a bad guy with you. I have been to Vegas. It is hard to believe that unarmed men protect all that money. If the bad guys can't hit "hard targets" they will start hitting "soft targets" such as schools, casinos, etc. Plain and simple - Keep your eyes and ears open and have a plan in your head, even on vacation: "If this were to happen what would I do?" The correct answer is not "running around screaming."

I suppose Texans think alike. I remember the fuss that was made when one of our Texas schools allowed specific (publicly unknown which)teachers to carry weapons in their k-12 grades school. I couldn't agree more to make it known that my children or grandchildren would be a "HARD TARGET".

After 9-11 everyone was on alert and although we have not forgotten, we are back in the "that can't happen here mode".  By pure dumb luck on the average citizen part and a few people who devote themselves to protecting us, it has not happened.  Maybe because it is hard to live on the edge all the time, it seems we at least in my rural community have become lax.  What would it do to  U.S. morale if several rural communites were targeted? Every public building should feel compelled to have regular drills on "what if scenarios" if for no other reason than to keep the possiblity before the public eye.

I have worked on the Las Vegas strip many yrs as a  armed security officer  and as a bike officer, at a 4 star casino hotel. This hotel took it upon themselves to enact different security measures before any other hotel on the strip and still is many step ahead of others currently. They have security check points at all entrances to the property, they ask questions of guest when arriving , "Welcome to the Hotel name how can I assist you today" They have many bike officers, they have bomb dogs and they have some training in anti terrorist classes. Security checks room key cards at all entries to the hotel rooms before allowing the guest access. When you become a  Security officer you go through 2 weeks of Hotel casino security training. If you are lucky later on you may carry a firearm outside at a check point. If you pass a police psychologist investigation. All security officers carry pepper spray and batons. So about this hotel you think you would be safe. But honestly your not Security is all about smoke and mirrors here its all about image. The restrictions placed on you are a travesty. If you ever draw or use a weapon in self defense you are suspended , if you do not handcuff someone properly you are suspended. So security Officers walk around all day knowing they are walking a thin line if they have to make a decision. When I first arrived in Las Vegas many years ago security in all hotels and casino's were armed inside and out. Now because of higher insurances casino security is only allowed to carry outside on bikes or check points. In the event of a emergency if a attack were to take place, I am sure security will act professionally and protect life and property. However unless the Hotel and casino  business starts taking more of a deterent action then a response action terror in Vegas will be somethinig no one wants to picture. Security officers need to be treated better by its Employer and its management staff. Law Enforcement needs to understand we are in a time in world crisis we all need to work together and share ideas and information not look down on us as just security.  We are the eyes and ears of the activity on the Las Vegas strip we also are the first responders most of the time in medical and other situations. I believe security in Las Vegas or the entire United States be put through a state security course. So in Nevada all hotels and casinos and security companies are all on the same page. None of this each security company has different guidelines they need to all be the same in all matters. Also if you want a highly trained security officer you should be willing to pay a better salary so you know you have a quality officer working for you. No more security officers jumping from one hotel to another so they can find better pay. Terror in the world is on the rise and companies need to start looking at the protection of its guests and property by spending more monies inproving security training so you will not have the turn over most are dealing with. Once you have a quality security Officer and not always looking over his shoulder because of fear of suspensions and penalties and they are worried about how am I going to pay this bill, you will have a Secuirty officer who is more focused on their job at hand and this will deter a threat from their property this will save lives.  These hotels and casino's after 9/11 laid security people off when security was a major factor and alot of them are still looking at the bottom line of lets fill our casino and hotel. But the big picture is this if you want a booming clientel you have more security and happier security at your establishment you will see your clientel increase the reason is they will feel safer and terrorist won't want to come to your property for fear they will be caught before they can act. I hope it never happens in Las Vegas its one of the most beautiful locations in the world to come and have fun times. But is security ready for a situation involving terror not yet but it can be improved if the higher ups start seeing pass the bottom line.