Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast

Brink Fidler & Tom Herring
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Monthly

"Tips, Tactics, and Tools for a Safer Tomorrow" was inspired by frequent discussions between Brink Fidler, President of Defend Systems, and Tom Herring, Owner of Herring Technology, both driven by their commitment to educating clients on enhancing safety and security. Defend Systems specializes in physical security consulting and active shooter response training, while Herring Technology focuses on security solutions like access control, surveillance, alarms, and more. This podcast dives deep into all things safety and security—whether at home, work, church, or in public spaces. Our diverse guests come from a wide range of backgrounds, including school security experts, survivors of active shooter incidents, rescue task force managers, risk management professionals, technology specialists, federal agents, law enforcement experts, K9 trainers, and many more.

  1. Sep 29

    079 - Why Preparedness Can't Live on Paper

    What does it actually take to build an organization where safety and preparedness are part of the culture, not just policies on paper? Brink and Tom sit down with Adam McIntyre and Mike Bearden from Defend Systems to discuss why preparedness starts with leadership, how everyday habits can undermine even the best security plans, and why organizations have to move beyond simply having policies and technology in place. Drawing from real examples with clients, we discuss how we assess an organization's preparedness culture, the common vulnerabilities and attitudes we encounter, and what separates organizations that truly prioritize preparedness from those that simply have a plan in place. From schools and churches to businesses and other organizations, we explore leadership buy-in, accountability, security practices, and helping teams understand not just what to do, but why it matters. 1:10 Why a culture of preparedness matters in every industry 2:10 Preparedness starts with leadership buy-in 2:45 How leadership buy-in impacts school safety culture 4:20 How Herring Technology matches security solutions to a client's preparedness level 7:10 Leaders have to model the behaviors they expect 8:00 The problem with propped-open doors and the most common offenders - leadership 8:28 Balancing an open-door policy with proper security 12:20 How Defend Systems clients sometimes respond when vulnerabilities are identified 13:32 Focusing on a few actionable security improvements during a building walkthrough instead of overwhelming with too much information 14:32 When employees recognize vulnerabilities leadership may overlook 16:30 Looking beyond what has happened to what could happen 20:30 Why blueprints alone can't determine a security plan and how Herring Technology and Defend Systems observe client operations before finalizing plans 22:30 Challenges with safety culture in churches 26:30 How Defend Systems' historical lessons training changed one pastor's perspective on security 29:45 What security professionals learn across different organizations vs. the client lens of only seeing their own organization 31:00 Why Defend Systems teaches the "why," not just the "what" 32:00 Lessons from Sandy Hook Rooms 8 and 10 - an example of the "why" 33:00 What if we treated preparedness like professionalism? 38:44 How urgency around security fades over time 41:57 Moving from policies and plans to training and communication 46:30 Holding each other accountable for preparedness 50:28 Why accountability is "use it or lose it"

  2. Sep 15

    078 - The Pathway to Violence: Recognizing Threats Before It's Too Late

    When someone shows concerning behavior or makes a threat, how do you determine whether they actually pose a risk of violence — and what do you do next? In this episode, Brink and Tom sit down with Clay Harris of Homicide Zero to explore a different approach to behavioral threat assessment. Homicide Zero turns an empirically tested threat assessment into a software platform designed to make the process faster, more consistent, and accessible beyond behavioral threat experts. Instead of relying on open-ended questions or gut instinct, users work through simple questions that help determine a threat level, explain how that conclusion was reached, and provide actionable next steps. Clay breaks down the pathway to violence, the warning signs that can create opportunities for intervention, and why prevention is such an important layer of a comprehensive safety strategy. They also discuss zero-tolerance policies, the consequences of overreacting to threats, and how organizations can intervene before concerning behavior progresses to violence. 0:57 Homicide Zero is a platform designed to help evaluate an individual's potential threat level for committing violence. 3:19 Where does an organization start when building its defense? 5:45 The "fruit basket" analogy: Why every layer of protection matters to a complete safety strategy. 6:30 Where do you start when determining whether a threat is credible? 8:30 Dr. Robert Moore's, co-founder of Homicide Zero, threat assessment tool and the research behind a structured approach to evaluating threats and determining when to intervene. 10:09 Understanding the pathway to violence: How a stressor can progress 13:20 Intervention can happen at any point along the pathway to violence, and Homicide Zero helps organize that process. 14:20 Understanding "leakage," when an at-risk individual displays indicators that could signal concern. 18:00 How Clay used Dr. Moore's expertise to create the Homicide Zero platform and make the assessment process integratable with existing systems. 20:15 "Left of bang" vs. "right of bang": Prevention before an incident compared with response after an incident occurs. 22:00 Moving beyond gut instinct and emotion when evaluating an individual. 24:20 How Homicide Zero turns threat assessment into software using simple yes, no, or "I don't know" questions, then provides a threat level and explains how it reached that conclusion. 26:12 The danger of overcorrecting: How concerning behavior can lead to serious consequences for someone who may not actually pose a threat. 28:30 What happens after a student is expelled? The importance of reassessing before a student returns to school. 31:00 The long-term cost of missing opportunities for early intervention. 32:20 The potential problems with "zero tolerance" policies. 35:15 With many threat assessment tools already available, what does Homicide Zero add? Simple questions, accessibility for facilitators beyond behavioral threat experts, and a goal of making threat assessment widely available. 39:45 An assessment can be completed in about 20 minutes, compared with manual threat assessments that may take days or weeks. 48:00 How Homicide Zero provides specific, actionable next steps based on the assessment results. 51:00 The challenges of addressing criminal behavior involving young people and how fact-based reporting can help inform decisions about potential criminal charges. 53:30 Learn more, request a demo, and see how the platform works at HomicideZero.com.

  3. Sep 1

    077 - Digital is the New DNA

    Digital evidence has transformed modern investigations, and Harding University is helping law enforcement keep pace. In this episode, Brink and Tom sit down with RJ Holt, John Stone, and Jeff Cavitt from Harding University's Digital Forensics Lab, the only accredited digital forensics lab at a university in the United States. They discuss how the lab partners with local, state, and federal agencies to process digital evidence, connect cases, train investigators, and give students hands-on experience in the field. From drug investigations and scheduled text messages to the growing role phones play in nearly every case, the conversation explores why "digital is the new DNA" and what the future of digital forensics looks like. 1:05 Introducing RJ Holt, 28-year law enforcement veteran and lab manager; John Stone, Searcy PD detective and Harding professor teaching digital forensics; and Jeff Cavitt, sworn Searcy PD officer and director of the Digital Forensics Lab at Harding University 4:18 RJ's start in digital forensics as phones became a major source of evidence and investigative leads 6:45 Working with the Secret Service and adapting to changing digital forensics laws 8:00 RJ's transition from law enforcement to lab manager at Harding 8:18 Nearly 300 phones processed in the lab so far 9:15 Partnering with federal agencies and combining resources through task forces 13:15 The only accredited digital forensics lab at a U.S. university 13:35 How an 18-month evidence backlog helped inspire Harding's lab 15:30 State funding and providing services to agencies at no charge 16:50 The reward students experience when they uncover evidence that helps solve a case 18:20 Training detectives in digital forensics because "digital is the new DNA" 19:40 Maintaining chain of custody and protecting the integrity of digital evidence 26:50 The difficult reality of digital forensics involving CSAM and other sensitive material; Protecting students from exposure to certain cases 28:45 How a scheduled text message provided critical evidence in an overdose investigation 29:25 Arkansas' aggravated death by delivery charge and the importance of phones in drug cases 31:00 Connecting evidence from multiple phones to a traffic stop and larger investigation 32:20 Serving as a digital evidence "fusion center" for Central Arkansas agencies 37:55 RJ's daily work creating forensic copies of digital evidence 40:50 The lab's current caseload: 60% CSAM, 20% drug cases, 20% property crime 41:50 Completing extractions and much of the investigative analysis within 30–35 days 47:05 How to learn more or contact the Harding University Digital Forensics Lab: hudfl@harding.edu or hudfl.org 49:19 Visits from a former President, the Secret Service, and FBI, and interest in Harding students for future careers 49:45 Harding's faith-based mission supports the lab's work through difficult cases

  4. Aug 4

    076 - When You Need Security Now: Rapid Deployment Technology

    Not every security challenge has time to wait for permanent infrastructure. In this episode, we're joined by Stephen Sutton of Herring Technology to explore how Rapid Deployment Units (RDUs) provide flexible, temporary security solutions wherever they're needed. We discuss how these mobile systems are used to protect events, critical assets, retail locations, logistics operations, and more, along with the technology that powers them, from solar and battery advancements to analytics like license plate recognition, people detection, and automated alerts. We also cover how organizations are using cameras for more than security, including crowd management, operational efficiency, and locating lost children at large events. Whether you're responsible for securing a special event, construction site, campus, or commercial property, this conversation offers a practical look at how rapidly deployable technology can solve complex security challenges. 0:55 Introducing Stephen Sutton of Herring Technology and the company's Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) division. 3:25 The most common RDUs are trailers and skids that can be deployed without existing infrastructure. 4:50 Why RDUs are an effective solution for unexpected security needs. 5:50 One of Herring Technology's first RDU deployments: the Smyrna Air Show. 7:41 What is a skid, and why it's difficult to tamper with. 8:45 Unique deployments, including protecting a $100,000 Christmas tree. 10:00 Where RDUs are used: festivals, parking lots, construction sites, retail, and more. 10:30 How warehouses and logistics facilities use RDUs to protect inventory. 11:42 Using RDUs as temporary alarm systems until permanent security is installed. 14:40 How battery technology has improved mobile security systems. 15:55 Methanol generators and why they outperform propane generators. 18:50 What are masts? 24:20 Solving complex security challenges with customized technology solutions. 25:20 Using loudspeakers to deter trespassers. 26:28 Analytics including license plate recognition and people, vehicle, and pet detection. 29:30 Using cameras to improve operations, crowd flow, and efficiency. 30:30 Finding lost children at large events. 32:00 Pole-mounted RDUs for temporary camera coverage. 33:30 Applying analytics to existing camera footage. 36:05 Why Herring tests products to failure before deploying them.

  5. Jul 21

    075 - The Old Dominion Shooting Through the D.E.F.E.N.D.® Lens

    When a gunman entered an ROTC classroom at Old Dominion University on March 12, 2026, students and faculty were forced to make life-or-death decisions in seconds. Their actions stopped the attacker, but the incident also revealed critical lessons about mindset, decisive action, leadership, and emergency medical care. In this episode, former Green Berets Adam McIntyre and Mike Bearden join Brink and Tom to break down the attack step by step, discuss what went right, what could have changed the outcome, and explain why this real-world incident closely mirrors the principles taught in Defend Systems' D.E.F.E.N.D.® curriculum. Whether you're an educator, first responder, business leader, or simply want to be better prepared, this conversation offers practical lessons that could save lives. 1:00 Guests Adam and Mike, former Green Berets and members of the Defend Systems team, recap the Old Dominion University shooting and explain why it reinforces the principles we teach in our training. 7:40 Overview of the attack timeline and what happened inside the ROTC classroom. 9:00 The shooter's Army National Guard background and reported ISIS ties. 10:44 Why we intentionally don't name the shooter. 13:00 Colonel Brandon Shah becomes the first person to confront the shooter. 13:14 The decisive actions students took to stop the attack. 15:05 How a student intentionally created a handgun malfunction—a skill taught in Defend Systems training. 15:56 How many Defend Systems training concepts played out in the first 30 seconds. 16:40 The warrior mindset that empowered students to act. 18:35 Student Samuel Reineberg's account of treating Colonel Shaw's wounds. 24:40 Where bleeding control kits and tourniquets should be placed in buildings. 26:55 What to do if you don't have a tourniquet. 29:41 Recognizing the students' decisive actions and quick notification of law enforcement. 33:30 The shooter's weapon choice and why determined attackers will find a weapon. 34:25 Two critical lessons about fighting over a gun. 38:30 Accepting injury over death. 38:55 How this incident demonstrates the final step of the D.E.F.E.N.D.® curriculum. 39:13 Why an options-based approach helps people respond effectively. 40:55 Adam and Mike's three biggest takeaways from the incident. 44:55 Brink's biggest takeaway: decisive action and mindset ended the attack quickly. 45:07 How mental scripting helps people respond faster under stress. 47:40 Watch student Samuel Reineberg's interview on The Shawn Ryan Show. 49:05 Why training matters, the impact of medical training, and why everyone should learn Stop the Bleed.

  6. Jun 23

    074 - Foundations of Church Security Teams (Part 4)

    In Part 4 of our Church Security Teams series, guests Adam McIntyre and Michael Bearden discuss one of the most overlooked, and most important, aspects of church security: radio communication. Many teams focus heavily on firearms, medical training, and response tactics, but communication is what connects every part of an incident. From detection and decision-making to reunification, effective communication can make the difference between order and chaos. Drawing on decades of military and security experience, Adam, Mike, Brink, and Tom share practical lessons on radios, communication plans, Security Operations Centers, equipment selection, radio placement, training drills, and common mistakes churches make. Whether your team is large or small, armed or unarmed, this episode provides actionable guidance to help your organization communicate more effectively during a crisis. 2:00 – Why communication is the most important element of a church security program 2:18 – Mike explains how serving as a communications specialist on a Green Beret team gave him years of experience operating and troubleshooting radio systems in complex environments. 4:40 – A rural school district exercise Defend Systems conducted where communication failed 6:00 – The three most important priorities for church security teams: people, response capability, and communication 7:15 – Building primary, contingency, and emergency communication plans 8:30 – Start simple: why every church should begin with reliable radios 8:58 – Why military units often view radios as being just as critical as weapons 10:20 – Security Operations Centers: who should staff them and why they should remain focused on coordination 14:50 – Don't just buy radios—train with them regularly 17:40 – Common communication failures churches experience 19:10 – Why Defend Systems prefers UHF radios for penetration and building coverage 24:55 – The reality of communication equipment: you often get what you pay for 26:00 – Budgeting for radios: fewer high-quality radios versus more lower-quality options 27:50 – Why used radios can be a smart option for churches with limited budgets 29:30 – Managing radio channels and keeping communication simple 32:15 – Training to ensure team members know which radio and channel to use under stress 32:50 – Parkland school shooting lessons learned: how using the wrong radio can have devastating consequences 35:00 – Why communication proficiency may be more important than marksmanship 40:00 – Building communication skills through scripting before adding movement 44:24 – "Confusion costs time, and time costs lives." 44:50 – Why plain language is more effective than complicated codes

  7. Jun 9

    073 - What Keeps You Safe When Everything Goes Wrong?

    What should you know before investing in a gun safe, vault door, safe room, or storm shelter? In this episode, Brink and Tom sit down with Mark Brasfield, founder of Nashville Safe House and one of the largest Browning safe dealers in the world. Mark shares his journey from the airline industry to entrepreneurship, explains common misconceptions about safe ratings and fire protection, and discusses how homeowners can think strategically about physical security. The conversation also explores storm shelters, vault doors, reputation in business, and the real-world stories that have shaped Mark's approach to helping people protect what matters most. Whether you're considering a safe for firearms, valuables, or family protection during severe weather, this episode offers practical insights from one of the industry's most experienced professionals. 1:40 Mark is the world's largest dealer of Browning safes. 2:20 How Nashville Safe House began - from the airline industry into the security business 3:40 The entrepreneurial mindset 4:45 Aviation management and becoming a pilot at 19. 9:50 Understanding safe classifications and security ratings 11:10 Mark's top safe recommendations: Fort Knox: the "Fort Knox" of the safe industry and Browning: the best all-around option for most buyers 12:20 Misleading fire and security ratings in the safe industry. 14:45 Nashville Safe House's extensive in-stock inventory 19:30 "It's easier to keep a good reputation than to repair a bad one." 21:08 The Nashville Safe House "Wall of Shame"—a collection of safes that have been broken into. 21:59 Types of safe rooms and storm shelters. 23:05 The most popular shelter for existing homes. 24:20 Safe room options for new construction 26:00 There is no such thing as a "FEMA-approved" shelter, only shelters that meet FEMA guidelines. 27:10 What a storm shelter costs 28:20 A powerful tornado story from Murfreesboro, Tennessee 32:50 Who should consider a safe room? Assessing risk levels, threat profiles, and personal priorities. 36:00 Comparing security doors and why Mark believes Fort Knox makes the industry's best vault doors. 38:15 Typical pricing for the vault doors Mark installs: $9,000–$10,000 range. 40:00 Why buying a safe room or vault door should be a thoughtful process 44:15 Learn more at www.thesafehouse.com. Nashville Safe House serves customers through locations in Nashville, Knoxville, and Atlanta.

  8. May 26

    072 - Foundations of Church Security Teams (Part 3)

    In Part 3 of our Foundations of Church Security Teams series, we move beyond the initial response and focus on one of the most critical, and often overlooked, parts of a church security incident: what happens after contact is made with the threat. This episode covers the realities of integrating with responding law enforcement, how to conduct effective handoffs during a critical incident, why communication failures create danger, and the importance of tracking personnel and cleared areas inside your facility. Adam McIntyre shares lessons from Special Operations leadership, practical guidance for casualty management, and why realistic, church-specific training matters far more than static range practice. This episode provides practical insight into coordination, communication, room clearing, casualty response, and leadership under pressure. The next episode of this series will focus on radio communications.   1:05 Finishing where we left off: what happens after an incident begins and law enforcement arrives? 1:50 Why the person maneuvering toward the threat should not "sit on the radio" during the response 3:00 How support personnel should direct responders  3:53 Why teams must continue clearing the threat area even after the suspect is neutralized 4:40 The importance of establishing a designated law enforcement handoff point at your church 5:30 Understanding "battle tracking" and maintaining accountability for everyone inside the facility 6:30 Why link-up procedures during an incident can become dangerous without proper tracking 7:20 Every member of a church safety team must know how to conduct the law enforcement handoff 8:12 Near and far recognition signals: visual identifiers, radio communication, and announcing arrivals 10:50 Holding off-duty police officers and experienced personnel accountable to church procedures 13:45 Why training must happen inside your actual church facility, not just on a range or in a shoot house 17:20 Why law enforcement maintains jurisdiction and the importance of avoiding conflict with responders 18:15 Maintaining cleared areas without surrendering ground unnecessarily 20:05 The importance of secondary searches and thoroughly checking any space where a person could hide 21:53 Adam explains why declaring an area "secure" was one of the most stressful leadership decisions in Special Operations 22:45 Why church teams gain an advantage by training in the same environment they protect 23:45 Center-fed vs. corner-fed rooms and how teams should practice both 24:55 Why teams should intentionally allow failure during training to improve adaptability 27:00 Responding to casualties while the event is still unfolding 28:30 The difficult reality of prioritizing stopping the threat before treating victims 29:20 Establishing casualty collection points near exits 30:15 Prioritizing injuries during mass casualty events and why deceased victims should not be placed in casualty collection points 32:00 Plain language vs. coded language during emergencies 35:30 The importance of radio training and why it's one of the most overlooked low-cost skills for teams 40:00 The next episode of the series will focus entirely on communications training

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"Tips, Tactics, and Tools for a Safer Tomorrow" was inspired by frequent discussions between Brink Fidler, President of Defend Systems, and Tom Herring, Owner of Herring Technology, both driven by their commitment to educating clients on enhancing safety and security. Defend Systems specializes in physical security consulting and active shooter response training, while Herring Technology focuses on security solutions like access control, surveillance, alarms, and more. This podcast dives deep into all things safety and security—whether at home, work, church, or in public spaces. Our diverse guests come from a wide range of backgrounds, including school security experts, survivors of active shooter incidents, rescue task force managers, risk management professionals, technology specialists, federal agents, law enforcement experts, K9 trainers, and many more.

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