Episode synopsis

In this episode of "A Safer Shift," host Blake Lewkowitz speaks with Khris Hamlin, Vice President of Asset Protection for the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA). Khris shares his extensive background in retail asset protection, including his transition from law enforcement to the retail sector. He discusses the current trends in workplace violence and theft, particularly exacerbated by the pandemic, which has led to an increase in criminal activity as bad actors exploit online shopping.

Khris emphasizes the importance of collaboration among retailers, law enforcement, and prosecutors to combat these issues, highlighting the role of technology in enhancing strategies for prevention and response. He also introduces RILA's Vibrant Communities initiative, aimed at reducing recidivism and revitalizing local retail environments through strategic partnerships.

Wrapping up, Khris offers practical advice for businesses and communities to shift their mindset from planning for "if" an event occurs to planning for "when" it will happen, advocating for proactive safety measures. This insightful conversation underscores the ongoing challenges and solutions in the realm of asset protection.

Video transcript

Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: Welcome to "A Safer Shift," a talk series focused on creating safer communities. I'm Blake Lewkowitz, and today I'm joined by Khris Hamlin, Vice President of Asset Protection for RILA. Welcome, Khris!

Khris Hamlin - RILA: Thanks, Blake! I'm doing well. How about you?

Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: I'm great, thanks! You have a diverse background. Can you share your journey in asset protection and how you arrived at your current role at RILA?

Khris Hamlin - RILA: Sure! I have over 30 years of experience in retail asset protection. I started in law enforcement, but after an injury, I transitioned into retail asset protection. I've worked for major retailers like Macy's, Nordstrom, and Saks, overseeing risk management, inventory control, and logistics. At one point, I realized that I wanted to make a broader impact across the industry, which led me to RILA. Here, I focus on improving asset protection practices and ensuring safer environments for employees and consumers.

Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: That's great! For our listeners, can you briefly explain what RILA is and your focus within asset protection?

Khris Hamlin - RILA: Absolutely! RILA stands for the Retail Industry Leaders Association. Our goal is to support retail leaders at all levels. My focus is on asset protection, which includes working with our crimes against businesses community to mitigate criminal activities and enhance workplace safety.

Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: Got it! From your perspective, what trends are you observing in asset protection, especially regarding workplace violence and theft?

Khris Hamlin - RILA: We've seen an increase in violence and theft, particularly since the pandemic. While the pandemic taught consumers to embrace online shopping, it also encouraged bad actors to exploit this shift. They've become more active in stealing goods to sell on online marketplaces, often with little regard for safety. This trend of increased criminal activity is alarming.

Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: It is concerning. If you could predict the future of asset protection over the next 1, 3, or 5 years, what do you think it will look like? How does technology play a role?

Khris Hamlin - RILA: The collaboration between retailers, law enforcement, prosecutors, and solution providers will be crucial. Technology will help us tackle these issues more effectively. For instance, generative AI has advanced rapidly, and I envision tools that can link and pinpoint bad actors, helping us anticipate events and improve store staffing and response strategies.

Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: That sounds promising! RILA and Axon have been partners for a while, and you've initiated the Vibrant Communities initiative to enhance collaboration. Can you share some key insights from this pilot program?

Khris Hamlin - RILA: The Vibrant Communities initiative aims to reduce recidivism and restore vibrancy to retail spaces. We've found that law enforcement, prosecutors, and retailers have been discussing challenges, but now they're forming strategic partnerships to tackle habitual offenders effectively. We've seen positive signs, and we're looking to expand the pilot into new areas soon.

Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: That’s exciting! As we wrap up, what advice would you give our audience for enhancing safety and security in their workplaces and communities?

Khris Hamlin - RILA: Shift your mindset from planning for "if" an event will happen to planning for "when" it will happen. Develop a strategic plan to mitigate potential events for your business, employees, and consumers. This proactive approach is essential for fostering a safer environment.

Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: Excellent advice, Khris. Thank you for joining us today and sharing your insights. We look forward to continuing our partnership and the important work you’re doing at RILA. Have a great day!

Khris Hamlin - RILA: Thank you, Blake! I appreciate the partnership and look forward to our next conversation.