As threats against elected officials, judges and other public officials continue to rise across the U.S., personal safety is increasingly top of mind for those who serve their communities. It's a challenge ADT is addressing from two critical perspectives.
Holly Borgmann, Vice President of Government Affairs, works alongside security industry leaders and policymakers to help enact legislation that supports candidates’ ability to protect themselves and their families.
ADT's Tim McKinney pioneered ADT's Protect the Protectors efforts and has spent more than a decade addressing the residential safety and security needs of public officials across federal and state government.
Building on that foundation, Kenisha Black, Custom Home Services Strategic Accounts Manager, translates the advocacy into action by developing government partnerships at all levels and coordinating specialized residential security programs for officials and their families.
Together, their work demonstrates the purpose of ADT’s Protect the Protectors program: helping ensure that personal safety concerns do not become barriers to public service.
“Holly’s advocacy helps create greater access to security resources, and our Custom Home Services team helps officials put those resources to work,” Black said. “That connection allows us to move beyond discussing the concern and begin delivering meaningful solutions.”
Threats against public officials continue to escalate
Research from the Brennan Center for Justice found that more than 40% of state legislators nationwide have experienced threats or attacks in recent years, and more than 40% of local officeholders said abuse made them less willing to run for reelection or higher office.
The trend is also evident at the federal level. In 2025, the U.S. Capitol Police reported a nearly 58% increase in threat assessment cases involving members of Congress, their families, staff and the Capitol Complex compared to the previous year.
As these concerns increase, personal safety can influence whether someone chooses to enter public service, remain in office or even continue being visible within the community.
"The work I do builds on ADT’s belief that everyone deserves to feel safe," Borgmann said. “We're all going to miss out on the opportunity to have a more representative democracy if voices are lost. Fear should never be the reason someone chooses not to participate in the political process.”
Expanding protection amid rising threats
As part of ADT’s commitment to helping public officials feel safe, Borgmann has worked with industry partners to enact policies that can make security more accessible for candidates and officials at the state and local levels.
Last year, ADT joined other security industry leaders in supporting the development of the Safeguarding Election Candidates Using Reasonable Expenditures (SECURE) Act, model legislation that allows candidates for state and local office to use campaign funds for eligible security improvements to their homes or offices.
Introduced in 21 states to date and enacted in 13, the legislation aims to give public officials greater access to the resources they need to help them navigate the unique risks associated with public service.
"Safety is at the heart of what we do," Borgmann said. "It's important for us to share our expertise and capabilities with those that need it.”
Building partnerships that deliver protection
As Borgmann’s work helps expand access, the ADT Custom Home Services team connects eligible officials with elevated security services designed around privacy and discretion.
Black and her team work with government agencies, judicial organizations and legislative bodies to create programs that reflect each organization’s funding structure, security expectations and white-glove customer-support requirements.
Her team coordinates the full customer journey, from the initial security assessment through installation, monitoring and ongoing VIP concierge-level support.
“These customers often have security, privacy and service needs that require a different level of coordination,” Black said. “It’s a white-glove experience from beginning to end, with every team working together to provide personalized support and make sure each customer feels confident and cared for throughout the process.”
That collaborative approach has helped ADT’s “Protect the Protectors Program” grow into an established service supporting about 1,300 public officials nationwide.
That includes members of the federal judiciary, congressional leaders, Department of Justice personnel, and other public officials with elevated protection needs. The program has also expanded considerably through state and local partnerships serving legislators, judges and other eligible officials.
“Protect the Protectors” is not simply an idea or a future commitment,” Black said. “It is an established program already helping public officials and their families across the country. Every partnership strengthens our ability to serve customers who require a higher level of privacy, responsiveness and care.”
Protection backed by 152 years of experience
Protect the Protectors is supported by ADT’s 152 years of security experience, nationwide footprint, more than 140 local branch locations and six fully redundant monitoring centers.
This scale allows ADT Custom Home Services to provide consistent support wherever public officials live and serve. It also allows the program to coordinate multiple parts of the customer experience while maintaining the discretion and individualized attention these relationships require.
For Borgmann and Black, the program represents two sides of the same commitment: advocating for officials to have access to appropriate security resources and ensuring they receive expert, personalized support when they are ready to act.
“No one should feel unsafe simply because they chose to serve their community,” Black said. “I am proud that we can give public officials and their families greater peace of mind so they can remain focused on the important work they do for others.”
Get peace of mind with a security assessment
Public officials, government agencies, security teams and administrative partners can contact ADT Custom Home Services for a confidential consultation. The team will identify vulnerabilities, review available program or reimbursement resources, and develop a protection plan based on the official’s residence, responsibilities and level of risk.
If you serve in public office — or support someone who does — connect with ADT Custom Home Services to begin a confidential security assessment. Protecting those who serve starts with a conversation.