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How does one develop a successful security program? How does one decide whether to use guards, alarms, and/or CCTV? If we decide to use guards, how many do we need? If cameras are the remedy of choice, how many are needed and where should they be located? Can a business have an effective security program without the use of security guards or cameras?
There needs to be a logical progression to be followed if the security program is to achieve the best result. Whether you are responsible for a hospital, a manufacturing operation, a hotel or a shopping center, the best security programs are derived from a thorough security assessment. Security assessments should be conducted by a qualified and objective professional. Often the use of a qualified security consultant achieves the best result because of his outside the box perspective. One of the biggest advantages of using a qualified Security Consultant is objectivity. If the use of a security consultant fits your needs, be sure the consultant has no ties to the security product industry, including contract guard services.
The best security programs are developed from the bottom up and not from the top down. Many security programs or security program upgrades are born out of a crisis management mind-set. A security incident occurs with little warning and panic sets in resulting in less than optimal decision making. Often the first response to an adverse event is to hire contract security guards, one of the most expensive countermeasures. Sometimes we find managers installing CCTV without any idea as to why or how cameras should be used. There is often the erroneous assumption that once cameras or alarms are installed, all risks and threats will dissipate. The tendency is to apply the most costly remedies before considering low cost solutions.
Security programs are generally targeted at the protection of people and property. The degree that one security program emphasizes people over property, or vice versa, varies and is dependent on a wide range of site-specific factors. In most businesses the primary threat to property loss is derived from employees. Those businesses that cater to the public tend to emphasize the protection of people, in large part, because of liability exposure. Businesses that want to provide protection to the public who frequent their premises often see the hiring of security guards or the installation of security equipment analogous to purchasing and insurance policy. This assumption can be very risky.
The use of security personnel along with security equipment can be very helpful and preventative if properly applied. However, when improperly applied, liability may actually be increased. One of the pitfalls of using security technology is that many employees may view these devices as omnipotent thereby absolving them from personal responsibility and involvement. For example, a secured hospital mother-baby unit suffers an infant abduction because a nurse holds the door open as the abductor walks off with the baby. Another example: A suspicious looking character is noticed walking about a hotel and though noticed, no one acts until after the rape occurs. A stranger walks in to a public school and molests a young boy and no employee pays attention. These examples are not exaggerations.
Security methodologies and techniques are all about behavior modification. Security programs should encourage positive behavior and discourage behavior antithetical to a safe and secure work environment. One of the most pervasive and inherent weaknesses of many security programs is employee apathy. If hotel employees believe that security officers will protect guests and their property from harm at the exclusion of their daily involvement, they are sadly mistaken. If a hospitals employees believe patients will be kept save by the access control system coupled with CCTV, they too are mistaken. If every staff member of a public school does not make it their responsibility to know who is on their campus, bad things can and will happen.
Clearly the most effective security program as well as one of the least expensive involves the full participation of all employees. Remember, criminals generally want anonymity. Anonymity can be denied by engaged employees. You do not need a plethora of bells and whistles to have an effective security program. In fact before expenditures are made for bells, and whistles and security officers, a security awareness program involving all employees should be initiated. If after the security awareness program has been initiated, there are still gaps that present security risks, subsequent security expenditures will result in a far greater return on investment if employees are fully engaged. Employee vigilance is inexpensive insurance. Ongoing security awareness program increase the deterrent value of the bells and whistles. When security breaches occur, mostly likely the lack of employee vigilance was the primary weak link.
Qualified Security Consulting firms can provide the expertise needed to ensure that the Security Awareness Program required by each enterprise is developed to me a specific set of needs. Remember, Security is a situational discipline.
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