SECURITY
To effectively secure a building or site, it is important to remember that there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. It stands to reason that what works for one organisation will not necessarily be appropriate for another, yet a lack of foresight and understanding often leads to a situation where manned guards are deployed when technology could carry out the same task. Not only does this make no sense from an operational point of view, it is also far more costly and often results in a less-cohesive security strategy.
RISKY BUSINESS Far too many organisations are
oblivious to just how vulnerable they are and fail to realise that anything less than a comprehensive, expertly- designed security strategy is a risk not worth taking. All too often, electronic security solutions, manned guarding and remote monitoring are considered in isolation, as opposed to the complementary disciplines that they are. This type of silo mentality leads to a fragmented situation where security measures are either missing or even duplicated, whereas a holistic approach that avoids sub-dividing various services into separate departments and cost centres, delivers the most efficient solution.
Effective security is wholly dependent on being aware of any dangers. They might not always be apparent, which is why a detailed risk and threat survey should be carried out by a qualified professional who can then make any appropriate recommendations and configure a suitable strategy that includes the development of corporate policy and strategy documents.
Upon appointment, security service providers should carry out a set of rigorous surveys to ascertain exactly if, where and to what advantage a combination of electronic security solutions, manned guarding and remote monitoring can be introduced. It may also be necessary to deliver on-site training to enhance an organisation’s existing measures. This helps personnel identify and respond to potential threats and gives them confidence in the organisation’s ability to keep them safe. Threats evolve over time though and a
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thorough risk assessment carried out five years ago may well be woefully inadequate now. A regular audit will ensure that the correct measures are always in place to maintain a building’s integrity.
COST EFFECTIVE Facilities managers are often
concerned that implementing measures different from those already in place will be more expensive. While this can be the case, it is equally possible that it could cost less, as a more streamlined service can be more efficient while also reducing the possibility of attack.
A reluctance to consider a mix of security disciplines is surprising for a number if reasons. It’s no secret that facilities managers are under enormous pressure to squeeze as much as they can from their budgets, yet many consider an investment in technology to be more expensive than employing a physical presence. The facts contradict this theory, as manned guarding is increasingly expensive and the cost of this resource is only going up.
When considering the cost of manned guarding compared to using a remote monitoring centre, the comparative figures are surprising. For a site that uses manned guarding on a 24/7 basis you are looking at a cost around £100,000 a year for one security officer. Corps Security has demonstrated that it can reduce a customer’s overall spend by up to 30% without detriment to its security regime, simply by replacing costly manned guarding with less expensive, but equally effective, electronic security, combined with remote monitoring. Some of the money saved can be invested into an electronic, security-based infrastructure that offers an excellent return on investment.
HORSES FOR COURSES Just as manned guarding should
not be the default option, technology should never automatically replace a human presence. Risks, threats and dangers should always be assessed and acted upon accordingly. In some situations there is no substitute for manned guarding and personnel that
specialise in protecting certain types of environments can be deployed. For example, a security professional working in a retail environment can maintain a more visible and ‘hands on’ approach than someone working in a corporate office. Then there is the potential for certain types of events to occur. Take, for instance, a situation where there is a fire – a manned guard can be far more reactive and, if necessary, take immediate action to prevent it spreading.
While the above points are important considerations, the utilisation of remote monitoring can remove specific duties carried out by manned guards. For example, it isn’t necessary to assign them to operate barriers for the occasional site visitor, carry out temperature checks, conduct internal patrols or CCTV monitoring and alarm setting. In addition, using two-man teams to manage access control and complete site patrols on an alternating basis is not usually required. Using remote monitoring instead, results in reduced shift lengths and a lower level of downtime amongst those on the ground.
Likewise, remote monitoring can utilise technology to excellent effect. For example, the implementation of IP-based video and audio transmitter/ recorder technology provides the earliest possible warning of a security threat and enables the efficient and effective deployment of manned security personnel. In the event that an intruder is identified, an operative at the remote monitoring centre can issue a verbal warning – an approach that has been proven to stop between 80-90 % of incidents going any further.
EFFICIENCY DRIVE Value is about more than just price
– it is also about the quality of service provided. There are genuine opportunities for increased cost and operational efficiencies by combining manned guarding with technology-based alternatives, organisational and/or operational realignments, and other lean working practices throughout the security service package.
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