Building and property occupants, owners and facility managers are increasingly conscious of the importance of effectively planning and implementing security measures.

When considering your security, are you really convinced that the application is appropriate and in accordance with your actual needs? 

Too often security is poorly applied due to a lack of understanding of the risks and operational and functional needs of a facility and its occupants. In many circumstances this is a case of overkill and an emphasis on overstated risks. In other cases it is a realisation of risks ‘too late’ resulting in costly and unsightly ‘quick fixes’.

Effective security practice requires a holistic approach which considers the following key aspects before being applied:

• Risk mitigation
• Return on investment
• Compliance with necessary codes, standards and regulations
• Building functionality
• Building planning and aesthetics
• Security management hierarchy 
• Safety and the role of security
• Duty of care
• Need for security

Assessing your current and future security requirements begins with an understanding of the critical considerations that support robust building and facility security planning and design.

Do You Know that by applying good security planning practices such as CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design), security risks can be appropriately and effectively managed, and costs reduced?

Good security planning contributes to good facility design by integrating with a building’s form in elements such as lighting, landscaping and traffic movement (pedestrian and vehicular). By enhancing a building’s functionality, the integration of security can significantly reduce the overall capital cost of purchasing technology or overt physical barriers. Operating costs can also be minimised by reducing the staffing levels. 

With security design professionals working closely with architectural and other designers from a project’s inception, security elements can have minimal or no impact on the aesthetics and finished form of a building.

And should the security risk for a facility or its occupants change significantly during its life, robust planning will provide better scope for savings in applying retrospective treatment.

Do You Know that applying good security practices can contribute to the successful marketing and sale of a property?

In recent times, security and safety plays a bigger part in the overall assessment of accommodation by potential owners and tenants. They are increasingly aware of their security risks and are applying rigor in the assessment of potential properties and how their security needs can be effectively met. If a robust and proven security strategy can be communicated and demonstrated, it will provide the value-added benefit a potential client is seeking.

Do You Know what your real security costs are and whether you are receiving value for money and an appropriate Return on Investment?

Undertaking a Security Review and Audit will provide an immediate snapshot and health check on current security practices and determine security requirements and gaps.

Typically a Security Review and Audit will incorporate an assessment of items such as security system performance, obsolescence, appropriateness of measures in place to manage risks, the effectiveness and efficiency of incumbent maintenance regimes and the associated staffing level needs.

The results of this review and audit incorporate an assessment of both capital and whole of life costs. By understanding the cost in managing risk, organisations can then confidently plan for future security costs and assess the Return on Investment of existing or proposed measures.

Do You Know that many organisations are now considering security as a separate line item for both capital and recurrent expenditure?

Historically a number of major organisations have ignored security as a recurring part of their business operations and treated security expenditure as a simple expense. Leading organisations are now investing in security in the same manner as HSEC (Health Safety Environment and Community) and Quality Management.

Directors of many major organisations have realised they cannot ignore security risks as they fall under their “Duty of Care” to provide a safe and secure workplace for their employees, failure of which draws personal liability under recent legislation in many jurisdictions. As such HSEC is now being expressed as HSSEC (Health Safety Security Environment and Community) to reflect the critical importance of security and the associated expenditure.

Do You Know whether your organisation is appropriately prepared in the event of either a minor or major security incident and have you thought about the consequences?

All organisations must consider the impact of a security incident whether it be from more common, unorganised or accidental threats, through to a planned and overt threat.  Even less severe unorganised threats, such as incidents of assault, theft and vandalism are increasingly more prevalent. These can have serious impacts on staff retention, organisational credibility and reputation and consequently may have a significant financial impact, whether it in legal and recruitment costs, increasing security operational costs or even loss of revenue.

Do You Know what your risks really are and whether all considerations of your key assets have been addressed?

It is a common misconception that an organisation’s risks are mitigated by the application of technology, most commonly CCTV (Closed Circuit Television). Without a real understanding of the risks facing the organisation, the application of this technology might not only be wasted but will not address the real concerns.

A Security Risk Assessment is the first stage in a holistic approach to security design and implementation and should be undertaken in close consultation with all key stakeholders before the application of technology is even considered. This will establish the required context and foundation for informed security decisions.

Do You Feel that the security perspective and advice you have encountered is focussed on technology rather than gaining an understanding of your security risks?

This is a common problem within the security industry, especially after recent global events driving significant growth within the sector. With a number of new market entrants, the skills, level of competence and experience has been diluted. There is an emerging focus on security products and hardware, rather than actual solutions appropriate for your organisation which will reduce your risks. In an environment of “buyer beware” ensure you seek the advice of an experienced, trained and independent security professional who understands building design and operations and good risk management processes before investing heavily in technology that you may not actually need.

Conclusion

Security is emerging as a permanent and integral consideration for all types of organisations and facilities. The associated complexity of requirements for building owners and operators can be satisfied by applying robust and proven security assessment, planning and design practices. Well planned and implemented security philosophies will ensure that the relative impact on a building’s operations, management, physical attributes and technology is seamless and achieves a maximum return on investment.

© Sinclair Knight Merz
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