All,
Defence, to defend, to stay and not runaway.
For a defence to be effective, it has to keep the opponents away from key areas and channel them into areas that are easier to defend.
Many times you will hear defence referred to like a onion......it has to have layers. Similarly, commercial security operates with layered defence of their client's property. So, let's start their. How to protect a commercial property.
1) The property has to be defined. Perimeter fencing and signage to declare ownership and no trespassing. This can be the outer most layer.
2) A cleared space. With no objects to offer concealment or cover. This area should have illumination, ground lighting to create shadows.
3) Inner fence. With signage to declare no unauthorized entry. This fence may be electrified or have sensors connected to an alarm system.
4) Overhead lighting. Behind this inner fence should be strong overhead lighting, that focuses the light outwards. Thus blinding the intruder and illuminating them to the defender.
5) Parking is usually inside this second fence system. Ensure it is well lit by flood lights - overhead or wall mounted.
6) Compartmentize the operational areas of the commercial property. Use fence and gates to control access to certain areas. Locker-rooms and lunchrooms will want to be accessed through a control point from the staff parking area. Visitor parking areas should be kept separate. Highly sensitive areas should be inside another layer of fencing, lighting and gates with security staff.
7) The outer most gate should be manned, to verify ID and clear entry to the facility. Visitors, depending on the site should be escorted to the visitor parking area and then to the main reception area to meet the appropriate staff member. Many inner gates can be card or key access controlled. If the area inside is sensitive, it should have a manned gate/checkpoint to control access, this may also have a card reader to prevent accidental entry by employees from different work units.
Protection/Security force. This force should have fixed control points and have exterior and interior patrol duties. The better trained and skilled your protection force the safer and smoother your operation will run. Protection personnel are not thugs, they are valuable resources, who shine when there is a crisis or an attempted breach of security. Ensure they are equipped with the tools to do their jobs properly.
9) CCTV and alarm systems. These electronic tools give your protection force eye and ears to more locations, more often. Also, they help to concentrate resources during an incident, say a fire, to have more helping hands to assist. These electronic systems do not replace a protective force, they augment the forces ability to respond in a timely manner.
10) Company policy & procedure. This provide the legal frame work for management, employees, contractors and security to do their jobs. The better written, in clear easy to understand language; the smoother the operation - at all levels. Clearly define expectations and consequences and employees know what to expect. Have solid rules in black & white, that do not change every week and you get a stable worksite.
11) Leadership and Management. Things need to be managed, people need leaders.
On day I will try to convert that to a more tactical position for renters and home owners in an urban environment.
Other security operators or military folk, please dissect that and point out what I missed. Like I said at the beginning we are starting by examining a commercial security operation and the layers it would need. I feel I have forgotten a point or two.
Cheers,
Mountainman.
