Driven by the need to reduce costs, many businesses are turning away from manned security protection towards more electronic security surveillance. This means more CCTV, PIN code locks and other computerised security mechanisms. However, robbing Peter to pay Paul will increase the risk to your business.

First there are the increased compliance levels. For example CCTV operators must understand and have signed up to the system Codes of Practice and Procedures, including matters relating to Human Rights, Data Protection, PACE Act 1984, and Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act 1986. Non-compliance represents a breach of UK law.

Second is that CCTV is not a deterrent to security breaches. These systems may warn you of a security breach but how you respond to that breach is just as important. How do you get a conviction when most criminals hide their identity? How do you remain secure in the event of a system crash? A power cut? An office evacuation due to fire, flood or even a terrorist threat?

Having trained security personnel in place strengthens your hand especially when crisis situations occur. Your guards are there to deter and diffuse difficult or life threatening situations, to ensure the safety of your people, to raise the alarm when security has been breached and to protect the assets of your organisation.

Any business can realise cost savings by developing multi-disciplinary security officers. Do you have designated fire and mail people? Modern guards are being trained to also cover the roles of fire officer; first aid and even internal mail distribution. Also your insurance company will welcome a physical security presence and may offer considerable discounts.

When reviewing your security measures you should ask yourself the following – Do we have a security back-up plan in place? Are our personnel trained to combat security breach situations? Do we have quality management systems in place to maintain security continuity? Are there other things that our guards can do to provide and deliver added benefits to our business? Have we got a service level agreement in place? Are the KPI’s being met?

A well-run security operation will be managed by a professional security provider. Quality standards of training and management of all security personnel are paramount in the delivery of a credible and reliable service. If the safety of your organisations’ assets and personnel are your number one priority, make sure you have a security operation that can warn and respond to security/crisis situations.

ISS as part of its market research are offering free site surveys and support for businesses looking to develop multi-disciplinary security guards both in-house and contracted. This is on a first come first served basis to Emma on emma@issukoffice.com.

ENDS

For further information please contact Simon Kilpatrick, Deliver Manager, 2 Swords North Ltd.
on 01226 73 11 55 or simonk@2snorth.co.uk