ABSTRACT
Following are 10 crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) security solutions 1 :
Have a security professional conduct assessment of the property to identify potential security risks and vulnerabilities, to either eliminate the risk or reduce the impact if an incident does occur.
The assessment, along with the mission statement of the organization and a culture of security, should be a part of the overall security master plan.
This assessment should incorporate training and security awareness, to include scenarios, drills, and full-scale exercises with local first responders.
Review the policies and procedures of the organization and update them every 5 years, or more often if necessary. Organizational policies change less often than organizational procedures. Ensure that emergency procedures are a part of the policies and procedures of the organization.
Formulate partnerships with local first responders—law enforcement, fire department, emergency medical services, the state Homeland Security advisor, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and so on. Develop relationships with all resources that are available in the local area. Discuss security concerns and the daily operations of the organization with 98first responders and involve them in training and drills. The basic idea is plan, practice, and prepare.
Ensure that the organization has a visitor management program in place and that security officers and employees are trained to identify suspicious behavior and activity. This emphasizes the need to greet visitors and have someone available to answer questions and direct them to the proper location. Many retail establishments, healthcare facilities, and churches have greeters at their entrances to observe who is entering the facility.
If you have concerns with theft at your organization or are concerned about weapons being brought onto the property, consider the implementation of a “no bag” or “clear bag” policy to reduce the risk.
Security officers in plain clothes or trained employees are ideal for detecting suspicious behavior and activity.
Every organization should have redundant mass notification capabilities, by an announcement over the PA system, an automatic call to company telephones and/or registered cell phones, an e-mail, a pop-up message on all computers connected to the organization's intranet, a text message to a cell phone, or an audible siren or alarm. More than one of these means of communication can be used for notification. Some may indicate where in the building or property there is an issue and also include a photo. Ensure there are provisions for those who are physically, visually, or hearing impaired.
All security devices and systems should be inspected regularly to ensure they are operational. This can be the responsibility of security officers or a designated company employee, but ensure it is documented.
