The Dynamics of Security
Crimes Evolve and So Should Your Security Measures
From petty thefts to cybercrimes, we live in a world where almost anything is possible. The type of crimes and the method in which they are committed are changing daily. Skimming devices, breach of data, and workplace violence appear to be all too common.
Many organizations are at a crossroad and some just don’t know what to do. Budget constraints and shrinking personnel can hamper existing efforts to combat crimes at their lowest level. Diminishing personnel and resources does not have to be the end of your business security.
If you are just beginning your business or have several thousand employees, business security is here to stay and should remain a focus point. Speak to any law enforcement official, criminal investigator, or corporate security manager and you will find their workloads are increasing. Not only are the workloads increasing, but the resources to resolve specific crimes is a balancing act.
It only takes one large event to occur in your city and law enforcement resources are spread thin. This could cause your case and others to be placed on the back-burner for an extended period of time.
So where does this leave your and your organization? Hopefully after reading this article with a kick-ass business security game plan. Every so often in life, we must learn to be on the offensive and not always in the reactionary mode.
Today, you are seeing the results of your planning or lack of planning from yesterday! Now let me be clear about one thing, everything is not foreseeable. But you do have the knowledge, resources, and expertise to combat crimes against your business. Start where you are now!
Assessment
Take a moment away from your busy schedule or delegate to someone in your organization to conduct an assessment of your security measures in every aspect of your business. From the front end to the back end, no stone should be left unturned. Notate your strengths and take special notice of your vulnerabilities. Document and report your findings to all pertinent personnel. Determine where you are today and where you want to be in the future. Your assessment should be ongoing!
Education
Educate yourself and all pertinent personnel on security issues, crime prevention measures, policies and procedures. If you are the sole person or have limited resources in combating crimes against your business, then find time to educate yourself or staff on the types of crime, crime prevention strategies, and when to involve law enforcement. Different courses/classes are available to the public and online. When time and resources permit, take specific classes that will educate you and your personnel on combating crime against your business. Also, join specific organizations related to your industry to gain the necessary knowledge such as forums and associations. Education should be continuous in all areas!
Project Management for Business Security
I have been on the side of law enforcement and corporate security to know and understand that not all information is passed to all key personnel. Business security must be an integral part of every aspect of your business. Hindsight is 20/20 but do not let this be the norm for your operations. Include pertinent security personnel in planning where security issues are discussed and need the input of those professionals.
For example, in the event of workplace violence, does your local law enforcement agency have a blueprint of your facility? Is it updated? Is your HR department and security included in staff meetings to determine how bad terminations will be handled? What is your process for handling such issues? When should you involve law enforcement?
Your business security should be treated in the same manner as project management. Be sure to include all stakeholders and have an end-game documented and ready for implementation.
Prevention
There is an adage, “A ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. The more preventative measures you put in place, the more you can control your business security risks.
Ask the question, what does your policy/procedures manual on business security issues look like? When was the last time it was updated? Do all personnel have access to the manual, is it held on your intranet, cloud, or hard copy? Remember, technology can be your friend if used correctly. Do you need a (S.O.P) Standard Operating Procedure manual?
How is your personnel trained on security issues? Who is responsible for the training? Remember, bad in equals bad out. Good training goes a long way.
Detection
Not everything or crime can be detected. However, with the proper preventative measures in place, you can detect certain criminal or suspicious activity early in the game. Sometimes, crimes are not discovered until days, months, and years after.
Look at your shipping/receiving processes, inventory control, audits, key performance indicators, Point of Sales (P.O.S) too many voids/returns, skimming devices, unacceptable accounting practices, etc.
When crimes against your business or organization is discovered, follow your policy/procedures and applicable law to make the right decisions against violators. Remember: Progressive discipline, termination, and prosecution is a process.
Follow-Up and Implementation
Now that you got your game face on and kick-ass game plan, follow-up on your policies/procedures, best practices, and implement what is most effective.
Your partner in crime!
