Do you have an unintended open-door policy? When a security consultant is called in to assess how a recent incident could have been prevented, almost always, we see how simple improvements to physical security could have prevented the security breach. Often, it’s a matter of someone letting trouble in through the front door – or side door, rear door, service entrance, etc.
Solutions must be tailored to the individual facility. If the people who the system is designed to protect think it’s more trouble than it’s worth, they will always find work-arounds that end up negating the benefits. Churches and synagogues struggle with maintaining an open and inviting atmosphere while still protecting congregants and property. Businesses want to maintain a balance between safety/security while not impeding their employees performing critical tasks. Cameras with artificial intelligence pushing alerts, biometrics, man traps, turnstiles and piggybacking detection systems all represent significant investments. Will they be effective or will they be defeated by a small pebble propping open a little used side door? The odds of success go up considerably if you involve the people you’re trying to protect during the design phase of your security enhancements. A good consultant involves all stakeholders early and often and does a lot of listening before considering how best to secure any facility.