Is Your Security System Flawed? Here’s How You Can Find Out
People all over the world use security systems to protect their homes and business properties. One survey found that people are 300% less likely to be burgled if they have a clearly observable system in place.
Some companies spend large sums of money on buying the equipment and employing security guards, yet rarely review the situation. Sadly, some people only review their security after an incident has occurred. We will now discuss some key things you need to consider in your security system – and why you should.
You Need a Joined-Up Process
When a business has to oversee security guards and cameras, the process can be very disjointed. People who use guard management software gain access to a dashboard that integrates it all. Such technology allows people to combine incident responses and reporting, staffing, and payroll in one place. They can use it to include visitor scheduling and to oversee security patrols.
Rather than owning a set of different books and spreadsheets, it is best when the data is held securely in one place for easy access.
Check for Vulnerabilities
This is key because burglars and would-be intruders will be looking for them. It may be that there are camera blindspots. Perhaps some cameras are malfunctioning or have been switched off. If alarms can be turned off using an access code, don’t use one that is easy to guess.
If an alarm sensor has been too sensitive, it may have annoyed the neighbors. Something as small as a cobweb may have been able to set it off. Many homeowners adjust their alarm sensors to allow their cats to enter the home. Criminals are often aware of this and try to work around it. The wisest course of action is to let a professional set the sensor for you.
Some despairing homeowners may have turned their oversensitive alarm off. After all – imagine going on holiday and it is triggered! Some people living in wealthy areas haven’t even switched them on because ‘they are living in an affluent location.’
Other issues to be aware of are the faulty installation of equipment or dead batteries. Burglars have sometimes deliberately set off someone’s alarm night after night until the homeowner turns it off in despair. It is then that the intruder strikes. Crooks also try to access buildings through the chimney or basement windows.
Have an Action Plan
Businesses need to be sure that if an incident occurs, they will find out very quickly. Plans must be in place to protect the security guards, particularly if they work alone.
There should be a known procedure and quick response times. All staff needs to be aware of this.
Keep Incident Reports
These should be standardized for businesses, or they will be very difficult to compare. All the material should be easily accessible and showing the same key data.
Security software can be highly beneficial for recording and maintaining such records. Access to historical information can be instant.
Store All Data Safely
In times past, CCTV footage was stored on videos. We have probably all seen the films where a key recording had gone missing.
These days, more data is stored online in the cloud. This makes it easier to access and harder to lose. Once again, security software wins the day as all data is securely held on remote servers that criminals cannot remove.
Be Aware at All Times
Companies need to be checking that security patrols are completed correctly and whether new processes need to be implemented. It is essential to know who is at work and what they are doing at any given time.
Without an adequate system in place, businesses may be unaware of security staff being late or don’t turn up. If they phone in-sick at the last minute, there should be instant access to who is available and suitably experienced to stand in the gap.
Staff Scheduling
When a property must be guarded 24/7 there is no space for gaps in the staff schedule. If someone has not confirmed a future shift, action must be taken in advance. There is a high level of churn with security staff, so it is more important than normal to keep a constant eye on things.
Whether the security is for a home or a workplace, the equipment should be fully functioning at all times. Checks should regularly be made, and when security guards are employed, they should receive regular training. When technology is harnessed to the whole process, the security aspect can be maximized.
