Managing Business Risk: Integrated Security Solutions for Real Estate and Facilities
Today, the commercial real estate business is focused on more than just the bricks and mortar of a facility. The business environment has changed and so have the risks. The reputation and sustainability of a business is reliant on the ability to secure and protect the facilities of a variety of clientele including employees.
There are many challenges facing a business operating in a dense urban environment. Defining, and controlling, customer and employee access to the right areas of a business while protecting inventory from loss and protecting a business from civil liability are just a few challenges. Emergency plans and procedures are only part of the solution to protecting business assets; having the ability to address threats in a secure environment with trained personnel is equally as important. The challenges facing business and the solutions employed require an integrated approach to business and physical security.
Integrating a trained, experienced security guard into the framework of a business is an essential component of a risk management strategy. There are a variety of threats that cannot be fully assessed and managed with technological solutions.
The Commercial Real Estate Threat Landscape
There are unique threats and vulnerabilities to the security of commercial real estate. There is a constant tension between the need to manage the flow of people on and off the property and the need to protect people and property. A basic understanding of the types of threats to different commercial property types allows a facility manager to direct the use of available security resources.
Threats to Office Properties
Classic office buildings or other types of properties with a high degree of visitor and client traffic require a number of protective controls to ensure the security of the property and protect employees from a number of threats and hazards including workplace violence.
Threats to Retail Property
Retail properties are threatened by shoplifting, other forms of larceny, and retail theft as well as by unruly and threatening persons who intimidate and harass customers. Retail employees are often the primary barrier between threatening or unruly persons and the protected property and persons.
Threats to Industrial Property
Cargo and other forms of property left unsecured in large, remote properties or warehouses are at risk of being removed.
Limited Use of CCTV
Most innovations and advances in security and property technology (PropTech) are focused on controlling access and egress to and from a property and are largely reactive. Video surveillance captures an event after it has occurred. Security personnel play a critical role in protecting personnel and property and in reducing threats to the safety and security of a property.
Crime Deterrence and Boundary Control
The presence of security personnel acts as a deterrent to undesirable activity. Those intent on causing damage or victimizing people are drawn to opportunities and properties which present the least amount of control and supervision. Random and continual mobile patrols and guard post facilitation discourages trespassing and vandalism.
Incident Response and Ecosystem Management
The outcome of any incident is directly related to the initial response. Security personnel are strategically placed to respond to and manage the full range of incidents which occur in a building, from fire and medical emergencies to less serious incidents, such as unauthorized access. Personnel are trained to respond to incidents and provide first aid to stabilize patients until the arrival of first responders.
Peace and Conflict Management and Relations
The control and management of contractors and services personnel is one of the largest administrative activities of a facility or building manager. Through integration of a security personnel function, the administrative burden on a manager is reduced. Personnel also aid in the control of site and workplace safety, and manage activities and access to unauthorized areas.
Implementing an Effective Physical Protection Strategy
Deployment models must be aligned with the operational needs of a property or portfolio of properties in order to develop an effective physical protection strategy.
Concierge Services: Officers fill both front desk and concierge duties. Officers are charged with the verification of visitor’s identification and the issuance of guest/contractor access passes. Officers are cross trained to perform a full receptionist function.
Mobile Patrols: Random or scheduled mobile unit tours of a portfolio of properties, or of a property that encompasses a large land area, may provide peace of mind to the property owner. Mobile units are dispatched to verify lockup and respond to alarm conditions.
Gate House: Personnel employed at the gate of a property may perform functions that include the control of all incoming and outgoing vehicles, checking transportation documentation and seals. Personnel may ensure the loading dock and unloading activities adhere to speed limits and other safety restrictions. Personnel may be charged with the security of property when a construction or industrial site is unoccupied.
Property Managers are charged with the safety and security of tenants and other users of the property and must ensure that any security service providers that are contracted by the property owner meet a myriad of compliance requirements.
Specialized Training Programs
Prioritize the training of your personnel in site-specific risk management, and response training in emergency situations, occupational health and safety (OHS/WHS), decent escalation and customer service situations.
Control Room and Technology
Mobile and Static officers should be supported by a central control room and real time control and monitoring systems, and electronic guard tour and incident reporting systems.
Optimized Commercial Asset Protection
No real estate developer or facilities manager should risk the safety of clients and tenants and compromise the firm’s and development’s brand and reputation. For the protection of commercial assets and interests, Aligned Security Force offers comprehensive protection services for real estate development, commercial and industrial facilities. Our security services are integrated into our clients’ businesses through dedicated and trained staff, and round the clock management, compliance and reporting. Clients benefit from our innovative approach to protecting their commercial interests and tenants.
Real time, Aligned Security Force protects commercial interests in and around the greater metropolitan area of Melbourne.