Detect Deter Report

It was 4 am and Security Guard (SG) Keith was making his rounds, when he encountered an open door leading to the employee parking lot. Upon further inspection he noticed that the door had been propped open using a folded piece of cardboard. So he immediately took photographic evidence of the open door and then stepped outside to survey the parking lot to see if he could view anyone loitering or within view. After not seeing anyone, he stepped back in through the open door and removed the cardboard. SG Keith then radioed in to the command post what he had discovered prompting all on-duty guards of the situation and thereby a sense of heightened vigilance. Finally, after completing his rounds he filed an Incident Report so that further action would be taken to address the event.

Does this sound like a plausible event? Did Security Guard Keith fulfil his duties? Were the actions of SG Keith able to achieve the Securitas mission? In the field of security a guard must be keenly aware of the important functions tied to their position. At the heart of it, and the reason private security was even established, lies a three prong role of the security guard - Detecting, Deterring, and Reporting. It is these tasks, which are also at the core of a Securitas guard's position, and which our clients are expecting from us in the course of a day's work. On the face of it this seems like a pretty straight forward concept, but one must understand all the interrelated assignments that are associated with these functions. To fully comprehend this let's examine each of the three major roles one by one.

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How do you Create Efficiencies without Compromising Security?

True alternatives create efficiency while saving both time and money. Today's economic environment is driving many companies to strike a delicate balance between managing costs and continuing to maintain high standards for their security program. So it's not surprising that companies are looking for a possible way to reduce expenses; security services are often the easy target. But compromising security can create vulnerabilities that could end up costing thousands, if not millions of dollars.

We understand the need to manage costs without compromising security. That's why we've developed Integrated Guarding, a three-dimensional approach to security. This innovative solution combines On-site Guarding with Remote Guarding and Mobile Guarding to provide the most efficient, cost-effective solution for all security needs. Securitas officers perform vital functions that rely on friendly, consistent human interaction but also have a wealth of resources on hand to cover core duties in non-traditional ways. After an operational analysis, we develop custom-tailored alternatives to cover any unique security need.

Keeping Safe from Office Creepers

Heading out to lunch, Sally began to push open the security door when a well-dressed man, carrying a large briefcase, grabbed the door handle from the other side and held the door open for her. "Have a nice lunch." The man said as Sally smiled and strode past him. "I guess chivalry is not dead after all," she thought cheerfully. After a pleasant lunch at the local café, Sally returned to her office in good spirits; only to discover that her laptop computer was missing. Remorsefully, Sally realized she had been the unwitting accomplice of a 'chivalrous' thief.

Who Are the Office Creepers?

Office creepers are persons who enter buildings to steal from the company or individuals. These thieves do not limit themselves to office buildings. They have invaded schools, warehouses, high rise buildings, and even hospitals where they steal from helpless patients! They are devious and adaptable thieves who usually do their best to blend into the surroundings. They may disguise themselves by dressing like a typical business person, office worker, sales person, maintenance personnel, cleaning staff, repair person, or delivery person. They can be male or female and of any race or ethnicity. The one thing they all have in common is their desire to take what is yours. Vigilance and strict adherence to company rules can keep the creepers out of the cubicles. A person you do not recognize may be a creeper if they are exhibiting any of these behaviors:

• entering and exiting multiple offices, cubicles, or rooms, usually for only a minute or two
• waiting near a security entrance, especially when it is close to lunch time, or the start or end of the work day 
• peeking into multiple offices, cubicles, or rooms and not entering if they are occupied.
• This person may be stealing, or looking for unoccupied areas from which to steal. If you notice any suspicious person, alert the security office immediately.

Security Can Thwart Creepers

A security guard's job is to protect the client's property and personnel against harm. The guard has three "tools" that have proven beneficial in the prevention of criminal activity. They are detection, deterrence, and reporting.

Detection

By remaining alert and vigilant, a security guard should be aware of any strangers entering the premises. The vigilant guard should pay special attention to any stranger at the job site. The guard should observe the person's behavior and appearance, looking for signs of:

• uneasiness or uncertainty 
• lack of proper identification (insofar as Post Orders permit ID inspection), or fake IDs 
• loitering near security barriers
• "tailgating" (tailgaters can bypass a security barrier by closely following an authorized person through it) 
• "shoulder surfing" (trying to see a security code an authorized person is entering on a keypad)

Deterrence

The presence of an alert, uniformed, security guard is often enough to deter a criminal from attempting to invade the premises, but not always. That is why it is very important that the guard knows the Post Orders and the client's security procedures. The guard should always strive to enforce the security rules of the site. Depending on Post Orders, a guard might control access in these ways:

• Request that visitors sign the "Visitor Log." This lets the strangers know that you are alert to their presence.
• Politely ask if you can assist them in finding their way. This will give you the opportunity to ask them about the purpose of their visit and who they are visiting.
• Confirm that the visitor is expected by contacting the receiver of the visit.
• Request to see ID badges or other ID (i.e. driver's license, business card, etc.), if your Post Orders permit ID inspection. Verify that any ID badge is authentic.
• Verify any requests for repairs if the stranger claims to be a repair person.
• Verify that a delivery, or removal, is expected if the person claims to be a delivery person or a professional mover.
• Securely store all keys, ID badges, and visitor passes.
• Do not allow anyone, even persons you recognize, to "tailgate" through a security barrier.
• If authorized by the Post Orders, request that the person allow a visual inspection of any bags, unsealed boxes, briefcases, or other containers they carry. If they are carrying an empty container into the facility, they may be planning on filling it with the client's property!

Reporting

Reporting serves to alert others about a creeper and can lead to the arrest and conviction of creepers. Because a guard's report may be used in a court of law, it is extremely important that the report be complete and accurate. A vigilant security guard will include as many of the following facts in their reports as possible.

Who is the person? Give a detailed description. Get their name and address. Describe the person's clothing, appearance, height, weight, hair and eye color, age, race, sex, and any distinguishing characteristics (i.e. facial hair, tattoos, piercings, scars, moles, warts, etc.).

What did the person do? Describe their actions and behavior. Did they sit in a lobby chair and read a magazine or did they wander around the lobby and rush towards doors that were opened? Did the person appear nervous or confident? Were they furtive or rowdy? In what way did they pass through a security barrier? Did they have a security barrier key or key code? Did they "tailgate" through the barrier behind an authorized person? Were they seen carrying any property out of the premises? Try to give a clear picture of their actions.

Where was the person? Were they only seen in the lobby or were they observed entering a doorway or walking down a corridor? Perhaps they were seen walking down a hallway and entering an office? Whose office? At what spot in the hallway were they first seen? Be precise. The exact location can be vital to a criminal investigation.

Notify neighboring facilities if a thief has struck at your facility. Cooperation counts in capturing a Creeper.

These are a few of the important observations that a good guard will record in a report. The Securitas Report Writing course has more advice on good report writing techniques.

How You Can Thwart Creepers

A Creeper might target any building, anywhere. As a worker in the building, it may seem that you are powerless to defend yourself against this sneak thief. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, you are the person with the most power to defeat this criminal. By following a few simple precautions, you can frustrate a Creeper's attempts at theft. Use these tactics to stop a Creeper cold.

• Do not share keys, access cards, or access codes and never leave them lying around unattended. 
• Do not open an access barrier for unauthorized persons. 
• Report lost keys and access cards. 
• Keep purses or wallets with you or locked in a drawer. 
• Lock your door when you leave the office. 
• Secure laptop computers and other devices to your desk with security cables or lock them in a drawer.
• Mute your telephone or have your calls forwarded to you when you are out of your office (a ringing telephone can tip off a Creeper that your office is unoccupied). 
• Report suspicious strangers to your supervisor and/or security personnel. 
• Keep company information secure. Lock up data storage devices. Never share passwords or leave written copies unsecured (taping your password under your keyboard is a bad idea – it is one of the first places a thief will look).

What to Do If You Find a Creeper

If you see a crime being committed, do not attempt to apprehend the criminal. Your safety is far more valuable than any object. Follow these guidelines.

• Do not confront or challenge the Creeper. 
• Retreat to a safe area. 
• Contact your supervisor and/or security personnel. 
• As soon as possible, write down everything you saw; describe the event, the items stolen, and the thief in as much detail as you can.

*This guide is for informational purposes only and does not contain Securitas Canada's complete policy and procedures. For more information, contact your Supervisor or Branch Manager.

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Security Services for the Construction Industry

Theft and vandalism have become an increasing problem in the construction industry.  This adds unnecessary cost and time to any construction project.  It is becoming increasingly important for companies to protect their property, assets and staff.  Securitas, one of the world's largest and most trusted names in security, has the experience, technology and people to protect your site, trailer, materials, tools, and equipment.

Securitas' main service offerings are security guard services, mobile patrol, remote video monitoring, access control, technical solutions and consulting, and investigation services.   Securitas' Integrated Guarding Solution allows customers to combine any of our security services to create a customized solution that meets their specific needs.  Customers will reduce the risk of theft and vandalism by having a clearly identified security presence at their site 24/7.

Combine any service to create a customized security solution for your site.

On-Site Guarding

• Access Control
• Loss prevention
• Emergency Response                                                 
• Patrol and Inspections
• Reception / Concierge
• Fire and Life Safety
• Traffic Control
• Security System Management and Operation
• Security Consulting
• Labour Dispute Expertise & Coverage

Remote Guarding

• Remote Alarm Video Verification
• Remote Employee  Escort
• Remote Exit/Entry Management
• Remote Patrol Tours
• Remote Perimeter Protection
• Intrusion and Fire Alarm Monitoring
• 24/7 Security Operations Centre
• Remote Vagrant/Loitering Checks

Mobile Guarding

• Alarm and Incident Response
• Exterior and Interior Inspections
• Perimeter/ Lot Patrols
• Equipment / heater checks
• Lock & Unlock Services
• Escort Services
• Location Specific Patrols
• By Law Enforcement
• Static Patrols
• Electronic Tour Confirmation
• Dedicated  / parked patrol vehicles
• Temporary wireless & portable alarm systems

Securitas was at BUILDX Edmonton last week in order to meet with people from the construction industry and discuss the importance of security at construction sites.  BUILDEX is an international tradeshow related to construction and property management industries.

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Peaceful or Problem? How to Cope with Crowds

A political rally, a rush-hour train platform, a labor strike protest, a rock concert, a department store holiday sale, and a family reunion are different events, but they all have one thing in common; a crowd of people. In most cases, these gatherings will end without serious incident. But sometimes, a peaceful crowd can become a threatening mob. As a security practitioner, you have a duty to protect persons and property, but what can you do if you are faced with an angry mob?

WHAT IS A MOB?

We live in a great country, where people are guaranteed the right to peacefully assemble in groups. These groups, or crowds, are simply a number of people temporarily gathered together for a common purpose. They can range in number from a handful to a stadium full. Crowds are generally peaceful, even crowds of protestors, but circumstances, either random or planned, can change a peaceful crowd into an angry mob. Emotional tensions in a large crowd can be increased simply by the congestion which reduces each individual's personal space. The event which has drawn the crowd can provoke intense emotional responses, such as a political rally or a hotly contested sporting event.

In a highly charged, emotional atmosphere, a crowd can sometimes erupt into an unruly mob if a spark of conflict is ignited. Even normally law abiding citizens can be caught up in the heat of the moment and become members of a destructive mob. This can occur spontaneously, as when a fight breaks out due to pushing or other rude  behavior.  Other times,  it  can  be  deliberately  caused   by   an agitator seeking to enflame the crowd. Tempers can flare up due to adverse weather, delays in gaining access to an event, or the use of alcohol and other drugs that can reduce inhibitions and impair rational thought. As a security professional, you should be on watch for any factor that can turn a peaceful crowd into a violent mob. Stay focused on the crowd and keep your team members and supervisors advised of any conditions that may provoke mob behavior.


PREPARATION FOR ANTICIPATED CROWDS

The possibility of a crowd becoming a mob can be minimized with proper advance planning. Your supervisor should provide you with complete information about the crowd before you go on duty. You will be better prepared to spot and respond to potential trouble if you know about …

• the reason for the gathering or the type of event.
• the area occupied.
• the size of the expected crowd.
• the characteristics of the people in the crowd.
• the identity of potential troublemakers.
• the location of command posts.
• who to contact for assistance—including police, fire, and emergency personnel.
• If your post orders do not cover these specifics, ask your supervisor for the information.

When a crowd is anticipated, supervisors should, where ever possible,  assign  security  practitioners   who  have  had  training  in crowd control, such as the classes available through the Securitas Center for Professional Development (SCPD).

As a uniformed symbol of authority, your presence can have a dramatic effect on crowd behavior and can help prevent the eruption of mob behavior. Maintain a visible presence and follow these guidelines to help you keep order and deter potential incitements of mob mentality.

• Behave professionally – do not swagger, strut, swear, argue, or become hostile in any way.
• Stay focused on the crowd, not the event.
• Do not have physical contact with crowd members.
• Keep calm and alert at all times. Do not show emotion.
• Be polite, but not subservient. You must be seen as being in charge and in control while passively allowing lawful crowd behavior.
• Do not respond to taunts, threats, or agitation.
• Maintain an even tone of voice and do not try to "out shout" aggressive individuals.
• Allow angry persons a chance to "vent" their feelings verbally. Actively listen to the person while waiting for them to pause for a breath and then take advantage of the opening to establish control of the conversation.
• Set reasonable and enforceable limits of acceptable behavior for crowd members.
• Call for assistance, as necessary.

RESPONSE TO A MOB

In the event of civil unrest, your first priority is always your personal safety and the safety of the persons and property you are protecting. Site administrators, supervisors, and security practitioners should take the following defensive steps.

• Use an authoritative but non-hostile tone of voice when addressing a crowd. Maintain an upright, confident, and commanding posture.
• Do not allow yourself to be surrounded by aggressive people. During a time of civil unrest symbols of authority can become targets for the mob's rage. Always be aware of your escape routes.
• Ensure that all site personnel are informed of the situation and are sheltered.
• Move people to pre-selected safe havens and secure the site against trespass and vandalism.
• Maintain visible posts at all open access points, as long as it is safe to do so.
• Restrict access by locking doors, gates, shutters, elevators, escalators, etc. (as per Post Orders).
• Turn security cameras outward to view any disturbances and video tape as much activity as possible. • Use public address systems to keep building occupants informed of conditions. Remember to keep your voice calm and matter-of-fact at all times.
• If there is no immediate threat and transportation is available, consider evacuating the occupants to a safer area.
• If evacuation is not possible, use all available resources to prepare for prolonged habitation. Riots can sometimes last for days.

Be aware that in times of severe civil unrest authorities (police, fire, EMS) may not be able to immediately respond to calls for help. Be prepared to be as self-sufficient as possible.

• First aid and medical supplies should be fully stocked.
• Firefighting equipment should be fully operational and at hand.
• Communications equipment (cell phones and radios) should be fully charged.
• Flashlights should have fresh batteries and replacement batteries should be on hand.

Much of mob behavior has been associated with the anonymity of an individual in a crowd. Recent research has shown that when people are aware that their behavior is being recorded, they are more likely to conform to social norms and less likely to behave in a criminal manner. If you are equipped with a video recording device, make it known to any person you must confront. There is a good chance that the act of being recorded will cause the person to modify their behavior and deescalate the situation.

SAFETY IN THE FACE OF CHAOS

A mob is volatile and often uncontrollable. It can flare up and die down in minutes, or rage on for days. Depending on the specific conditions and circumstances that created the mob, you may be able to successfully restore calm by using the some of the techniques above. But never forget that your safety and the safety of the people you are protecting is your number one concern. If control is not possible, get yourself and others to safety as quickly as possible, immediately call for assistance, and secure the premises to the best of your a If there is no immediate threat and transportation is available, consider evacuating the occupants to a safer area.

Keep calm and collected as you prepare to ride out the wave of human frenzy that propels a mob.

Training Helps You Be Prepared

Mobs are unpredictable. The best way to deal with them is to prepare and train in advance. This article contains a number of preparation tips. You can find more good guidance about dealing with crowds and mobs by reviewing training courses available through the SCPD library and the Learning Management System (LMS) online classes. Working With Crowds, The World of Crowd Safety Management has good tips at http://www.workingwithcrowds.com/north-america-canada/.  Search for information about Crowd Control.

About Securitas

Securitas has been providing security services since 1934. With over 7,000 people in Canada and 310,000 people globally we have the experience and knowledge to offer a broad range of services; including On Site Security Guarding, Remote Guarding, Technology Solutions, Corporate Risk Management and Investigations. Our customized Integrated Security Solutions will meet all of your security needs, large or small. Please visit http://www.securitas.com/ca/en-ca/Services/On-Site-Guarding/ to know more about our Security Guard Services for Temporary Events Crowd Control

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