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.

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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10 STEPS TO HELP MAKE YOUR CAMPUS SAFER - HOW SAFE IS YOUR CAMPUS?

Marianna Perry, Area Training and Development Manager for Securitas USA in Kentucky, frequently conducts security assessments for colleges and universities. She states that unless a campus has a security review conducted by a qualified professional, college administration may not have a clear understanding of its potential security risks and vulnerabilities. "This is by no means intentional with college administrators," says Perry. "Often they just don't know what they need to make their campus more secure. What works best is a total and holistic approach to campus security. You can't just assume that what's needed are good locks and good lighting on campus; you have to approach safety and security from several perspectives." An effective security program requires not only good physical security measures with the right mix of technology, but also administrative policies and training. These requirements, Perry suggests, should be coupled with management support from the top down.

When addressing the physical security of a campus, it's critical that access control, locking devices, video surveillance, lighting, and intrusion detection systems are effective. The concepts of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) are essential to a campus, along with trained, proactive law enforcement or security personnel.3 The appropriate technology must also be in place to make the system operate efficiently. "This means cost-effective as well as efficient," explains Perry.

"You have to integrate all the components of a security program to work in conjunction with each other. I often see a security policy written by middle management, but top administrators are not familiar with what the policy really entails. They need to know it, promote it, endorse it – and they have to require compliance."

Here are the 10 steps all school campuses should take to ensure everyone stay safe and sound:

1. Have a Security Assessment conducted every two years or whenever there are significant changes to the campus, including buildings and/or grounds.
2. Address “soft points of entry” Into the campus by utilizing appropriate physical security measures.
3. Utilize technology along with physical security to deter crime and violence.
4. Conduct mandatory freshman and new student orientation programs.
5. Have an “active lock policy” especially on dorm room doors. 
6. Campus law enforcement or security personnel must be on duty and visible 24/7, and be proactively involved in Community Policing strategies.
7. Educate students, faculty and staff about safety and security programs, such as “walk me home” services, “blue light phones,” RAD or self-defense training, crisis hot lines, mental health/counseling services and other programs.
8. Offer safety resources and crime prevention information to students about alcohol/drugs and sexual assault awareness/prevention/reporting.
9. Educate and train students, faculty and staff on all campus emergency procedures and offer mass notification and security alerts through the use of social media as well as other means of communication. Involve local first responders in your training and drills.
10. Implement an active social media program and monitor its use.

A campus safety and security program must find the right balance between creating an open environment and upholding the duty to protect students, faculty and staff. There must be a positive relationship between expenditures, personnel, technology, campus design and a crime prevention awareness/education to develop a program that is efficient and affordable. This type of program involves all members of the campus community, each doing their part to keep the campus safe.

This article is an abstract from a WhitePaper published by Securitas USA. You can view the full paper at the following link:

http://goo.gl/wAT16X

Securitas Canada offers a broad range of services that include specialized guarding, technology solutions, mobile guarding and corporate investigations. Securitas Canada is providing Campus Security to Universities and Collages Across Canada. To learn more about Campus Security Services provided by Securitas Canada, please visit http://www.securitas.com/ca/en-ca/Customer-Segments/Education/. 

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Bank Robbery Derailed by Preventative Patrol

A recent string of bank robberies has plagued Southern Ontario and Quebec over the past few months, but thanks to a preventative patrol by a Securitas Mobile Patrol Officer, one was stopped.

On the rainy evening of December 25, 2014, Securitas Officer Antonio Jose (Tony) Vasconcelos was conducting a routine ATM vestibule patrol at a Montreal-area bank, when the officer noticed a large amount of water on the floor and base of the wall inside the bank.  The officer immediately notified the client and his Supervisor, Pierre Gauthier (pictured above), of his findings and then continued his inspection. 

Upon further investigation, the officers found that the leak was coming from a hole in the ceiling that attempted-robbers had created to try to break into the bank’s ATM room.   Vasconcelos and Gauthier contacted the police and remained on-site to further investigate the area.  They found that the suspect’s tools were left on-site and no money was taken from the ATM or the vault.

Police believe that the patrol inspection by Vasconcelos and Gauthier interrupted the burglary and caused the suspect(s) to flee before they could complete the robbery.

Patrol Supervisor Pierre Gauthier, who has 10 years experience in security, stated: “Upon entering the site, I had a funny feeling; my past experiences encouraged me to go further in my inspection. All the information pointed to a water pipe break, but we took the decision to verify further and then notify police so that a verification of the roof could be done. I am proud to have helped derail the attempted robbery in progress. Teamwork has contributed to the success of this event.”

This is a prime example that while you never know exactly when crime will strike, taking preventative measures such as security patrol inspections can help deter them from happening.