Assignment: Nine Points of Security Concern
1. General purpose of the building (i.e., residence, classroom, office). Consider the hours of use, people who use the building, people who have access, key control, and maintenance schedule.
Who is responsible for maintenance? Is the building used for public events? If so, what type and how often? Is the building normally opened to the public? Identify the significant factors and make recommendations.
2. Hazards involving the building or its occupants. List and prioritize (e.g., theft of office equipment, wallet theft, theft from stockrooms). Identify potential hazards that might exist in the future.
3. Police or guard security applications. What can these guards do to improve the response to the building and occupants from a patrol, investigation, or crime prevention standpoint? Would the application of guards be operationally effective or cost-effective?
4. Physical recommendations. Inspect doors, windows, lighting, and access points. Recommend physical changes that would make the building more secure, such as pinning hinges on doors and fences.
5. Locks, equipment to be bolted down, potential application of card control and key control. Make specific recommendations.
6. Alarms. Would an alarm system be cost effective? Would the use of the building preclude the use of an alarm? Are the potential benefits of an alarm such that the building use should be changed to facilitate it? Consider all types of alarms, buildingwide or in specific offices. Consider closedcircuit television and portable or temporary alarm devices.
7. Storage. Does the building have specific storage problems, such as expensive items that should be given special attention, petty cash, stamps, calculators, microscopes? Make specific recommendations.
8. Trespassing. Are there adequate "No Trespassing" signs posted? Are other signs needed?
9. Custodians. Can custodians be used in a manner that would be better from a security standpoint?