Home > Articles By Issue > Safety and Security > July 2006

The Road To Sustainability

Dispelling The Myths continued

The revolvers usually have a payout period of about one to 11⁄2 years, again when compared to security officer costs. Additionally, when putting revolvers on the perimeter of the building, facility managers get a big energy payback. Depending upon the size and functionality of the building, the revolver could pay off even quicker.

The use of CCTV is a must in commercial building/access system designs. By incorporating small and aesthetically pleasing camera installations, the security team can establish a single frame record of anyone entering the building, either through a card reader configuration or by viewing optical turnstile or revolving door security checkpoints.

With the availability of programmable digital video recorders (DVR), facility professionals now have the ability to photograph anyone entering the facility. Better, still, DVR is economically feasible and increases the efficacy of the building’s security system dramatically. By offloading this information to another storage device, archived data storage can be infinite.

Small camera units in elevators are also recommended in many cases. This type of surveillance allows the security console team to view what is taking place in the elevator, and with voice dial in the elevator phone, the console office can assist anyone in trouble while still recording the incident. This camera installation is strongly recommended for any organization running an executive protection program in the same building and where VIPs do not have a dedicated elevator.

Last, but definitely not least, is the use of identification cards. Commercial buildings are no different from any other security environment when an emergency situation occurs. The security team, as well as local response personnel, requires some way to identify those authorized to be in the facility (as opposed to visitors and/or unauthorized personnel).

Incorporating access controls at locations such as elevator lobby entrances or core door applications requires individuals to have their cards or face being escorted to their offices. This application is really a tough sell, but the negative consequences associated with an open environment for buildings are far too serious to be taken lightly.

In summary, the security director and the facility manager should be allowed to provide input to the building’s design as early as possible. This allows members of the team to get their ideas on the table in the beginning and to establish a budgetary number to secure the site effectively.

Consideration must also be given to parking facilities such as lots and structures both above ground and underground. Additionally, if systems are not properly monitored, and appropriate response is not available, a sense of false security could be established that would expose the company to extended liability issues related to negligent security factors.

Even though the impact of 9/11 is fading a bit in some areas of the country, there is still considerable concern about workplace violence, mandating the prevention of unauthorized access to the premises. In today’s volatile climate, it’s essential for facility professionals to establish cost effective and efficient methods of screening visitors and identifying employees, tenants, contractors, and vendors.

Security is no longer a matter of tracking guard hours or responding to alarms. The discipline of security has—with the advent of high technology systems—grown into a science. It is the responsibility of facility professionals to convince naysayers to understand and address the risks in today’s world. It may be a tough sell, but it has to be done.

Bordes is founder and CEO of The Bordes Group Inc., a corporate security consulting firm with corporate headquarters in Orlando, FL. He can be reached at (407) 851-8734 or at rbordes@bordesgroup.com.

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