How to organize physical security at complex objects?

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How to organize physical security at complex objects?

ALEXEY SURZHIK, Head of the Management of Security Enterprises Areopag Group of Companies

When can we say that an object is complex?

Firstly, the characteristic of a complex object is the size of the object itself and the area (territory). In this case, we are talking about objects with an area of 500 m2 or more, for example, oil depots, factories, storage bases for products.

Secondly, a characteristic feature of a complex object is the operating mode of the staff. So, objects working around the clock, as a rule, organize a work schedule in two or three shifts for their employees.

Thirdly, an important characteristic of a complex object is the location of the object. Here we are talking about its location in relation to criminogenic facilities, about its location in an urban or industrial area and much more.

Fourth, one of the key characteristics of complex objects is technical strength. All these characteristics imply a complex nature of the organization of security at complex facilities using a combined type of security. Thus, we are not talking about setting up round-the-clock stationary posts, but about the obligatory presence of patrol services at complex facilities using motor vehicles. If we place round-the-clock stationary posts at such objects, they must be equipped with special means and, if necessary, firearms. Having dogs at the facility is not a luxury; it is another protection tool. The most important premises on the territory of the facility should be equipped with such technical security equipment as video surveillance and remote security. And it would be nice to have a reserve group or an operational group, which in case of incidents (extraordinary circumstances) will be a qualitative strengthening of the current protection and will be able to take immediate measures to protect the facility.

The organization of security at complex facilities consists of three main processes: The audit process, which includes the following steps:

• obtaining primary information about the facility;
• preparing a review of the client;
• obtaining information on existing security at the facility;
• preparation of a report on the state of protection at the facility. The staging process, which includes such stages as:
• development of an action plan for the organization of security at the facility;
• coordination with the client of the action plan for the organization of security at the facility;
• development of the basic package of documents for the implementation of protection at the facility (concepts, regulations, instructions, regulations).

Maintenance process:
• direct implementation of measures to organize security at the facility;
• monitoring of organized security at the facility; Correction, amending the developed plan for the organization of protection. In addition, important aspects that also need to be taken into account when organizing security at complex facilities are the following: organizing and conducting comprehensive inspections of service by private security guards at stationary facilities. It is advisable to check the appearance of the security guard, the availability of documents confirming the status of a private security guard, the state of the observational case, the organization of interaction of the duty shift staff, the maintenance of the intra-object regime, and the organization. Of course, we must not forget to check the knowledge and skills of private security guards with a certain frequency.

Inspections must be alternated, carried out at different times of the day, both planned and unscheduled, to obtain the maximum result; direct work with security personnel. A professional security guard must be able to prevent and avoid potential dangers, to know how to act in extreme situations. You must be able to respond quickly, not panic, analyze the situation, make decisions instantly. In addition, the guard must maintain the image of the client and, of course, have excellent physical shape. All this is impossible without constant work on the development of security personnel. The guards must constantly attend classes in special training, master the techniques of self-defense and hand-to-hand combat, learn the basics of the legislative framework and medical training, own the basics of psychology. In this case, the load should be distributed evenly over intellectual and physical activities; close work with the customer or with the customer’s security service. Many customers make a gross mistake when trying to localize or isolate themselves from the process of object protection. Having concluded a contract for the provision of security services, the customer declares his desire together with the security company to protect and ensure the safety of the facility. The customer, like no one else, is interested in security and knows better the features of his facility, and with his participation, the organization of security at a complex facility will go much more quickly and efficiently than if he is “passive” aside; economic aspects.

If we place round-the-clock stationary posts on complex objects, they must be equipped with special means and, if necessary, firearms

The cost item for security services corresponds to the level of security services and their quality. No need to wait for the security company to offer you a “pill from all ills” for little money. Costs should be proportionate to the wishes of the customer, and their validity can always be checked in the security market; the availability of integrated security systems. A well-organized physical security at the facility is a quality foundation for gaining a sustainable level of security for any business. Improving security and strengthening the foundation (i.e., consolidating a good result) will help personnel and information security events. You should not consider such events as a whim; their practical usefulness has long been proven; development of a security system at the facility. Retrofitting the facility with the latest technical security equipment is the key to effective protection at the facility.

The world does not stand still: IT technologies are developing, criminals are improving in their field, so upgrading (updating) security at the facility is an irreversible process. Thus, it only at first glance seems that physical security is a simple security measure. But if you organize it correctly at the facility, then you and your business can be protected from emerging threats for a long time.
Security Director - "How to organize physical security at complex facilities?"