Page 34 - Security Today, March 2020

“Facility managers need to artfully juggle providing discreet security for their tenants while ensuring that their experience in the building is pleasurable and worry-free.”
professionals dressed in suits rather than the traditional military style, makes for a more accessible presence.
This security-minded ambassador provides an increased level of customer service in addition to security protection to both welcome and protect tenants, staff and visitors. Security profes- sionals should provide concierge-level customer service to tenants and visitors professionals that is specifically selected and trained for the building’s unique environment which includes:
• Specialized training modules in First Aid/CPR/AED and
ADA Compliance
• Fire/Life Safety training
• Emergency and active shooter preparedness training
• Lobby ambassadors specially trained in concierge-level cus-
tomer service
• Law enforcement liaison services
Control access. During off-hours, security professionals should be posted at the front entrance and at any other access point to the property to greet anyone who is entering the property and to act as a deterrent and barrier for people who have no busi- ness in the building. It is important for facility managers to train all employees and contractors to maintain key control, restrict access to tenants and registered visitors only, report suspicious activity, conduct routine property tours to access all security and fire hazards and protect all tenant, staff and visitor information from outsiders.
Patrol public areas. Ensuring that Video Management Sys- tems with recording equipment are tracking all of the facility’s public areas is important. These public areas include reception desk, parking lot, shipping and receiving dock and lobby. Video Management Systems should be actively monitored by security staff or via a state-of-the-art monitoring facility.
Commit to continual training. Ensuring that security profes- sionals have access to virtual and classroom training programs delivers officers that are well-versed on the latest security technol- ogy available. Today’s security workforce spans all generations. Optimal learning strategies and techniques generally vary consid- erably when training a 20-something vs. a 60-something and there is no one-size-fits-all training. People are the primary “currency” of the physical security industry and the best security services companies are the ones that provide well-trained security profes- sionals who can strive and succeed.
Training employees on the latest integrated security systems as well as operating and emergency evacuation procedures are vital components of the security professional’s continual learning. For example, the building’s training should include joint programs with security and employees for emergency procedures during evacuations. Integrated security protocols enhance the overall building security program resulting in a seamless security opera- tion that can adapt to change in real time.
Develop public/private initiatives. Establish public-private pro- grams that further the coordination and communication of po-
lice, fire department, and emergency services and private security in the protection of people and property helps to enhance the safety and security of the commercial real estate community.
From an operational standpoint, it is vital for building man- agement to have cooperation between all primary public and private sectors. For example, police officers appreciate the role that building security professionals play as they are an extra set of eyes to share observations and monitor trends. Police officers, in turn, can communicate with security personnel about possible threats in the area, and give them photos of wanted individuals.
Police agencies can also organize training sessions for private security to help them understand the ways they can assist public law enforcement when securing buildings. Using two-way com- munication in a variety of methods can enhance mutual respect and support collaboration between private and public sectors. Security teams can also partner with Building Owners and Man- agers Association (BOMA). As an active member in BOMA, the building security team has access to a comprehensive resource for security best practices and benefits from the research, standards and information offered through this organization.
Prepare for emergencies. Whether dealing with a natural disaster, loss of electrical power or an act of terrorism, every commercial building has to be prepared for emergencies that can happen at any time of the day or night. The emergency preparedness plan should address all tenant, staff and visitor safeguards, best practices and training, and all moving parts of operating a commercial building. The development of an emer- gency plan should account for individual property needs, geog- raphy, occupancy type, traffic, nearby businesses and a host of factors such as rate and type of security incidents, local crime rates, and access controls.
Commercial buildings are held to a high standard with regard to safety and security. It is critical that security procedures and staff training for all traffic areas of the building, including the lobby, front desk, baggage storage area, visitor entry points and the parking lot and receiving dock areas be intensive and compre- hensive for contract security and building staff.
A commercial building with an open environment welcomes guests but also carries all of the risks associated with open access. A building’s hospitable open doors can allow access to people un- der the influence of drugs or alcohol, thieves, and disruptive and unruly people. Tenants and visitors expect to be safe when they are in a commercial building, and it is important that all public spaces be monitored by employees and security staff.
Each commercial building, which are all unique based on their location, facility design and tenant/visitor profile, needs a comprehensive security plan that is designed around the func- tional areas of the building. Heavily trafficked areas such as lob- bies, parking lots, hallways, elevator access paths and meeting rooms need to be monitored and patrolled around the clock to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all tenants, visi- tors and staff.
Aligning with a private security company can help a building manager create a highly ef- fective security program lead by well-trained, experienced security professionals.
Jim Geyer is Vice President of Sales for Allied Universal.
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