NCJ Number
170761
Journal
Security Management Volume: 41 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1997) Pages: 30-34,37
Date Published
1997
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Security at the 1200-acre Nemacolin Woodlands resort in Pennsylvania blends technology and personnel to provide effective and unobtrusive protection of the art collection, the other property, the clientele, and the employees.
Abstract
The hundreds of art works throughout the resort are individually connected electronically, mechanically, optically, or by some combination of methods to the security command center. The security systems include low-visibility heat sensors, motion detectors, pressure sensors, and electrical sensors. Closed-circuit television cameras are located throughout the buildings and grounds. The command center is staffed 24 hours a day, remotely controls lights all around the facility, and stores weapons. The resort has 25 full-time security personnel among its 500 employees. Each security officer is a generalist and handles responsibilities such as patrols, report writing, and investigations. All security personnel are certified in CPR; some are trained emergency medical technicians. Most security personnel are former public or military police officers who also have a record of successful interpersonal relations, maturity, tact, and discretion. They also have Pennsylvania State firearms proficiency certification. They emphasize customer service and nonintrusiveness to defuse trouble before it arises. They use both marked and unmarked vehicles and foot patrols. A security management team meets weekly. In addition, the security department maintains an effective relationship with local law enforcement, fire and medical service agencies, and justice and service personnel. It conducts cross-training programs with local agencies. The resort also has a comprehensive emergency plan, but it does not conduct disaster drills. The security department tries to balance the sometimes conflicting needs for protection and public relations by using good sense and encouraging everyone on staff to take a proprietary role in the resort. Photographs and illustrations