NCJ Number
75996
Journal
Security Management Volume: 25 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1981) Pages: 38-40,42,44-45
Date Published
1981
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper explains how to conduct physical security surveys of company facilities and offers suggestions on how to present security recommendations to high-level management.
Abstract
A security survey is a detailed study and analysis of a facility's property, operating procedures, and internal controls. It enables the security manager to evaluate the adequacy of existing protection measures and to determine what further safeguards could be implemented to plug any holes that are discovered. Five steps are involved in such a survey: definition of company assets to be protected, identification of the risks likely to jeopardize these assets, assessment of the probability of a security breach, estimation of the effect on the company if loss occurs, and determination of the facility's current security status. Planning for practical, cost-efficient solutions to security problems with consideration for employee morale is essential. A final report should be submitted to the highest level management and should include definition, scope, and purpose of the survey; a description of the problems identified; and recommendations for correcting them. The security survey should be performed once a year and presented to company management at least 2 months before the budget is put together. Security managers must be able to show how increased security measures will be able to increase company profits by such means as reducing internal and external theft, reducing accidents and insurance claims, reducing personnel needs, and increasing worker productivity.