NCJ Number
53002
Journal
Security Management Volume: 22 Issue: 12 Dated: (DECEMBER 1978) Pages: 18-22
Date Published
1978
Length
4 pages
Annotation
THIS ARTICLE DISCUSSES MEASURES HOTELS AND MOTELS CAN TAKE TO PROTECT THEIR INVESTMENTS AND GUESTS, EMPHASIZING PREVENTION PROGRAMS AND THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SECURITY MANAGER.
Abstract
DETECTION PROGRAMS USUALLY EXIST IN SMALLER HOTELS AND INVOLVE THE USE OF HOTEL DETECTIVES WHO ACT AFTER AN INCIDENT HAS OCCURRED. IN PREVENTION PROGRAMS, USUALLY FOUND IN PROGRESSIVE HOTELS, A SECURITY MANAGER TAKES LOSS PREVENTION MEASURES TO PREVENT PROBLEMS FROM OCCURRING. THE SECURITY MANAGER CAN BEST IMPLEMENT A PREVENTION APPROACH THROUGH IN-HOUSE TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR HOTEL EMPLOYEES. HE SHOULD BE AWARE OF HIS LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE PUBLIC INCLUDING THE CONTRACTUAL NATURE OF THE CONFIRMED RESERVATION. ALTHOUGH THE HOTEL DOES NOT INSURE THE SAFETY OF THE GUEST, IT NEVERTHELESS MUST EXERCISE REASONABLE CARE TO OFFSET LIABILITY, REQUIRING THE SECURITY MANAGER TO TREAT GUESTS WITH DIGNITY AND CONSIDERATION. THE SECURITY MANAGER IS WARNED AGAINST ENTERING A GUEST'S ROOM EXCEPT IN CASES OF EMERGENCY. HE IS ALSO THE SAFETY MANAGER AND MUST ENSURE THAT EQUIPMENT AND THE FACILITY REMAIN IN PROPER CONDITION. A RESPECTED HOTEL SHOULD NOT SOLICIT THE BUSINESS OF PROSTITUTES, YET THE SECURITY MANAGER MUST VIEW THE PROBLEM REALISTICALLY AND RECOGNIZE THAT PROSTITUTION IS A MISDEMEANOR QUITE COMMON IN LARGE HOTELS. A PRIMARY TASK OF THE SECURITY MANAGER IS TO DETERMINE THE OWNERSHIP OF FOUND PROPERTY. A 20-HOUR TRAINING PROGRAM HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED IN CHICAGO, ILL., TO TRAIN HOTEL SECURITY OFFICERS. THE PROGRAM CURRICULUM COVERS ROLE IDENTIFICATION AND FUNCTION, INTERVIEW AND INTERROGATION TECHNIQUES, OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY AND PERSONS, THE ILLINOIS INNKEEPER'S ACT, PUBLIC RELATIONS, PRINCIPLES OF INVESTIGATIVE PROCESS, REPORT WRITING, SAFETY PROCEDURES, PATROL TECHNIQUES, AND INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS. WHILE GOOD KEY CONTROL IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DEPARTMENT MANAGERS, THE SECURITY MANAGER CAN ASSIST BY IMPLEMENTING THE EIGHT LISTED SUGGESTIONS AND TAKING IMMEDIATE ACTION WHEN DISCOVERING DISCREPANCIES. ZERO-BASED BUDGETING FOR SECURITY IS IMPORTANT IN ESTABLISHING A BUDGET BASED ON MANAGEMENT BY OBJECTIVES, AND SUGGESTIONS ARE INCLUDED FOR PRESENTING AND JUSTIFYING A SECURITY BUDGET. (KJM)