Step 6: Can Legacy and New Security Technology Mix?
With the convergence of new physical security technologies, the integration of existing security hardware into new security platforms can be a challenge. With the onset of IP-based technology in CCTV and access control, you need a clear understanding of the design of current systems as well as the capabilities of existing hardware and software.
One persistent dilemma that plagues security administrators is technology compatibility/interoperability. Many security systems of the past have limited or no ability to integrate with today’s physical security products. As IP technology continues to evolve, the integration and convergence of technologies are paramount in the continuous evolution of campus physical security.
Step 7: Determine Security Personnel Needs
Security staffing is always a business challenge for the security department. Gauging the needs of a campus often becomes a budgeting nightmare due to recurring costs. Building a case for need is as important as the
need itself. In many instances, the objective for staffing revolves around the change or addition of responsibility.
It is important to be in front of the budgeting process of new building designs, purchase of new property, and the increase of traffic and personnel. Documenting responsibility, service and deliverables will assist in setting the groundwork of the return on investment (ROI) and temper the overall approval process.
Step 8: Upgrade Your Security Operations Center
The Security Operations Center (SOC) is a critical component to the development of the master security plan. The SOC is a 24×7 command, control and security operations management area. This is the primary hub for operational communications, information sharing and situational awareness for all information pertaining to campus activities, threats and emergencies.
It’s tough to keep a campus infrastructure safe and secure when one is flooded with an ever-changing onslaught of daily threats and warnings from security and enterprise systems. Every morning brings new alarms from various security sources. What’s important and what’s not? How does one categorize and prioritize threats?
In addition to overall campus security challenges, it is important to have a control center that can effectively manage, respond and deliver information in a timely manner to areas of the campus and security staff who are responding to critical issues, alarms or disturbances. Call boxes, fire alarms, duress hardware and lockdowns are but a few examples of conditions
that require active response from the SOC.
Since the SOC is the heart of the physical security operation, campuses should be equipped with state-of-the-art communication and operational equipment. In addition to control, operators should have the ability to classify using integrated access, intrusion and video technologies. Historically, SOCs have been designed to extract information by visually monitoring the multitude of cameras, readers and intrusion devices. The objective for today’s campus physical security master plan is to have data pushed to the SOC based on condition, severity and protocol. The increase in response, consistency and accuracy can make the difference in a variety of situations throughout the campus.
Step 9: Don’t Forget About Your Infrastructures
Critical infrastructures are areas within the campus that rely on the continuous, reliable operation of a complex set of interdependent infrastructures: electric power, gas, transportation, water, communications and more. In the past, critical infrastructures operated independently. Today, however, they are increasingly linked, automated and interdependent as technologies continue to converge.
Disruption and/or failure in any one of them could create widespread, crippling, multi-infrastructure disruption of the entire system. Many of these systems are known to be vulnerable to physical and cyber threats, and failures induced by system complexity.
Step 10: Regularly Audit and Assess Your Plan
The primary goal of any physical security master plan is to validate the operation and consistency of the security systems, security processes and protection of assets. The final plan that is put in place will be subject to monthly, quarterly, and/or annual review, and requires continuous improvement. Auditing these processes creates active involvement of the security team and each department throughout the campus.
In order to be effective, valued and results-based, campus security master planning must have a balance of architectural, electronic and operational measures. Passive solutions should be integrated with current technology to derive the most effective security solution, cognizant of cost and operational requirements. It is equally important that the vision of the physical security design coincides with the mission of the campus.
Remember: No Plan Provides 100% Protection
Physical security design can create a field of influence, so campus associates and/or students develop a sense of ownership that potential offenders and/or predators will perceive as territorial. The overall physical security program must present sufficient obstacles to deter, detect and/or delay perpetrators at all levels.
It is important, however, to differentiate between deterrence and elimination. No security measures or products, regardless of how involved or sophisticated they may be, can ensure protection against every possible threat. The sole intent of any security program is to discourage a criminal or group of criminals from perpetrating an incident or crime.
Jeff W. Fields, PSP, CHS III is a physical security consultant with 20 years of experience developing and managing security, safety and private law enforcement services for medical, educational, manufacturing, retail, residential and commercial industries. He can be reached at [email protected].
