Physical Security
Physical security is important in protecting against a range of threats and addressing vulnerability. Put in place security measures to remove or reduce your vulnerabilities to as low as reasonably practicable bearing in mind the need to consider safety as a priority at all times. Security measures must not compromise health safety.
Your risk assessment will determine which measures you should adopt, but they range from basic good housekeeping (keeping communal areas clean and tidy) through mitigation against flying glass, CCTV, intruder alarms, cyber security and lighting, to specialist solutions such as mail scanning equipment. Specialist solutions, in particular, should be based on a thorough assessment – not least because you might otherwise invest in equipment which is ineffective, unnecessary and expensive.
Successful security measures require:
- the support of senior management
- staff awareness of the measures and their responsibility in making them work
- a senior, identified person within your organisation having responsibility for security
Action you should consider
The Vulnerability Self Assessment Tool (VSAT) will help you identify and assess areas of vulnerability and also provide guidance on how to mitigate and reduce any vulnerabilities. Contact your local CTSA (see Contact Us) who can register you as a user of VSAT.
Contact your Counter Terrorism Security Adviser (CTSA) through your local police force at the start of the process. As well as advising you on physical security, they can direct you to professional bodies that regulate and oversee reputable suppliers. Remember, you will need to ensure that all necessary regulations are met, such as local planning permission, building consents, health and safety and fire prevention requirements. Plan carefully – as this can help keep costs down. Whilst it is important not to delay the introduction of necessary equipment or procedures, costs may be reduced if new changes coincide with new building or refurbishment work.
Security awareness
The vigilance of your staff (including cleaning, maintenance and contract staff) is essential to your protective measures. They will know their own work areas or offices very well and should be encouraged to be alert to unusual behaviour or items out of place. They must have the confidence to report any suspicions, knowing that reports – including false alarms – will be taken seriously and regarded as a contribution to the safe running of the premises.Training is therefore particularly important. Staff should be briefed to look out for unusual packages, bags or other items in odd places, carefully placed (rather than dropped) items in rubbish bins and people showing unusual interest in sensitive, important or less accessible areas.