Premises

When considering how to protect your premises, you should consider how valuable the the building is, as an asset, and also the value of the assets within the building.  Many people only think to secure their premises against crime or deliberate attack, however, there are other threats that should be taken into account: Environmental threats such as flooding or snow & ice. As with most elements of security, a layered approach is best. Some of the most common layers include:

Environmental design

When most people think of securing their premises, they tend to just think of the sorts of things mentioned under the headings below. However, it is also possible to help to secure your premises by considering the environment both inside the building and around it. For example, a building in a high crime area is clearly more at risk than one in a low crime area. Perimeter fences can help to deter trespassers.  Inside the building, keep individual offices locked, or design the building so that people can not leave the stairwell and / or lift-shaft without passing through access controls.

Mechanical, electronic and procedural access control

Main access to the building should only be through a reception area, with use of rear entrances being restricted to authorised personnel only. The boundaries between private and public areas of the building should be clearly signed and effective access control should be used. Most access control systems make use of swipe cards or “proximity cards” which are readable from a short distance. Despite many of these systems being electronically controlled, mechanical locks on doors and windows are still vitally important.

Intrusion detection & Video monitoring

Intruder alarms and CCTV are often used to detect and deter trespassers intruders. Intruder alarms, CCTV and access control systems should be integrated where possible, as together, they form a security system which is greater than the sum of their parts.

Personnel Identification

All members of staff should be issued with an identification tag and visitors with passes. Staff should be trained to question anyone who is not wearing one of these tags, particularly if they have not seen the person before. Staff must also be trained to report the loss of their identification tags as soon as possible and to keep them hidden when they are not on the premises.

Further Information

Secured By Design http://www.securedbydesign.com/
CPNI - http://www.cpni.gov.uk/ProtectingYourAssets/physicalSecurity264.aspx