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These days, the topic of facility security is a major point of discussion during any planning sessions involving facility managers anywhere in the country.

The key question for most facility managers and administrators responsible for security is, “How much security is enough, and how do I know if I am adequately and responsibly protected?” The answer to these critical questions lies in a Security Assessment Analysis and Audit. An independent unbiased security and/or technology consultant typically performs such an analysis.

An obvious analogy can be made to the programming phase of an architectural design project. Before embarking on the design of a new building, an architect must perform a programming analysis to assess the space needs of the project.

Likewise, a Security Needs Assessment can program the existing and responsible level of improvement of one’s security systems. For a modest level of effort, before committing to any expenditures or proprietary system or equipment, it is prudent to assess what level of security exists in the facility; what the current and future security needs of the facility are, and what type of security systems are available to meet those needs. There are three fundamental considerations for an effective secure facility: architectural design, technology systems integration, and a well conceived plan involving administrative policies and procedures.

During the security assessment analysis and audit, the following issues should be discussed and prioritized:

Life safety
Terrorism
Asset protection
Facility and crowd control
Traffic flow patterns
System administration
Asset tracking
Surveillance requirements
Networking
Perimeter protection
Overall building systems technology integration
Staffing
Costs

Though a series of conversations with a few key individuals within a facility (e.g. technical, operations, and administrative personnel, as well as local police and/or on site security), one can determine the immediate and future security needs of the venue. These conversations are intended to be a two-way interactive dialogue. The global network of security systems manufacturers, integrators, and technology resources can be referenced and utilized, as can experience from previous projects.

The product of this analysis is a written security plan report, consistent with the needs of the project or venue describing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The report should also include costs associated with the recommended systems and alternatives. Once the proper direction is set, the development of a specific design can proceed and final budgets for the security equipment, staff and systems can be established.

Various technologies that may be considered for the security analysis can include:

Access control
Closed circuit television systems
Electronic perimeter and interior detection
Infrared detection
Microwave detection
Magnetic field and screening detection • Biometrics applications
Facial recognition
Radio frequency identification and tagging
Biochemical detection

The challenge of modern security systems for public assembly venues is to provide both the ability to quickly enter information into a computerized system and to pass it along (in a secure manner) to those who need to know the results. Leveraging technology to provide expanded and effective services is mandatory. Many proprietary software systems are available to document an occurrence. One needs to be able to integrate these individual programs with a campus wide network that can be monitored, accessed and maintained via the World Wide Web in a safe and secure manner.

Competitive bidding documents including complete drawings and performance specifications can be prepared and issued to integration contractors to implement, once the assessment is complete. Commissioning completes the process by ensuring that the original systems that were programmed have been installed and are operating properly. It is important that there is a well understood strategic administrative and operations plan that can go into effect immediately should the need arise. This involves a conscientious program including training and education for staff at all levels of operation.

The ultimate success of a venue’s security program can be traced back to the beginning of the process where the Security Assessment Analysis and Audit was implemented.

Dennis Paoletti is a principal consultant in the San Francisco office of Shen Milsom & Wilke Inc (SMW), an internationally recognized technology consulting firm specializing in the related disciplines of security, audiovisual/digital media, telecommunication/IT, and acoustics. Paoletti specializes in the successful integration of technical systems into aesthetically pleasing architectural projects. He may be contacted at dpaoletti@sf.smwinc.com.