Assessing the Need for Security Officer Services

Deciding the number and types of security officer services needed by an organization is best dictated by a needs assessment. A needs assessment will answer three important questions:

  • What assets need to be protected?

  • What knowledge and skills will security officers need to possess in order to provide effective protection of the assets?

  • What physical safeguards are needed to complement guard operations?

Security Officer Services

What is a needs assessment for security officer services?

A needs assessment for security officer services is a systematic process that helps organizations determine the appropriate number and types of security personnel required. This assessment addresses key questions about security needs, allowing organizations to tailor their security measures effectively and enhance overall safety.

The first step is to become familiar with the facility under protection. To decide whether 1 or 20 security officers are needed, the components of the facility must be known. Protection of a storage warehouse may require one or two officers while protection of a nuclear storage facility may require 20 officers.

Assets within the facility include employees and everything owned or used by the business. Assets range from mail clerk to Chief Executive Officer and from pencils to high-rise buildings. The needs assessment identifies assets that merit protection. Protection merit is based on:

  • Importance of the asset to business operations.

  • Dollar value of the asset.

  • Replacement of the asset should it be stolen, damaged, or destroyed.

An asset that meets the above three criteria is called a “critical asset”. Some assets, such as office supplies, merit very little or no protection at all. Why? Because they are inexpensive and easily replaced at low cost. The same is true of assets, that while of higher value, will not seriously damage the company’s business operations. Critical assets are different. If removed from the operation of a business, a single critical asset could have a very serious effect.

A well-designed security program is essential to protecting a company’s critical assets. A security program has three components, which are sometimes called the three pillars of security. They are: (1) security officers that protect critical assets, (2) physical security equipment such as fences, lights, and CCTV systems, and (3) written procedures that guide security officers. A needs assessment evaluates the three pillars, and where deficiencies exist, recommends corrective actions.

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TL;DR

Security officer services are determined by a thorough needs assessment that identifies critical assets and the necessary protection measures. This assessment helps organizations understand how many officers are needed and what skills they should possess.

  • The needs assessment answers key questions about asset protection. It evaluates what needs safeguarding and the skills required for security officers.
  • Critical assets are identified based on their importance, value, and potential impact on business operations if compromised.
  • A well-structured security program includes security officers, physical security equipment, and written procedures to ensure effective protection.
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