Homework Responses Wk 3

How would you explain the difference between contract security guards and proprietary security guards, and does this difference have a direct impact on quality of security provided? 

The implementation of security planning can lead security managers, or companies to employ various methodologies in risk mitigation.   One of these decisions is whether to use proprietary security or contract security, both of which have their own pros and cons.    A proprietary security group is owned and operated by the company or related entity themselves.  They are employees of the company with whom they are tasked to protect.    Many of these proprietary teams are considered "in house" teams.    The proprietary team very often has a strong sense of loyalty to the company with which it is working, and provides services that are unique to that employer.   The ability to foster relationships with other employees often enhances the capabilities of the team.   The company also maintains control over its security product.    The major con in my opinion of having a proprietary team is cost.   In house teams tend to be far more expensive given the needs for competitive salaries and benefits.   There is also the opportunity for in house teams to sometimes suffer from complacency and over familiarity that lessens the capabilities at times.    

In contrast a contracted security group are those individuals or teams that are brought in either short or long term to handle a particular security function.   Dependent on the role these groups can often be a cost effective way to implement security plans.   The con to using a contract group is that there may not be the same level of commitment or ownership to the task in hand.

I have worked with both proprietary and contracted teams, and very often have seen some great success in the implementation of  hybrid system.  For example, I currently am part of a large proprietary team, but when our needs require it we bring in trusted and vetted contractors to supplement our teams.  This proves very effective in not only managing increased capacity but also in keeping longer term costs to a more manageable amount. 

Provide examples of countermeasures applied using the concentric layering approach. In doing so, assume you are protecting a medium sized public library.

Examples of counter measures for a medium sized public library using the concentric layering approach are multiple.   The outer layer of security would in my opinion begin in the parking lot of the library.   Here you are using adequate lighting and if possible CCTV measures.  Using clear signage that the area is being surveilled.   This outer layer will provide patrons and staff of the library to feel at ease as they enter the facility.   The lighting will assist in deterring crime such as theft and vandalism to vehicles.   It will also deter criminals or those with ill intent because their first impression will be that the building is well protected.     As we move towards the library, well lit entry ways are required.   It would also be wise at this inner perimeter to use landscaping wisely so that it doesn't provide an opportunity for individuals to hide or mask their behavior.    At that inner perimeter would also be clear signage of a security system.  Implementation of good door and window contacts, along with motion and glass breaks will assist in deterring crime.   Public library's need to be open to the public so adding an access control vestibule perhaps isn't necessary in this instance.  

As we enter the library, carefully planned open spaces and well lit aisle ways that allow good line of sight by staff would deter and prevent theft of books and other assets.  An electronic tagging system in each book can be used to not only enhance the customer experience but also reduce theft by tracking books that leave the library.    Having CCTV inside the library with obvious monitors can also deter individuals from theft.  

I would also include a panic alarm for the library desk and a place and plan for threatening behavior.