Last July, an existing client engaged us to design the security system for a building that was under construction. It is part of a property where we conducted a security risk assessment a few years earlier. The client was surprised when we asked to sit down with him to revisit the risk assessment process. “Why do you need to do that,” he asked? “You guys did the last risk assessment. Nothing has changed”. In fact, a lot had changed. And this is the reason we are changing the way security risk management is practised. Our new tool, which is a world first will ensure that security risk assessments are always up to date and the chances of an adverse event are minimised.

Terrorist attacks should now be expected in Australia. Are you prepared? Many organisations are not and lack the right security staff. Where to from here?

Communicating clearly and decisively to all building occupants during a security incident is critical. Are you doing it right?

Despite increased functionality and higher resolution, CCTV is still not achieving the one thing its proponents have always claimed that it can – improve the security of the premises where it is used.

I know it is a big statement and there are always exceptions to the rule, but crime still occurs on premises where CCTV is installed. It happens regularly and from where I sit, things are not going to change anytime soon.

This is why.

Should ‘gut feeling’ be part of security assessment? The tragic events in Melbourne’s Bourke Street last month highlighted the difficult choices we face when an extremely rare but high-impact event has devastating consequences. In our industry, evidence based reporting is a key component of security risk management. This means that unless we can find evidence of a threat and can link that threat to a vulnerability, there is no risk. That’s the theory, but does it work? Should instinct play a role?

Luke Percy-Dove talks to Sourceable about the things property owners need to consider when evaluating the risk of terrorism and the potential impact it can have on a business. Read Here

It’s easy to forget that video surveillance is only part of the security manager’s operational matrix – without the support of additional systems and effective procedures, CCTV cameras are reduced to the role of investigative tools – useful but not able to inform security staff in real time, writes Luke Percy-Dove for the July edition of the Security & Electronics Network Magazine.

Another series of security risk assessments have been completed across the country and the inconsistencies in major building security are easier to spot than ever. In part, this is because the shortcomings that many commercial properties have with security are relatively consistent. It is also because the commercial property sector in general is not adjusting to the changing risk profile of the local and global environments and the types of risks that need to be considered.

Over the last few weeks we have witnessed a tragic event unfold in one of our countries most popular tourist attractions on the Gold Coast.

The event has proved devastating for many people, none more so than the immediate friends and family of those affected by the tragedy.

Here are some questions and a quick risk test to determine the level of risk and impact of that risk, in your business today.

Over the last few months, aside from doing the typical security design and risk assessment work that accounts for the bulk of our time, we have also been auditing a diverse mix of commercial properties and acting as expert witnesses in a couple of civil trials.
One of the common themes has been a very high reliance on CCTV for property protection which we would strongly recommend against unless the CCTV is supported by other systems and processes.

In this article, we explore what security is and how it should be applied to your property or commercial premises.