PSIMay2017

PANEL
“The site survey
should be followed up
with site maintenance
quotations and defect
reports to identify the
critical elements that
need attention”
40
(from previous page)
systems maintenance contracts, we know the
importance of carrying out a thorough risk
assessment and site survey from the outset,
taking into account the necessary regulatory
and contractual framework. The site survey
should be followed up with site maintenance
quotations and defect reports to identify the
critical elements that need attention (i.e. for
systems that may already be installed), taking
into account the system type, size, age and
condition.
We know that most organisations have
complex surveillance needs which are largely
beyond the capabilities of many older systems,
which aren’t equipped to deal with the security
threats of today. Once the planned maintenance
regime is underway, systems will need to be
reviewed against the operational requirements
and current regulatory standards and
guidelines. The subsequent upgrade proposals
will focus on bringing benefits from new
technological innovations, making the
installation more effective whilst also making
systems easier to use. Any upgrade plans have
to be pragmatic, however, making maximum use
of existing infrastructure where possible to
control costs.
Steve Martin - FSA
Ensuring that a security risk
assessment is fit for purpose
depends on how
comprehensive the
information gathering has
been executed during the
survey and design stage. The
all important questions and answers associated
with ‘why, when, how?’ shouldn’t be lost due to
the method of communication and if these
elements are reviewed with an expert - face to
face contact would be the preferred method.
When it comes to the survey be open
minded. Often the mistake is approaching it
solely on the basis of an intruder alarm survey
without any consideration of integrating other
technologies. Presented with a large property
with a long drive - rather than having a blanket
Grade 3 system likely specified by the insurer,
this situation would surly benefit from having a
door entry system on the gates, a small amount
of CCTV and a Grade 2 system offering a
deterrent, an acceptable level of protection, and
would assist in securing a prosecution.
Be completely open and honest when
proposing your scheme to your client and
ensure they are clear it is based on information
made available during the initial survey. In
addition, encourage them to consult with other
interested parties such as insurers, landlords,
building control, crime prevention officers etc.,
and then feedback any views to ensure the final
scheme is met with broad approval.
Beware of any ‘it’s too expensive’ claim from
the client, as inevitably many will later claim
‘well you’re the expert’ if the watered down
system is not later met with approval. Make
sure the onus sits with the client through
written communication and referring back to
your initial scheme as the appropriate one for
the building.
It’s worth noting that absolutely anyone that
enters a building could gain some inside
knowledge of where security components are
positioned and could covertly pass this onto
scrupulous criminals – so bear this in mind
when making your risk assessment.
Gerard Cooper -
Allcooper and Gerard
Cooper Security
Consulting
As they say ‘knowledge is
power’ and gaining knowledge
is key to creating effective
systems. Nowadays, we see a
more consultative approach to security which
reaps rewards and avoids errors but, as we
know, only an experienced individual knows the
right questions to ask. So ensuring the right
person asks the right questions is what can
make the difference. A few tips therefore:
1) Choose the right team: When you know the
brief ensure you send the right people to
discuss the project with the client.
2) Have a checklist: Create a checklist so a
proper risk assessment process can be
followed.
Note: A risk can be identified as an
opportunity for an intruder to make a gain
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