Target Hardening
To Strengthen The Security Of A Building To Reduce The Risk Of Workplace Violence
Target Hardening - is a term used by police officers, those working in security, and the military refer to strengthening the security of a building or installation to protect it in the event of an attack or reduce the risk of theft.
The 4 Layers Of Protection
The Secret Service Protect the White House on a 3 layered approach, we suggest you protect your business the same way but we add a fourth layer.
Layer 2 - Structural Exterior Safety
How Safe Are You From On And Throughout Your Outside Property?
Some Examples:
Make sure your parking lots are well lit.
Be sure your entrances and exits are well-lit
Pathways & walkways should be clear and free of debris
Be sure that landscaping is appropriate and well maintained, to limit the opportunity of hiding spots.
Do your surveillance cameras cover every aspect of your property?
Be sure to mark your property with public or private areas signs so there is no confusion.
Layer 3 - Structural Interior Safety
How Safe & How Prepared Are You From Inside Your Business?
Some Examples:
Be sure that your interior doors are solid core or made of metal
Do you have additional door stops to help secure doors?
Do a key audit to be sure all can be accounted for. If not, it’s time to invest in new locks.
Get duplicate free keys to limit copies being made or switch to biometric or scan locks and entryways
Take the time to inventory and document all your valuable equipment and belongings, mark brand, manufacturer, model, serial number, and any identifiable marks. Take Pictures!
Be sure that interior walkways and stairwells are clear of debris and not being used as storage.
Make sure you have effective emergency exit routes clearly posted
Smoking Areas - Keep Them Or Eliminate Them?
Pro-Tip
Layer 1- Public View Safety
How Safe Are You from The Public Are Immediately Surrounding Your Property?
Some Examples:
Start from the street or public areas surrounding or bordering your property, does it look secure, or to the criminal eye are you an easy target?
Be sure that your property is well lit at night.
Post no trespassing signs on your property lines. This will allow law enforcement the clear opportunity to arrest if an incident of trespassing or other event occurs.
Make sure that your companies sign and # are posted and visible from the street.
Invest a small amount of money into a surveillance sign announcing that your property is properly covered.
Despite what your mom told you, it’s okay to lie on occasion, signage explaining 24 hours security patrols and or the use of K-9’s can help too.
From Home Defense - Business Risk Mitigation - Too Personal Growth & Confidence Building.
Do you know those pesky cigarette smokers that work for you? When it comes to securing your facility, they pose the largest risk to your security even if you’ve taken proper caution to secure your building as best as possible. I’m sure you have a designated smoking area – if you do, take the time right now to honestly ask yourself how you feel about that area. Is it a necessary evil? Are you thinking about removing it completely and making your facility and property completely smoke-free? In my opinion, should you do that? My answer is a strong and resounding, NO!
Understanding that cigarette smoking is an addiction like none other, smokers will find a place and a time to smoke and do their best to get away with it. No matter the consequences. Banning cigarette smoking from your property or caging your smokers in the dirtiest and nearest to the dumpster is not the way to go. If they feel you do not respect them and their needs, they will begin to not respect you or your property.
No matter your feeling about smoking, embrace those smokers that are your employees. Give them a convenient, well-placed, well lit and well landscaped, private area. They don’t want to be looked at as cattle or zoo animals. Most feel guilty about the habit as it is. Make it private and nice so that they respect it. One, this will give them the pride needed in the area to keep and your surrounding building clean of cigarettes butts. But two, and most importantly, they’ll want to go to that area to smoke and be less likely to prop a door open to go in and out to satiate the need.
Ariel Tatum is an actress who was born in Jakarta, Indonesia