Building Management: 5 Reasons to Use Access Control Systems for Business & Government Security

by Mark Pendergast, Citiguard Managing Director

Building management is one of the top concerns of property managers and building owners looking to increase business security. Multiple interior and exterior doors, the presence of restricted or sensitive areas and heavy traffic all contribute to increased access control issues. Access control security systems can help solve many of these issues and minimise unauthorised entry.

In this article, we'll examine the different access control technologies available to government and businesses, and then we'll take a closer look at how they can help you increase your building security (and save you money, too).

Part I: What Technology can an Access Control System be Comprised of?

Some building managers may think of access control security systems as complicated, expensive electronic networks that are difficult to implement. In reality, they can be tailored to fit many different building sizes, occupancy types, and budgets.

An access control security system allows building management professionals to do more than just control admission to restricted areas. It also keeps electronic records of entries and exits into those areas. Such records help building managers gauge traffic and identify who used a door at any given time. This makes it much easier to answer important security questions such as, “Who was in the building when that incident happened?” and so on.

What access control method is best for you depends on your specific business security needs. Four such methods are detailed below.

Access Control Method #1: Keyless Entry Swipe Cards

These cards bear magnetic strips which contain information about the cardholder. A card reader scans the stripe and allows or denies entry accordingly. The cards are relatively inexpensive, and each user can be given a different unique ID for entrance and exit tracking.

Access Control Method #2: Biometric Scanners

This type of system requires the user to input some type of biological information, in addition to or instead of an access card. The most common types are retinal (eye) and fingerprint scanners. Palmprint scanners or voice activation systems can also be used.

This kind of access control system is more secure than swipe cards – sounds silly to say, but it's quite difficult to forge an eyeball or a hand. The technology for these devices has been advancing and is becoming cheaper to make and install.

Access Control Method #3: Keypad Systems

Users enter an assigned code into a keypad in order to obtain entry into a building or area. Electronic keypads are hard to tamper with, and are reprogrammable in the event that a code needs to be changed. Unique access codes can be given to each user to track entries.

Access Control Method #4: "Smart Cards" or Proxy Card Readers (Proximity Cards)

These are similar to swipe cards, except that the user's information is contained in a microchip rather than a magnetic stripe. These tend to be more secure and less prone to damage than magnetic keyless entry cards.

Both swipe cards and proxy cards have the additional advantage of being able to display a photo and written security credentials, facilitating the work of live security guards to verify identity.

Access Control System Design

An access control security system has several major components. At its core, there is a computerised control centre and a log of each person who is granted access to the building or its parts.

The control centre is linked to entry points throughout the building. These points can include not only doors, but also elevators, turnstiles, parking gates and other barriers. There's no fixed limit to the number of points which can be monitored in this manner.

Here is how the security link works: Barriers at the entry points are outfitted with electronic scanners which serve to verify information entered by the user.

When Information is entered into the scanner (either by swiping an access card or inputting biological information, etc), the reader then relays the information to the control centre. The computer verifies security credentials and grants or denies entry accordingly, with a note in its logs that it did so.

Part II: 5 Reasons Access Control Can Increase Business Security and Government Security

Both governments and mid to large-sized buildings & businesses can benefit greatly from using access control security systems. The five biggest benefits include:

1) Reduced Cost Due to Less Security Guards Needed and Easier Lock Changing

It may be cost prohibitive in large buildings to have security guards monitor every crucial point of entry. From this viewpoint, access control security systems may pay for themselves within a few years or less, while still maintaining security.

Another important aspect of cost reduction for government or business security involves the use of smart cards. Using a swipe card or a proxy card negates the need to change the locks if a key card gets lost, stolen, or is not returned by a dismissed employee. Simply delete that one card from the system and access is prevented, while access for other users is uninterrupted.

Say the unfortunate happens - you run a few warehouses, and have a low level manager who turns out to be a bad hire. He runs off and quits one day without returning his building keys. Now you have to change all the locks... an expensive fix, but it has to be done or you leave yourself open to theft, or perhaps worse.

Compare this to the situation where an electronic access control system was installed. If all he absconded with was a keycard, take 5 minutes and delete his access credentials from the system, forever after denying him access - no locksmith needed. That's real money saved.

2) Ability to Maintain Both Public and “Employees Only” Areas Simultaneously

Many buildings see a mix of daily traffic between public visitors and staff. With access control installed, public visitors are still able to enter, but can be kept from getting past restricted points. Non-staff don't have to feel intimidated by elaborate, overbearing business security systems, and building managers don't have to worry about visitors gaining access to restricted areas.

3) Ability to Record Entries and Exits

Governments and some businesses often need to keep records of who comes and goes. Access control security systems allow them to do so in a manner that is efficient and easily interpreted.

4) Ability to Protect Sensitive Areas

Access control systems allow the user to set various levels of security access. After assigning a keyless entry card to every person who works in a particular building, specific security clearances can then be granted to each cardholder.

For example, one cardholder may be given access only to exterior doorways. Another cardholder can be granted access to both exterior doors plus some or all interior barriers. This allows for building employees to come and go with ease but keeps sensitive areas protected.

Certain situations can also be simpler to handle when access control is installed. In the event of a major security problem, electronic access control facilitates a security lockdown (or security lockout), preventing all access except by those granted high-level clearance. This helps keep the problem contained in the building (or keeps it off the premises).

5) Ensuring Employee Honesty

The true cost of employee dishonesty is difficult to estimate after a breach in business security, which these days is unfortunately much too common. With access control systems implemented in their areas, executives responsible for building management don't have to constantly wonder about employees gaining access to unauthorised areas. This peace of mind, for some execs, may have a monetary value much higher than the cost of the system!

In Conclusion

Access control security systems are relatively simple to monitor and maintain. Properly installed, they are difficult to tamper with and override, creating peace of mind for building managers and tenants. If you're in the business of building management and site security, access control can be a very appropriate option to satisfy your security needs.

Schedule a free Access Control Consultation today - click here.

Stop Graffiti Vandalism with Good Planning & CCTV: Can a Security Camera System Help?

by Mark Pendergast, Citiguard Managing Director

Graffiti vandalism is a $250,000,000.00 per year problem in Australia, and rising. It affects nearly every sector of every Australian community. Installing a security camera is one of the most effective ways to curb the problem and reduce the cost to stop graffiti.

This article will look at 3 major areas affected by the problem: 1) Public Building and School Security, 2) Business Security, and 3) Home Security, and will examine the effect of using security cameras to deter crime.

Graffiti vandalism is on the rise in Australia. In fact, the number of graffiti incidents doubled between 2001 and 2008 (the most recent years for which stats are available). The Australian government and concerned citizens are pushing for greater awareness of the problem, as evidenced in the recent “Keep Australia Beautiful” campaign. They are working toward reducing incidents as well as understanding why people participate in this type of crime.

Precious government funds are being diverted from other areas in order to fight this scourge in public areas. Business and property owners are being hit in the wallet too – everyone agrees that preventing graffiti vandalism is more efficient and less costly than cleaning it up afterward.

The problem is, Police can't be everywhere at once of course, and most private citizens and small business owners can't afford to hire security staff to deter the problem. So, what to do? It is good to catching offenders and preventing them from becoming re-offenders, but the best solution is preventing the act altogether. Using a security camera is one of the least expensive methods of preventing and deterring this crime.

Closed–circuit television (CCTV) is a system of security cameras which transmit to a private receivers, called DVRs (digital video recorders). Any number of security cameras can be utilised to observe graffiti vandalism hotspots. The data may be viewed from the camera as a live feed in real time, or recorded in the DVR for viewing later.

Often, a security camera in plain view is enough to deter a would-be vandal from acting in the first place. And if not, the data recorded during a crime is frequently used to identify and charge a criminal that isn't discouraged by security cameras.

Unfortunately, statistics indicate that once an area is targeted by vandals, it's more likely to be targeted again and again. A CCTV system can help identify potential problem spots and keep them from being hit repeatedly.

Anyone owning or managing property can benefit from installing a security camera in other ways than just reducing incidents of graffiti vandalism. Those who can benefit include:

1) Government Offices and Public Buildings (Schools, Hospitals, Rail Stations)

Schools are the most frequently targeted buildings by graffiti vandals. Other commonly-targeted public structures include statues, monuments, overpasses & underpasses, and utility boxes.

Installing CCTV systems in and around these areas may do more than reduce graffiti. Security cameras may record other types of crimes in progress and give police valuable leads to solving them. Cameras in and around schools can also reduce the occurrence of fights and bullying, and generally keep students and staff safer.

2) Corporations or Businesses Looking to Increase Their Business Security

These are the second most frequently targeted structures. Business owners in areas where graffiti vandalism is rampant can install a CCTV security camera system to stop graffiti and solve other types of business crime, too. It can also help to reduce internal theft and keep employees and customers safe.

3) Private Property or Homeowners Concerned About Home Security

Occupied private homes are less frequently targeted than other structures. However, other things on private property, such as walls fences, may be vandalised. This is because they are usually located away from the occupied home and are thus more secluded and vulnerable.

By contrast, unoccupied homes are understandably a magnet for graffiti vandalism. These structures are often chronically targeted and may become problematic to manage without some type of deterrent.

A security camera system is such a deterrent, whether a property is occupied or not. It discourages not only vandalism but also theft, breaking and entering, unlawful occupation and trespassing. Additionally, it protects occupants (if any) from crimes like home invasions and burglaries.

In Conclusion

Criminals do not like to be watched. Statistics bear out the theory that a security camera (or group of security cameras) decreases the likelihood that a building, structure or area will be targeted with graffiti, and it may be the only way to prevent a vulnerable structure from becoming a chronic target.

Choosing Security Guards for Event Security & Parties: How Many Guards Do I Need for Crowd Control?

by Mark Pendergast, Citiguard Managing Director

You have that special event or party on your calendar and the day is fast approaching. All the elements are coming together to ensure your event is a successful one. However, there's one vital aspect you must address to ensure things truly do run just right: the event security concerns and the right number of security guards you need for crowd control.

Part I: Choosing the Right Security Company for You

First, what should you look for in a security guard company to receive the service you need? Here's a brief rundown on what to look for in a professional, reputable security company:

Qualified and Licensed Security Guards

Choose a company that has a current Master Security License and only employs fully qualified and licensed Security Officers. Additionally, check that a security guard has other necessary certification, such as a First Aid Certificate. This provides the best level of protection suitable for a variety of circumstances.

Regional Experience

Choose a security company that has a history of serving your region with exceptional and dependable guards. These guards would understand the unique concerns particular to that locale. A security officer familiar with your area handles a situation based on knowledge of the environment and its people.

Security Industry Versatility

Choose a company that has experience providing security guards to homes, businesses, and government. This well-rounded approach to security provides you with premium protection capable of handling many different kinds of events or parties.

Affordable

Choose a company that doesn't force you sign a long-term contract. Locking yourself into a contract with a security company that doesn't perform to your expectations is the last thing you want. A reputable security firm charges you a reasonable fee for their service. You choose how long you use their guards, and pay only for that time.

Offers a Wide Variety of Security Services

Choose a company that can handle all of your security needs. Make them your one-stop shop for whatever assets you need to protect. A good, well-rounded security service will offer security guards, but will also provide alarm responses, home alarm installation and business security system installation. They should additionally offer CCTV security cameras, access control, alarm servicing, and more.

Part II: How Many Guards do I Need?

The next thing to consider is the size of your event or party. How many security guards you need for crowd control depends on your venue size and the number of people attending. Having one guard per 100 people at your party or event is a general rule to meet your needs. This rule can help you plan and budget your security accordingly.

Seek counsel from a security company experienced in both small-to-medium sized and large-scale events. They give good advice, based on their experience, on the correct number of security guards for your event size.

Small to Medium Sized Events and Parties

Smaller events do not necessarily mean fewer security personnel. Small to medium-sized events held outdoors over a wide area might require several guards. This is to control entry and exit in numerous spots. Such an event in a larger room with many points of entry may require the same.

An event can easily become difficult to control if a room is too small and becomes overcrowded. There's also the chance more guests may show up than originally planned. This can happen when you have no pre-determined guest list. If the event is open to everyone or is vulnerable to "party crashers", you may require professional security guards experienced in those situations.

Large-Scale Events

For crowd control at larger events or parties, you will definitely need significant event security. No matter the size of the venue, there's always the risk a large crowd can get out of control. You don't want an understaffed event from a security standpoint. You can run into legal issues by not having sufficient security, especially if someone becomes injured.

Knowing the scope of your event, a security company offers guidance on what type of guard is compatible. A high profile event, with high-value assets on display and VIP's, may require visible armed personnel. A low-key event with no expensive assets in the space and fewer guests may require only an unarmed security guard presence.

Events where alcohol is served in a festive, high-energy atmosphere may require event security guards stationed amongst a crowd. This is to spot volatile situations quickly and defuse them. Events and parties of a more subdued nature often mean security officers stationed solely at entrances will be suitable, especially when there exist only a few points of entry.

Uniformed security guards are appropriate where an open show of authority is desirable. Sometimes you need to make it obvious to event-goers that inappropriate behaviour will receive a swift response. Meanwhile, plain clothes event security is often advisable for situations where a uniform may cast too harsh a presence over a dignified event.

In Closing

Consider the above points when it comes to hiring quality security guards for your next event or party. By doing so, you will ensure your guests receive quality, effective protection and you will also enhance your integrity as an event facilitator at the same time. The choice of the right security company and the right number of security guards is crucial to protecting the investment you have in your event.