In
December of 2013, a student bent on revenge entered Arapahoe High School in
Colorado to target the debate team coach. The coach left the school, but the
student killed Claire Davis before taking his own life.
Sadly,
the killer used a side door that was supposed to be locked, but was routinely
left propped open for convenience.
 |
| Propped open doors can be used by all criminals, not just shooters |
Being
a student, he would have likely found a way in. However, every obstacle creates
an opportunity to disrupt an attack. Forcing the student to use a main entrance
could have meant that he would have been seen, as he was carrying a shotgun and
machete along with Molotov cocktails: items that were not easily concealed. If
an access control system was in place, an alarm may have been instantly
triggered if there was forced entry or a door propped open.
It
is concerning that it was apparently a well-known fact that the door in
question (and probably others) was routinely allowed to be propped open for sake
of the convenience.
The
question or trade-off between security and convenience is not new. Every
security professional has faced this dilemma in some form or another. If
security measures are not supported, people will find ways to work around the
measures.
To
make sure that your security is convenient, follow the guidelines below.
1. Communicate the reason behind the security
measures. Repeat as necessary. It is nearly impossible to over-communicate a
message. Recently, I heard a speaker say that a message has to be repeated
seven times before it will be remembered. Make sure you can clearly explain
changes, the reason for the changes, and, of course, what is in it for the
audience (such as to protect employees and keep them safe).
2. Plan security measures to match business needs.
NOTE: business needs and convenience are not the same thing. If business goals
are supported and the inconvenience does not impact productivity, then move
forward with executive support.
3. Have a method that identifies any gaps or ways
that a security measure is being bypassed. For example, if there are repeated
alarms at a given door, review the situation to see if there is a business need
to make a change. If not, enforce the policy!
4. Convenience may sometimes include visitors or
customers. An organization has to be able to balance security with a
customer-friendly environment. If you have restricted or limited access for
visitors or customers, be sure to have the right signage and way finding in
place so people will be directed to the right location. A school may lock all
doors except for the front. However, there should be clear signage directing
visitors to the front entrance if someone happens to park in the wrong area or
walks up from a different direction. Make it easy for visitors to follow the security
protocols.
Find
the right balance between security and convenience. The two may be at odds on
occasion, but with the right approach, you can build support and create a safer
environment.
Eric Smith, CPP is the leading authority
on organizational self-defense. He has extensive experience in law enforcement
as well as security management. Eric is available for staff education and
security awareness training as well as business coaching to help organizations
provide safe workplaces. To learn more email Eric at businesskarate dot com.
If you
would like to reprint this post, please contact Eric at Eric at businesskarate dot com.
