With today’s ever-changing threat landscape, government facility security leaders need to adapt, says Charles Bohnenberger, Senior Vice President, Government Accounts at Allied Universal.

Government facilities

From situational awareness and threat intelligence platforms to risk mitigation planning and implementation of advanced technologies, security strategies at government facilities must transition to integrated security solutions paired with security professionals standing post.

While not the usual approach for government agencies, the emerging threat environment demands a new approach, with updates to how government agencies contract elements of their security programs.

According to the latest World Security Report, which was commissioned by Allied Universal and measures input from more than 1,700 Chief Security Officers at major international organizations, there is anticipation of a surge in threats and hazards resulting from social unrest, terrorism, fraud and theft.

As a result, physical security budgets are predicted to increase significantly with investments focused on advanced technology and providing security professionals with additional skills and training.

We live in a world of evolving threats and risks as crime and other outside threats continue to increase.

To address these issues, government agencies must elevate their security strategies to make safeguarding facilities a top priority.

The most effective strategies are those that combine highly trained security professionals with advanced security technology solutions to form an integrated security approach.

Recent events in the headlines such as civil unrest, protests and active shooter incidents have moved the needle for government entities that may have been on the fence about updating their security strategies.

Combined with limited law enforcement resources able to support the security mission, the reality of improving a security risk profile can no longer be ignored or put off.

Discussions with clients spanning the spectrum of government agencies reveal some not so surprising insights – they need a cost-effective, more efficient and reliable security program.

Walking through the journey to artfully construct an integrated security solution involves discussing every tool in the toolbox – reviewing those already in place and those available today.

By evaluating a government facility’s current security profile and identifying a vision for the future, a successful roadmap can be laid out to achieve a lean, efficient, more reliable and successful program that includes the integration of technology, people and processes.

In addition, it’s important to include all stakeholders such as tenant agencies, procurement and law enforcement agencies if they are part of the security plan.

An integrated security profile

While well-trained security professionals will always remain the steadfast foundation of most security programs, advancements in technology can enhance the ability to gather intelligence and protect facilities.

Combining personnel and technology creates efficiencies, targets security efforts and gives security directors the power to make informed decisions that deliver a greater return on their security investments.

Successful security solutions range from situational awareness and threat intelligence platforms to remote video and alarm monitoring, to integrated commercial security systems and cloud-based applications.

The combination of these technologies ensures the safety and security of employees, property and assets.

Investment in technology solutions

When it comes to reducing risk, it’s critical to implement a customized strategy that includes technologies that will effectively address the unique needs of specific government facility locations – including site-specific requirements.

To best safeguard people and assets, leveraging the right combination of trained security professionals along with cutting-edge technology is key to effective security programs.

Combining customized security solutions ranging from situational awareness and threat intelligence platforms with a multitude of powerful security technology solutions meets a wide range of security needs and budget parameters.

Some of these solutions include:

• Remote video and alarm monitoring
• Integrated commercial security systems
• Web and GPS-based patrol route management
• Aeriel drones
• Access control

While almost every agency has some level of video and alarm monitoring, most don’t have updated systems.

Time and again news reports show an incident at a government property and it becomes evident that camera systems weren’t working or were not monitored.

This hinders investigations and causes embarrassment and harm to the credibility of the agency.

Investing in the right technology takes time and effort to identify solutions that will provide the desired return on investment and the reliability and scalability to address current security needs and those in the future.

Furthermore, developments in security technology are advancing at an incredible pace and it’s important that security directors stay abreast of developments.

Tapping into the power of AI

AI is transforming every sector of economy and society, and security is no exception.

Incorporating AI into an integrated security strategy enables a security team to augment human skills, abilities and responses to take physical security to the next level. 

Video analytics, incident and case management platforms, security officer support platforms and more are benefitting from AI and can take a government facility’s security program beyond the typical “detect and respond” posture and move it towards an “anticipate and prevent” mentality.

The best AI-driven platforms go beyond tour or incident management systems and provide a comprehensive workforce management solution using AI algorithms to project what’s most likely to go wrong at a site and then prescribe solutions to drive better outcomes with a reduction in safety and security incidents.

Incorporating canine teams

An effective addition to a security strategy is the use of highly trained canine teams.

With a multitude of specialties that include firearm, explosives and drug detection, canine teams are proving to be highly effective mitigation tools deterring potential “bad” actors at government building sites.

The visible presence of canine teams deters bad actors from the location.

Key benefits include:

• Accurate, clear and immediate detection capability, with higher than a 90% success rate
• Speed and stamina to cover large areas
• Capability to unobtrusively move through crowds and around obstacles
• Versatility to deploy to various locations within the same day and redirect as needed
• Ability to create a welcoming environment without an intimidating appearance

In the early 2000s, the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) spent $19 billion attempting to build detection technology to replicate canine effectiveness.

The canine prevailed every time.

Hiring and training security personnel

The heart-and-soul of an integrated security program starts with a world-class security team of highly trained people to support the security mission.

Today’s security professional is a skilled employee with access to cutting-edge technology and leading-edge training in a wide range of practices and procedures such as situational awareness, de-escalation techniques and customer service.

They are able to implement a variety of safety services using state-of-the-art technology that connects AI and human response to better protect people with accurate real-time data and safer social interaction – the “gold standard” in the safety industry.

The professional security sector is growing exponentially and the need for security professionals to be comprehensively trained is a priority.

Security professionals are leaders who are vital to a facility or community’s safety and security.

They work in conjunction with local first responders including law enforcement, fire departments and emergency medical teams.

The future of physical security requires the adoption of more efficient and dependable technologies to adequately support future labor requirements while strengthening security posture.

Ensuring these technologies integrate with one another and the humans responsible for operating them will continue to be the focus for successful security programs.

Security strategy to meet needs now and future

The biggest opportunity for government agencies to safeguard their locations is the combination of a wide range of security solutions available on the market today – from security guards standing post to advanced technologies that provide a breadth of safeguards.

This requires leadership from those tasked with securing and safeguarding the people and facilities under their care.

It’s also important to include a full spectrum review including procurement methodologies, training and personnel background requirements, facility assessments, budgetary planning and more.

It’s no longer acceptable to use the same methods that have always been used; today’s challenges demand a more robust and thoughtful approach.

As the security landscape changes around the world, it’s more important than ever to implement and make smart investments in integrated security strategies to safeguard government facilities.

This article was originally published in the May edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.