Michael Gips, Principal of Global Insights in Professional Security and Lisa Falzone, CEO of Athena Security explore the benefits of weapons detection systems across a range of industries.

In the spirit

We are all familiar with The 12 Days of Christmas – but what about the 12 benefits of using a properly designed, programmed, tested and installed weapons detection system (WDS)?

As we enter the holiday season, we all look forward to precious time with our family, whether we celebrate Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Solstice, Kwanzaa, Ashura, Bodhi Day, Rohatsu, Zarathosht Diso, Yalda or any of the many celebrations going on this time of year.

It is with a non-denominational and giving spirit that we provide a reminder during this cherished time of how facilities can get maximum benefit from a WDS – to the tune of The 12 Days of Christmas.

In the first month of usage, my WDS gave to me, a much more secure facility.

In the second month of usage, my WDS gave to me, rich data streams and a much more secure facility.

In the third month of usage, my WDS gave to me, sound forecasts, rich data streams and a much more secure facility.

In the fourth month of usage, my WDS gave to me, better reputation, sound forecasts, rich data streams and a much more secure facility.

In the fifth month of usage, my WDS gave to me, staff peace of mind, better reputation, sound forecasts, rich data streams and a much more secure facility.

In the sixth month of usage, my WDS gave to me, engaged security, staff peace of mind, better reputation, sound forecasts, rich data streams and a much more secure facility.

In the seventh month of usage my WDS gave to me, easy integration, engaged security, staff peace of mind, better reputation, sound forecasts, rich data streams and a much more secure facility.

In the eight month of usage my WDS gave to me, fewer hand searches, easy integration, engaged security, staff peace of mind, better reputation, sound forecasts, rich data streams and a much more secure facility.

In the ninth month of usage my WDS gave to me, quick threat detection, fewer hand searches, easy integration, engaged security, staff peace of mind, better reputation, sound forecasts, rich data streams and a much more secure facility.

In the tenth month of usage my WDS gave to me, legal compliance, quick threat detection, fewer hand searches, easy integration, engaged security, staff peace of mind, better reputation, sound forecasts, rich data streams, and a much more secure facility.

In the eleventh month of usage my WDS gave to me, reduced liability, legal compliance, quick threat detection, fewer hand searches, easy integration, engaged security, staff peace of mind, better reputation, sound forecasts, rich data streams and a much more secure facility.

In the twelfth month of usage my WDS gave to me, lower insurance premiums, reduced liability, legal compliance, quick threat detection, fewer hand searches, easy integration, engaged security, staff peace of mind, better reputation, sound forecasts, rich data streams and a much more secure facility.

The results are in

Now that the carol about weapons detection is stuck in your head, here is how each of the benefits from weapons detection converts to ROI:

A more security facility

FBI data indicate about 25 fatal homicides via guns in healthcare settings per year.

At the government’s $10 million average value of a life, that’s $250 million annually.

That amount alone translates to about $600,000 for each of the 417 health care systems in the US, which weapons detection could help to mitigate or reduce.

Rich data streams

Especially in conjunction with other systems, data from a WDS can pay handsome benefits.

For example, data from pedestrian flow by time and hour can help facilities such as casinos to gain customer loyalty by identifying high rollers for concierge service, increase revenue opportunities and gain efficiencies such as reduced staffing, energy use and lighting.

Sound forecasts

Information on visitors and other entrants can be used to determine when risk of weapons is high.

In addition, weapons detection with behavior detection can identify individuals who have previously tried to sneak a weapon into a facility and may thus warrant greater scrutiny or more attention from security.

Better reputation

Hospitals, even non-profits, are money-making businesses.

Healthcare facilities, nightclubs, gaming operations and music venues with weapons issues or frequent attacks drive patients away, resulting in lost revenue.

Staff peace of mind

No one wants to work where they feel unsafe. Hospital staff in such environments take more time off, are less engaged and have shorter tenures.

Hospitals have to regularly devote funds to recruitment and training. Staff turnover costs alone in 2016 amounted to $234 million, or $42,000 per hospital, according to a 2017 report prepared for the American Hospital Association.

Absenteeism contributed another $53.7 million, but sufficient weapons detection could help to reduce this number.

More productive workers

According to Sikich Corporate Finance, a major incident of workplace violence decreases productivity by up to 50% – stopping an incident before it happens using weapons detection is a preventative measure.

Easy integration

A good WDS can be integrated with multiple types of security systems and proptech components, including access control, video surveillance, visitor management, intrusion alarms and occupancy sensors.

Together, they form an umbrella solution far more powerful than just the sum of their parts.

Fewer hand searches

A top-notch WDS should be able to distinguish between weapons and everyday items such as keys, phones and metal water bottles.

More precise detection saves the time, expense, hassle and delay of conducting a follow-up wand search or hand searches.

Tailored threat detection

Weapons detection should be designed, tested and calibrated to the needs and profile of the facility, staff, clients, visitors, industry, location and other factors.

A well-calibrated system balances safety with high throughput, allowing staff to get to their jobs, casino goers to place bets, students to get to classes and so on.

Legal compliance

An array of federal and state regulations govern the related issues of security, safety and duty of care.

A WDS may be a key component of a security program that helps an organization avoid penalties or fines for inadequate protection.

Reduced liability

Beyond regulation, organizations may need to comply with civil statutes, case law, standards and guidelines, best practices or other requirements, guidance or dictates.

The average settlement for a workplace incident is $500,000, not including legal fees, lost time or other expenses. According to Sikich Corporate Finance, the average jury award is $3 million.

Lower insurance premiums

Insurance companies reward sound workplace violence and security programs, of which weapons detection can play a significant role. It may help pare premiums on workers’ compensation, general liability and active assailant insurance, for example.

Here’s wishing you happy holidays and 12 (and more) months of ROI from your WDS.

About the authors

Michael Gips is Principal of Global Insights in Professional Security (GIPS).

Lisa Falzone is CEO of Athena Security, which manufactures walkthrough metal detectors that incorporate advanced technology.