Security is WILLPOWER
As impossible as it may seem to believe, people still do not understand security. I came to this conclusion based on people’s responses to emails, proposals, and the type of questions they ask. Living in a digital, information-loaded age, one would expect that a concept such as ‘security’ would be a well-understood topic.
If we understand security better, we will execute it better. Security is more than just high fences and cameras. It is about understanding the concept in its entirety. Beyond the description that can be found in the dictionary.
At Alwinco, we define security as WILLPOWER. Basically, security is WILLPOWER. Synonyms of willpower include determination, tenacity, and commitment. These are all terms that describe what we need to keep criminals and crime at bay.
Undoubtedly, many people feel that fighting crime is a losing battle and have given up on their attempts to prevent crime.
They have lost the willpower to act, leaving many individuals in a vulnerable position – powerless and unprepared for criminal attacks.
Whichever way you look at it, the individual or group with the most information and knowledge is usually the best prepared. Experience dictates that in many instances, the criminal is usually the best prepared.
Criminals do not play according to our rules.
The shocking crime statistics that never seem to dissipate are proof that criminals do not play according to our rules.
They have their own set of rules and codes that they follow. Most property owners often believe their security is up to standard.
The truth is most security systems are equipped only to keep the street vendor or salesman out, family and friends. Essentially, people that do not intend on committing a crime instead of the real criminals.
That is not a worthy test to establish the effectiveness of the security system. Real criminals don’t respect your security systems; they don’t even respect your life. It’s easy to stop a law-abiding citizen with a boom gate or a guard at the entrance, but is that enough to stop a criminal?
Being in touch with several businesses, estates, and the like, I come across many individuals that believe their security is top-notch because their security guards do what they should be doing.
We see a guard at the gate as a form of security, and protection, while a criminal sees the guard as a key to gain entry at the gate, also known as a ‘Human Key’. Not many people consider this when appointing guarding services.
The solution to this is part management, part understanding the security concept as well as understanding the security risk and technology. People don’t understand or grasp the fact that the individuals that you want to keep off your property, do not live by your rules.
In general, security systems are designed to monitor law-abiding citizens, not criminals. Many security systems are not even capable of collecting evidence after a crime, let alone capturing a criminal. What’s the use? Security, as we see it today, will never stop criminals.
Different viewpoints
Another flaw is that security systems are built with only one or two viewpoints considered, keeping in mind that there are five different viewpoints, each a contributing factor to the entire security system.
The most important viewpoint, the criminals’ viewpoint, is hardly ever considered. Now we still wonder why South Africa’s crime statistics look the way it does.
People have the audacity to brag about playing two security companies off against each other for the best security at the cheapest price. You can do this with your holiday accommodation, but surely not with security?
Security involves people’s lives. Should that be part of the bargaining tool? In over 20 years of doing Risk Assessments, I have never come across a person that entirely understands a Risk Assessment, nor have I found a property with a Security Risk Assessment.
Most individuals that call themselves experienced in the security field are not remotely aware that crime consists of four phases, namely:
1. Planning of the crime
2. Beginning of the criminal process
3. Busy with the crime
4. Escape route or plan
If you don’t understand this, no amount of fancy security equipment will suffice to protect you from the crime factor. Good security will keep criminals out, irrespective of which rules they follow.
This is the harsh reality of security now, and in my humble opinion, it is shocking. – Andre Mundell, Independent security risk assessor
Written by Andre Mundell