Half of the crime in the enterprise can be prevented by adjusting the design of the space. In this article, we will consider how to organize security in the adjacent territory, in the building and in the office.
One of the consequences of scientific and technological progress was fear. Fear that any of the latest scientific achievements of humanity may be used against humanity itself. We see atomic bombs in the hands of third world countries, bacteriological weapons from militants, tons of explosives from suicides.
We are always afraid: a thief - at home, a terrorist in transport and a spy at the enterprise. And the media only escalates the situation. Where to run? What is the latest security system to equip your home and business? And will it help from even more modern technical means of criminals? Will help. At least it will prevent most of the possible crimes.
But we will not devote today's material not to modern security systems, but to the organization of a safe environment. How many of us know that 50% of crimes at the facility can be prevented by simply adjusting the surrounding area? In the USA, a special program “Crime Prevention Using Appropriate Environmental Design” has even been developed.
This program is based on simple observation - the main reason for most crimes is that they are easy to commit. And, as a result, the conclusion: in order for security measures to be optimal, they must be aimed at achieving three conditions:
to complicate the efforts necessary to commit a crime;
maximize the risk of being caught;
reduce the potential benefits of crime.
Key recommendations for organizing a safe space
The first barrier for an attacker is the perimeter fence of the territory. If this is an enterprise with a separate adjacent territory, then the distance from the fence to the building should be at least 100 feet (about 30 meters) in order to reduce the destructive force of the explosion in the event of a possible terrorist attack.
The fence must be concrete. To strengthen the protection, it is possible to strengthen the barbed wire from above.
Pay particular attention to structures on the outside of the fence. They should not give the opportunity to use them as a springboard. The recommended height of the fence is 2.5 meters, which makes it difficult to overcome.
If the fence is metal, make sure that the decor of the fence does not allow you to use it as a support.
Even if it is not possible to enclose the space around the enterprise with a fence, still outline the boundaries of the adjacent territory. By planting flowers or installing decorative elements, you will create a sense of controllability of the territory.
At the same time, the height of the bushes adjacent to the footpaths should not exceed 60 cm, so that an attacker could not hide behind them.
The number of entrances and exits to the territory should be limited and be constantly monitored.
Be sure to make embankments in poorly controlled places of entry into the territory - this will make it difficult for criminals to travel by road.
Now about the most adjoining space.
It should be well visible from everywhere and not have buildings or plantings to hide behind. It is desirable that there is a wide area of bare land near the fence, then the attackers will have to cross the open space, not having the opportunity to hide. Territory visibility is especially important near transition paths, in garbage collection areas and near parking lots.
These places must be brightly lit from evening until morning. In this case, the lamps should be installed so as not to give shade. In order to enhance the effect created by lighting fixtures, paint buildings and walls with bright paint. They will reflect light, which means they will increase the total illumination. Moreover, against a bright background, a criminal in dark clothes will be especially striking.
Be careful not to have large stones and cobblestones near the walkways and parking lots that can be used as an attack weapon. Ideally, parking lots and approaches to the building should be well visible from the windows. In this case, the offender has a feeling that he is being watched.
Principles of organizing a safe space in the building itself
The optimal is a building of classical rectangular shape. Completely discard the decorative decorations on the building that could fall off and cause harm to passers-by.
Exterior walls can be planted with winding vines to protect them from graffiti. To prevent climbing the walls, use a climbing cactus. To make access to windows and fire escape difficult, plant thorny bushes along the wall.
Inside the building, it is important to clearly delineate the space into a public area where customers are received and a worker. In this case, a stranger outside the public zone will cause increased interest.
All internal rooms and corridors of the building should be well lit. Any blind spots such as alcoves and dead-end corridors create areas that are vulnerable to attack and should be eliminated if possible. When the configuration of the building does not allow to avoid “blind” places, you need to artificially narrow the angles by 45 degrees, which will allow the eye to see the space around and avoid the ambush situation. It is also recommended to use mirrors to increase the visibility of problem areas.
Toilets should not be placed at the end of the corridors, otherwise they become a remote isolated place. The light switches in the toilets should be located at a distance, which will prevent them from being damaged by an attacker in order to create a shelter.
A few words about access to the office
The door should be made of durable material with a thickness of at least 7 cm, preferably with a metal coating. Mandatory requirement: the door must open outward - you can’t get one out. The lock must be purchased with a device to protect the keyhole from foreign objects, but it is better that it be an electronic lock with remote code control and an autonomous power supply system.
Minimum requirement - at least two reliable locks of various designs. To identify unauthorized access, always personally seal your office.
The cabinet should also be as comfortable as possible and, most importantly, safe. The floor, if it is parquet or marble, should not be slippery. Carpet is the safest type of flooring. It reduces injuries, and the spine and joints are less stressed when walking on soft carpet. However, the pile should not be high - women with thin heels are uncomfortable to walk on it.
Glass doors are not allowed. To “get through” them, you don’t have to be drunk. For the same reason - possible injury due to fragments - it is not recommended to purchase tables with a glass top.
Office windows should be closed from prying eyes by blinds or curtains, depending on the style of the interior.
The desktop should be located facing the door, but not directly opposite, in order to be able to evade a direct incoming attack.
Carefully choose shelves with open shelves. They should be as stable as possible.
Collections of knives, pistols and tomahawks in the office does not belong. All of them can potentially be used as a weapon of attack.
For life-threatening situations, a safe shelter or secret exit can be equipped in the manager’s office.
However, this is all extreme. But, even having fulfilled a part of the given recommendations, you will significantly reduce the risk of crimes at the enterprise, which means that you will protect yourself and others.
Tatyana Nikitina,Founder of clogicsecure.com. Entrepreneur. Business trainer.
(c) www.clogicsecure.com - a portal to small business business plans and guides