Factors to Consider When Implementing a Physical Security System.

Factors to Consider When Implementing a Physical Security System.

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

While technology like cameras, alarms, and access control systems are crucial components, they are only as effective as the people who use and manage them and the systems that deploy them. When installing physical security systems, the focus should be on the holistic operation of the system rather than the functioning of individual components. 

Tight collaboration between security and IT stakeholders delivers significant value to both security and business operations, but it’s important to clearly define and communicate goals and expectations from the start. 

 

SOURCE: 

Anderson, L. What Is The Most Overlooked Factor When Installing Physical Security?, Security Infomed, 09/10/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

A Security Management Platform Must Manage Events In Real Time To Manage Crisis.

A Security Management Platform Must Manage Events In Real Time To Manage Crisis.

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

The security sector has  adopted cloud-based artificial intelligence or machine learning resulting in revolutionary changes in access control, video surveillance and emerging areas like threat detection and drone identification.

A security management platform must provide clarity and control to act for greater efficiency and serve as the foundation for continuously improving security. It should optimize security operations, streamline services with real-time status updates, and manage events and team responses in real time to enable efficient management of sites, systems, events, users and data.

 

SOURCE: 

Byerly, T. Optimizing Security and Business Performance with Clarity and Control

The Essential Role of Digital Platforms in Security Management, Security Today, 09/10/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

An Effective Physical Security Plan Starts with Deterrence, Detection, Delay, & Response.

An Effective Physical Security Plan Starts with Deterrence, Detection, Delay, & Response.

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Deterrence, Detection, Delay, & Response.

Physical security technology helps to control access, monitor behavior, and respond to potential threats, thus enhancing overall security posture. It involves securing organizational assets from harm due to physical events, including natural disasters like fires and floods, and human-inflicted dangers like theft and vandalism.

Elements of an effective physical security plan–

  1. Deterrence: Deterrence can encompass various equipment such as signage, security cameras and door access systems. It also includes physical barriers such as doors, locks and walls.  
  2. Detection: Technologies used for physical security detection measures are sensors, alarms and automatic notifications via video management software. 
  3. Delay: Simple security measures such as additional doors, locks and security guards can help delay incidents. More advanced physical security technology, such as key card access and mobile credentials, can make it more difficult for unauthorized users trying to enter a building.  
  4. Response: A response strategy such as building lockdowns or automatically notifying emergency services is critical. 

Successful and effective plans should include these technologies to ensure that a facility can prevent physical threats and take necessary action if a security breach occurs.

 

SOURCE: 

Berg, D. Playing a Crucial Role, Security Today, 09/1672024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

Artificial Intelligence Technology Delivers Proactive Security

Artificial Intelligence Technology Delivers Proactive Security and Efficient Crisis Response.

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

The early days of artificial intelligence technology (AI) and facial recognition in video surveillance were often inaccurate and prone to false positives, limiting their effectiveness. Continuous advancements in AI algorithms and processing power have significantly improved the accuracy and reliability of these technologies.

Artificial intelligence and cloud technologies have become mainstream in the video surveillance industry.  Cloud-based solutions offer scalable, flexible storage and processing capabilities, reducing the need for on-prem infrastructure. 

True artificial intelligence will enable even more sophisticated analytics, predictive capabilities and autonomous decision-making. As technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for enhancing security and operational efficiency are limitless.

 

SOURCE: 

Hile, R. Teaching Old Dogs, New Tricks: 21st Century Video and Video Integration, Security Today, 09/16/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

License Plate Recognition Technology

License Plate Recognition Technology Is A Powerful Tool To Track Individuals Movements Through Vehicles.

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

License plate recognition technology, also known as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) or LPR (License Plate Recognition), is a surveillance system that captures vehicles’ images and identifies their license number. It uses optical character recognition on images to read vehicle license plates. 

The technology provides the ability to capture an image of a license plate code, convert the code into readable text, and compare it to a registration database for identification. License plate recognition technology is used for vehicle management operations such as ticketless parking, tolling, ITS, stolen vehicles detection, smart billing, and many other applications.

Many police departments tout them as tools to enhance community security, reduce crime, and make communities safer. The technology collects data about neighborhood crimes, including burglary, home theft, vandalism. 

Civil rights groups have cautioned ALPRs pose a potential violation of privacy. ALPRs collect and store data on the cars they scan, and this data is often kept for years with few or no restrictions to protect privacy rights.

 

SOURCE: 

Wolfe, C. WHITEPAPER: Building Robust ORC Cases with License Plate Recognition Technology. Loss Prevention Magazine, 04/01/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Body Cameras Deliver Enhanced Security and Accountability

Body Cameras Deliver Enhanced Security and Accountability

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Retailers seek effective solutions to the growing issues of theft and violence, the adoption of body cameras has emerged as a promising way to enhance security and accountability. This technology offers not just a way to record events as they unfold but it also serves as a preventive measure by visibly demonstrating that customer behavior is being monitored.

Body cameras can be strategically implemented to address these challenges, providing both immediate and long-term benefits to retailers. The operational, technological, and strategic advantages of integrating body cameras must be carefully considered. It’s important to ensure that all stakeholders are equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions.

SOURCE: 

Wolfe, C. WHITEPAPER: Top 10 Points for Retailers to Consider Before Purchasing Body Cameras. Loss Prevention Magazine, 06/21/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

Retailers' Concern for Safety and Security have heightened

Retailers’ Concern for Safety and Security have heightened due to the Growing Threats.

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Break-ins and break-in attempts are always a concern for retailers for safety and security reasons, and these concerns have heightened due to the growing threats faced in recent years.

Before the pandemic, physical security’s role in business intelligence and operations was already growing, but over the last few years, it has proven to be a strategic asset in coping with a variety of challenges.

Security measures need to be integrated to manage potential threats to create the safest, most secure environments. 

SOURCE: 

Wolfe, C. LPM Survey: Storefront Security and Emergency Response 2024. Loss Prevention Magazine, 07/09/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

Organized Crime and Shrinkage are on The Rise

Organized Crime and Shrinkage are on The Rise, Security Protection Is Essential to Offset Losses.

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

The final stage of the supply chain process in retail, is getting products off trucks and into stores. Retailers face rising security threats, such as theft, shoplifting, internal fraud, vandalism, and even violence. Matters are intensified by self-checkout systems and the complexities of post-pandemic retail environments. 

Whether managing day-to-day retail operations or responding to disasters and large-scale events, retailers must be prepared for the unexpected. Nexgen Security offers scalable solutions to meet these challenges head-on, enabling businesses to enhance security, reduce losses, and maintain operational integrity.

 

SOURCE: 

Wolfe, C. WHITEPAPER: The End-of-Sale Process in the Retail Supply Chain. Loss Prevention Magazine, 10/20/2024.
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

Businesses should partner with law enforcement officers to develop safeguards for their businesses to prevent criminal activity.

Businesses Must Partner with Law Enforcement to Develop Safeguards

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

 

Small businesses typically don’t have the budget or resources to invest in the training, security systems, and personnel to combat theft like larger organizations.

Businesses should partner with law enforcement officers to develop safeguards for their businesses to prevent criminal activity. Helping businesses reduce and prevent crime is both a police and community effort.

Given limited resources, critically assess problem areas with solutions that will have the greatest impact on your bottom line. 

 

SOURCE: 

Fritsky, L. For Small- to Medium-Sized Business Retailers, Thwarting Theft Needn’t Come with High Effort or Costs. Loss Prevention Magazine, 08/01/2024
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

loss protection strategies

Loss Prevention Strategies for Effective Collaboration

Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

 

The most effective loss protection strategies are those that engage every level and department within an organization.

The essence of this collaborative approach is to move beyond the traditional confines of asset protection. It’s about breaking down the silos and fostering a culture where asset protection is seen as a shared responsibility.

To be effective, asset protection leaders must ensure they are seen as valuable partners rather than roadblocks. This involves actively seeking ways to support other departments’ goals and finding solutions that benefit the entire organization. When others see you as a collaborator rather than an obstacle, they are more likely to include you in critical meetings, ideation sessions, and decision-making processes.

 

SOURCE: 

Shugan, D. Collaborative Approaches to Asset Protection: Engaging All Stakeholders. Loss Prevention Magazine, 08/01/2024
#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats