By Frank Barile —
Heckler & Koch is a German weapons manufacturer. Their weapons are used by elite military and police units all over the world. They have a saying, “In a world of compromise, some don’t”. This saying reflects a corporate attitude that has passed down to all levels of management and manufacturing. H&K produces some of the very best weapons known for their reliability, durability and quality. They know that when your life is on the line, you need the very best weapon and there is no room for compromise.
In the world of security, many times it is just the opposite with plenty of compromises. Many organizations that need security services truly do not understand what security is, or what types of security should be obtained. In a post 9-11 world, security companies have sprung-up all over the country, ranging in all levels of experience, capabilities and resources. It is a maze of offerings which takes someone very experienced to help corporate management navigate through. Once the security services are obtained, corporate managers responsible for the security services generally make several mistakes.
The first mistake is overwhelmingly created by inadequate financial resources. Limited financial resources, combined with the lack of research and experience, create a reactive security operations plan. What this means is that organizations requiring security are not adequately protected; and, if any significant security crisis emerges the security company will not be able to handle the incident properly. Inadequate security protection will leave the corporation exposed and open to liability – it will cost time, money, customers and careers. Upper management will be forced to react to the incident and reinvest more financial resources to protect from further liability while engrossed in damage control.
The second mistake is created from inexperience alone. The corporation requiring security services generally has limited or no experience with what type of training should be required for their security personnel and omits the specified training requirements with the contracted security company. Just because you have a security firm now protecting your organization (or investment) doesn’t mean they are qualified to do so. This lack of proper training or “failing to train to standard” is a costly mistake when your corporation is sitting in court. Juries typically have no patience for inadequate training standards. The attitude of “we don’t need to spend the money because it won’t happen to us” is like playing Russian roulette. In today’s world it is not a matter of “if” an incident requiring security will happen; it is a matter of “when.” Are you prepared and fully protected – the decisions you make today will be judged by many for years to come!
Conversely, proactive security operations plans appear more expensive at first glance but when you consider the financial cost associated from liability, proactive security plans are a smarter investment. In order to create a proactive security plan, you need a manager or an outside firm experienced with the many types of security services offered. This experience will save you time and money. Proactive security plans are created by having a proper security evaluation conducted by a qualified individual or security consulting firm. The security evaluation will make informed recommendations for security firms, to include types of services and the training qualifications necessary to really protect a firm’s people, assets and brand. This information is invaluable for corporate managers who are ultimately responsible for obtaining security services. When it comes to providing personal security and protection to your family or organization, it is best to remember the H&K saying, “In a world of compromise, some don’t. For more information or help with security matters please contact the Fallston Group at 410-420-2001.
