Archive for category: System Design and Consulting

By David Strickland, Vice President of Kenton Brothers

With a tremendous focus on Cybersecurity right now, many organizations are investing substantial resources in protecting their digital assets from online threats. However, amidst the ever-evolving landscape of security risks, the significance of physical security and it’s role in a holistic approach to protecting people property and possessions should not be underestimated.

A robust physical security plan, employing the principle of defense by design, can fortify businesses against a myriad of threats, ranging from cybersecurity threats, theft and vandalism to unauthorized access and violence in the workplace. In this blog, we’ll explore how businesses can see substantial benefits by implementing a proper physical security plan centered around defense by design.

Understanding Defense by Design

Defense by design is a proactive approach to security that involves integrating security measures into the design and architecture of a physical space from the very beginning. Rather than treating security as an afterthought, it becomes an integral part of the overall design process. This approach aims to create layers of security that deter, delay, and ultimately thwart potential threats, providing businesses with a comprehensive defense strategy.

One of the primary benefits of adopting defense by design principles in physical security planning is the enhanced protection it offers against various threats. By strategically incorporating barriers, access controls, surveillance systems, and other security features into the layout of a facility, businesses can significantly reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access, theft, or vandalism.

For instance, installing perimeter fencing, access gates with electronic locks, and surveillance cameras can create a formidable first line of defense against intruders. Additionally, implementing measures such as biometric access controls, motion sensors, and alarm systems further reinforce security layers, making it increasingly difficult for unauthorized individuals to breach the premises undetected.

Mitigation of Risks and Liabilities

Effective physical security not only safeguards assets but also helps mitigate risks and liabilities associated with security breaches. Businesses operating in industries handling sensitive information, valuable assets, or high-risk materials are particularly vulnerable to potential threats. A robust physical security plan reduces the likelihood of security incidents, thereby minimizing the risk of theft, property damage, or regulatory non-compliance.

Moreover, in the event of a security breach, having comprehensive security measures in place can demonstrate due diligence on the part of the business, potentially mitigating legal liabilities and financial losses. By investing in defense by design, businesses not only protect their assets but also safeguard their reputation and maintain trust with stakeholders.

Safeguarding Personnel and Assets

In addition to protecting physical assets, a well-executed physical security plan prioritizes the safety and well-being of personnel. Employees are vital assets to any business, and ensuring their safety within the workplace is paramount. By implementing measures such as access control systems, emergency response protocols, and secure areas for sensitive operations, businesses create a secure environment that fosters employee confidence and productivity.

Furthermore, defense by design principles extend beyond the protection of physical assets to safeguarding intellectual property and confidential information. Secure storage facilities, restricted access areas, and surveillance systems help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data, reducing the risk of intellectual property theft or corporate espionage.

Cost-Efficiency and Long-Term Sustainability

While implementing a comprehensive physical security plan requires an initial investment, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. By proactively addressing security vulnerabilities through defense by design, businesses can minimize the need for reactive security measures and costly incident response procedures.

Moreover, the deterrent effect of visible security measures can dissuade potential threats, reducing the likelihood of security incidents and associated expenses. Over time, the cost savings achieved through enhanced security and risk mitigation contribute to the long-term sustainability and profitability of the business.

At Kenton Brothers Systems for Security we work with organizations with a wide range of needs for physical Security. We have specific recommendations on how to implement a proper physical Security Plan that incorporates a holistic approach to our customer’s needs.

The following is a top 10 list of ways to get started:

1. Conduct Comprehensive Risk Assessment

Begin by conducting a thorough risk assessment of your premises and operations. Identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities, considering factors such as location, industry, and business assets. This assessment forms the foundation for developing an effective physical security plan tailored to your specific needs. We offer this service free of charge to help support the communities we serve.

2. Define Clear Security Objectives

Establish clear security objectives aligned with your business goals and risk assessment findings. Determine what assets and areas require protection, whether it’s sensitive data, equipment, or personnel. Clearly defined objectives provide a roadmap for designing and implementing targeted security measures.  This can be overwhelming at first, Kenton Brothers can help guide you through this process.

3. Design Secure Perimeter Barriers

Create a secure perimeter around your facility using physical barriers such as fencing, walls, locked perimeter doors or bollards. Choose materials and designs that deter unauthorized access and provide visibility for surveillance. Incorporate access control points with electronic locks and gates to regulate entry and exit.  The idea here is to extend your threat detection perimeter as much as possible to allow more time to bring resources to bear on the threat.

4. Implement Access Control Systems

Deploy access control systems to manage and monitor entry points throughout your facility. Utilize technologies such as key cards, biometric scanners, or PIN codes to authenticate individuals and restrict access to authorized personnel only. Integrate access control systems with surveillance cameras and alarms for enhanced security.

5. Install Surveillance Cameras and Monitoring Systems

Strategically place surveillance cameras and monitoring systems to provide comprehensive coverage of your premises. Install cameras in key areas such as entry points, parking lots, and critical infrastructure to deter theft, vandalism, and unauthorized activities. Ensure proper lighting and resolution for clear video footage.

6. Establish Secure Entry and Exit Procedures

Develop secure entry and exit procedures to control the flow of personnel and visitors. Implement protocols for visitor management, including check-in processes and temporary access badges. Train employees on security procedures and reinforce the importance of vigilance in identifying and reporting suspicious behavior.

7. Harden Physical Infrastructure

Strengthen physical infrastructure by reinforcing doors, windows, and other potential entry points. Use tamper-resistant locks, security bars, and shatter-resistant glass to deter break-ins and unauthorized access. Consider implementing intrusion detection systems to alert security personnel of attempted breaches.

8. Create Secure Areas for Sensitive Operations

Designate secure areas within your facility for sensitive operations, data storage, or high-value assets. Restrict access to these areas using additional layers of security such as biometric authentication or keypad entry. Implement measures to prevent unauthorized tampering or theft of sensitive materials.  Concentric circles of tighter and tighter security help organizations keep their people and assets secure.

9. Develop Emergency Response Plans

Develop comprehensive emergency response plans to address various security scenarios, including intrusions, natural disasters, or workplace violence. Conduct regular drills and training exercises to ensure employees are prepared to respond effectively to emergencies. Establish communication protocols and evacuation procedures to minimize risks to personnel and assets.  There is no better resource than a well-trained team member that knows what to look for and how to react in a threating situation.

10. Regularly Evaluate and Update Security Measures

Stay informed about emerging security technologies and best practices to enhance your defense by design approach.  Continuously evaluate and update your physical security measures to adapt to evolving threats and vulnerabilities. Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement. This is a critical piece of defense by design. Stay vigilant in your efforts. There are many stories of the convenience of a propped door and how it led to tragedy.

By following these ten specific steps, businesses can effectively incorporate physical security measures based on defense by design principles, creating safer environments for their People, property and possessions.

Still can’t get started? Give Kenton Brothers Systems for Security a call today to help.

By Mike Krohn, Project Manager at Kenton Brothers

Where do you feel safe? Home? Work? In your car?

What about church? Do you feel safe in your place of worship? You should, right? After all, the church goes out of its way to create an inviting, warm, open-arms atmosphere to attract as many people as possible to worship and hear the Word. Whether you live in the big city, or a smaller community (as I do); attend a mega church with its own coffee shop or attend a burgeoning church in a rented building or school, we all want to relax and feel our place of worship is safe and secure.

Let’s face it, we live in an ever changing, constantly evolving world, which moves faster every single day. What were once hard-line standards and accepted practices are now being reimagined to accommodate current ideas and interpretations. Nothing is exempt from this, not even religion or the church. Sometimes, change and evolution are a good thing. But often, growth and change are painful and difficult to accept. This can lead to feelings of rejection, animosity, and unfortunately, even sometimes violence.

This year, my church will hold a global general conference and will be discussing some very controversial, if not popular topics. The way we worship may have to change. Many denominations are experiencing these same challenges. Many of us will adopt new opinions and attitudes and accept these changes. However, many people may view this as a slight to deeply engrained feelings about how they were raised in the church.

As a former law enforcement officer, security professional and facility director, I have worn many of the hats assigned to these issues. The energy behind our faith is strong and so are the feelings about how it should change. I’m fond of saying that where there is passion, there is energy; good or bad. In the case of a church where dozens or thousands of people will be gathered at any one time, this causes us to think more seriously about security at our houses of worship.

A Team Effort

The decision to increase security infrastructure and/or to have a security team or safety team is a complex effort, not to be entered into lightly or without the prerequisite foundational concepts being discussed. Again, this may change some well-established customs at your place of worship.

Physical infrastructure improvements rarely raise too many eyebrows, and the use of cameras, alarms, access control and projectile film have all become affordable, and often come with insurance benefits and discounts. As I said previously, while going from no security to physical site improvements and a safety team can be complex, we can and should make every effort to keep the team creation and operation as simple as possible.

Questions that need answers.

Is the congregation and board willing to make these changes?
Do they agree there is a need?
Are there people in the building willing to take on the responsibility?

 -OR-

Are we going to hire out law enforcement/security professionals to keep us safe?
Do we have the infrastructure and equipment needed to create and equip this team?
What will this look like to the community? To the congregation?

Let us dive in and assume the idea of a safety team has been raised at your place of worship.

Q1. What comes first?

A1. A security assessment! This can be done by local law enforcementpublic safety staff, by an insurance company, or by a private security integration company (I am partial to Kenton Brothers Systems for Security!)

The assessment will go over items such as are exits clearly marked, how many points of entry to the church are there? Are there areas where people can be secured in the event of an incident/weather calamity etc? Where is the church located in the community? What is the crime rate in the local area? Where will people park and walk towards the building? How many people will be in the building at one time? Are there stairs, elevators etc.?

Q2. What equipment, if any, do we need?

A2.  Communication tools! Two-way radios are almost a necessity. Flashlights, vests or identification badges are a solid idea to make these people readily identifiable when the need arises.

Q3. What operational changes are needed at our facility or building?

A3. Without being on your particular site, this is a more difficult question to answer, but common concerns range from creating traffic flow and parking lot designations with guided attendants, to limiting entry through certain doors at certain times. A general rule is one designated point of entry with attendants after services begin, or just prior. The remainder of all doors should be secured.

Q4. How do we prepare for an actual incident?

A4. Define the roles each member will have. DONT ASSUME ANYTHING! Practice! The teams should all know each other’s roles, and practice actual incident response from various approaches. Again, work to make these simple and realistic. Plans should be inclusive of every age group, from children to the elderly, and all levels of mobility from ambulatory to those who need assistance or wheelchairs.

Involving your local emergency responders is always a great idea. Invite them to tour the facility, see your video systems, doors and safety plans. Invite them to do an assessment, (sometimes they simply cannot for liability reasons) or just seek their input on your first or next training day. As a former SWAT commander, I can tell you, we were ALWAYS looking for places to train! WIN-WIN!

Finally, please remember this is NOT a comprehensive list or manual. These are just some thoughts to get the conversations going. Please seek out the professionals in your area, do the research, and work through this with the idea that the process will have a natural evolution as the church and community changes with the world around it.

If you’re interested in reference materials, they are out there!

There are so many great articles and books. I recommend:

“Evil invades Sanctuary – The Case for Security in Faith-Based Organizations” by Carl Chinn
“Defending the Flock – A security guide for church safety directors” by Kris Maloney

CISA.gov has a suite of resources for faith based organizations also. “The Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Communities”. The first in a series of impending related documents geared toward industry partners—are a set of physical security practices that houses of worship and related facilities can use to reduce security risks to their congregations. You can find them here.

Please stay safe, be well and and if we can help, please call us at Kenton Brothers Systems for Security!