The Security Plan
The name of my target environment is Western Cash Advance. Western Cash Advance is an establishment that issues individuals payday loans. A payday loan is when someone is issued a loan until their next payday and a personal check is used as collateral. There is cash on hand in this business on a daily basis because they only issue cash to their customers as well as except only cash for payments. This store is normally run by two people but on many occasions there is only one employee in the store at a time.
The basic floor plan to this business is an office space in a small strip mall that consists of three stores. The size of the store is approximately 900 sq. feet. It is one room that has a sectional desk where customers are assisted and another desk in the back of the room. The lobby consists of one big round table and six chairs that are situated around the lobby. There is a door on the back wall that leads to a hallway. In the hallway there is a bathroom and two storage closets. This business has a very basic open floor plan.
When it comes to the current security features it is very limited. When going by the three models in physical security, which is the dynamic D’s, lines of defense, and internal/external threat identification, this business definitely needs some improvement (Clifford, 2004). The only security features that this establishment contains are a security alarm system, one motion detector, and one panic button. The outer perimeter has no security cameras in place as well. The hallway that the back door leads to is shared with another place of business.
The risks and vulnerability gaps that I find in this establishment are the back door that leads to the shared hallway and no cameras. The back door is left open during business hours unless the employee leaves to run errands or leaves for lunch. This is a major risk and places this business in a very vulnerable state. With this door being opened at all times allows very easy access to the store. The employees backs are also turned towards this door which means anyone could enter this store without the employees seeing them.
The countermeasures that should be taken for this business is first and foremost, keep the back door closed and locked at all times. The only time it should be open is when an employee has to use the restroom or get into their supply closet. If this is done it will eliminate the vulnerability state of the store. Video cameras with a digital recorder should also be put in place ("Business Security Systems", 2011). There needs to be a camera in each of the back corners, one above the counter/desk where customers are assisted. I would also recommend there be a height tape with an internal camera put on the door frame ("Business Security Systems", 2011).
There also needs to be surveillance cameras put on the outer perimeter of the business. This store is in the middle of two other stores and there is not any type of access to this store from the back of the store outside. With this being said I will place a surveillance camera above the front door. This will help the employees see and record anyone walking in or out of the store or view any suspicious activity. A safe is another important thing that needs to be put in place. This will help keep money put away in a safe place especially on their busy days. I will also install another panic button so both employees have access to it. With there only being one in place this lacks safety for the employees (Clifford, 2004).
A handbook needs to be provided for all employees as well as training regarding what to do if a robbery or any type of threat does occur. If there is no training in these areas an employee can panic and not handle the situation correctly. If this happens this could cause the employees or any customers that may be in the store harm (Clifford, 2004). The last thing any employer wants is the liability of their employees or customers being harmed. This handbook should be thoroughly read and signed by all employees.
Although there may not be any other threats other than a robbery or threat by an irate customer there should still be a plan in the event a bomb threat or fire occurs. In this plan it should be explained to the employees on handle each specific situation. In the case of a bomb threat, they should be informed on whom to call and to stay calm. If a fire occurs there should be an escape plan for the front and rear entrances. They should also collaborate with the business that they share the hallway with in order to use their back door if necessary.
After preparing this security plan for Western Cash Advance I believe it will be a much safer environment for everyone involved. When you are dealing with a business of this type you need to take all security measures as well as safety necessary. When the risk assessment was done on this establishment I was shocked to see how minimal the security was as well as the training for this type of business. I chose this type of security plan because any business that deals with the amount of cash that this company deals with on a daily basis, they are already at high risk.