Just Blogging

Andrew Stratton asked:




Security in today’s modern business office is a very different set up than a uniformed security guard coming by to rattle a doorknob periodically in what was standard security measures which were generally ineffective at keeping any determined criminal out of the building. More sophisticated systems were later developed where the security guard watched a bank of surveillance cameras stationed at various sensitive points around the premises. The guard may add this electronic gadgetry to patrols on foot. There may even be guard dogs added to the security team.

Office security is much more sophisticated today. Not only is there a need of protecting valuable equipment such as computers, printers, copiers and fax machines from the risk of theft from outside sources, but unfortunately, employees are known to be the instigators of the crime as well. Who better to know where the office safe is kept or where the most current electronic gadgets can be found? A discreet camera can provide surveillance of any space. By adding video tapes or some other type of digital image capture, a record of anything that occurs within the scope of the camera lens is maintained.

This provides some security in that the picture of a thief or burglar is recorded. In itself, it will not prevent theft, but it can provide a notification through an alarm system that someone has entered the space that doesn’t belong there. With sophisticated systems, the human security forces such as guards or law enforcement personnel can be summoned if the security of a space is breached. Sometimes security cameras are used as a preventative measure, since someone planning a theft may change their mind when they see a camera that is presumably recording their actions.

A security camera can provide safety in areas of the building or office that may not be visible from the main area. Stairwells, elevators, basements or even secured areas can all be monitored by a security camera set up. This can provide protection from accidents or foul play for employees working alone or in dangerous areas.

Although less obvious as a reason for office surveillance via a camera, if you have questions about work being performed by various employees in your absence, using a hidden security camera is a way to be sure that your employees are working when they are supposed to be doing so and not occupying their work hours with horseplay, personal work or just hanging around the water cooler.

As a business owner or office manager, having office security cameras can also be used to protect yourself from claims regarding sexual harassment, verbal commitments and other situations where legal action is threatened. Care should be taken that placement of surveillance cameras is in compliance with all state and federal laws regarding privacy issues.

Using surveillance cameras as part of your overall office or building security makes a more effective tool than human surveillance alone, since cameras can be placed to protect in areas where a human being would be less effective.

Don Rainwater asked:




C-TAPT is a business and government initiative designed to develop relationships that will improve and strengthen cargo and border security. C-TAPT understands that by working closely with consolidators, importers, manufactures and others who are the main participants in the international supply chain, cargo security will be provided. C-TAPT in conjunction with United States customs department are asking that businesses have defined security practices and to verify the security practices of those they do business with.

Customs and C-TAPT recognize that a supply chain that is secure is one of the most important parts of keeping the country safe from terrorists. U.S. Customs is looking for an anti-terrorism partnership with businesses that are involved with trade through C-TPAT. U.S. Customs wants to work closely with businesses that comply with trade laws and make sure the supply chain is secure.

When a business deals with cargo containers, C-TAPT guidelines call for a container inspection, the use of container seals and a proper place for the containers to be stored. The integrity of cargo containers should be maintained at all times. Once a container is loaded it needs to be properly sealed and maintained.

When it comes to the container inspection C-TAPT recommends a seven-point inspections. The left and right sides should be inspected along with the front wall, ceiling and doors. The outside and undercarriage should be inspected as well.

Businesses that are involved in shipping and receiving containers should have written procedures in place that define how container seals should be handled and put onto full containers. There must also be procedures written out that detail what to do if a container seal has been tampered with or compromised. Only certain employees should be permitted to distribute seals for containers in order to maintain container integrity.

The Department of Homeland Security recently compiled a list of anti-terrorism services and devices such as container seals. Sealock Hybrid security seals are one of the devices placed on the list. These container seals lock and seal container doors and the construction of the seals and the technology of the device allow any tampering to be noticeable when it is inspected. Sealock seals come in three types; Single Use Sealock, Keeper Sealock and Sealock Junior.

Sealock security devices are the first and the only container seals that have been declared anti-terrorist technology. The seal and lock protection make it stand out as a security device. Also, each Sealock security device has a seal that keeps the container doors from opening and once the seal has been taken off of the container, it can’t be replaced. Therefore any tampering would be impossible to miss.

When it comes to cargo container storage, C-TAPT requires that these containers be stored in an area that is secure. This prevents unauthorized persons for gaining access to the containers. The business should have written procedures in place that detail what should be done in the event there is unauthorized entry into the container storage area or the container itself.