Analysis of Security for Hotels & Resorts

AN ANALYSIS OF SECURITY COVER FOR RESORTS AND HOTELS

Security Threats

• It is very difficult to assess the type and level of threats that can manifest in the modern day socio-political scenario against a resort or a high end hotel chain. Nobody at Marriot Hotel in Pakistan had any known enmity with the Jihadis nor was it done for monetary gains. The only qualifying aspect that makes a facility, a possible target is the presence of large number of Western Tourists or an area frequented by financially affluent.

• In addition is the requirement of insulating the facility from criminals and ensuring that the clients enjoy the facility without any harassment.

• Lastly is the security threat that emanate from the staff and common day to day administration of the facility.

Security Concepts

In simple terms Security should be Preventive or system should be in place so that a possible threat do not manifest. Second important aspect is that it should be Deterrent and lastly it should be Investigative i.e. enough data is available to apprehend the perpetrator.

It is therefore important that we carryout a proper security analysis before arriving at a plan. A common misnomer is that Security is just few Guards and CCTV cameras. At Marriot Hotel, the Security cameras picked up the speeding truck crashing through the gate and detonating the explosives close to the hotel. The cameras in no way could prevent the attack. Therefore, it is important that an overall plan exists and then Security can be met.

A proper way to ensure safety is by analyzing the requirement on the following lines:

• RISK – Analyze possible events which could cause a loss/ damage.

• THREAT – What are the threats that can trigger a risk event that is dangerous?

• COUNTER MEASURE – What countermeasures are in place to stop a threat from triggering a risk event.

• DEFENCE IN DEPTH – Have a series of measures so that even if one is compromised the second will detect the threat.

• ASSURANCE - assurance is the level of guarantee that a security system will behave as expected

Security Plan

No two areas can have the same security and will vary from place to place and many issues like land/ building configuration, proximity to water bodies and the local population. The type of Security cover that can be put in place will include:-

• Access Control.

• It is important to ensure that all entries and exits into the compound are monitored. An automated Boom Barrier with Tier Killers will ensure that no vehicle barge through a gate. A proper entry/ exit control would involve photographing the number plate and the driver. This will ensure that a tag is maintained on all the people who have made the entry into the facility. Also, at the end of the day one can easily document the people who are at the facility.

• In addition, Access Control can be put into place in each of the building, thus preventing un-authorized entry. Any attempt at forcible entry will be known in the Central Monitoring Station and necessary reaction to limit the damage can be made.

• Access Control can be put in place in each individual room, so that all entries can be logged and any forced entries prevented.

• Perimeter Protection. It is very difficult to provide perimeter protection. Some of the ways it can be prevented is by having:

• Four Quad Photo Beam Sensors. It involves four light rays so that an alarm is raised only if all four rays are cut to avoid false alarms caused by falling leaves or animals.

• Directional Motion Detector. All weather motion detectors can be placed to ensure perimeter security.

• Camera Solutions. Depending on the requirement and threat cameras can be placed to detect any un-warranted movements near the perimeter.

• Camera Cover. Many types of cameras are available in the market today. With advancement in technology, the digital IP Cameras are better suited for security requirements. Also, it is important that the cameras have diagnostic capabilities to detect and prevent any threat. Some of the features are:

• Diagnostic Cameras. One of the best diagnostic cameras is Sight Logix with a range of 1.5km. These cameras can be deployed on the sea face. These cameras have a facility where we can create virtual walls or safe areas. A camera facing the sea can be instructed to notify any movement towards the facility at 500 meters. Any such intrusion will be available to the Central Monitoring Station with a GPS fix.

• Surveillance Cameras. Many cameras with various capabilities are available to carry out surveillance. The choice will depend on the area, light conditions and the type of surveillance. Cash Counters, lobby area, or any area that will have a larger crowd can be monitored round the clock.

• In the past storage of video feeds were done through a DVR. With IP cameras we can do off site recording so that nobody can tamper with data.

• Lastly any of the officials of the facility can view the area under surveillance from any part of the world.

• People Screening and Baggage Checks. In most of the hotels there is no proper check of people entering the facility or are the baggage screened. Also, it will be in bad form if we put the normal maetal detectors in place.

• A best form of screening people is by making them move through revolving doors fitted with metal detectors. Also each of the individual can be photographed while moving through the doors.

• All baggage should be screened and this should be done by bell boys who receive the luggage and move them through the Xray scanner.

• Security of Specific Areas. We will be able to provide security to any specified areas like strong room, cash tills, and store rooms. Security systems that will leave behind electronic logs of all opening and closing will ensure that a proper record is always available.

• Fire & Smoke Detection. An efficient fire and smoke detection can be put in place. We superimpose heat detectors to give us an early warning of fire.

• Gas Leak Sensors. Gas leak sensors to give advance notice of any leak will ensure safety.

The IRIS Advantage

It is important to understand the advantage IRIS gives to client. IRIS is an end to end solution provider and includes security assessment, formulation of security plan, installation & commissioning of electronic security systems, Central Monitoring round the clock and reaction in case of any alarm trigger. Some of the major advantages are:

• Process based Security cover and not Product based.

• Single vendor from start to finish.

• IRIS Package. Any facility investing in equipment will always look at Return on Investments. In the case of Security equipment/ Cameras the technology evolution is an important aspect. Six months down the lane the equipments are obscelete and also the Security requirement may undergo a change. Secondly when we procure cameras we also need people to maintain and operate the same again adding to the cost. Lastly is the collusion factor when data is not maintained correctly. At IRIS we ask our client to define the Security Requirement, we then work out the plan in consultation with the facility and implements the plan.

• IRIS also provides three models of Security Cover:-

• Equipment bought by the client model.

• Equipment amortized over 12 to 18 months period.

• Rental Model.

Financial Advantage

The IRIS Model in the long run will always be cheaper than conventional security models. Security cover is provided with an optimal mix of high end electronic sensors and highly trained security personnel. In most of the facilities we have been able to bring down man power deployment to 50% thereby effecting large savings. Also major breakthroughs have been made in limiting pilferages.