Tackling
Corporate Security Threats
Business security is no longer the same in Nepal as it was just
a couple of years ago. However, the situation is still manageable,
if a few important precautions are observed.
 One
major program much talked about by the business community leaders
last year was to set up an industrial security force. But the security
experts see a limit to the efficacy of such government-sponsored
force in containing security threats because first, they can not
be present everywhere at all times, and second, their presence at
a private sector premise may rather provoke the attackers if they
are anti-government militants. Still, an official security force
specialized in industrial field would be an added help.
However, the
development so far do not show any concrete indication of such a
force being set up. Perhaps the government is too busy in dealing
with Maoist insurgents who are now sitting across the table with
the government officials. Still greater obstacle on this is said
to be posed by legal provisions, say business people, though they
have not pinpointed the exact hurdle.
As informed
in the recently concluded sixth AGM of Nepal Britain Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (NBCCI), the authorities say they can provide
adequate security to all the industrial establishments if they have
a supplementary security force numbering 1000 personnel. And the
estimated cost of raising such a force along with all the relevant
logistics would be around Rs. 200 million only per annum.
If that is the
case, the government should be in a position to do it immediately.
Beginning the current fiscal year, the government has been raising
1% extra as security fee from all the major imports and income of
the income taxpayers. The collection amount can go as high as Rs.
1000 million from which the necessary Rs. 200 million for industrial
security force can easily be set aside.
Security threat,
however, is not limited to attacks on business establishments. Bandhs,
strikes or chakka jams which often turn violent are caused
by responsible political parties and the damage to business by such
activities are no less insignificant than by terrorists or robbers.
So much so that the businessmen also blame the political parties
for exerting pressure on police to release the culprits when robbers
are arrested.
This means,
the time now is to think more in line with developing a peace-culture
with commitment from political parties and trade unions as well
as the businessmen themselves who blame each other for buckling
under pressure from the terrorists to win their favour. In an extensive
discussion in January early this year conducted by FNCCI, the business
people had decided to draft a "code of ethics" about it.
But nothing is reported to have developed in it so far.
In this
background, Udaya Gurung suggests what the business and families
can do on their own:
In the past
few years the corporate sector in Nepal has been quite severely
affected by the deteriorating security situation brought about by
the growing insurgency and other related violence that have accounted
for considerable loss of property and life. Still worse, union politics,
erosion in moral values, organized crimes, political instability,
and overstretching of law and order machinery have further aggravated
the already fragile security environment.
Kidnapping for
ransom, incidence of threats and bombing of factories for extortion,
all unheard of till recently, have become frequent. Family members
of leading industrial houses have been kidnapped. Within the past
few months, factories have been attacked by armed groups. And the
modality of attack over the past two and a half years is becoming
increasingly more professional. Both in terms of the way the operations
have been carried out and the type of explosives used, the assault
have now become more sophisticated, causing extensive damages to
the targets.
Security wise,
Nepal was traditionally regarded as one of the safest places on
earth. Today, it is considered a medium threat nation. While it
is true that the responsibilities of maintaining law and order rest
on the Government, the escalating threat and violence has clearly
tested the limited resources of the state. What is required at this
juncture is, therefore, a security system that is responsive and
thoroughly reliable. It has to be sensitive enough to appreciate
the need of this sector and able to promptly react to all eventualities.
Such services have to be different from the old practice of keeping
an untrained watchman.
Options
Setting up of
an industrial security force in line with the industrial guard force
of India has been proposed though it is still not under any active
consideration of the state. However, it can be said that its effectiveness
will largely depend on the attitude of the personnel involved and
the quality of the training they receive. As it is likely to be
an extension of the government machinery, one could infer that the
personnel of such a unit would have the authority to use force in
the event of extreme threat and/or attack. While this would provide
the comfort of armed security with the mandate to use force, it
would, at the same time, expose the premises to unprovoked attacks
as a vendetta against the government forces. Also, the negative
tendencies that tend to develop in government affiliated organizations
could set in, thus creating other complications.
The other option
is to have private security companies. Such agencies are in a position
to provide services not only in access control but also in loss
prevention and waste control. They could also carry out security
audit and accordingly set up an integrated security system to help
detect possible attacks in advance and buy time for the authorized
law enforcing agents to arrive at the scene.
The function
of private security services is to complement the effort of the
government in providing a safe and secure working environment for
the corporate sector. This supplementary role is normally given
to private security companies, which are basically prevention-oriented.
Police have the power and the right to detain, search and arrest
people, while a security company can only stop or prevent unauthorized
individuals or groups from entering the premises. When individuals
are caught breaking the law within the premises, private security
confronts, detains and hands them over to the concerned authorities.
Police are arrest-oriented and react to crimes and civil offences,
though they are also required to adopt strategy of prevention as
and when needed.
Private security
companies in Nepal are required to register with the government.
Like any other registered companies, they have to pay taxes and
open up their accounts for audit inspection. However, keeping in
line with the nature of responsibilities, there is nothing specific
in the law that would facilitate private security companies to function
as effectively as they need to. Despite the fact that they are responsible
for the prevention of crimes in private and business premises including
factory sites, there is no provision in the law that would legally
permit the use of force by the private companies in the event of
violent confrontation. In respect of the security equipment, nothing
has been mentioned how private security companies should be managed
or operated. Recent events clearly indicate the need for the government
to seriously focus on creating a conducive environment for the security
companies so that they provide standard services.
Security
Guidelines
Given the security
environment of the country, certain steps are imperative for the
private sector to reduce the level of vulnerability. The idea here
is to deter, defer and deflect any potential attack. Some broad
guidelines regarding security for the corporate sector’s life
and property can be recommended. However, if one is aware of the
fact that he/she has been targeted, then the personal and family
security has to be seen from a different angle. This also calls
for a total re-evaluation of the situation. The following guidelines
are meant for those who can be considered as potential targets.
Personal
Security
During move
One is most
vulnerable during travel/transit period. About 90% of incidents
are found to take place while in car. About 40% of such incidents
occur in the vicinity of one’s residence or place of visit.
It is thus important to change the departure timing and travel routes
from residence to destination. It is advisable not to disclose movement
plans to anyone including the driver. Journey should be avoided
after dusk but if one must undertake it, it is better to try avoiding
quiet and deserted routes. Use of inconspicuous vehicle would help.
When on move, the car windows should be rolled up and the doors
firmly locked. The front and rear screen including the car’s
window glasses can be treated with inexpensive armour coat film
to make it blast proof. The driver should be trained in techniques
of, while halting at traffic lights, keeping ample gap with the
front vehicle so as not to be boxed in during emergencies. Whenever
the car has to be parked, it should always be kept under close observation
and, at residence, in the garage.
It is always
important to have a properly vetted driver as he has a very important
role to play for the security of the family. Use of company pool
drivers should be avoided as far as practicable. Drivers through
the nature of their job, usually have spare time and are thus prone
to gossiping. Moreover, it is important to train the drivers on
the techniques of offensive and defensive driving. In addition,
they must be taught to be alert and how to react in a given situation.
They must also be instructed never to disclose the habits of the
employer nor the routine, including those of the members of family,
and his social circle. These are important because personal and
family safety depends on the driver and his ability to react appropriately.
Daily routine
& social function
Daily routine
are by far the most vulnerable security areas as these are set pattern
of activities one is required to perform. This also gives others
the opportunity to study the movements and draw out patterns which
would provide them the opportunity to strike. It is therefore important
to change the timings, routes and vehicles to and from the office.
The same applies while going for physical exercises, games or morning
walks. Fixed routine of going to stores or refuelling at a particular
gas station or visiting certain recreation centres should be avoided.
The whole idea is not to follow a routine, and avoid being an easy
target.
Executives are
required to attend various types of social functions. Such functions
possibly constitute the most difficult aspect of any personal security
system. During such events, the tendency often is to shy away from
the idea of security specially when, understandably, one is out
to enjoy and relax. However, this is the most vulnerable time and
place as he/she is literally ‘overexposed’. Hence, it
is essential to cut down on late evening social engagements to the
extent possible. Always avoid standing near the entry and exit points,
and dress so as not to stand out from the rest. Do not be the first
to leave the function. Let there be a few cars ahead of you, always.
Family Security
As the families
of corporate executives are equally vulnerable to attacks, it is
important to ensure that the residence is equally secure. The first
thing to note is that certain code of conduct has to be followed
by the family members. For example, the children have to be discouraged
from answering the door, especially after sunset. Likewise, family
members should be told not to go to the same department stores at
fixed dates and timings. Outings and picnics to isolated places
should be strongly discouraged. Even if one must go, always choose
a crowded location and busy hours. Always return before dark. Children
and family members should be instructed not to touch strange and
unfamiliar objects, and not open unexpected mails. They should not
be permitted to go to parks or playgrounds unescorted. It is always
safer to send children to school by school bus rather than by car,
unless they are accompanied by a security personnel.
Domestic help
is today an integral part of the Nepali family system. It is important
that certain prescribed code is followed in handling such help to
keep, maintain and secure home environment. Always employ people
with known background, preferably people with a reference. It is
also advisable to verify and check their antecedents with local
police. Make sure to have the latest photograph of the help you
hire. Even if the help is a maid, a baby sitter or an old man, do
not fail to ensure that the procedure is meticulously observed.
Always be aware of their associates and the type of visitors who
come to see them. Disallow/discourage household help from letting
their relatives stay overnight or for any period of time in the
room/quarter assigned to the help.
The household
help should not be told of the visit or travel plans of any of the
family members. Cash and valuables should never be handled in his/her
presence. It is equally important to oversee the use of telephone
as it can be a major source of information leakage. Household staff
and children at times may inadvertently pass information to glib
talker and information seeker. Ask the children to refrain from
picking up the phone and starting the conversation. All the members
of the household should be clearly briefed not to pass any information
about the whereabouts of the senior members or their present or
future appointments. On receiving the call, do not identify yourself
but let the caller first identify him/herself. If a caller ID kit
is available, it is advantageous to have it installed .
Telephone has
to be placed at such a point that the receiver’s silhouette
is not visible from outside. The receiver’s identity is thus
protected. If it is possible to acquire an unlisted telephone number,
it would be advisable to have such a connection. A bedside extension
with a list of all emergency telephone numbers including the number
of the next door police station is also recommended.
Residential
Security
At times like
the present one, it is very essential to have a proper security
system installed at residences. First and foremost is to have a
guard supervise the main entrance and/or have a surveillance system
in place. The guard/s have to be fully briefed and trained on the
procedures to be followed at different times of the day and night.
He should permit no unidentified or unauthorized person in without
first confirming identity with family members. People from the utility
services have to be properly identified before they are allowed
entry into the house.
It is important
to ensure that the compound/perimeter has adequate light for the
night. It is advisable to have two sockets and double bulb system
and all vital points in order so that the area is not in total darkness
even if one bulb burns out. The boundary wall/fence has to be sturdy
and of good height. Branches of trees along the boundary wall have
to be chopped to allow sight of the intruders trying to climb over
to the compound. Creepers along the boundary wall/fence or those
climbing up the house may seem harmless, but it should be ensured
that they just hold the weight of the plant, and not of human beings.
The outer door
of the residence should be solid, built with a door-chain. It is
good to have a double-cylinder lock that has to be operated with
a key from each end. As the windows are among the most vulnerable
parts of a building, they have to be secured either with bars or
grillwork. Depending on the threat level, it may be necessary to
have a special re-enforced room. During attack, all the family members
can withdraw into this particular room and wait for a rescue team
to arrive. It would be handy to have a mobile telephone placed permanently
in this room.
Corporate/Factory
Security
Office
It is no doubt
essential to have a secure workplace as the executives tend to spend
most of their time inside it. Reprisal against a person in the office
or kidnapping from the workplace can and does happen. It is one
such fixed point where one has to come anyway and can thus be easily
located. To have a secure and safe workplace without having to look
like a fortress is thus important.
It is possible
to enhance security at the office without imposing too many restrictions.
Large offices should be partitioned to cordon off specific areas.
The office should be secured against intrusion at night. For daytime
protection, it is advisable to have an emergency alarm system installed
at the reception, security room, Chief Executive’s secretary’s
office and the CEO’s office.
Entry into the
room should be controlled and monitored at all times, and only visitors
with appointment should be asked in after being identified. Visitors
should always be escorted while entering the room or leaving the
premises. The office should be accessible only through the main
office where movement of people/visitors can be observed. In large
establishments, wearing identity cards should be made obligatory
so that no stranger can wander around for any length of time without
a clear business.
Factory
The factory
should be designed is such a way that the movements of people into
the sensitive areas is restricted. Traffic routes and entrances
to departments dealing with the public, should be separated from
the general offices and production unit/s. Sensitive installations
inside the factory should have an independent access. Access controlled
mechanism should be designed in a manner that facilitates early
detection of visitors who drift away from the authorized/designated
zones.
Factory security
system should have a combination of security in-built in the physical
infrastructure, manned security and electronic security with clear
instructions and procedures. The combinations may vary depending
on the site, size, ethos, work culture and number of visitors. A
proper permutation and combination can be designed after a proper
survey and risk analysis.
In addition
to the above, it is important to have a properly designed manual
to ensure that everyone working in the complex is aware of one’s
respective roles regarding the security and safety of the factory.
The manual should contain, among others instruction to be followed
during emergency situations like fire, earthquake, threats, bomb
attack, terrorist assault, kidnapping and hostage-taking. If the
company has foreign nationals working, an evacuation plan/procedure
has to be worked out well in advance.
Management of
a proper security and safety system within the factory requires
proper evaluation of threats, assessment of protection paraphernalia,
adequate number of guards and electronic systems. Supervision of
operations, monitoring of operations/performance and coordination
of the total effort is of vital importance. Any act of commission
or omission at any stage will make the site vulnerable.
What is of utmost
importance is that the people who are involved in the security of
the factory/premises are thoroughly trained to do their job relating
to safety and security. Trainings, drills and manuals help in setting
up the level or purposes that require precise and logical analysis
from time to time. Everyone should be briefed on the security team
and their functions, and the role of individuals during emergencies.
This is all the more important when the security environment is
fluid.
Only rarely
does one find an organization that follows the processes suggested
above. However, in the current circumstances, it is imperative to
have in place an effective security system. The future too looks
like to be the one which requires a high quality security system
manned by men and women capable of performing to the best of their
abilities and in the interest of whom they have been recruited in
the first place.
Gurung is
the MD of Group 4 Securitas Nepal (P) Ltd., a subsidiary of Group
4 Falck, a global leader in security and safety services.
|
Threat
& Vulnerability
Violence
has now become a kind of a response to human problems. It
is seen as a manifestation of resentment and frustration stemming
from prolonged compromises one has been subjected to in the
past.
The main
intents of attacks have been to spark fear, coercion or violence
for political, religious, or criminal ends. Primarily, these
acts have manifested themselves in selective killing, kidnapping
and sabotage. Killing either by shooting or bombing is usually
carried out against targets that are regarded as hindrance
to the promotion of a cause, movement and self-interest of
the perpetrators. The targets are normally politicians, administrators,
security forces or members of the groups opposed to them.
Kidnapping and threats are generally carried out with the
motive to extort money to finance and run the organization
or gain publicity. Bombing and sabotage are at times carried
out for the same purpose. Kidnapping those holding top managerial
slots can achieve both. At times foreigners are targeted in
the hope of attracting international attention and present
the government in bad light. As the state functionaries show
signs of weakening, attacks tend to become more vicious instilling
fear among the masses thereby destroying the confidence in
the government. Clearly the ultimate objective appears to
be to create anarchy that in turn leads to uprising everywhere
as a prelude to final collapse of the incumbent government.
Vulnerability
is a relative term and its nature is determined by accessibility,
location and time factor. Generally people are found to be
spending their time at residence, office and non travel/transit.
Perpetrators more often then not select targets based on the
latter’s vulnerability as well as their value as a source
of material means and free publicity. Thus, it is important
to understand the situation and the exposure one is subjected
to in all circumstances. It is found that residences are comparatively
a safer place where people, objects and environment are familiar.
The security environment can also be controlled as desired.
Compared with the above, offices are occupied by professionals
and regular staff but they are not closed to people of unconfirmed
antecedents. Security can be strengthened for safety in work
places. Travel, on the other hand, is completely insecure
as one steps into an unpredictable environment.
Militants
attack and vanish from the scene as quickly as possible. This
is because they have to avoid being followed by anybody. They
also try to leave no trace. Thus the approach they tend to
take is to select a number of alternative targets and accordingly
set up surveillance mechanism to track the movements of the
intended target/s. In the process, they assess the level of
security at various stages of their strategy. Time and place
of attack/strike is well thought out and getaways through
alternate escape routes are rigorously rehearsed. After a
meticulous, planning the probability of success is carefully
calculated. Based on this exercise the strike is either carried
out or abandoned.
At this
juncture, what is important to remember is that the militant
groups who are often creative should never be underestimated.
Some of them are highly skilled and trained in their jobs
and also have access to resources. But the most importantly
they are invisible and are prepared to take any risk or chance
for the cause they believe in. They have tremendous advantages
over official defence mechanism because they can strike almost
anywhere any time and have the flexibility to either carry
out or postpone the attack at will.
|
|
Tips
on Hotel Security
- Management
should focus on limiting access to specific areas by the
use of CCTV, doorman etc. Shutting down elevators during
critical hours on certain floors will help.
- Use
CCTV where appropriate.
- Keep
a well-functioning alarm system and fire sensors
- Agencies
renting hotel space for exhibitions and functions should
not be allowed to use their own security personnel.
- Keep
parking lots and garages well attended or well patrolled.
Have separate parking lots for guests/visitors and staff.
- Guest
rooms notices should contain information and reminder about
security arrangement.
- No
baggage should be stored in the baggage room without proper
tag.
- Have
meticulous system for key control and lock-layering.
- Have
a fire-watch patrol in all areas of the hotel.
- Conduct
fire drills every six month.
|
|
