PART1: SECURITY OF PREMISES

Crime Matters

Physical Survey

1.1 A physical survey of the premises is essential to identify any weak points and examine how they may be strengthened; this may be carried out either for existing premises or preferably when selecting premises for a particular purpose. The Regional Crime Prevention Offices provide security advice or conduct security surveys for victims or high-risk individuals, while Crime Prevention Bureau is mainly responsible for conducting security surveys of highly sensitive premises and other government facilities. Members of the public can hire security consulting company to conduct security surveys if they have such needs.

Physical Security Measures

1.2. Physical security measures should include :-

(a) Quality locks;
(b) Solid structure doors and surrounds;
(c) Security bars;
(d) Blast-resistant curtaining;
(e) Surveillance and alarm systems; and
(f) Access control.

Access Control

1.3. The very nature of most business premises will necessitate access to staff and outsiders who wish to enter on official business, etc.

1.4. One of the most efficient ways of processing all persons wishing access to the premises is to have a physically secure reception, remote from the office / function room area if possible. It is desirable that this is the only point of access to and from the premises under normal circumstances.

1.5. The reception should be manned by responsible personnel who must be briefed as to their duties and must have quick access to the Security Officer for advice.

1.6. Any searching of hand baggage or body searching, if required, should be carried out prior to allowing persons to pass through reception. Whilst you have no legal right to search persons or their hand baggage you retain the right to refuse their entry unless they agree to being searched.

1.7. If a pass system is in use at your office, make sure it is fully used by staff and visitors alike.

Checking of Staff and Visitors

1.8. Most organisations employ security staff or watchmen, all of whom should be thoroughly vetted and should be your first line of defence. Security personnel should be in possession of security personnel permits and companies which supply them must be licensed. Details of licensed security service providers may be obtained from the Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority on 2537 5118 (Fax) or by going to the Security Branch web site at www.info.gov.hk/sb and clicking on Security & Guarding Services Industry Authority.

1.9. A system of serially numbered passes for permanent and temporary staff and visitors is essential, with strict control kept over their issue. It is recommended that passes for permanent and temporary staff include both a photograph and the signature of the holder. Visitors passes should be issued at the reception to all persons other than staff or temporary staff. A proper record kept of the time of issue and return and to whom they are issued. Once issued a pass, visitors should be escorted at all times until they leave the premises. Brief your staff to challenge any unescorted visitor found on the premises, paying particular attention to such persons found in areas not normally accessible to members of the public.

Incoming Mail and Deliveries

1.10. Regular and small deliveries such as mail, can be made to the reception. Consider having all staff use your office address as their postal address so that all incoming mail may be centrally screened by X-Ray or similar equipment.

1.11. In the case of larger deliveries, for example where a loading / unloading area is used, the delivery area should be secure and constantly supervised by security staff.

1.12. Be on the alert for unusual or unexpected deliveries, as they might contain explosives, incendiary devices or biohazardous materials. For further details, see PART III - BOMB THREATS AND SEARCHING, and PART IV - BIOHAZARD THREATS VIA THE MAIL.

1.13. If possible, sort mail away from the Main Office.

Predictability

1.14. Remember that any one feature of your security screen may be penetrated if your methodology is easily predictable and human checks are not conducted. Patterns such as regular patrols, meetings and their locations, are easily recognisable and should be avoided if possible.

Contingency Plans

1.15. In addition to taking the above precautions, it is vital that contingency plans are drawn up to cater for emergencies, including fires and bomb threats. Such plans should take into consideration the need to evacuate and search the premises and should be tested to ensure their effectiveness; beware of too frequent testing however, as this may be counter-productive.

1.16. Your contingency planning should also make provision for business continuity in the event of business disruption caused by any terrorist incident, or other major incident. You must therefore identify and test, in advance, alternative sites which will permit the resumption of core business activities within the minimum time possible.

1.17. Ensure your contingency plans are detailed, but flexible and following each practice alarm, review and amend the plans accordingly.

Web page element  Advice to Hikers
Web page element  Advice to Visitors
Web page element  Construction Site Security (PDF format)
Web page element  Domestic Security
Web page element  General Security of Premises and Personnel
Web page element  Protect Your Car
Web page element  Protect Your Credit Card Data
Web page element  Protect Your Factory
Web page element  Protect Your Money
Web page element  Protect Your Office
Web page element  Protect Your Shop
Web page element  Tips for E-Shoppers
Web page element  Tips for Personal Safety