Key security issue: Are you safe with your security firm?

As part of "Keynotes" magazine's 2001 convention coverage for ALOA in Baltimore, we have profiled a regional company of note in the Baltimore - Washington corridor. Federal Lock & Safe, Inc. ("FedLock") is a locksmith company located in Arlington, Virginia. Their location puts them just several minutes outside of the nation's capital and 40 minutes from Baltimore. In an interview with FedLock's President Peter Groves and Vice President Michael Groves, we had a lively & informative chat:

With the renewed emphasis on the security and safety of buildings, the bar has been raised significantly for the soundness and reliability of a building's security system. But what about the integrity of the security firms that install these systems? How secure are they?

With a lack of nationwide licensing and no mandatory training, it can be difficult to know whether a vendor that provides security technicians is trustworthy and reliable.

Unfortunately, all too often, a business (or residence) hires a security firm only to learn this fact the hard way. And it's not necessarily because of fraudulent practices or even criminal intent.

In most cases it's a simple fact that the security firm's employees lack the training, know-how and experience to do the job right. This includes the most complex tasks, such as installation of electronic access control systems, to more basic security jobs, such as lock replacements.

Property managers, building engineers and business owners open themselves up for huge liability problems if they allow unskilled, untrained and unlicensed personnel to perform security work. Besides civil lawsuits by people harmed as a result of shoddy work, criminal charges may well be filed against the person authorizing the work.

Bottom line: No part of your building's safety or security should ever be taken for granted.

The good news is professional technical security firms do exist. They maintain certification programs, have licensed technicians (in certain states) and run mandatory in-house programs.

When hiring a technical security firm, educate yourself to determine which vendors comply with these types of best practices.

Professional certification.
First and foremost, look for a security firm that requires professional certification courses for its technicians. A firm that does not invest in the continued professional knowledge and advancement of its personnel will hardly be the type of company you want working on your facility.

For example, the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) sets certification standards for professional security service providers worldwide. ALOA administers the Proficiency Registration Program (PRP) for certification of security professionals. The PRP program is a rigorous evaluation of educational and technical competence in 36 categories.

PRP candidates must pass a demanding series of exams in such crucial security areas as locks and related hardware installations, master keying, electronic access control, high security safe locks, security camera installation and servicing, and many other security devices.

The Safe and Vault Technicians Association and the National Safeman's Organization also maintain thorough testing and certification programs for technicians who work with safes and vaults.

These are just a few examples of the specialized training available within the industry.

Just as it is important that security professionals maintain high standards of technical excellence, it also is important that people responsible for selecting a security firm choose only highly qualified technical companies.

The downside for failing to do this is severe. If the security professionals you hire doesn't have the required certification for the job they are performing, you are putting your building, its occupants and yourself at significant risk.

Licensing requirements.
There are numerous states that require licensing for technicians who work with building security.

Virginia, for example, requires security technicians to be licensed under the state Department of Criminal Justice Services when performing certain low-voltage tasks such as access control installations. The license requires 14 hours of classes.

Unfortunately, the majority of states do not require even the most basic licensing for individuals or firms labeling themselves "security technicians" or "locksmiths."

In-house training.
Regrettably, professional certification is not legally required, and licensing is difficult to enforce.

Therefore, a reputable firm also maintains comprehensive in-house, factory-training programs with elevated standards of excellence. This ensures superior quality standards that combine licensing and certification with training.

Security clearance.
Since last year's Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, most government agencies are ordering security firms to meet increased levels of security-clearance requirements.

For example, many agencies stipulate that specialized security containers approved by the General Services Administration are used for classified documents.

A professional security firm that understands these types of specific government requirements will provide expert consulting for all solutions related to security issues, whether or not they are government related.

An understanding of the regulatory environment.
Your security firm should also be thoroughly versed in regulations such as life safety codes, electrical limitations, fire ratings and other important industry-related laws.

For example, life safety codes are critical because the incorrect installation of something even as small as a padlock may have deadly consequences.

Insurance.
Finally, don't forget to ask about insurance. Without it, you could easily be left holding a bill for a security job that turned into a costly, damaging mistake. Be sure the security professional you choose is insured against this kind of risk.

When selecting a professional security provider, request proof of licensing, insurance, professional certifications and other best practices mentioned above. Look for quality firms that hold themselves to the highest standards.

This is the only way to ensure that you have made the right selection - to protect yourself, your facility and those who depend on you for security.

Michael Groves is vice president of Arlington-based Federal Lock & Safe, which provides security consulting and engineering, locks and safes, access control and other security-related services. E-mail: service@FedLock.com Phone: 703/525-1436 Web site: www.FedLock.com

© 2002 American City Business Journals Inc.

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