Why Reactive Safety Departments Create Real Problems

Over the course of 25 years, I have gained extensive experience in the security and safety field, having served as a patrolman and in leadership positions in higher education, private industry, and the military. During my time in this field, I have identified recurring challenges faced by officers working in this domain.

Primarily, many leaders lack a true understanding of the needs of officers working in the field, which often results in inadequate provision of resources, training, or support required for effective job performance. This, in turn, can lead to a lack of motivation and decreased morale among officers, ultimately impacting their ability to protect people and property.

Secondly, organizations often have a reactive mindset toward safety, which can adversely impact the efficacy of safety departments. In general, safety departments are often underfunded, perceived as a liability or an added expense, and may fail to identify potential threats or hazards. However, a proactive safety department can identify patterns and trends that may pose a safety concern, thus enabling the organization to take necessary steps to mitigate risks.

Furthermore, companies should provide training to their officers on how to patrol and identify potential security threats. Seemingly insignificant issues can often be an indicator of someone testing the systems, such as doors that are usually open being locked or chained without a valid reason. Additionally, outsiders can penetrate the network through LAN sockets and devices in reception and other public areas. Moreover, individuals may ask questions about security staffing or working hours, which can be a red flag for potential security breaches.

Adopting a proactive approach to safety can instill a sense of pride and confidence in company employees, demonstrating that the company values and invests in necessary resources for ensuring the safety of its employees and customers. Companies can consider becoming proactive departments and leveraging the obtained information to develop a better safety department.

In conclusion, those working in the safety field tend to be more loyal to companies that prioritize their safety and invest in their ability to perform their job more efficiently. I appreciate you taking the time to read this article and would love to hear your feedback on working in the safety and security industry.