Compromised security.

Caution: Your security company may become too familiar.

We have already discussed the formation of security partnerships between the client and the service provider. This is valuable and works extremely well. However, the integrity of this business relationship can be undone due to over-familiarity.

There is no reason why there should not be a polite and respectful relationship between the contractor and you and your staff. However, one of the fastest and often most common ways to undermine your company’s security is to allow inappropriate familiarity between staff and guard. If you notice close friendships forming between your staff and security guards, request that the guard(s) be changed. The warranty contract should be clear on this point, if it is not included, request that this condition be agreed upon and added to the contract.

Inappropriate behavior or over-familiarity can occur when the wrong type of on-call personality is chosen for your site. Sure, it’s okay for your staff and guards to be nice to each other and say something like ‘have a great weekend’, ‘how was your day?’ It is not appropriate for the site to develop close friendships or girlfriend/boyfriend relationships, or long and chatty phone calls or mobile text messages about non-security matters.

This may sound draconian. However, while most people have totally innocent and friendly interaction between client staff and security guards, there are some who cultivate these friendships who have a specific agenda. Let’s say, for example, that someone on her staff (could even be a long-time staff member) intends to gain access to a restricted area of ​​the building in order to steal intellectual property. They could do this by being very friendly to the guard and the guard relaxing security access for that person’s benefit.

I have seen this happen frequently and I would warn you that this type of interaction can short-circuit security. Common security lapses, such as incident statements not being written down or reported, keys and ID cards not being started, locked, or even returned. Worse yet, a senior security guard allows sensitive security files to be leaked to other personnel. Both people were fired, but the damage was already done, it is not yet known exactly to what extent this breach has had in the company.

There have even been leftover alcohol and money accepted by security guards so staff members can access restricted areas or use the building for an after-hours party.

For the sake of your company’s safety…keep it courteous and professional.