Ahead of the 4th of July weekend, it is crucial for the hospitality industry to stay prepared. Besides anticipating the potential high occupancy rates and adding value to their guests’ experience, decision-makers must assume a proactive stance on security and be ready to stop crime before it happens.
Notably, the fourth is often accompanied by a spike in crime and is considered to be one of the busiest days of the year for treating shooting and stabbing victims. Reacting, even if adequately, to an incident after it takes place does not really minimize the excessive level of violence frequently seen on the
4th of July.
When crime trends are predictable, it is best to be deliberate and anticipatory. Taking the initiative means identifying potential risks through comprehensive risk assessments, developing rigorous security plans, and adopting modern solutions.
Security in depth
Protecting the different sectors of the hospitality industry for the 4th of July weekend can be successfully accomplished with security in depth. This is a concept that starts with the idea of viewing a building in layers, which is key, as different layers require different levels and measures of protection.
Vulnerability evaluations, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), and the expert knowledge of seasoned integrators are all necessary when adopting a security-in-depth vision.
The goals of this proactive posture — also called concentric circles of security — are:
- Deter crime
- Detect crime
- Delay crime
- Respond to crime
The implementation of a security in-depth strategy, in combination with first-class technologies, can allow hospitality managers to be prepared for even the most challenging scenarios. In addition, it can help reduce possible crime events, including property damage, and ensure continuity of operations if an emergency takes place.
Video surveillance
The concentric circles of protection get stronger with every integration of security hardware, starting from the outer perimeter and moving inward to internal areas, where the greatest protection is demanded. Video surveillance is important for each of these areas (outer perimeter, middle layer, and internal areas).
Smart, IP-based video cameras can deter, detect, delay, and even respond to crime, as footage can be a valuable source of evidence. In a proactive video surveillance system, expert operators monitor live
feeds 24/7.
Contrastingly, in a reactive video surveillance system, the footage is only reviewed after the fact, in an effort to identify potential suspects. If the technology used is obsolete, this attempt can take hours or
be futile.
When managed video surveillance is implemented, operators can also alert in real-time designated administrators of emergencies, address offenders directly, and contact first responders and on-site security guards.
Finally, cameras should be visible as well as signs giving notice about the presence of surveillance equipment, whether the footage is being monitored in real-time, as well as storage policies. Not only are these necessary to prevent privacy complaints, but they are efficacious deterrents of crime.
Benefits of proactive monitoring
- Deter criminals by placing video cameras that are visible, accompanied by adequate signs.
- Alert first responders and on-site security teams if a suspicious event is detected.
- Record the actions of criminals for later prosecution.
- Create a safer environment for guests and employees.
Safeguarding hospitality facilities during the 4th of July weekend requires a comprehensive risk assessment, the implementation of security in layers (security in-depth), and state-of-the-art physical security technologies. In addition, a proactive video surveillance system is needed to support crime prevention, particularly during this hectic holiday.