Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

Security of Licens

Appropriate external security measures are determined largely by the type of building in which the business premises is located. If the building is detached, it is desirable to surround the premises with a perimeter fence that is high enough to discourage entry. Although recent research has suggested that fences, even with barbed-wire topping, are of limited effectiveness in deterring experienced and determined intruders, they do discourage less skilled individuals and increase the likelihood that an intruder will be observed.

The value of fences as a deterrent can be enhanced somewhat by setting the lower edge of the chain link in concrete. Fences can also be equipped with special vibration detectors that sound an alarm if someone attempts to climb over or dig under them; however, such a system is prone to false alarms from natural causes, such as wind motion, unusual vibrations, contact by stray animals, etc.

The physical security of an entry door depends upon the performance of all component parts. The resistance to forcible entry of each component must be matched to that of all other components. Thus care must be exercised in selecting the proper hinges, lock, door, jamb/ strike, and jamb/wall.

It is probable, however, that an experienced intruder will attempt to pick a lock rather than open it by force. The time required to pick a given lock depends largely upon the sophistication of the lock's internal mechanism. Whereas many lock cylinders can be picked by an experienced individual in five minutes or less, several types of high-security cylinders now on the market are much more resistant to manipulation. It is strongly recommended that a locksmith or security specialist be consulted prior to lock selection.

Windows at or near ground level should be covered with expanded metal welded to angle-iron frames which subsequently are bolted through the window frames.

When the premises to be secured is in a row-type building, a scissors-type metal gate can be used to seal off the front entrance. Preferably, a metal folding scissors gate or roll-down door can be installed that protects the entire storefront. Rear windows and doors, and skylights should also be adequately protected.

Exterior lighting should be installed to illuminate any dark and shadowy areas near the building that may provide cover for a would-be intruder. If a perimeter fence is used, the area between the fence and the building walls should be brightly lighted at night to increase the likelihood that an intruder will be observed. Supplementary interior and exterior lighting can be linked to alarm systems to provide increased illumination when the alarm is activated.

Signs warning of the presence of electronic or other types of security systems and containing penalties for criminal violations should be posted prominently on the building.

Firearms Inventory

The chain or discount store presents special security problems. When the firearms or sporting goods section is located within the over-all store floor plan, that particular section should be compartmentalized, if possible, so that access can be better controlled. During nonbusiness hours the firearm sales area should be sealed off and normal external security measures, such as intrusion alarms, should be employed to reduce the likelihood of thefts.

Security systems/services available include electronic alarms, of numerous types; armed guards and/or watchmen, and guard dogs. Because of the substantial investment involved in obtaining such security systems/services, those seeking to acquire them should not hesitate to request references from prospective suppliers. The reliability of the system and the firm providing it is an important consideration. In the case of electronic systems, in particular, the ability of prospective suppliers to provide high-quality maintenance and their willingness to guarantee the satisfactory performance of the system are factors to consider.

Alarm systems can range in capability from detection of entry through glass areas, doors, and windows to surveillance of large areas of interior floor space. The monitoring of interior areas may be accomplished through the use of television cameras that are linked to monitors equipped with motion detection apparatus; LASER or Light Emitting Diode systems that detect the passage of objects through an invisible beam; infrared detectors that sense changes in the background heat level, such as would occur if a person entered the surveillance area, and seismic detectors that sense vibration.

Such electronic systems can trigger a silent alarm, which is relayed to a remote monitoring point; an audible alarm on the premises, or both silent and audible alarms. Some systems incorporate several separate alarm mechanisms, one to relay a silent signal in the initial stages of intrusion and another to sound an audible alarm bell when the intruder actually gains entry to the premises.

In some jurisdictions the police department will monitor silent alarms. In other areas, monitoring is performed by private security firms which, in turn, relay the alarm reports to the police department having jurisdiction and to designated responsible persons of the firm involved. For this reason, it is important that monitoring agencies be supplied with home addresses and telephone numbers of such responsible persons and any special instructions on emergency procedures. As an alternative to securing a monitoring service, the premises can be equipped with devices which automatically dial a predetermined number when the alarm is triggered and play a tape-recorded message containing the necessary information.

In addition to the use of security systems, firearms dealers can take a number of other precautions, both

1

during business and nonbusiness hours, to decrease their vulnerability to thefts.

The interior of the establishment should be readily visible from the outside at all times. No drapes or blinds should be used that would block the view of police or passers-by who might observe unusual activity inside.

At night, the interior should be kept lighted to make it more difficult for an intruder to work undetected. It is wise to inform police that the interior is kept lighted at night so that, in the event an intruder turns the lights off to conceal his activities, passing police patrols would investigate.

Firearms storage or inventory areas should be physically separated from counter and display areas and access during business hours should be carefully controlled. In nonbusiness periods the storage areas should be locked. Firearms display cases should be kept locked at all times and keys should not leave the control of authorized personnel.

Ammunition should not be kept in close proximity to

firearms, and under no circumstances should prospective buyers be allowed to load weapons in the store. If a sale of both firearms and ammunition is consummated, the ammunition box should be sealed prior to the sale and the buyer should be instructed that the firearm is not to be loaded on the premises.

As an added security measure, firearms on display should not be readily capable of firing. These weapons can be temporarily deactivated by removing magazines and bolts, and by using trigger guards. Firearms in inventory should be tagged and cross referenced to the appropriate entry in the acquisition records. If a theft does occur, it is less difficult to determine which weapons are missing.

Potential employees should also be carefully screened and bonded prior to employment.

Although no system can guarantee 100 percent protection from theft, adherence to a sound security program can greatly enhance the likelihood that would-be intruders will either be unsuccessful in gaining entry or will be caught in the act.

« AnteriorContinuar »