The commercial security conference at Intersec 2012 today brought together professionals working in the security industry to exchange and explore the changing security legislations and latest developments in the region.
During the first session of the conference, presentations centred on physical security legislation, security design process and risk analysis. Experts discussed at length the need changing legislations associated with physical security and guided the audience through the security design and risk analysis process.
Major engg. Arif Al Janahi, in charge of technical project at the Department of Protective Systems (DPS), Dubai Police said that the UAE government is committed towards enhancing corporate physical security to reduce crime and protect its citizens and expat community.
“Law no. 24 of 2008, decreed by H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) covers both security service providers and end users and ensures the standardisation of corporate physical security policies in the region through guidance and stringent enforcement. For instance, it states that the 21 commercial activities listed under the law must comply with the physical security requirements stated therein,” he said.
According to Al Janahi failure to comply with the law will not only results in penalties exceeding AED 5000 but can also lead to the cancellation of the company’s trade licence. “The 21 commercial activities listed under the law include banking corporations, exchanges and hotels among other enterprises dealing with large amounts of money and valuable assets,” he added.
Bill Nelson, managing partner, Rose Associates followed up with a presentation on the design process associated with a physical security policy.
“Decision makers must corroborate operator input during the pre concept phase of the design process in order to ensure the establishment of a comprehensive security plan. The process begins with concept design where in an organisation charts out a detailed threat and risk assessment. The next step described as schematic design takes into account decisions related to methods associated with mitigating these risks and retaining maximum asset value in the case of exposure to a risk or threat. The third step is the design development phase where an organisation unites the structure, design and other security elements and establishes a well defined security strategy and plan. The first three steps are followed by tender documentation and tender action and construction during which an organisation can implement the detailed security plan, test and review this and invest in regular inspection and supervision,” he said.
Mathew Horrox of Control Risks then took the audience through the different risk analysis methodologies and explained how the definition of risk analysis varies based on every organisation’s risk appetite and risk perception.
According to Horrox comprehensive risk analysis is perhaps the most important step in the process associated with designing the right physical security strategy. He said that the most common mistake on the decision makers’ part is to expect to eliminate all risk. “There are no zero risk scenarios and therefore there is no point in trying to devise a strategy that eliminates all possible risk,” he said.
“During the risk analysis phase organisations must be careful to identify each of the risks in context to company’s business operations and adjectives. This is why risk analysis must be a joint effort between the risk team, security professionals, financial, legal, and insurance and HR departments in addition to the general management to ensure maximum clarity,” he said.
Established for over 13 years, Intersec is a leading regional trade event in the security, safety and protection industries. It features a brand profile of four niche vertical sections-commercial and information security; homeland security and policing; safety and health and fire and rescue. Intersec 2012 continues through till the 17th of January, 2012 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).
