In
today’s environment, security is much more than locks
on doors and sensors on windows. A reliable, high-quality security
system is the foundation for a safe workplace. However, a security
system becomes much stronger and more effective when everyone
in the organization takes an active, vigilant role in the security
process. Everyone from the pettiest purse snatcher to the most
extreme 
terrorist
has the same mindset. They do not necessarily choose victims.
They choose soft targets. They’re looking for opportunity.
And the role of security is to harden the targets and seal off
the opportunities.
In the aftermath
of 9/11, security has taken on an entirely new meaning. Threats
to our personal and economic well-being are growing concerns.
As such, security has become a priority budget item in today’s
business environment. It’s a necessity that must be at
the forefront of a company’s consciousness.
Here
are some facts to help put things into perspective:
- An average of
1.7 million people were victims of violent crime
while working in the U.S. each year from
1993 to 1999.
(Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics)
For
the same period, over 800 workplace homicides
occurred per year.
(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics’
Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries)
- Workplace
homicide is the fastest-growing category
of murder in the U.S. Homicide is the leading cause
of on-the-job death for women, and the second leading cause
for men.
(Source: U.S. Department of Justice)
- One
out of four full-time workers has harassed, threatened or
attacked on the job.
(Source: Northwestern Life Insurance Company study)
Did
You Know?
- One property
crime occurs every 3.0 seconds
- Every
4.5 seconds one larceny-theft
- Every 14.7
seconds one burglary
- Every 25.3
seconds one motor vehicle theft
- Burglary offenses
nationwide in 2002 were estimated at 2,151,875, marking
a 1.7 percent increase when compared to the 2001 estimate.
- Burglary offenses
made up 18.1 percent of the Crime Index and 20.6 percent
of all property crimes.
- Average yearly
losses from theft are in the billions:
- motor
vehicles
- televisions
- radios
- stereos
- jewelry
- precious
metals
|
- collections
of all kinds
- currency
- notes
- guns
|
- Police chiefs
throughout the country say that a home with a security system
provides a significant deterrent to intruders. Studies have
shown that homes without a security system have a significant
higher break-in rate than homes that are protected.
- While most American
homes have items of value to thieves, only about 30% of
all private homes have a security system. Most customers
call for systems after they've been burglarized.
If you’re an
employer, security is a company benefit that prevents losses
and keeps the organization thriving. It’s good business.
It’s a sound investment in your company’s future.
If you’re an employee, security is as much a part of your
benefit package as medical insurance or vacation policy. 
As
a vital contributor to the organization’s success, you
have the right to the safest, most secure workplace possible.
You also have a strong part to play in making this a reality.
