NCJ Number
139636
Journal
Security Management Volume: 36 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1992) Pages: 50-51,56-57
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Parking lot security represents the first step in protecting a company's people and property against crimes ranging from car theft to assault, robbery, and rape.
Abstract
More businesses now realize that public or employee parking areas may be high-risk security areas requiring constant surveillance. In recent years, the courts have found parking lot owners liable when security measures that could have been taken to deter a crime were ignored. To fully understand where potential security violations may occur, owners must study not only the parking lot, but also traffic patterns and the threat environment in surrounding areas. Security managers need to balance these factors with such concerns as the location and number of unlit areas and possible hiding spots to determine when and how to supplement human monitoring with high- technology surveillance. Many businesses use vehicle identification systems where the emphasis is on vehicle security, while other businesses employ alarms throughout garages or systems that control personnel access to buildings. An integrated security system that allows a company to add capabilities over time is recommended. Examples of several business security systems and high-technology innovations are cited.