General Information
Security is in high state around the nation. Reducing risk and loss is important for business owners. One business that is popular is Macys Shopping Mall. The franchise has stores around the globe and may be at risk for loss. The mall is in different geographical locations over the world. Some of these department stores are located in a higher crime rate location than others. It is always a good plan to implement security procedures and decrease loss with in the stores. The reporting agent of the store who over sees day activities is the manager. The manager makes sure the store functions appropriately. The hours of operations is Sunday-Saturday 7a.m.-9p.m.
Geographical Characteristics
The stores are located across the globe and some stores are in a higher crime community than other stores. Personal safety of customers and employees is taken seriously. Alarms are installed and security cameras are in place to protect the store and the people in it. The employees have training provided yearly on the up to date knowledge of handling different scenarios that may arise. The stores have fire and medical departments within a ten mile radius from most areas. There are utilities such as electric, water, and gas that assist in running the store. The economic conditions of each store varies but the majority of the stores are in medium economic status. The different locations of the stores are susceptible for dangerous and hazardous weather conditions.
Community
Macy’s has substantial police and fire protection. Some police departments are low staffed and may have a slower response time. Medical treatment is within a ten mile radius and can reach the store in adequate time if needed for emergency. Vandalism is not a huge concern for the companies’ franchise of business although few instances has been reported in the past eight years.
Physical Security Facility Perimeter
The facilities are well equipped with fencing around the property and a well-lit parking lot for employees, and customers. The landscaping around many of the stores have flowerbeds and mulch lining the walkways. Not all of the parking lots for customers and employees is monitored by security guards or cameras. This can cause an issue with safety for the customers and employees walking in the parking lot. Traffic is higher during shift changes and school dismissal times. The times of heavier traffic flow ranges from 3pm-7pm each week day. Trash removal is assigned every Tuesday and dumpsters are positioned behind the store for discarding trash. Proper signage is posted for parking regulations, smoking regulations, loiters, and violators who want to hang around the store for no shopping purpose.
Building
The buildings are constructed out of brick and concrete for more secure foundation. There are three doors located around the building. The front door is only locked when the business is closed. The back door exits the building only and is for merchandise receiving and trash disposal. The side door is locked but has a buzzer for employees to come to work through this direction. The reason for this is to keep employees safer by entering the building through a personal door that locks automatically when shut. The windows in the buildings are constructed with double pane glass that is coated with tinting to prevent outsiders from seeing inside the building. The buildings is equipped with a security alarm that is enabled at the end of every shift to ensure protection from criminals.
Access Control
Areas of restriction are concealed by a secure system that only opens with a key code or manager key. Computers are password protected with a minimum of 12 characters and is assigned for change every 30 days. The stores are equipped with a generator that comes on after 1 minute of electrical outage. The generator will run for 8 hours before shutting down. Mirrors are installed around the store shopping areas to see customers and decrease shop lifting. The employee lounge is only accessible by employees only. The rooms are key code protected and has adequate lighting for employee protection. The vault is under ground and is accessible though the floor panel that blends into the floor. Only management is knowledgeable of the vault and access is very limited. Hazardous material is handled properly with protection and discarded in the correct manner without violation.
Fire Protection
Fire alarms are installed around the building with a sprinkler system that is checked yearly and up to code there are three fire exits with signs, and training is given with a plan of action in the case a fire would happen. The employees have training on what to do and how to handle this type of situation.
Personal Security
Employees are not required to undergo a background check, but the application and previous references are checked out before hiring each employee. Employees are required to perform an exit interview when leaving the company, and all codes are changed and erased for previous employees.
Improvements that need to be made to reduce loss is to have more supervision of customers during busy hours. Items that have a high rate of theft need to be put behind the counter or under lock and key for protection. Cameras in the parking lot need to be installed to monitor possible theft and crime. Monitor changing rooms for clothing should be looked at in the case of theft. Have employees go through sufficient training on signs of theft, and what to watch for in customers who act suspicious. Have employees stay up to date on procedures, protocols, and plans of action for prepared readiness in any kind of situation that may arise.
The estimated cost for one Macy’s store to reduce cost would $10,000. The cost would cover proper security coverage of the parking lot and other exits. The cost would cover frequent training and rehearsal plans. This cost would ensure more employees who can watch the customers and reduce shop lifting. The cost would also cover background checks for all future employees to ensure reliable, honest, workers that would not be a threat to society or the business.
When a weather hazard is expected be prepared. “Identify how you will assess damage; salvage undamaged goods; and cleanup the building following an incident” . It is in best judgement to ensure the safety of the employees and customers at all times. It is important to be prepared for any type of emergency or disaster, and have the proper training in knowledge of how each employee should handle these situations. Being prepared will ensure safety and protect lives.
Reference
Fema. (2014). Emergency Plan. Fema, 1-16.
