Until well into the modern era, security hadn’t changed all that much in thousands of years. Strong walls and barriers, guards, and strict access control through the use of tolls and locks were something you could see in every city. Unfortunately, these primarily physical security elements had the same vulnerabilities then as they have now: many threats come from the “inside”, and barriers can be bypassed by a sufficiently determined aggressor.
Technology offers avenues for addressing these deficiencies. Integrated security tech solutions act as a force multiplier for your existing physical security measures while providing legal and financial protection that those elements alone would not be able to address.
Handling Internal Security Threats
While estimates vary from source to source, the numbers point to a very concerning industry-wide trend of internal theft impacting the legal cannabis industry. As much as 90% of all financial and product losses for a typical grow operation or dispensary are due to employee theft. Compare that number to roughly 30% from equivalent general retail outlets, and you can see the extent of the problem.
The reasons for this extreme rate of employee theft mirror the reasons cannabis retailers are so often targeted by external elements: a cash-heavy business model selling a product that can be quickly and easily sold to black market retailers. Without a highly rigorous accounting and internal security system, it is easy for employees to nab a little cash or cannabis off the top without being noticed.
Employees must also have access to most areas within the business, which can be a substantial security liability if they are working with outside parties to facilitate a robbery. Without proper monitoring, they can easily manipulate POS and weighing systems to either pocket the excess cash and product or provide steep discounts to friends and family, or to simply incentivize a larger tip for their services
This all comes together to say that internal threats can easily bypass mere physical security elements. In order to get a handle on the security concerns posed by your employees, a robust technological layer needs to be integrated into your security system.
Robust accounting and inventory management procedures are the first line of defence against internal theft. Strict access controls to inventory and cash storage areas that utilize digital access logs and ID verification can limit the number of suspects and threat vectors. AI-driven monitoring systems are now being developed that can quickly identify and alert security personnel in real time to unusual or suspicious behavior on the part of employees.
Outside of intentional malice, many employees simply don’t know what they’re doing is wrong, and this ignorance can also contribute to an insecure business environment. Adequate employee training protocols on security and inventory management can help prevent losses due to mistakes or from a lax and permissive culture.
Sufficiently Determined External Threats
While a locked door or the mere presence of a security guard may be enough to deter some opportunistic thievery, it won’t be sufficient to stop all threats. The market value for illicit cannabis sales is still measured in the tens of billions in California alone, which makes dispensaries an attractive target for more organized and well-equipped criminal elements.
Contrary to popular belief, guards often prove to be more of a liability than an asset when it comes to deterring armed criminals from targeting your business. If they come in force, it can lead to a very dangerous situation for your regular employees and guards alike. If weapons are fired, it can lead to significant liability issues for your business, regardless of whether anyone was hurt or killed during the exchange.
This is why many legal cannabis companies are turning to technology-driven remote guarding options rather than sticking with expensive guards with questionable training. Drone patrols equipped with infrared and night vision cameras provide superior monitoring capabilities to enhance guard patrols. These mechanized observers are able to send real-time feeds to law enforcement to help direct and coordinate a response.
Besides efficacy, many state and local regulations require the use of monitoring equipment. Getting the most out of your monitoring system requires careful mapping of your establishment, including weak points in your physical security that thieves can use to bypass barriers to entry. Consistent auditing of your security system can detect these weaknesses early before problems arise, leading to fewer security events and an easier time recovering losses if they do occur.
Embracing a Holistic Approach To Security With CCSS
An integral part of Cannabis Compliant Security Solution’s security audit and planning process is integrating new tech solutions with existing physical security elements. CCSS’s auditors take a holistic approach to crafting their airtight security plans, ensuring that each element works together to ensure maximal deterrence, loss prevention, and compliance with both regulations and your insurance policy.
Legal cannabis companies need physical security measures to protect their real-world assets, but the complex legal environment in which the industry operates necessitates technological adaptations. To see how CCSS can help your security systems evolve with your operation, schedule a consultation today.
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