As a business owner or operator in the legal cannabis industry, you’re probably uncomfortably familiar with the wild west level of chaos the market is going through. Dispensaries, logistics companies, and growing operations are routinely targeted by opportunistic and organized crime, and law enforcement is slow to respond to operators’ cries for help.
Developing an effective security system, then, is not just an obligation under the law – it’s just good business practice. By familiarizing yourself with the cannabis security industry’s terminology, you can help recognize what you’ll need to get started and what elements comprise an effective system.
Electronic Security System Design / Security Overlay
An electronic security system design, also known as a “security overlay,” encompasses the planning and integration of the electronic components of your wider security system. This process involves strategically selecting and placing surveillance cameras, access control systems, intrusion detection systems, and other fortifications to protect a facility.
The security overlay helps map out the overall security system and how the integrated technology will work in conjunction with your system’s unpowered and human elements. The aim is to create a tailored solution that effectively addresses surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, and other security needs, providing a robust security overlay to enhance the overall safety and protection of the facility or property.
Written Security Plan
A written security plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the specific security measures and protocols implemented to safeguard cannabis-related facilities, operations, and assets. This plan is tailor-made to address the unique security challenges of the business, the stipulations of its insurance policy, and the regulatory requirements dictated by the local authorities.
The security plan includes a detailed assessment of potential security risks and vulnerabilities and a strategic roadmap for mitigating those risks. The plan typically covers various aspects such as access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, inventory control, employee background checks, and emergency response procedures.
These plans primarily serve as a guide for cannabis businesses to ensure compliance with state and local regulations, protect their assets, maintain the safety of employees and customers, and mitigate the risk of theft, diversion, or unauthorized access to cannabis products. A draft of the written security plan will be required when the business is applying for a license, which means this is the essential first step in creating any commercial security system.
Security Assessment
A security assessment is a systematic evaluation conducted to identify potential vulnerabilities, threats, and risks to the security of a facility, organization, or system. It involves a comprehensive examination of physical infrastructure, operational procedures, technological systems, and personnel practices to determine areas of weakness and opportunities for improvement.
The assessment will take a look at your current security system, compare it to the threats you’re likely to see, and then provide recommendations on what you can do to improve your system.. The overarching goal of the process is to provide insights and recommendations that enable stakeholders to make informed decisions and develop a robust security strategy that mitigates risks for the business, its employees, and its customers..
Proactive Video Monitoring
Proactive Video Monitoring, also known as Remote Guarding, refers to a modern security solution that utilizes advanced video surveillance technology and real-time monitoring to protect your business. Unlike traditional passive surveillance systems that solely record footage for post-incident analysis, proactive video monitoring involves the active monitoring of live video feeds by trained security professionals in a remote command center.
It isn’t entirely reliant on the human eye, either – powerful software tools can highlight suspicious behavior and inconsistencies that might be missed by less watchful viewers. With both specialists and technological tools actively watching over your business, this approach enables immediate response and intervention in case of security breaches or suspicious activities. Once detected, the monitoring service provider will contact the relevant authorities and work with them throughout the investigation process.
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