At Condor Security, we stand by and act on our Statement of Purpose every day. We pride ourselves on being forward-thinking, industry-leading and customer-focused.
We are committed to developing specialized training for our employees to ensure we are constantly providing our clients with the support they need at all times and under all conditions. That is why, in mid-January we set out to create a COVID-19 contingency plan, which included training on COVID-19 preparedness and prevention measures.
Our plan was put to the extreme test early on in the Pandemic over a weekend.
A community member, who was in contact with 20 Condor staff members, was perceived to be COVID-19 positive. Our Operation Team immediately executed the plans and made sure all staff and all other individuals who made contact went into Self Isolation. All common areas were professionally sanitized and a new team was deployed in a matter of hours with no disruption of service.
Luckily, the community member was deemed negative – but the swift action and execution of the contingency plans ensured the safety of everyone.
Below is an incredibly kind note we received from our client after the incident took place.
“We are swimming in very unfamiliar and scary waters and so much is changing minute to minute. We had an urgent situation we had to react to on Saturday night and the Condor Team did not let us down. Thank you for having our backs and allowing us to count on you. We truly could not have survived this without you. I can imagine what we caused in your office on Saturday night having to contact all the guards and find us coverage…so appreciated
Our dedicated guards took this seriously and did what they had to do to secure our property and leave it in the hands of those who had never been to our property. I know we scared you and for that I’m sorry, but I think we all learned a great deal about the severity of this virus and how we need to respond.”
We will continue to update and adapt our contingency plan on a regular basis as the situation changes to ensure the safety of everyone.
At Condor Security we pride ourselves on being leading edge when it comes to our processes, with an emphasis on our recruitment processes and tools.
As we’re navigating through these new waters it’s important that we maintain our integrity, level of service and quality in our hiring process while we still follow COVID-19 guidelines.
We’ve pivoted quickly to respond to these guidelines and have implemented virtual interviews for all of our candidates. Our candidates can now continue to practice safe social distancing while still moving forward in their application process. All of our candidates will be meeting our recruiters online, through a virtual interview!
At Condor Security we pride ourselves on being leading edge when it comes to our processes, with an emphasis on our recruitment processes and tools.
As we’re navigating through these new waters it’s important that we maintain our integrity, level of service and quality in our hiring process while we still follow COVID-19 guidelines.
We’ve pivoted quickly to respond to these guidelines and have implemented virtual interviews for all of our candidates. Our candidates can now continue to practice safe social distancing while still moving forward in their application process. All of our candidates will be meeting our recruiters online, through a virtual interview!
From all of us at Condor Security Canada, we’d like to thank the amazing Canadian Healthcare workers and community and all those on the frontline in the battle against COVID-19.
As we are typically used to our freedom of movement, socialization and group activities we know the importance of social distancing and doing our part to support the fight against COVID-19.
While physically apart, we are strongest together and we can and will overcome with better days ahead.
Thank you again to all of the Healthcare workers who are working around the clock. You are truly our heroes out every day in the battlefield and we wish you much strength.
Together we can and we will win this fight!
NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESS CLOSURE
As of March 24th at midnight – all non-essential business in Ontario will shut down due to COVID-19. Condor Security will remain open – as it is a critical service, especially in these times. “Businesses providing security services including private security guards; monitoring or surveillance equipment and services.”
Whether you are building a new facility, moving into a new retail space, or have been operating at the same location for years, having the right security measures in place is imperative to protect your assets and staff. Regardless of what type of business you run, there are always potential threats, such as the theft of intellectual property, your customers’ personal information or physical inventory, as well as basic vandalism. These crimes can be extremely costly and can put a halt to your business operations. Having the right amount of commercial security in place will help protect your business from criminal acts, however, knowing how much security you need can pose a dilemma. Here are some suggestions to ensure you have the right security in place.
Have a Threat Assessment
A threat and risk assessment (TRA) can tell you exactly how much security you need to protect your commercial property while putting cost effective measures in place. Your TRA provides a comprehensive review of your property and all the vulnerabilities that exist. Our security consultants provide expert assessments that identify where you can improve your security or prepare a new plan for a new facility. Our assessments will ensure you remain in line with applicable standards and provide you with a plan that meets the industry’s best practices.
A TRA is the best way to protect against liability through identifying and understanding the risks facing you, the community and your property, and then implementing cost-effective solutions that mitigate those vulnerabilities. One of the most important aspects of an effective security plan is customization tailored to meet your specific industry standards as well as the unique challenges posed by each aspect of your property. Narrowing in on these specific concerns can then allow us to offer a plan that covers a multitude of possible issues and scenarios that are commonly overlooked.
What a Threat Assessment Entails
Your TRA will provide the following valuable information:
Asset Identification: Asset identification will consider your property assets, which we can then itemize and prioritize. A Cost vs. Benefit analysis will then be performed as part of our recommendations to improve security countermeasures for your assets.
Threat Analysis: We will use historical research in tandem with future projections for each asset in order to pinpoint potential threats. We will look at the causes of the threats in order to determine the likelihood of security breaches and what damage or harm will result from these scenarios.
Risk Assessment: A review of your assets and potential threats can be compared to look for emerging risk patterns, such as likelihood, severity, impact, cost, and how long it would take to get you back to your regular operations following an event.
Risk Management: We will offer recommendations and advice that will show you how you can improve your security. This is always based on your specific industry best practices and local laws, acts and standards. Our recommendations will look at the most cost effective and realistic security measures for you.
Security Audits: For existing security plans and systems, we will also provide an audit. This allows us to assess all current security measures you have in place in order for us to provide a security infrastructure proposal, whether it is for personnel training, improved procedures and policies, or additions to your physical security design.
Resulting Customized Solutions
Your security management proposal will allow us to provide an effective security plan customized to meet your specific needs. Our team of certified professionals will include recommendations for the most cost effective solutions which can often combine upgrades, improvements and new installations. Thus, we are able to leverage existing systems and maximize security with specific improvements that will work for your business. In the case of a newly built facility, we will provide a new security plan by identifying vulnerabilities we discover during our TRA.
A thorough audit will pinpoint your physical security needs while looking for the most cost effective ways to integrate your existing equipment. We will test performance and functionality of an existing system and, if necessary, recommend upgrades to establish best practices.
Enlist Security Guards & Mobile Patrols
Optics are one of the best deterrents to criminal activity. Security guards are one of the most effective visual facets of a security plan for a number of reasons:
They can patrol larger properties and show that someone is active and present.
They scare off intruders who might be caught in the act.
They provide a sense of safety in facilities where staff might feel vulnerable.
They can be part of the sign-in process if you have a security gate.
They are present should an alarm be triggered and can get there quickly.
They can add a feeling of safety in specific situations, such as a high-end jewellery shop where staff and customers might feel unsafe.
Mobile Patrol Security Services can be added to boost your security guard presence, which is especially effective on large commercial properties that include several points of entry as well as more than one building. They can also be used for limited budgets where 24/7 security guard presence is not an option. Other benefits of mobile security services include:
They are equipped to respond quickly should an alarm be triggered
They can be licensed to provide parking infraction notices.
They can patrol for suspicious vehicles on the property.
Limit Access with Access Controls
An Access Control System can limit access either to your entire building, specific buildings on your property or by department based on staff clearance. Access Control is completely customizable whether you need specialty doors and locks, fobs or key cards for staff or access control software. We can also provide physical options such as barriers, gates and turnstiles.
Access controls can also include concierge staff or security guards to help provide a professional or welcoming presence, as well as add a visual deterrence to reduce the risk of criminal activity. You will also be able to maintain records of who has entered and left the building, the date and time and even supported visuals with video surveillance which can be used to protect against liability or assist in criminal cases.
As you can see, knowing how much security is required for your commercial property is best addressed with a security audit or TRA. Each site has different needs and having professional advice is the best way to ensure you have cost effective security solutions to protect your assets and staff.
If you would like to set up a consultation with the Condor team today, please click visit our website here or call 416 665 1500.
When it comes to your business, it is essential that you cover your bases as far as safety and security are concerned. From petty theft to personal physical threat, these are concerns that can be taken care of by employing a properly trained, licensed and reputable security company. The very presence of a security guard can help offset potential revenue loss and ensure public safety Any business, including small businesses and all large gatherings of people, such as sporting events and festivals, can benefit from on-site security.
But, security guards are only 1 part of your overall security plan. Before hiring a security guard, here are 10 questions to ask that will help focus on your specific challenges and needs.
Have you had a threat and risk assessment?
As a first step, you can employ a security company to provide your business with an overall Threat and Risk Assessment. They will prepare assessments in line with applicable standards and industry best practices and can be narrow or broad in scope. Your assessment will help you determine the risk of the next items in this list.
Is your parking lot safe?
If you have a parking lot on your premise, things to think about concerning safety are your employee’s personal safety and the threat of damage to your business property. Parking lots are ripe for criminal activity, especially poorly lit ones. A security guard patrolling your parking lot can make your employees feel safe and can prevent theft, muggings, and attacks as well as vandalism. Lighting, monitored cameras, and 2-way intercoms placed strategically through the parking lot will increase the sense of security and capability to respond should there be an incident.
Is your inventory secure?
Part of your business may be isolated, such as your warehouse, and this leaves it vulnerable to break-ins. If this is the case, you would almost definitely benefit from patrolling security services. The cost of security will undoubtedly outbalance loss through theft.
Whether your business exists in a high or low crime area, the facts are that Canadian retailers lose over three billion dollars each year due to crime. Thirty-two percent of retail loss in Canada is due to theft, and thirty-five percent of shrinkage is the result of employee theft. The physical presence of well-trained and licensed security guards will reduce shrinkage and bring these figures down to a minimum.
Do you sell alcohol?
If your business involves the sale of alcohol, it is imperative that you employ security guards that are highly trained to not just deal with individuals but also how to spot problems before they take place. This is a concern involving liability. Fights can break out, putting people and property at risk. Our security guards can create a protective atmosphere and de-escalate any problem situations before they happen. We do this by using Verbal Judo techniques. If you’re curious about just what this technique entails, check this out; what is Verbal Judo?
How much traffic does your business have?
Does your business have a high number of people entering and exiting the building? It reflects well on your company to everyone passing through when they see a professional, uniformed security guard standing by. Security guards can monitor who comes and goes, as well as help with checking people in and out and giving out IDs or name tags. More importantly, what kind of security systems do you have in place, such as access control systems, to identify, classify, and record both authorized and unauthorized persons? What procedures exist to respond to trespassing and unauthorized persons on the property?
Do you have an appointed safety officer?
Some workplaces have a designated safety officer. If this is not the case, or your company needs help with safety duties, security guards can certainly help out. Apart from regular safety officer duties, our guards can sit in on safety meetings or chair the safety committee. Versatile guards mean you get more bang for your buck.
You can meet all these needs at the same time by hiring a professional Security Consultant. They will be able to give you advice and assessments based on industry standards. They will also design, build, train, and manage your security infrastructure and operations to meet your objectives.
If you are planning on going on vacation soon, then one thing that you could be worried about is a break-in in your condo while you’re gone. It is natural to be concerned that your home might be broken into while you’re on vacation, but you should not let this get in the way of you having a great time. Instead, keep these security tips in mind when you go on your next vacation so that you can ensure that your condo is safe and so that you can enjoy peace of mind.
Replace Your LocksDepending on your condo, there is a chance that the door locks that were in place when you moved in might not be completely secure. The builder or landlord might have used low-quality locks to keep costs low, or the locks might have never been changed since the last owner or tenant lived there, meaning that someone else might have a key.Because of the above, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional about installing new locks on your condo doors. Then, you can go ahead and invest in higher-quality locks that will be more difficult for someone to break into. Plus, you will not have to worry about a stranger having a copy of the key and being able to gain access while you’re gone.
Just make sure that you get permission before doing so. If you rent, it’s a good idea to talk to your landlord first, and you might be required to give him or her a copy of the new key if you are given permission. Even if you own, you may still need to check with your building administrator before changing the locks on your condo so that you can ensure that you aren’t breaking any HOA or condo rules.
Invest in a Good SafeIf you are going to be leaving particularly valuable items in your condo when you go on vacation, you will probably want to make sure that you have a good safe to keep them in. Make sure that the safe is large and heavy enough that it cannot be easily moved and that it’s durable enough that it will not be easy to break into.
Enlist Help from Others in Your BuildingYour neighbors can help you with condo security more than anyone can. If you have a close friend who lives in your condo building, consider talking to him or her about your security concerns. Then, you can have your neighbor help by keeping an eye on your condo while you’re gone.They can also help by bringing in the mail, turning different lights in your condo off and on throughout the duration of your trip and otherwise helping to ensure that your condo doesn’t look like it has been left empty. This can help you deter break-ins, and you’ll have someone who can call you and let you know about what is going on if there is an issue. Then, when your neighbor goes on vacation, you can provide the same favor in exchange.
Additionally, you may want to let someone who is involved in maintaining the condominium property about your travel plans. Then, maintenance or others who are involved with the care of the building will know to keep an eye on your place and to let you know if something seems amiss. If you are a renter, you may need to let your landlord know about your plans as well; after all, this might be required as a part of your lease, and your landlord can also help with keeping an eye on the place while you are gone.
Hire a Security ProfessionalIf you haven’t yet thought about working with a security professional who has experience in helping condo dwellers with condo security, then it’s a good idea to do so. A security professional can help you with things like installing surveillance cameras that you can monitor from your smartphone or laptop; this can allow you to check in with your condo to make sure that everything is okay from anywhere with an internet connection.You can also find out about installing a monitored security system if you don’t already have one. Then, you can ensure that help will be on the way as soon as possible in the event of a break-in, and you will be contacted as immediately so that you will know what is going on.
Of course, investing in surveillance cameras and a security system won’t just benefit you while you are on vacation. Along with helping you to keep your condo safe from break-ins while you’re gone, taking these security measures can also help you focus on condo safety while you are at work each day or just out and about.
Be Careful About What You SayBefore you head on your vacation, it can be tempting to want to tell everyone you know about your travel plans. However, this generally isn’t a good idea. Even though it’s not a bad idea to tell a few people that you trust about what your plans are, you shouldn’t just broadcast this information to everyone that you run into.It’s also not a good idea to share your travel plans on social media. Otherwise, people who might not have the best of intentions will know that your condo will be empty for a certain period of time, and they could be tempted to break in and steal something, vandalize the place, or cause other problems.
As you can see, there are security tips that you can follow if you want to keep your condo safe while you’re on vacation this year. These tips will give you peace of mind and help ensure that your property is secure while you’re away. For more information on securing your home, call Condor Security us today at 888.614.5317 or contact us here.
