APPA Four Core Areas
Intro Text 1
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Safety and Security on Campus: Choosing a Security Consultant
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Web page is to provide members and the higher education community general information about providing and maintaining a safe and secure campus. The goal of campus security programs should be part of a comprehensive safety program that addresses both the protection of students and staff, and that of campus property and facilities. A good starting point would be the selection of a qualified security consultant. But how do you know what to look for and if their skill set will suite your needs?
OVERVIEW
The term "security consultant" means different things to different people. In a broad sense, the term can apply to anyone offering security products, services, advice, or expertise. From a much more focused perspective, it refers to the security profession in which individuals and firms have specialized knowledge and skills. This security expertise is usually provided for a pre-negotiated fee based upon the level or scope of work involved. For example, in performing security threat/vulnerability assessments services, findings and recommendations could be applied to the design and engineering of an integrated electronic security system (i.e., access control, photo identification, intrusion detection, radio communications, asset monitoring, and close-circuit television).
RECOMMENDATIONS
To assist in the search and selection of a qualified security consultant, the following guidelines should be considered.
- Determine what the reason is for retaining a security consultant: to obtain expert advice, to save money, or to get an objective viewpoint;
- Explore the required level of security expertise or specialization required for your particular need, e.g., experience in designing security systems, or experience in conducting threat and vulnerability assessments;
- Prepare and submit written request for proposal (RFP) to determine consultants understanding of the scope of work and assignment; address related project experience and request service fees to perform work.
- Select and interview consultants (not more than three) based on proposal acceptability and request they present their qualifications to you.
- When selecting a security consultant, the following factors should be given careful consideration:
- Number of years in business, type of business license, and financial stability and revenue status;
- Qualifications and/or professional level of experience;
- Number of staff and their project management experience, education and training experience, and professional certifications (i.e., P.E., CPP). Request to see staff resumes.
- Determine their reputation and success with other clients-obtain list of references to gage responsiveness and performance satisfaction;
- Review related professional activities within the security industry and professional association involvement;
- Finally, determine if the consultant can do all the work itself or if some is required to be sub-contracted.
RESOURCES
For additional materials and information regarding safety and security on campuses, and on choosing security consultants, please visit and/or contact:
- www.gagebabcock.com
- Security related issues:
- Mr. Bob Cizmadia, CPP, FSO
Director, Corporate Security Services
(703) 263-7110
bcizmadia@gagebabcock.com
- www.asisonline.org
- Security Management, American Society for Industrial Security, Arlington, VA.
- Betts, Curt P.; Blueprint for Hiring a Design Consultant; 8/93
- Hardy, Rodger L.; A User's Guide to Consultants; 5/93
- Veich, Anthony M.; Guidelines for Garnering a Good Consultant; 1/92
- www.securitymanagement.com
- www.campus-firewatch.com
- www.nfpa.org
