Virtual Security Management (VSM) and Online Incident Reporting Software

Virtual Security Management, facilited by Online Incident Reporting, is a cost-effective service that affords your organization the benefits of over 125 years of diversified, Board certified security management expertise. Most organizations, such as hospitals, shopping centers, office buildings, and hotels either have no security manager or a security manager with more law enforcement experience than security experience. Many people are operating under the false assumption that the disciplines of security and law enforcement are analogous. In over 80% of the security derived lawsuits, the organization being sued either had no security manager or a security manager who was not certified. Additionally, many security operations are run by managers who are wearing multiple hats.

SMSI Inc. is affording organizations with the level of security management they need and deserve at a fraction of the cost of hiring a full-time qualified security manager. SMSI, through VSM will oversee and support those managers charged with overseeing the organization's security operations who are either minimally experienced, and/or are responsible for multiple departments within the organization.

Many organizations spend substantial resources on security hardware and/or security guards. These decisions are often made while in a crisis management mode. The selection of a security vendor is often an uninformed decision that, in the long run, may actually exacerbate the perceived threat. There are times that security solutions may require mere procedural changes or additional awareness and education programs at little or no cost. Through VSM your organization will become a better cost effective consumer of security products and services.

Not every organization requires a full-time Board Certified Security Professional at a six figure salary. However, every organization can benefit from that level of expertise many times in the course of a year.

SMSI Inc., steps into this void with Virtual Security Management and Online Incident Reporting. Virtual Security Management and Online Incident Reporting will allow your organization to either continue without an on-site security manager or retain and enhance the security management team presently in place. We are not advocating the hiring of a Board Certified Protection Professional at a six figure salary. Through Virtual Security Management and Online Incident Reporting, your organization will be provided with continual security management expertise to support and back up your existing security program. If needed, we will develop a wide range security strategy from scratch. SMSI will make your security better and more efficient.

What type of organization will benefit from Virtual Security Management and Online Incident Reporting?

SMSI Inc., specializes in meeting the security needs of a wide range of organizations, including those that are open to the public as an integral part of their business. The list is long and includes:

• Shopping Centers
• Hospitals
• Assisted Living Centers & Retirement Facilities
• Aviation FBOs
• Hotels & Casinos
• Educational Facilities
• Office Complexes
• Residential Complexes
• Sports & Entertainment Venues
• Manufacturing Operations
• Warehouse Operations
• Transportation and Distribution Operations

These facilities are not only exposed to both internal and external security threats, but lacking an adequate security program, are additionally exposed to potential security derived litigation. Members of the SMSI team have testified as security experts in more than 350 security lawsuits. We understand the deficiencies that produce this kind of litigation and what must be done to mitigate risk.

Online Incident Reporting

Online Incident Reporting provides the ability to track security incidents and also to monitor security activities as well as manage and track investigations. This system does not require the installation of software on your server. It does not require the purchase of upgrades every year. The reports are accessible from any computer tied to the Internet. All Incident Report formats are designed to be Industry Specific such as for hospitals, shopping malls or manufacturing operations. The Incident Report formats utilize site specific nomenclature to insure ease of use for security or management personnel responsible for data entry. The information gained from this system facilitates more effective use of limited security resources and will provide ROI feedback.

Security Awareness Programs

As part of the VSM offering, SMSI Inc. offers many variations and options. In conjunction with the Incident Reporting system, SMSI can offer monthly Security Awareness Updates that are specifically responsive to the organization's needs. Those updates will reflect the tenor of the monthly security incident history. The goal of the Security Awareness Program is to ensure that "Security is every employee's responsibility."

How will SMSI know what our unique security needs are?

As a Virtual Security Management and Online Incident Reporting client, the first service provided by SMSI will be a thorough on-site security assessment. SMSI will order a CAP Index Crimecast Report (see www.capindex.com). SMSI will carefully examine the security history as well as elicit input from employees and tenants if applicable. We will evaluate all physical security methodologies presently in place such as CCTV, locking systems, lighting, guard services, and policies. We will speak with local law enforcement.

How can SMSI's Virtual Security Management and Online Incident Reporting help us prepare for terrorism threats and help us stay consistent with ever-changing Homeland Security strategies?

SMSI continually monitors the ever-changing security dynamic in the wake of 9/11. This dynamic varies with time and geography. Threat levels are varying from one industry to another. SMSI will use the latest tool developed by the CAP Index Report (www.capindex.com) in the War on Terrorism, the Proximity Report. The Virtual Security Management and Online Incident Reporting tool will allow us to help ensure business continuity by understanding the type, range, and location of probable terrorist targets in your specific area against the back drop of the CAP Index Crimecast Report for your area. Knowledge is power, the power to act rationally and cost effectively.

How can Virtual Security Management and Online Incident Reporting meet our security needs without a continual on-site presence?

First, we will visit your site a predetermined number of times per year. This may mean that we will be there bi-annually, quarterly, or monthly. Second, SMSI will provide unlimited telephonic and e-mail support. We will analyze the online security incidents, track security guard logs, and measure the cost effectiveness of all security solutions. We will transform your security program by moving it away from methods that do not work, while moving the program toward methods that do work and can be measured.

If security is a proactive and anticipatory discipline, how will SMSI be able to anticipate security threats and mitigate them?

The backbone of the Virtual Security Management program is the Online Incident Reporting system. Security officers will easily learn to use the incident reports and DARs (Daily Activity Reports). SMSI will set up the incident reporting format to ensure the inclusion of categories and subcategories of incidents that are unique to your location. The format will include descriptive terminology representative of your site. If you are presently using a computer-based system, accumulated data may be imported into the Virtual Security Management system.

SMSI will also be able to access your incident reports through a secure connection. We will continually analyze your data and identify emerging trends while they are still in the incipient phase. We will then be able to advise corrective action in order to mitigate threats and reduce risk. The earlier in the process corrective action is applied, the more effective are the results. Remedies are much less costly when early action is taken. SMSI will generate monthly graphical reports with analysis and recommendations for continual improvement. Security needs are very situational, transitional and dynamic, requiring constant monitoring.

Why would our organization want to move to an Virtual Security Management and Online Incident Reporting?

There is no need to buy expensive software that is often difficult to use. There is no need to purchase licenses for multiple user locations within each location. Data may be entered from any terminal that is Internet accessible. There are no compatibility problems with software working on a LAN or WAN. This online approach ensures that our clients will always have use of the latest revision of the system without having to buy the latest upgrade of software with the potential need to overcome a new learning curve. The system may be customized and is secure, ensuring access to only authorized users.

SMSI will be able to provide each client with quantitative information showing which security strategies are working and which are not. The information provided will determine the cost effectiveness of the security budget and will help in the development of long-range planning and budgeting.

How can I determine if Virtual Security Management and Online Incident Reporting will meet our needs?

Clients interested in Virtual Security Management and Online Incident Reporting may request a Webcast presentation of the incident report system. Because a majority of the incident report is completed by pointing and clicking on drop down menus, the quality of those reports is consistent, no matter which officer completes the report. There is a reduced reliance on narrative. The reporting format elicits answers to the entire range of factual questions (How? What? When? Where? Why? How much?). This format facilitates analysis for investigations as well as planning and budgeting.

Why does SMSI offer a Security Awareness Program (SAP) and how would we start the program? Once a SAP is established, how can SMSI keep it going?

Security Awareness Programs (SAP) are the least costly and one of the most effective security strategies. A SAP invites all employees (and tenants, when applicable) to actively participate in the organization's security program. This participation often reduces dependence on more cameras, security guards, etc. The establishment of the SAP requires some on-site presence by SMSI. However, much of the SAP can be initiated and promulgated through Webcast presentations.

Can SMSI also train security personnel and employees by using Webcast presentations?

The answer is, partially, "yes." Some training requires a more hands-on approach. The training program for security personnel is largely a product of the security assessment. The security assessment usually identifies training shortfalls and, subsequently, the training offered is aimed at shoring up those deficiencies. Our Virtual Security Management and Online Incident Reporting program also includes the training of security personnel which will be routinely scheduled during the normally scheduled onsite visits.

How would you summarize the Virtual Security Management and Online Incident Reporting program?

The Virtual Security Management and Online Incident Reporting program is easily the most cost-effective way for your organization to benefit from professional, experienced security management expertise without the need to support a six figure salary, fringe benefits, clerical support, and office space. All members of the SMSI team are Board Certified Protection Professionals (CPP). The events of 9/11 have underscored the need for every organization to develop thoughtful, proactive security programs that can flex to meet a rapidly changing environment. The Department of Homeland Security will be passing on information that, at times, will require reaction by various segments of the business community. SMSI continually monitors that environment to ensure our threat mitigation stays current.

A sad outcome of the 9/11 attacks is that, on one hand, some organizations have or will go into panic mode depending on the headlines of the day. For those, there will be some security vendors who will respond by taking undue advantage. However, those security vendors will deal differently with managers who have CPP behind their name. Conversely, there are many organizations that will do nothing and may pay a heavy price for their inaction.

Clearly, the standard of care for what defines reasonable security has changed. The bar has been raised, and those who ignore this new reality unduly expose themselves to substantial risk. SMSI protects the interests of their clients by developing RFPs, developing security designs, providing proposal and bid oversight, and through the provision of project management. We want to support your security program through the provision of new expertise and efficiency. SMSI seeks to minimize the impact of potential terrorism threats and events in your area. We all have seen how even the mere appearance of a terrorist event can cause psychological and economic chaos. SMSI Inc., provides the means to optimize your security program while minimizing cost.