December 4, 2006
How Secure Is Your Law Firm Suite?
Most buildings housing law firms have security systems and high-rise buildings usually have security personnel. But few law firms have taken the issue of internal or suite security seriously enough.
Without taking appropriate steps, you may be unable to prevent or deal with an unwanted person entering your office suite. Installing the firm’s own security systems to protect its suite is a sound business investment. During business hours, entrances can be controlled with electronic locks and card readers. Panic buttons should be at the reception desk and other designated areas. Your receptionist should understand his or her responsibility for security. The reception area should never be unattended. Visitors, including repairmen and deliverymen, should not pass beyond the reception area unless they and the nature of their business are known or verified by the receptionist. All suspicious persons or activity should be reported immediately to building security or the police.
In his article published in The Greater Los Angeles ALA’s November Leadership Exchange Magazine (page 20), Ted Low listed 27 security precautions we can take regarding our personal security as members of a law firm. He noted that, “Investigations reveal that a large number of crimes would not have been committed had office personnel been alert to strangers or taken a few simple precautions.”
I include proactive steps to handle medical emergencies as a part of a firm’s responsibility to provide for the security of its partners and employees. As noted in a prior post, medical and health emergencies involving visiting clients, the professional team, or office staff can happen at any time. Create a first aid station including a defibrillator and communicate its location. Have volunteers trained in CPR and operation of the office defibrillator.
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Filed under Risk managment by Tom Collins