Broken Windows

A security guard is in a unique position to validate the "theory" of James Q. Wilson's Broken Windows.  Broken Windows postulates that by reducing litter, graffiti and enforcing quality of life crimes (ie: minor crimes like panhandling and loitering) one can reduce the local crime rate. Now only an idiot would suggest that it will impact murder, rape, auto theft and human trafficking rates. However it can reduce minor crimes most guards are retained to address. It can affect our job retention as it may be seen as a "value added" service. My experience shows that Broken windows works for much minor crime ans things that in gestalt "scare" the employees and customers.

This means reporting graffiti and "tags", picking up larger pieces of litter, pushing for repair of broken doors, windows, holes in the fence, removal of abandoned vehicles, bent parking signs...anything that makes the place seemed uncared for.

Criminals prefer areas that appear that no one cares what happens.

You can make the facility look like someone does care, is watching and WILL report even minor crimes to the police. This displaces crime. Petty criminals will go elsewhere. This is OK for our firm, not a solution for society, but we have a limited scope of power and responsibility.Notifying via fax or email, other businesses' security efforts in your area of such petty crimes in a formal or informal Crime Watch program is worth exploring.

Taking on the protection of public or private sites other than our own can lead to serious liability to our firm and clients. Do not assume such responsibility. If you see a crime outside your perimeter, call the cops.
[Note: If your patrons routinely walk through or park in an adjacent off site area you may be responsible for securing that area too. See Security Liability Case Law.)]

I'll address CPTED in a  later post