A successful hotel security manager needs to be professional, well-trained in topics ranging from life safety to liability, a good communicator, and open to addressing new and challenging needs. Understanding new technology is especially important. Security salespeople and security managers can work together to bring the best system and product to the hotel property in such areas as: 1. guest room key systems, 2. fire alarm systems, 3. radio systems, and 4. closed-circuit television cameras. Litigation also is a serious concern. In addition to protecting life and property, security managers must plan to prevent any act that threatens the well-being of guests and the assets of the company. Planning ahead is essential. Consequently, a risk analysis should be prepared for each property, listing the vulnerability of every aspect of the property, including employees, guests, and assets. A management plan should outline procedures to prevent and respond to possible situations identified in the analysis.
While technology will change in the new century, basic physical security services remain the same and therefore require continued attention. Some of these services and areas needing constant attention include
* employee exits and entrances;
* luggage storage and holdover points;
* hotel access controls, day and night;
* guest check-in and registration areas;
* public areas and access thereto;
* delivery procedures and receiving platforms; and
* guest floor access and controls.
Security managers are not necessarily experts in technology, nor are they expected to be. But they should understand any system they use. If they have any questions, they are expected to know where to get the answers. Security sales representatives want to be helpful to managers and their firms and will welcome input to assist them.
Some examples of technical areas in which security salespersons and the security manager could help each other and thus bring the best system