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DESIGNING PHYSICALLY DEFENSIBLE SPACE WITH THE HELP OF IQM CONSULTANTS |
Creating Physical Security Solutions
Defensible Space 
The concept of defensible space is a theoretical mind expander. It is intended to help planners see the multifaceted aspects of protective programs. The principals of risk management, originally set out by the insurance industry and developed by the military, serve as a guide. To refresh your memory about exposure measurement, some of the terms to consider are: loss exposures; and, loss consequences. Terms related to risk management techniques are: avoidance; loss control; risk transfer; and retention. . The security plan should be designed to protect against both internal and external threats but our focus is on human behavior. But we want to go beyond the narrow coverage of insurance. Most businesses fit into categories where research, about the measurement of exposure, has been done.
Understanding The Exposure
Each organization is exposed to different kinds of risk at different
levels of intensity. Analysis must be specific. An example in the simplest terms relates
to the retail trade:
Burglars may come through the roof of
the warehouse
Customers may shoplift
Armed robbers may hold up the bank
deposit
Venders may short an order
Employees may pilfer the stock or give
unauthorized discounts.
It is enough to make you want to climb under the covers. But we must go on, and insurance alone will not protect the organization and its people. Hence, the use of the principles of defensible space provides integrated and comprehensive coverage.
Taking Protective Action
An analysis of the organization's exposure will point the way to solutions. The solutions will involve:
A physical security design 
Security hardware
applications
Internal policies and procedures
Personnel selection
Management controls
The security procedures complement the overall mission of the company and should
facilitate its achievements. For example, an elaborate intrusion alarm system is
meaningless if access is wide open; or, there is major concern about shoplifting in the
retail setting when internal employees are not screened and inventory is not maintained.
References
B. Foressable Risk Analysis Center
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