ASP Staff, Author at ASP Security Services

Having a commercial security service means keeping your property safer and keeping your customers safer. There are certain tactics that are specifically used

What if your most valuable investment was at risk every night?

Wondering how such a service can meet your needs? Here are a few of the key tactics they will use to keep your property safe!

Controlled Access

Your business properties may be in danger of theft, property damage, and other calamities. And the only way to be sure your property is safe is to use a commercial security service.

Wondering what commercial security can do for your property? To start with, they will limit access to only authorized individuals.

This may include things like password-based electronic systems or fancier solutions such as biometrics. The end result is that no unauthorized personnel will be able to gain access to your property.

Even if you already have access control, a commercial security team may be able to identify its weak points and recommend a more robust solution. After all, relying on outdated access control means you are inviting thieves inside your property.

Improved Lighting

Speaking of thieves, they usually like to keep things simple. That means sticking to the shadows, which is why most corporate robberies happen during the evening.

One of the simpler security tactics the team may use is to improve lighting inside and outside the building. The ultimate goal is simple: you want to make it hard for anyone to skulk around in the darkness and plan their next move.

And as simple as it sounds, keep in mind that good lighting serves as a major deterrent to would-be thieves. If they have an option between your well-lit property and another, they are more likely to go after the other guy!

Better Signage

Along with better lighting, a good security service can help you to improve your signage. This can reduce theft and even lead to a workspace that is much safer.

For example, signs may warn people about your surveillance measures and other active security measures. By making everyone aware of how seriously you take security, you minimize the chances of anyone trying something.

Signage can also clearly indicate which areas are off-limits to non-employees. This may keep people from getting lost or even getting hurt in a way that might open you up to legal action.

At the Gates

Earlier, we talked about the benefits of access control. One of the best ways to enhance that control is to add security gates to a property.

The idea is to have gates (ideally multiple gates) manned by security personnel. And anyone who wants access to your buildings must pass through inspection first.

This alone is a very powerful deterrent, which is why it is used on military bases around the world. And it also means that you will have trained personnel inspecting every vehicle and person coming through, increasing the odds that anything dangerous will be discovered and confiscated.

Hide the Valuables

Pop quiz: what are the most valuable things in your office?

Many of us take the security of our workspace for granted. And that means we end up leaving valuable items out where anyone could easily take them.

A good commercial security team can help to identify valuable property and information and store it in a safe and accessible way. They specialize in “defensive thinking”: make it hard for someone to get in and even harder for them to find something.

Unless you have security training, then your properties are going to be vulnerable. But you can hire experts who can make everything much safer.

Mobile Surveillance

Surveillance has come a long way in the last couple of decades. Once, you would have to review grainy VHS tapes in the morning to see if there was an incident. Now, you can view an active feed on your smartphone with just the press of a button.

Unfortunately, there are many different mobile surveillance options available. These range from ultra-secure to devices you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy.

A commercial security service can help you obtain the best surveillance technology and applications. Furthermore, they can link everything up to your phone so that you have security control no matter where you go!

Card Access

Earlier, we talked about the importance of access control. In addition to things like biometrics, the security team can help to install specialized card readers in the most sensitive areas of your building.

This helps create a kind of security redundancy: a thief who can make it past one layer of security may be tripped up when they encounter the next layer.

And card readers are good because you can severely limit who gets access cards. If anything is stolen from those areas, you have an immediate short list of potential thieves!

Motion Sensors

As you may or may not know, most modern security systems link together. So, on top of the other measures, a security service can link everything to motion sensors.

Exterior lighting, for instance, may blaze on when the system detects motions. This gives the impression that someone is actively monitoring the area, creating a further deterrent.

Furthermore, you can receive smartphone alerts when motion is detected in certain areas. This lets you take a more active role in the security and defense of your property.

Improved Data Security

So far, we have focused primarily on physical security. This includes building access, valuable property, and so on.

However, the most valuable thing inside most businesses is the data you have collected and compiled. And if you’re not careful, this is also the most vulnerable part of the office.

Modern commercial security teams are skilled in all aspects of data security. They can help to reinforce your existing measures while also installing better safeguards where needed.

The final result is a property that is safe, both inside and out!

Commercial Security Service: The Bottom Line

Now you know what a commercial security service can do for you. But do you know who you can turn to for the best service?

At ASP Security Services, we protect residential and commercial properties of any size. To see how we can make your investments safer, reach out and contact us today!

Ever wonder how we win new business and contracts through competitive bidding?

If you want a peek behind the scenes, the secret is in the Request for Proposal (RFP) process! An organization (“the Buyer”) may post its RFP documents on a website (such as MERX, Biddingo, etc.) or invite preferred companies to bid.

Interested parties (“Proponents”) respond with a business proposal. The RFP texts specify the proposal contents, format, due date, scope of work, legal terms, conditions, contract duration and all other requirements.

Some RFPs are very precise, while others are quite vague or contradictory. Some are short, while others are hundreds of pages long. The secret is to read the RFP text very carefully, many times, to find out exactly what is required. Even the best business proposal in the world will be rejected outright if it is submitted just one minute past the deadline, submitted in the wrong format, or – alas – delivered to the wrong address. Just one deficiency or minor missing detail may result in disqualification or a much lower score.

Next, we ask ourselves, is this work for us? Do we want to do it? If the answer is YES, a team is formed and work on our responsive business proposal begins. The deadlines are usually extremely tight, so the scope of work (as we understand it) is quickly divided into tasks and assigned to team members.

If directives or explanations in the RFP text are not clear, our designated team leader directs questions to the Buyer’s contact person designated in the RFP. Often, the question period has a cut-off date, so we must be careful to ask all questions before this deadline.

Answers to questions and other amendments are usually, but not always, provided to all registered Proponents in a document called an addendum. An addendum may significantly (and suddenly) change the original scope of work, so each one must be read very carefully.

After our painstaking teamwork, our final proposal is delivered to the Buyer as instructed for evaluation.

The Buyer’s internal proposal evaluators review all accepted proposals, which means the evaluators may be reading hundreds of pages in a very short period of time. Proposals are scored and ranked according to the Buyer’s stated criteria in the RFP text. A winner is picked and – it’s ASP!

Bristol Airport has re-appointed ICTS UK & Ireland as its Security partner, responsible for the provision of security services at the Airport.

“We are absolutely delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with Bristol Airport. We have supported the Airport through its business growth and significant expansion during the last few years and celebrate their 2018 record passenger numbers which reached over 8.6 million.

ICTS is fully committed to delivering the very best service to Bristol Airport and its passengers.

We are excited and look forward to this next phase and to being a part of the Airport’s plans to develop the region’s international gateway” said Levent Ural, Director of Operations – Aviation Security Services, ICTS UK & Ireland.

“We are pleased ICTS has been successful in securing the contract for security services at Bristol Airport, continuing the long-standing business partner relationship. It is important to select a business partner that is able to provide the commitment, flexibility and diversity of services an airport requires and ICTS has both the capability and breadth of experience needed to meet this requirement, and we look forward to continuing to develop our relationship with them.” Graeme Gamble, Chief Operating Officer, Bristol Airport

Bristol Airport is one of the 11 Airports in the UK and Ireland at which ICTS provides security services. ICTS is extremely proud of its long-serving partnership with Bristol Airport, which dates back to 2007.

By Mark Burnett, Explosive Detection Canine Trainer

ASP Canine welcomes two of its newest members to the team, Katrina Stachurski and Simon Hathaway.

Katrina and Simon have begun their training with two experienced detector dogs Cody, a three-year-old Czech Shepherd, and Edge, a three-year-old Labrador.

*Simon Hathaway and Katrina Stachurski with canine partners Edge and Cody.*

Both Katrina and Simon come into the unit with experience in the security field, Katrina coming from Paladin Security and Simon an ASP Specialist at Pearson Airport.

Basic training will continue for the teams for another five weeks, and upon successful testing, they will be deployed operationally on the Commercial K9 team, providing EDD services to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and other commercial clients.

ASP is fortunate to have the addition of Katrina and Simon to our Canine Unit and we wish them good luck as they begin their canine careers.

By Rob Desjardins, General Manager

After several months of extensive searching through countless resumes and several interviews, I am happy to announce that the YYC ASP Team is now complete.

In a few weeks, the new members of the Team will be fully trained and ready to participate and add their expertise to the existing group. A stable foundation has been laid out and the Team needs to be proactive and innovative to be successful.

Elizabeth Warwick, Quality Assurance Manager

By Angus Wilson, Director of Aviation Services

As an ISO certified company, ASP is consistently looking for new ways to improve process with integrated technologies.

With front-line teams in five major Canadian airports, we are collecting enormous amounts of valuable data. This data can not only be used to drive better business for us, but for our clients as well.

We are currently conducting data mapping processes that will allow is to connect data from all ASP’s lines of business. Early in Q3, we plan to work with select clients to develop customized dash boards that illustrate everything, from our front-line team performance to passenger satisfaction and other customized data sets to help improve the way we all serve our customers and the travelling public. We are also looking at technology that will allow us to improve on the security services that we provide through Bluetooth Beacons and other location tracking systems.

Our computer-based training system (CBT) continues to evolve and offers the best in up-to-date, real-time on the job training (OJT) to our front-line teams. This maximizes the time on the floor for our teams and ensures that all employees have the most up-to-date information and training. As technology advances and the customer facing landscape evolves, ASP will continue to be on the forefront of the technology trends and innovations.

By David Ramlagan, Training Coordinator, Aviation Security

For Access Control and Escort/Surveillance Guards who are interested in applying to different security roles within Toronto Pearson, below is a brief summary of the contracted security services that ASP provides. Please check our website https://www.security-asp.com/ in the current or internal opportunities sections.

Catering Security:

Gate Gourmet is the facility that prepares the in-flight meals for passengers on various airlines. The Gatehouse Guard at this site is responsible for ensuring authorized vehicles enter the compound. The Patroller looks out for signs of theft and suspicious activity. The front-desk receptionist assists our client with administrative tasks and ensures that authorized individuals enter the food processing area.

Airline Security:

Airlines such as Emirates and British Airways use ASP’s services during the time between an aircraft’s arrival and departure. Guards are positioned on the boarding bridge to verify individuals going into the aircraft such as catering, cleaning and airline personnel. They may also be positioned on the airside for aircraft surveillance, or in the bag room to ensure luggage is not tampered with.

Door Patrol:

These employees are mainly responsible for ensuring the PSL doors are locked and secure by conducting regular patrols in specific areas. When a door alarm is activated, Door Patrollers must respond, investigate, and secure the door.

Vehicle Patrol:

Responsible for parking lot patrols by observing for signs of theft, vandalism or any suspicious activity. They ensure that the integrity of the PSL barriers around the airside is maintained by checking for any openings or debris along the fences. They also provide transportation assistance for GTAA personnel to deliver various supplies.

Supervision:

Our supervisor team is vital to carrying out the delivery of security services to our clients, by ensuring that the security personnel are aware of the on-site procedures and are complying with company and legislative policies. They provide direct support to the security guards, assist with scheduling and coordinate with GTAA clients to accomplish various tasks.

Specialists:

This security group is recognizable within the terminal by their grey shirts and tactical vests. Their main responsibility is to identify and determine the root cause of anyone displaying suspicious behaviour and respond accordingly. They also monitor restricted areas to identify employees who are not in their designated workspace.

Canine Explosive Detection (K9):

The members of this security team are accompanied with trained dogs that are able to detect various forms of explosive material. They are called on to respond to unattended items and to conduct sweeps of high-risk airport areas.

By John Gangasingh, Manager, Operations

I’d like to provide a staffing update for all.

First, although bittersweet, our Shift Lead, Mr. Clay Streitenberger will be leaving us, but we wish him all the best in his future endeavours in his career path. We would also like to welcome aboard our newest member to the YSB team, Mr. Troy Felice!

Our Recruiting Department has been working tirelessly to support the labour demand. Stay tuned for further new team members to come!

Our Health & Safety Committee lead is now Mr. Simon Duchesne. Simon is one of our hard-working and dedicated guards; who I know will bring great feedback from the team to help grow and continue enhancing the health & safety measures at Sudbury Airport. We look forward to what he brings to the table.

As always, Site Supervisor, Michelle Rieux, has led the YSB site with passion and professionalism. I’d like to personally thank Michelle for all her endless efforts in supporting the YSB business!

Keep up the great work, YSB Team!!

By Noman Butt, Client Support Manager

We would like to welcome Rob Desjardins, who joined the ASP security team at Calgary International Airport (YYC) on Feb 4, 2019 as the Operations manager for Calgary.

Rob comes to us with 40-plus years of experience in the Airline and Airport industry. He possesses an extensive knowledge of airport security policies, procedures and processes, which will be a great asset to the ASP team. He has a very great reputation amongst YYC clients and other Airport parties.

We are confident that Rob will provide an expert-level of support to his team members, and we look forward to the wonderful contributions Rob will make to our ASP family.

By Mina Khani, OSR Training Coordinator

When we think of staff motivation, many things may come to to mind: more money, a bigger office, a promotion, or a better quality of life.

The truth is, no matter what we offer, true motivation must come from within. Regardless of how it is characterized, it is important to get the right balance in order to ensure that we have a motivated workforce.

As part of the management team in ASP, we do our best to motivate our employees, by:

Recognizing and rewarding employees who are achieving above and beyond.
Offering equal employment opportunities to all employees, based on qualifications and performance.
Providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment.

Self-motivation is the force that drives you to do things. It drives you to work towards your goals, put effort into self-development, and achieve personal fulfillment.

For example, a man who goes to work every day just to pay the bills, keep his family off his back, and please his boss is not self- motivated, while a man who needs no external forces to make his way to work every day and finds fulfillment in what he does is self-motivated.

Some tips and skills for self- motivation:

Setting high but realistic goals (e.g., SMART goals). (Specific, Measured, Agreed, Realistic, Time-Based).
Seeking constant feedback to figure out how to improve.
Being committed to personal and/or organizational goals and going “the extra mile” to achieve them.
Actively seeking out opportunities and seizing them when they occur.
The ability to deal with setbacks and continue in pursuing your goals, despite obstacles (i.e., resilience).

“The Achievements of an Organization are the results of the combined effort of each Individual.” – Vince Lombardi