What are the key tasks in organizing the security function?

There are various tasks involved in the organization of the security function within an organization. Together these task forms an important platform that shapes the security functions within the organization.

     Planning is the first step in organizing the security function. It’s of the utmost importance that thorough analysis be done in order to identify possible threats as well as their criticality and probability. Once the planning is done the security function can be tailored according to the businesses needs. This makes sure that the needs are met without having functions that are redundant.

     The establishment of controls is the next important task to organizing the security function in the organization. It’s a very important task simply because it revolves around accountability. In other words who was responsible for the shipment, handling or authorizing of goods, cash and tasks. The checks and balances that these controls bring to an organization are vital.

     Organizing the security department is also important because the right people are needed for specific tasks. The tasks and threats needs to be assessed at the personnel hired accordingly. The organization of the security department will also include the delegation of authority and responsibility.

     The organization and staffing of the security department will not be complete without adequate training and the clarification of duties. This goes hand-in-hand with the delegation of responsibilities. The various roles needs to be clarified and responsibilities such as patrols and post guard schedules need to be drawn up and assigned to the best possible candidates.

     Supervision is another important part of the security function in the sense that it provides the hierarchy within the department. It is now necessary to focus on the importance of the chief security officer. The CSO must oversee the operation of the whole department and make the policies and regulations of the department clear throughout all the structures and levels of the department. However, it’s impossible to be actively involved in all the various operations and therefore he needs to set up systems of supervision. 

   It also goes almost without saying that the CSO must be a leader and a manager.

     In my opinion the implementation of security is one of the most important tasks in the implementation of the security function. The CSO needs to emphasize the importance of security to all employees in the business and make them aware of the importance of their participation. It is therefore necessary to take a cautious approach to prevent other employees from becoming alienated and resenting security measures. In other words a balance needs to be maintained and employees should feel that they contribute to the overall security and protection of the organization.

     Once the procedures and measures are in place the CSO should ensure that scheduled and regular review and evaluation takes place. On a broad scale one needs to evaluate whether the departments policies were successful in providing the organization a secure environment within to operate. Personnel and equipment reviews also needs to be conducted to ensure that employees are doing their jobs and to identify faulty equipment or to upgrade to new technology.   

JJ Gericke