A situation involving civil unrest or disturbance can take multiple forms but typically involves a protest or demonstration. It is imperative to plan for such events so that you have the opportunity to have a plan in place, increase security measures, add additional officers, communicate with the tenants and work with local police officers. Below are some tips for you to consider.
Pre-event Actions
- Review the following with Building Management:
- Main point of contact for issues (Manager, Security, etc.)
- Lock-down procedures for the building (# of people gaining access to the building, temperament of crowd in the building, complete lock-down or only limiting to badged employees, etc.)
- Communication to building tenants on any changes to access control
- Additional staffing needs
- Templates for internal mass messaging to building employees and/or tenants
- Worst-case scenario (Safe zones within building, Chicago Police Department intervention, etc.)
- Conduct a site survey of all access
points and camera systems
- 1st floor windows, doors/locks are in good working condition (no cracks/loose hinges)
- Unmanned areas are secure or can be secured if needed (dock, emergency exits – do not block exits)
- Camera views are functioning and recording
- Inform staff of possibility of
increased traffic
- Remain vigilant with all post orders (Visitor Management processes)
- Observe and report activity around perimeter of the building (Increased traffic, temperament of crowds, direction of crowds, protest signage/verbiage)
- Review security officer processes
- Maintain Professionalism – do not engage protestors
- Be polite
- Communicate with management
- Document everything
- Lock-down processes (Manual lock or access control software)
Event Actions
- Follow information via news channels and from management to monitor when activity may be increased in your area
- Ready mass communications
- Boots on the ground – Conduct perimeter and interior patrols prior to event.
- Stay in the lobby or near CCTV controls during the event
- Communicate as often as possible with management (Client and Titan)
- Be ready to respond to emergency situations
- Be prepared to hold over security, engineering, or management staffing
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something”. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).