Security Supervision and Management
Theory and Practice of Asset Protection, 4th Edition
Book
Cover
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Chapter # 9
Operational Supervision
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Define the terms “operational” and “supervision”
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Webster’s Dictionary defines:
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operational as “a set of actions for a particular
purpose
supervision as “the act of overseeing”
# 9 Operational Supervision
Definitions
Combined, these two words become “operational
supervision,” which would refer to “overseeing a
set of actions for a particular purpose.”
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In most security organizations around the world,
the security mandate can be described as four
P’s, as follows:
Protection of life
Protection of property and premises
Prevention of loss and waste
Prevent and deter crime
# 9 Operational Supervision
Operational Security Responsibility
Operational supervisors also have four other P’s to
understand.
Processes, Policy, Procedures and Post orders
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Relative Information of Faults and Attributes
(RIFA) for an Operational Supervisor
What is required to be an Operational
Supervisor. Relative Information constitutes the
“R” and “I” in the RIFA acronym.
The term “relative information” is used to
describe the positive attributes that an
operational supervisor must possess to be
successful in their duties.
Conversely, the “F” in RIFA corresponds to the
word “faults,” which is the negative side of the
coin
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# 9 Operational Supervision
RIFA
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Only as good as the organization’s rules
regarding progressive discipline
“Three F’s” concept -- Fair, Fast and Firm – can
enhance the respect for the operational
supervisor
Common Sense and Compassion. Again, both
of these attributes should be a normal
requirement to be an Operational Supervisor
Document any process that you use as a
supervisor as per the organization policy.
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# 9 Operational Supervision
Operational Supervision Discipline
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“Post Orders” are simply written instructions for
the security officer to do a particular task at a
specific location
Some of these “Orders” may be very technical
with legal requirements added.
The “Post Order” will tell you when a report is
required, what information should be collected,
what follow-up is needed in different
circumstances, who should submit and sign off
on the report and lastly where and who it should
be sent to if required
How to conduct an Operational Briefing
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# 9 Operational Supervision
Operational Understanding
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