NCJ Number
146029
Journal
Security Management Volume: 37 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1993) Pages: 46- 50
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The head of American Protective Services (APS) describes his operation, focusing on technology.
Abstract
APS, based in Oakland, California, responds to natural and man-made disasters. It has 60 branch offices and employees 13,000 security officers. Since the 1970's, it has been integrating a computer automated personnel scheduling system (CAPS) with security. This greatly enhanced schedulers' efficiency in assigning officers to posts. During the Los Angeles riots in 1992, APS was able to handle the deluge of requests for coverage, as CAPS churned out match after match. Between 1977 and 1978, APS added a payroll system; in 1981, it revised its computer hardware and software. Until these systems were installed, APS generated bills manually. The new billing system drastically reduced the time span between the dates of service rendered and payment received, which improved cash flow and allowed reductions in staffing. As the technology was implemented, problems had more to do with people than with machines. Over time, however, employees have come to realize that the difficulties in learning the technology are far outweighed by the payback in efficiency.