NCJ Number
79014
Journal
Security Management Volume: 25 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1981) Pages: 57-59,61-62,65-66
Date Published
1981
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The development of the security department at Armco Steel's Baltimore works and the wide range of responsibilities now handled by the security force are described.
Abstract
The chief of security at the Baltimore plant who retired in 1981 after 35 years with Armco has seen the scope of his department greatly expand. The security force plays a major role in executing the company's commitment to occupational safety, and the director has preferred to hire security personnel from within the company because they are familiar with the plant and their work habits are known. Because the plant is located in a high crime area, most security employees are commissioned as special police officers and must follow legal procedures when arresting suspects as well as obtain handgun permits from the police. The security force is divided into four shifts to provide 24-hour protection, but the director holds meetings with all staff once a month. Armco's security training program covers first aid, emergency procedures, fire control, and weapon use and maintenance. The security department's primary activities are screening absentee and emergency calls, patrolling the property, and checking all vehicles and individuals entering the plant. The property is surrounded by a six-foot chain-link fence with barbed wire, but the presence of children and dogs playing in the area has prevented the use of a sophisticated alarm system. Employees carry identification cards, and all vehicles must have parking stickers. Trucks and railroad cars are weighed both coming into the plant and leaving it, and the figures checked against the delivery tickets. Closed circuit television and internal alarms have been installed to combat vandalism and sabotage. Other responsibilities of the security department are protecting documents vital to the plant's functioning and developing procedures to handle emergencies such as bomb threats or strikes. The security force also has its own firefighting equipment and responds to accidents that occur within the plant. The security staff get along well with other employees, but are in a position to detect persons who may be unfit to work because of alcohol or drug problems.