NCJ Number
143606
Journal
Security Management Volume: 37 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1993) Pages: 22-26
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Utility companies must address both common and unusual crime problems, and the security program at the Alabama Power Company demonstrates one company's approach to these problems.
Abstract
The company's security program aims to protect corporate assets, develop prevention programs for both internal and external threats, act as liaison to the criminal justice system, aid the company's emergency efforts to restore power, and represent the utility in all criminal matters in which the company is a party at interest. When the author joined the company in 1973, it had no formal security operation, although it had 6,000 employees. Currently, a proprietary security force of 150 officers protects company assets on a budget of $1.5 million, or about $1.10 per customer. Security awareness training for all employees was an early priority. In recent years, the focus is much more on preventive work than on investigative work. Specific challenges have included a work stoppage, bribes, vandalism, coal shortchanging schemes, tool theft, metal theft, and service fraud. A major change in recent years has been the use of new technologies, especially computers and other innovations. In addition, it has been increasingly important for security managers to become better business managers by developing business plans, forecasting staffing requirements, setting 5-year goals, developing and meeting a budget, and documenting staff productivity.