Drawing on decades of experience working with casino security and surveillance teams, I’ve learned valuable lessons, sometimes the hard way, about what it takes to operate effectively. While security and surveillance share a common mission of protecting people and property, success depends on how well we execute that mission.
Below, I’ve outlined four foundational components of a thriving security program that integrates both security and surveillance perspectives.
1. Identify threats and vulnerabilities
Understanding your risks is the cornerstone of an effective security strategy. Early in my surveillance career, I struggled to grasp what I should watch for. I received vague instructions on cheats, card counters, and employee policy violations but lacked clear guidance on how to identify or address these issues proactively. As a result, my responses were often reactive, with incidents like cheating or theft occurring before I could act, leading to irretrievable losses.
Eventually, I realized that certain risks are inherent to the gaming environment. Cheaters, advantage players, and internal theft are inevitable challenges. The key question became: How can I detect and mitigate these risks before they escalate?
The answer lies in preparation. By understanding the behaviors and indicators associated with potential threats, security teams can detect issues earlier, take preventative action, and minimize losses. For example, while most surveillance teams understand card counters, the same proactive approach must extend to broader threats, such as active assailants, workplace violence, ransomware, or employee scams. An effective enterprise security strategy requires collaboration between security and surveillance teams to prepare for and address these challenges together.
2. Establish countermeasures and detection points
Once threats are identified, implementing targeted countermeasures is critical. Take the risk of a cage robbery, for example. Preventative actions could include stationing a security officer near the cage, utilizing facial recognition software to identify known suspects, or reducing on-hand cash to lower exposure.
By identifying likely threats and applying well-planned security measures, you can deter potential incidents and limit losses. A robust enterprise security program continually assesses risks and adapts countermeasures to address evolving vulnerabilities.
3. Be proactive in threat detection
Proactive detection is the hallmark of a successful security operation. Both security and surveillance teams must remain vigilant, consistently seeking out behaviors and indicators of potential problems. For example, sex trafficking is a pervasive issue, and gaming hotels are often prime targets.
To combat this, enterprise security teams can take several proactive steps:
- Security teams can be trained to identify suspicious behaviors and regularly patrol hotel floors.
- Hotel staff can be educated on signs of trafficking and instructed on how to report concerns.
- Surveillance teams can monitor room activity and flag unusual patterns.
Security and surveillance teams can effectively deter and detect such activity by working together to develop and execute a coordinated plan.
Proactive monitoring doesn’t stop there. Conducting video audits of critical areas and transactions, such as player wins, point-of-sale activity, and free play transactions, can uncover incidents of fraud, cheating, or internal theft. Regular reviews and audits help maintain operational integrity and detect illicit activity early.
4. Develop a comprehensive detection and response plan
The key to enterprise security is preparedness. Your team must not only know how to identify threats but also have a clear response plan in place. Protecting your property, information, employees, and guests requires anticipation and readiness for any scenario.
Modern security challenges demand robust planning and dynamic solutions. By equipping your teams with the tools and training to identify and respond to known threats, as well as emerging risks, you create a resilient and adaptable security operation.
Ready to elevate your security and surveillance teams?
If you’re looking to transform your security and surveillance teams into proactive, highly effective protectors, I’m here to help. Contact Raving to discuss how we can tailor strategies and solutions to your needs. Let’s build a foundation for success together!
