Hardening "Soft Targets"
We all want to feel secure in our homes and places of business. Most homes and businesses that service the public are categorized as a “soft target” for crime and violence. A soft target facility is defined as a business or public space that is vulnerable to crime because it prioritizes convenience over hardened protection. When we talk about hardened targets, we are referring to heavily fortified locations such as military installations. Soft target facilities—such as schools, hospitals, shopping centers, places of worship, and entertainment venues—are essential to daily life. Their openness and accessibility, however, can also make them vulnerable to crime, violence, and disruptive incidents. Securing these facilities is not about turning them into fortresses; it is about reducing risk while preserving accessibility and trust. In this article, we will discuss practical measures you can adopt to harden a soft target facility.
Layered Approach
A layered approach is your preferred strategy. This way, if one layer fails, others still reduce risk. Typical layers include perimeter awareness, controlled entry points, interior safeguards, surveillance, emergency planning/procedures, security personnel, and personnel safety. Layered security increases deterrence, detection, and response capability without relying on any one measure.
Each facility is different. The first step in understanding your security gaps is to perform a risk assessment. Areas of evaluation would be your physical location, surrounding environment, typical foot traffic, local crime trends, critical operations, and existing security measures. The attached checklist can be used to assess your existing security measures. This will examine your physical layout, gates, doors, lighting, bollards, access controls, and camera systems. Risk assessments should be updated periodically, especially after renovations, changes in use, or significant incidents.
Facility Design
Design choices for your facility can impact your security. Some examples would be to have good lighting installed in parking lots and 360⁰ around buildings, landscaping that avoids creating hiding places, and physical barriers such as bollards that guide movement without appearing hostile. These measures are called Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and can enhance safety while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
Soft targets must remain accessible and welcoming. Creating a plan to manage access can significantly reduce the risk of crime.
One example of this is to limit and clearly define public entrances. Use a single-entry point during operating hours where visitors are met by a greeter, receptionist, or security staff. Another example would be to implement a visitor management system. This could be something as simple as a sign-in form. Nowadays, there are much more sophisticated systems that are very easy to use, using something like a QR code to scan for entry. This can allow you to present important site information, print visitor badges, and notify hosts of visitor arrivals while also giving an accurate record of everyone on your premises. Finally, take a look at your “employee only” or sensitive areas in your facility and ensure they are locked or blocked off from public access. Remember, the goal is not restriction for its own sake, but awareness of who is present and where they are.
Technology solutions can enhance security when used strategically and responsibly. Security cameras play a crucial role in improving overall safety and monitoring. By strategically placing video cameras around your facility, you can keep a close eye on vulnerable areas, deter potential criminal activity, and quickly respond to suspicious activity. Security cameras ensure continuous surveillance, providing a protective layer that is both preventative and responsive. Modern security camera systems can also be equipped with remote monitoring, so you can keep an eye on things during off-hours periods. Other technology solutions are panic alarms, alert systems, and mass-notification systems. These layers help facilitate communication with law enforcement, emergency services, and your employees. Access control systems are another great technology tool. These systems allow for easy and secure door access using secure cards, fobs, or mobile apps-based on user permissions and schedules. Additionally, access control systems can be structured so you can lock down a building in seconds using customization rules that are programmed.
Fostering a security culture for your business is critical, as people are one of the most important security assets. Your employees must be trained in site-specific security risks, proper procedures, and how to respond in a variety of emergency situations. Training should focus on situational awareness, recognizing suspicious behavior, reporting procedures, de-escalation, customer service skills, evacuation and lockdown procedures. Additionally, employees need to be trained in first aid skills, CPR and AED use, and occupational safety. Once training is complete, regular drills and refresher training must be conducted to help ensure staff responds calmly and effectively under stress.
Response Plans
No security plan is complete without response and recovery planning. A written emergency action plan is required by law if you have more than 10 employees. This is a plan to address all risks and emergencies that can happen at your location, define communication protocols, and instruct the specific response procedures. When developing these plans, it’s a great idea to coordinate your plan with local emergency services. You may also want to consult with public health, emergency management agencies, neighboring businesses, and community leaders. Preparedness reduces confusion, speeds recovery, and can help save lives.
Securing soft target facilities is about risk reduction, not risk elimination. By combining thoughtful design, trained personnel, appropriate technology, and strong partnerships, organizations can create environments that are both safe and welcoming. The most effective security strategies are those that are proactive, adaptable, and community-focused, ensuring that soft targets remain places of connection rather than fear.
If you are starting from scratch in hardening your soft target facility, this probably sounds like a mountain of work to get to where you need to be. But there’s good news, you are not alone! OMNI specializes in developing and implementing security solutions for all types of businesses. Whether it’s a convenience store, hospital, school, or manufacturing facility, OMNI will guide you to ensure your location is secured while also being a welcoming environment for your clients and visitors. We offer design, technology, training, and plan development solutions tailored to your specific needs. For more information, please contact your OMNI representative today!
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