What do we have in common with the U.S. Secret Service? More than you think. During the past 20 years, Americans have seen dramatic changes in counter-terrorist security measures. We rarely notice anymore when required to pass through a metal detector.
In fact, news broadcasts often carry film of governmental vehicles zig-zagging between concrete barricades and armed guards from one federal government building to another.
The dramatic increase in terrorism, sponsored by everyone from psychotic maniacs to dictators with small budgets, has forced society to develop unprecedented security methods.
It is important to remember that terrorist acts also are criminal acts; the motivation may differ, but many thought patterns are similar. As a result, the private sector can adopt the same philosophy now used to eliminate terrorist threats as a security method for homes and businesses.
The U.S. Government spends millions of dollars and thousands of hours every year developing, improving and implementing counter-terrorism plans. Government facilities are inspected and re-inspected to ensure these plans are implemented.
The money has not been wasted. The number of terrorist acts directed at U.S. Targets has diminished.
In other words, our counter-terrorism plans work. And the philosophy behind these plans is a key to any successful security plan, no matter how small.
The plain and simple truth: A criminal always seeks the easiest target promising the most gain and the lowest risk. The solution: Harden each potential target individually so the perception of risk becomes unacceptable.
Each of us can use this seemingly simple philosophy in our lives. A burglar usually won’t try to break into your home or business if he fears an effective security system. A robber is less likely to rob your store if he doesn’t expect you to have cash available or if your cash registers and safe are highly visible. A thief is less likely to steal a car locked with a steering wheel bar-lock device.
If a criminal believes you will apprehend and prosecute, more likely than not, he’ll move to an easier target.
