1. Define what needs protection

Start with the people, property, information, equipment, operations, and public areas that matter most. Note whether the concern is employee safety, unauthorized access, theft, repeated incidents, public interaction, after-hours activity, or a combination.

2. Map how the site changes throughout the day

A property can have very different risks at opening, shift change, deliveries, closing, and overnight. Record business hours, employee schedules, visitor volume, deliveries, contractor access, gates, parking areas, loading areas, and times when the site is least occupied.

3. Identify the operating conditions

Consider lighting, cameras, doors, fences, sight lines, alarm systems, reception coverage, parking layout, public access, and any areas where people can enter without being observed. Recent incident patterns and nearby activity can also affect the plan.

Prepare facts, not assumptions.

Dates, times, incident types, known access points, existing procedures, and prior reports help APS understand the environment without requiring sensitive material in a public form.

4. Decide what visible security should accomplish

Security officers may provide access control, monitor entry and exit points, conduct static or roving patrols, document activity, maintain a visible presence, and follow site-specific procedures. The right model depends on the authority, post orders, staffing, schedule, and site.

5. Set expectations for reporting and supervision

Ask how officers report activity, how incidents are escalated, who supervises the post, how relief is handled, and who the client contacts. APS normally provides daily activity reports unless a client requests otherwise and supports assignments through layered supervision.

Information that helps APS prepare a quote

  • Property type and service address
  • Preferred start date and hours of coverage
  • Armed, unarmed, patrol, access-control, or assessment interest
  • Approximate site size, entry points, and shift pattern
  • Known concerns described at a high level
  • Primary decision-maker and best contact information

This guide is general planning information. A final security plan depends on an on-site review, authorized scope, operating conditions, and client decisions.