Introduction to Islamic physical security management for the resistance movement in Nigeria (6), by Professor Isa H. Mshelgaru
(iii) Initial Implementation (the ‘action’ phase)
Implement Fundamental Administrative Controls:
o Visitor management: establish a simple check-in/check-out process at a designated reception point. Use paper logbooks if necessary to start; key management: create a formal system for issuing and tracking keys. Collect keys from terminated person immediately.
o Basic awareness: communicate new security policy and basic “see something, say something” principles to all participants via assorted means.
Address the “Easy Wins” (Low-Cost/High-Impact):
o Good housekeeping: ensure areas are tidy; equipment and assets are put away, reducing temptation and opportunity for theft;
o Lighting: improve external and internal lighting, especially in alleys, parking lots, and near entry points.
o Landscaping: trim bushes and trees near windows and entrances to eliminate hiding spots
o Signage: post “no Trespassing” and “video surveillance in use” signs as a psychological deterrent.
Harden the Physical Structure: assess and upgrade doors, ensure exterior doors are solid core and that frames are robust, assess and upgrade locks and replace low-quality locks with commercial-grade deadbolts and door hardware. Begin planning for an electronic access control system for high-security areas.
Establish a Relationship with Local First Responders:
o Activity: invite local fire and road safety etc departments and introduce them to your site. This is invaluable for emergency response.
(iv) Initial Operations and Review
Document Everything:
o Activity: from day one, start a security log; record all incidents, requests, maintenance issues, and actions taken. This crucial for tracking trends and proving due diligence.
Schedule Your First Review:
o Activity: set a date to formally review the initial measures.
o Ask: are the policies being followed? Have there been any incidents? What’s working? What isn’t? Use this to plan the next phase (e.g., CCTV, alarm systems, or dedicated security personnel).
Following this structured approach is alike moving from ad-hoc security to a managed security program. The foundation makes future resources and implementation of more advanced technology much easier.
(v) Managing PS of the ‘Organizing and preparing’ stage of Arbaeen symbolic treks:
(i) The Arbaeen activities at this stage requiring PS cover include:
Ziyarah cycles, transportation and logistics, arrangement for supply of necessities, welcoming and settlement of millions of participants, secure accommodation, installation of temporary structures and facilities in different locations like toilets and kitchens, erect route side service stations (maukibs), stock food, water and gas, connect electricity and source of power, formation of makeshift health centers, sanitation and medications, design effective media and missionary procedures, assigning duties and rehearse procedures, assessing and testing
(ii) The PS activities required to be management at the ‘Organizing and preparing’ stage of the occasion are:
Vital security measures that are structured, proactive, and ready for implementation ‘before threats arise, they contain;
Risk Assessment and Threat Analysis: identify potential threats (theft, vandalism, terrorism, natural disasters), assess vulnerabilities (weak entry points, poor lighting, lack of alarms) and determine critical assets needing protection.
Security Policy and Procedure Development: define access control policies (who can enter restricted areas), establish emergency response protocols (fire, intrusion, evacuation) and create incident reporting and escalation procedures.
Physical Security Measures Implementation: perimeter security: fences, gates, bollards, barriers. Access control systems: keycards, biometric scanners, turnstiles. Surveillance systems: CCTV cameras, motion sensors, alarm systems. Lighting: ensure adequate illumination (especially in vulnerable areas). Locks and safes: high-security locks for doors, safes for valuables.
Security Personnel Planning: assign roles (guards, patrol officers, control room operators), schedule shifts for 24/7 coverage if needed and Train Harris on protocols and emergency response.
Emergency Preparedness: install fire suppression systems (sprinklers, extinguishers), designate evacuation routes and assembly points and conduct drills (fire, active shooter, bomb threat).
Coordination with External Agencies: liaise with emergency departments for rapid response. Partner with cybersecurity teams (if PS integrates IT systems).
Documentation and Compliance: maintain records of security policies, incident logs, and audits and ensure compliance with regulations.
(iii) Focus of the PSM at this stage of commemoration: establishing framework and resources necessary for a successful security task.
(iv) The key management actions and activities to be engaged with in managing the PS at this point involve:
Define Scope and Objectives: clearly outline the boundaries of the PS operation and establish specific goals to be achieved
Conduct Risk Assessments: identify potential threats and vulnerabilities to assets and operations. This involves analyzing internal and external factors, including potential insider threats
Develop Security Policies and Procedures: create documented guidelines for all aspects of PS, including access control, visitor management, and emergency response
Implement Access Control Systems: establish systems for controlling entry to facilities and sensitive areas, using technologies like keycards, biometrics, or combination locks
Train Staff: ensure all Harris understand their roles in maintaining PS, including reporting suspicious activity and responding to emergencies
Secure the Perimeter: implement physical barriers such as fences, gates, and surveillance systems to deter unauthorized access
Plan for Emergencies: develop and document procedures for handling various emergencies, including fires, natural disasters, and security breaches
Establish Communication Protocols: ensure clear communication channels for security personnel and other staff during normal operations and emergencies
Maintain Security Equipment: ensure all security equipment, such as cameras, alarms, and access control systems are regularly maintained and tested
Regularly Review and Update: conduct regular reviews of the PS program to identify areas of improvement and adapt to changing threats
Document and Report: maintain detailed records of security assessments, incidents, and training activities
Consider Environmental Factors: implement measures to mitigate damage from natural disasters or unforeseen events
Leverage Technology: utilize technologies like AI, CCTV, intrusion detection systems, and visitor management systems to enhance security
Tie Access Control to Individuals: use systems that track access based on individual credentials for better accountability
Maintain Updated Plans: ensure the PS plan reflects the current state of the assets, facilities and operations
(v) Necessary Management approach required: ‘Ease my task for me’ (Wa Yassirli Amri); by helping me get experts people (or technology) that will be in charge of fairs to perform each task as if they are Harun (as) in prophetic mission; and the systems of moral, social and managerial wisdom of Imam Ali (as)
(vi) Prerequisites requirement to the management approach: ‘Ease my task for me’ management component:
A. Divine knowledge and capabilities: spiritual knowledge, skill and capabilities: what spiritual characteristics do you need to possess to earn you divine guidance that will ease providing PSM for the Arbaeen commemoration for you? That is, making the task certain and uncomplex.
However, complexity and difficulty in managing a task may be due to intricated complexity and complication as a result of either system behavior, having interdependencies of components and systems; or human behavior, having interplay between diverse individuals and groups; or ambiguities related to uncertainty of emerging issues, lack of understanding or confusion of work which can easily be resolved if handled by a qualified manager.
To remove complexity from tasks, Moses (as) got prophet Harun (as), a person with similar divine capacity and capability to work with him. In our case, Wa Yassirli Amri will necessitate us getting perfect expert PS managers comparable to Harun (as) who will man different parts of the security management in similar manner that will make every part of the task easy for us. With sincerity of intent, you can acquire the necessary knowledge, get the right persons and gargets, not only based on talent, for the right jobs and positions who will perform with dedication as if on prophetic mission by seeking Allah’s guidance.
In addition to other qualities, you will require a high degree of jurisprudence, leadership and fellowship, strong faith, loyalty to wilayat, and morality. ‘Ease my task for me’ encompasses anything, not only human factor but including necessary modern technologies available. Some aspects of the security for Arbaeen commemoration may contain elements of complexity that may not demand use of high tech to ease, mere individual’s management experience, observation and skill suffice.
B. Acquired knowledge and capabilities: Acquiring capable hands and minds, with innovative management tools, technologies and techniques, comprise;
(i) Recruiting people similar to Harun (as) with all characteristics: expertise, strength, wisdom, courage, sacrifice, and dedication to carry out task
(ii) Training and developing of the recruited people to meet characteristics of Harun (as).
(iii) Creating conducive work environment
(iv) Employing techniques and procedures
(v) Using equipment and Technologies: ICT, AI
(vi) Removing bureaucratic bottle necks and ensure smooth workflow
The highest goal is to recruit or get people and technology reminiscent of Harun (as) as tools and employee to man various positions of the PS.
Human resources can be acquired through the following processes published by the Project Management Institute in its Project Management Body of Knowledge;
Plan Resource Management—by defining how to estimate, acquire, manage, and utilize physical and team resources.
Estimate Activity Resources—estimating team resources and the type and quantities of material, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform PS work.
Acquire Resources—Through obtaining team members, facilities, equipment, materials, supplies, and other resources necessary to complete PS work.
Develop Team—by improving competencies, team member interaction, and the overall team environment to enhance security performance.
Manage Team—by way of tracking team member performance, providing feedback, resolving issues, and managing team changes to optimize project performance.
Control Resources—via ensuring that the human resources assigned and allocated to the project are available as planned, as well as monitoring the planned versus actual use of resources, and performing corrective action as necessary.
Similarly, efforts can be made to acquire emerging technologies that will help achieve perfect security management jobs as required.
By Professor Isa H. Mshelgaru.
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