Frequently Asked Questions

Security Management Consultants are “general practitioners” of the security consulting field. Security Management Consultants provide generalized advice on managing a client’s overall security and loss prevention program. Security Management Consultants typically conduct security assessments, write policy and procedures, provide security training, assist in recruiting and developing security personnel, and provide assistance in the procurement of security products and services.

Forensic security consultants provide advice and testimony related to litigation and legal matters. Forensic security consultants are typically retained by attorneys to serve as Expert Witnesses is a court of law or other legal proceedings. Forensic security consultants review evidence, conduct site surveys, perform threat and risk assessments and provide analysis opinions and testimony concerning specific legal cases.

Security Assessments are an excellent way to evaluate your existing security program and a great first step to take prior to making security improvements at your facility or when trying to solve a specific security problem.

During a Security Assessment, all aspects of your security program are examined, any weaknesses are identified, and suggestions for security improvements are made. In addition, opportunities where costs can be reduced or where security operations can be made more efficient are identified.

Costs for a formal security assessment usually range between $5,000 and $50,000 depending on the size of the facility, number of employees, and complexity of operations. Please contact us for a free, no-obligation quotation on the specific cost to conduct a security assessment for your facility.

It typically takes about 3 weeks from the time we start the security assessment process until the time that we deliver the first draft of the Security Assessment Report. Larger and more complicated facilities may require more time.

Next Step Solutions provides comprehensive physical security assessments for multi-family residential complexes including apartment buildings, condominiums, and gated and planned communities. We work closely with property managers and homeowners associations to help solve security problems and to create effective security programs for residential communities of all sizes.

Security assessments for multi-family residential properties typically include:

1. Review of local crime statistics and crime trends.
2. Review of the losses, thefts and other security incidents that have occurred at your property for the past two years.
3. Review of the unique security risks that may exist in your neighborhood or be caused by adjacent properties.
4. Review of security policies and procedures and resident security awareness.
5. Review the use of security guards and security patrol services.
6. Examination of site perimeter including fencing, landscaping, and security signage during and after operating hours.
7. Examination of security lighting in parking garages and at building exteriors.
8. Examination of building perimeter including pedestrian doors, overhead doors, gates, and windows.
9. Examination of security at building common areas, including lobby, mail center, parking garages, storage areas, and recreational areas.
10. Examinations of building lock hardware and keying systems.
11. Examination of electronic security systems including access control systems, alarm systems, security intercom systems, and video surveillance systems.
12. Examination of security policies and procedures, security training for residents, and security incident reporting procedures.
13. Preparation of written Security Assessment Report that states consultant’s opinion of existing security program and provides specific recommendations for security improvements at the property.
14. Presentation of Security Assessment Reportat Homeowners Association Meeting to present findings of report and to answer homeowner questions.