The Pleasanton Police Department Offers a Wide Variety of Security Programs for Area Businesses

By Denise Howe, Hacienda Network Staff Writer

When it comes to security and safety in the workplace, Hacienda business owners have a first-class resource in the Pleasanton Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit.

Through the PPD's Business Security Program, Police Officer Michael Bradley and Community Service Officer Quantise Antoine-McCannon will go on-site to Hacienda businesses and provide an inspection and security check along with a security presentation. Customizing the presentation for a specific business is the key.

"We have presentations for businesses of all types and sizes," says Bradley. "We encourage people to give us a call. There is no charge. It's a community service provided by the police department"

Bradley says the police welcome the opportunity to meet with Hacienda business owners and tenants. "It is important because, along with providing them with information, it maintains a strong link between the business community and the police."

Although security and safety problems are not major issues in Hacienda or Pleasanton, it's important to have the information and know the procedures that will minimize any risks.

The PPD has a wide variety of business security resources from which Hacienda businesses can draw. At an on-site visit, Antoine-McCannon and Bradley will meet with the manager or owner, and together they will tour the facility, parking lot and garage. This gives the officers an opportunity to ask about existing security procedures, and check for problems.

The PPD is ready to put its resources to work for your business. Because each business is unique, the officers will present an evaluation and work with the managers or owners on a plan and its implementation.

Security at the Workplace

Here are some key evaluation points considered by the Crime Prevention Unit in their review.

Visitor Control Antoine-McCannon says that often, due to the sheer size of the building or the area, it is possible for unwanted visitors to have access to areas where they are not supposed to be. "With medium- and large-size businesses, employees, vendors, delivery people, work crews and guests are in and out of the building all day. It's often difficult to know who should be there without some type of check-in or badge system.

Visitor Identification Knowing why people are in the building is important. "It's important that businesses have sign-in procedures for visitors and guests who are then given temporary badges to wear." She says that this is particularly advisable for large businesses with hundreds of people, where it is difficult to know or recognize everyone.

Receptionist Information Letting the front desk know who is expected. A list of expected visitors can be given to the receptionist each day. If an unexpected visitor shows up, their contact person should go to the lobby to greet them.

Door Safety Securing doors is more important than you may think. "Make sure that the locks on windows and doors work correctly and that they are used. Often times, people going outside to smoke or night janitors or cleaning services will prop a back door open with a rock for easier re-entry." This can also provide an opportunity for an unwanted visitor to enter the building. Report doors that don't lock properly.

Hallway and Elevator Safety Antoine-McCannon and Bradley can discuss potential areas of safety issues such as stairwells, elevators, hallways, and restrooms. Keeping them well-lit and free of obstructions helps make them safer. Report broken or flickering lights, or dimly-lit corridors.

Computer Safety Laptop computers are valuable items and are targets of thieves throughout the country. Antoine-McCannon says that the best protection is to have a mechanism that locks them to the desk while in use. When they are not in use, they can be stored in a locked drawer or closet. Some businesses designate a filing cabinet, closet or room and laptops are locked for the night.

"With workplace security, we tell people you always need to know people and treat valuables like everyone is a stranger," she says. It's essential that people know who they work with, if only by sight, adds Bradley.

Personal Property The police department's presentation will detail methods for securing personal valuables such as handbags and wallets, whether on or off the job. Both officers stress the importance of not leaving wallets or handbags in an unlocked desk, or in a pocket of a jacket that is hanging on the chair or coat rack.

Identify Theft Treating valuables with care in the workplace, at home or in the car, is essential to preventing identity theft, a problem of growing severity nationally, says Bradley. Antoine-McCannon reminds employees to secure their credit cards, and driver's license as these are tools for identify theft.

The primary means of identity theft, says Antoine-McCannon, is stealing a Social Security card from someone's wallet or purse. She advises to never carry the card with you. Leave it at home in a safe place.

Parking Garages Outside in the parking lots and garages, security procedures increase safety. Antoine McCannon says that the PPD will work with businesses that have parking garages to ensure that they have adequate and visible lighting inside the structure, and lack of obstructions outside so that people coming or going to their cars can be seen by passing security patrols.

Vehicle Security A few simple tips can help employees protect their cars and the contents in parking lots and garages. Always close all the windows and lock the car. Use anti-theft devices, and remove cell phones, laptops and other valuable when you leave the car.

After Hours Safety Whether owners, managers or employees are working late or on weekends, there are after-hours procedures the PPD can talk about that are valuable to ensure personal safety. If you know you will work late, move your car up close to the front door at the end of the work day when the parking lot is busy. When you work after hours, let the security people or other workers know you are there. Lock yourself into the office or building.

Public Transit Personal safety going to and from the workplace in cars, buses or public transit is also addressed by the PPD. They will also provide advice on street precautions, car safety, and bus and transit safety.

Business Trips Traveling for business takes us out of a familiar environment into places we may know very little about including different cities, hotels and airports. Michael says that there are measures you can take while on the road, in a rental car, hotel or motel to help improve security and safety.

The Pleasanton Police Department has two special programs, one for financial institutions and the other for the retail sector. Robbery Prevention is a comprehensive program of robbery awareness for banks and other financial businesses. Officers can discuss the types of alarm systems and personal safety of employees and customers.

The PPD has a Holiday Program presentation designed for retail businesses of any size.

The Christmas holiday shopping season creates special safety and security issues, and the police department can help you to be aware of potential problems.

The department also has a library of security-related videos which are available for loan.

Resources and Contacts

The Pleasanton Police Department has free pamphlets with more information on security.

If you would like to learn more about the Pleasanton Police Departments' Business Security Program, the representatives are ready to work with you. Please call Officer Michael Bradley of the Crime Prevention Unit at (925) 931-5233 or mbradley@ci.pleasanton.ca.us.

Community Service Officer Quantise Antoine-McCannon is with the Crime Prevention Unit. Her phone number is (925) 931-5240. Her email is qmccannon@ci.pleasanton.ca.us. The Pleasanton Police Department is located at 4833 Bernal Avenue.

Citizen's Police Academy

If you would like to learn about law enforcement procedures, discuss the importance of public involvement in the policing process and create a closer partnership with your police department, consider signing up for the Pleasanton Police Department's Citizens' Police Academy. The course will be held on Thursday nights from 6:30 - 9:30 pm from February 21 to May 23, and will conclude with a graduation ceremony. If you live or work in Pleasanton, learn more about the program by calling Sergeant Tom Fenner at (925) 931-5230.

Hacienda Programs

Within the park, security is a key consideration and is implemented through Hacienda Security. Hacienda provides a full security program and services including patrols of the park throughout the day and throughout the week. Hacienda's Security Program provides valuable security services beginning with 24/7 park patrols by highly-visible officers. The security program's objective is to help protect private property and property managed by the park.

Hacienda Security answers requests for help from any employee, tenant, property manager or Hacienda user. In addition, each tenant with Hacienda has a designated liaison to act as a security coordinator. Matters of park security and safety and any emergency information are directed to the liaison.

To contact a Security Officer, use Hacienda's voice mail/paging system by calling: (925) 734-6520. Once dialed you will reach a pre-recorded message notifying you that an officer will respond to the name and number you provide. Calls will be returned within five minutes.

Hacienda has a wealth of materials on security and safety that are available to park tenants, employees or owners. They may be ordered online or by calling the 24-Hours Security Hotline at (925) 734-6552, or by contacting the Association.

A complete description of the Hacienda Security Program is available online.

Photo: Officers Michael Bradley and Quantise Antoine-McCannon check items as part of a free business security survey.

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