The Security Division

     Security staff might include in-house personnel, contract security officers, or retired or off-duty police officers.  Security responsibilities may include patrolling the property, monitoring surveillance equipment, and, in general, ensuring that guest, visitors, and employees are safe and secure at the hotel.  The cooperation and assistance of local law enforcement officials is critical to the security division's effectiveness. 

     A hotel's security program is most effective when employee who have primary responsibilities other than security also participate in security efforts.  For example, housekeeping room attendants should follow the key control procedures of their properties.  Also, when cleaning guestrooms, room attendants are usually responsible for locking and securing sliding glass doors, connecting doors, and windows.  All employees should be wary of suspicious activities anywhere in the property and report such activities to an appropriate security authority. Since housekeeping personnel work in every area of the hotel, they are in a position to significantly contribute to the hotel's security efforts.  Specific security responsibilities of the housekeeping department are described in Chapter 7.