Professional Marijuana Grower November-December 2018 Issue | Page 22

of cameras in the security system that is important, but
how they are set up for maximum coverage. One good
rule of thumb is to keep as many cameras visible as
possible. more obvious and apparent the security system, the bet-
ter the chance it will deter a would-be thief.
A security system that is very obvious will do a better
job of deterring potential prowlers than a hidden cam-
era-type system. How a grow facility monitors its video
surveillance will largely depend on state and local
requirements. Some state entities require 24 hour camera
coverage. Others may require the video surveillance to
be stored for a certain amount of time. Again, a security
company with experience in the cannabis industry will
best understand these legalities. Although the vast majority of the security system is aimed
at protecting the growing facility, a high priority should
be placed on protecting the place where the cannabis
is stored. After all, an intelligent thief would much rather
steal dried or processed cannabis products than a bunch
of plants in mid-growth. An extremely heavy safe or vault
or one that is secured to the floor makes it extra difficult
for thieves. Very few robbers are going to hang around
trying to open or move a vault when alarms are blaring
and lights are flashing. Protecting the plants in a grow fa-
cility is a concern, but protecting the dried or processed
product is of the utmost importance.
Real-Time Notices
The ultimate goal of a security system isn’t to document
a crime as it occurs, but, rather, to prevent a crime from
ever happening. Early detection is critical for prevention.
Exterior cameras at a grow facility should be able to
send real-time alerts to several key people, including an
off-site video monitoring or security company. Criminals
tend to visit a building beforehand to check out the
facility’s security system. If someone confronts them or
questions their presence, chances are good that they will
never return.
Security Fence with Bollards
Another important security feature, especially for large-
scale grow facilities, is a security fence with bollards. A
strong fence with concrete or steel bollards is the best
defense against a criminal who would use a vehicle to
break into a facility for a quick heist. In most cases, hav-
ing an external security system similar to that of a bank
would be the best option. This could mean cameras,
security guards or guard dogs, concrete or steel bollards,
and high decibel alarms with strobe lights. Again, the
Product Storage
Inventory Tracking and Employee
Monitoring
Unfortunately, much of the theft that occurs in the can-
nabis industry is carried out by someone working as an
employee or by a vendor with an established relation-
ship with the facility. A disgruntled employee can be a
grow facility owner’s worst nightmare. The temptation
to steal is very real in any cash-based business. The
presence of a security system may also be used to deter
employee theft. Individual security codes, along with
close monitoring of inventory, will create an environment
where the owner/manager can identify losses and also
who is responsible for those losses. Regular cash counts
throughout the day let employees know that the money is
being closely monitored and tracked. Designating certain
employees to handle the cash, along with set policies for
securing cash after transactions, will minimize the risk of
employee theft. Employees with higher security clearance
should always set the standard by exactly and consistent-
ly following set protocol.
Personal Security Systems for Hobbyists
Hobby growers generally will not hire a security com-
pany or be subject to the stringent regulations set up by
state and local entities. However, they may still want to
add a little extra protection for their grow rooms. There
are many personal security products available for home
use. Multiple-camera security systems are quite afford-
able and can easily be linked to an internet server so
they can be monitored from virtually anywhere. A cam-
era system is great at identifying the thief and can even
be used as evidence if the police get involved. Howev-
er, camera systems don’t necessarily stop the damage
before it is done. As with commercial facilities, deterring
or eliminating the threat of theft before it happens is
what a security system should do. For a hobby grower,
keeping his or her grow facility private or a secret should
be a top priority. Sometimes hobbyists get excited and
want to talk about their gardens with anyone who will
22 • Professional Marijuana Grower
November/December 2018