Like it or not, the criminal element is constantly looking for ways and means to perfect their craft and we, in turn, must do likewise if we are to keep one step ahead of them.

The security industry continues to be an extremely dynamic one wherein changing threats require security professionals to be constantly evolving in their thought processes and their proposed solutions to various situations. As such, much of what proved effective decades ago in the crime fight would be largely ineffective today for a variety of reasons.

Like it or not therefore, the criminal element is constantly looking for ways and means to perfect their craft and we, in turn, must do likewise if we are to keep one step ahead of them, thereby ensuring success in this regard.

The thrust to utilise more and more technology in the crime fight will continue into 2019 and beyond, as consumers increasingly come to the realisation that electronic security systems offer a far more effective, and far more cost-effective, solution to many security threats and scenarios.

Advances in technology over the past decade have also resulted in the associated costs being greatly reduced making such protection no longer just for the chosen few, but available to a greater cross section of consumers across the globe. Here in Jamaica, consumers are fortunate to be able to access practically every single security product available on the first-world markets right here on the island. This is as a result of companies like KingAlarm attending global security expositions multiple times per year thereby ensuring that we keep pace with the dynamic changes taking place within the marketplace.

Perhaps the greatest advancements in electronic security over the past decade have come with closed circuit television systems (CCTV) whereby the inclusion of video analytics, along with facial recognition and licence plate technologies embedded within such systems, has resulted in an overall far more effective crime-fighting tool. Gone are the days when operators would watch static footage for hours hoping to see something suspicious as today, with the inclusion of the various analytics softwares, artificial intelligence is utilised to immediately process the images and bring to the operators’ attention any number of predetermined high-risk scenarios.

Along with the advancements in CCTV technology, Jamaican consumers can greatly enhance their personal security by investing in any of the following forms of electronic security, all of which are readily available here on the local market: Access Control Systems, Gate Automation Systems, Panic/Hold-up Systems, Intrusion Detection/Fire Detection Systems, Vehicle Tracking and Personal Tracking Systems, Home Automation. (While it might not be possible or practical for persons to simultaneously invest in all of the above, it is important to never forget that the criminal element will almost always strike where they feel that they will encounter the least resistance. That being said, the more layers of security that one invests in, coupled with a strong security awareness, will undoubtedly enhance overall safety).

A view of security going forward would not be complete without looking at the increasing amount of cybercrime taking place. I expect this trend to continue as criminals operate from within the comfort of their homes — from anywhere in the world — seeking to hack into various corporate databases for financial gain. Fortunately, there are many effective solutions to this growing trend, and corporate entities would be well advised to ensure that the security of their data is given high priority and to consult with security professionals well versed in this area to avoid the potentially catastrophic consequences that such breaches could cause.

I expect to see more and more use of drone technology in 2019 and beyond, as this technology becomes further perfected and consumers become even more sensitive to the great benefits that this form of security can produce. Locally, we are already dispatching drones to combat various threats — working in tandem with more conventional crime-fighting tools — yielding exceptional results. Look for this to continue and for drones to play an even greater role in our local security arsenal.

Regardless of all the technology available, good security starts with having the right security mindset and understanding the risks that exist and simple things that can be done to mitigate same. People should therefore spend more time educating themselves and their families on security “do’s and don’ts” to greatly enhance their security and peace of mind and to make themselves hard targets and therefore less likely to become victims of crime.

My New Year’s wish from a security perspective is that more Jamaicans become proactive with their personal security and not only consider this after an incident has unfortunately occurred. We are all aware of certain risks that exist but, with proper research and proactive planning and implementation, effective solutions thankfully exist as well!