Security is an essential service for any commercial organisation, and although canine security may be viewed as a specialist service it is suitable for a wide variety of industrial sectors. One of these is logistics and warehousing, which is a sector that presents unique challenges and requires critical thinking in terms of how effective security is managed.  

Why does logistics and warehousing have specialist security needs? 

Every commercial sector has different security needs but logistics and warehousing is quite unique in the security challenges that exist and the threats that could arise: 

• Large spaces – Logistics and warehousing hubs are often large buildings on large sites, with a suitably large area to cover in terms of security. 

• 24/7 operations – These types of facility are often operating on a 24/7 basis, or at least will open earlier and close later than most other commercial organisations.  

• Personnel – Such facilities often operate with fewer personnel than other operations on such a large site. The use of transportation to cover the site is common and also, many operations are automated in order to reduce the number of people required on site. Security controls can compensate for this reduction in personnel numbers.  

• Value – These locations will always carry quantities of high value stock and in big volumes.   

• Vulnerability – Access points are usually a large roller shutter door, which is often kept open for an extended period as vehicles are loaded and unloaded. 

• Location – Logistics and warehousing facilities are often located in remote, unpopulated areas due to their sheer size. This adds to the vulnerability of such a facility.  

• Organised gangs – Logistics and warehousing facilities are often targeted by organised crime gangs who know that high value stock is held there, and who can monitor delivery routines. It is also common for organised gangs to have someone ‘on the inside’ who can help them with criminal activities, and hence controls are needed for internal security threats as well as external.  

What is the role of canine security in logistics and warehousing? 

A specialist dog security team can be flexible to adapt to the exact needs of your organisation, but in most cases canine security will be tasked with the following in a logistics and warehousing facility: 

• Patrols – Regular patrols of the entire site perimeter, including access points and vulnerable areas. 

• Threat detection – Identifying when a security threat occurs, such as an intruder being detected.  

• CCTV – Monitoring CCTV coverage to add an extra layer of security, and also patrolling areas that CCTV coverage does not extend to. 

• React – Reacting to security threats as quickly as possible. 

• Security – Responsible for building security management measures such as alarm response and locking up as necessary.  

• Specialist tasks – A dog security team can be trained and deployed to detect specific substances. Commonly this is drugs and explosives, but can be any specific substance as long as the dog is trained to detect it above all other substances.  

What are the advantages of canine security over traditional forms of security? 

Traditional forms of security, such as regular security guards, front of house security, CCTV and access control systems all have their advantages, but when assessing the threats of the logistics and warehousing sector, canine security brings specific benefits: 

• Sensitivity – Canine security is far more sensitive to specific threats and substances than traditional security, and so can be vital in situations where incoming goods need to be screened or substances detected.  

• Reactive – Canine security can react much faster than a regular security guard, and can be far more agile and effective in a chase and apprehension situation. 

• Deterrent – Canine security brings a visual presence that can be intimidating and can act to deter potential security threats.  

• Vigilance – Dogs have a better stamina and focus to remain vigilant to security threats at all times. 

• Control – Dogs are trained animals and hence have a better emotional control than humans do. This can make them more effective in dangerous or high-stress situations.  

• Integration – Canine security can work alongside other security controls still required of the facility, to bring a comprehensive security solution for the organisation.  

Trained and licensed canine security from React K9

At React K9 we have vast experience of working in the logistics and warehousing sector and can deploy resources specifically trained to react to the threats inherent in such an organisation. We have NASDU trained and SIA licensed canine security teams ready to react to your needs, so contact our team at React K9 today.