Security is Good Business

Too many people think of security as something that never makes money. They see it as something that just stops you from losing the money you already have. But that is not the way many business, organizations and government agencies are looking at it.

For many cities and local government investing in security has not only helped prevent losses from graffiti, petty theft and property crimes, it has also helped to make people feel safer and more secure. That perception of safety is invaluable and it can mean the difference between a thriving business district where shoppers come to spend money and one with little or no pedestrian traffic and boarded up shops.

We have discussed before the camera system recently installed in the small Texas town of Bryan. Bryan is located near College Station and Texas A&M University with more than 50,000 college students. Bryan’s downtown had lost some of it vibrancy and panhandlers and vagrants moved into the area as shops were closed and boarded up.

The city started a revitalization effort in 2000. The three- phased ongoing project will cost about $44 million when completed. At the same time the police department moved to put in a wireless mesh security system. The revitalization and security system have brought stores and businesses back to the downtown and citizens and shoppers have followed. Crime is down and sales are up, so the security system and the safety and security that it brings with it are money makers for the city.

Business people in many cities across the country are the biggest proponents of municipal security and public safety cameras. Here is a story about another town where business people are one of the catalysts for increased security.

-- PSW Staff

About the Author

PublicSafetyWatch blog

The PublicSafetyWatch blog is sponsored by ADT Security Services, Inc. ('ADT') and SecurityInfoWatch.com with contributions from SecurityInfoWatch.com staff editors, ADT, public safety and security industry experts and professionals. The purpose of the blog is to discuss security related topics such as school security, municipal surveillance, public transportation security, public safety security concerns, and security innovations. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the PublicSafetyWatch blog are solely those of the authors and do not reflect the opinions of SecurityInfoWatch.com, Cygnus Business media, Inc., or ADT Security Services, Inc. or any of their parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, directors, officers, employees or agents (the 'Sponsors'). The Sponsors do not endorse nor are they responsible for any opinions, advice, content, omissions, hyperlinks, images, articles, information or statements made or displayed within this blog by third parties. The Sponsors reserve the right to delete, withhold from publication, or edit any comment for any reason whatsoever. All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. The Sponsors make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis with no warranties. Terms and Conditions of Use: By reading, viewing, accessing, contributing or otherwise using this blog, you acknowledge the foregoing Disclaimer and agree to these Terms of Use. All information published shall become the property of the Sponsors. You are granted a nonexclusive, nontransferable, limited right to access, use and display the blog and the materials provided hereon, provided that you comply fully with these Terms and Conditions of Use. Under no circumstances shall the Sponsors, contributors or suppliers, or their agents, be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any information contained within this blog. The Sponsors will attempt to respond to specific issues, questions, complaints, or concerns that are brought to their attention; however, the Sponsors have no obligation to monitor any content displayed/posted on this blog.