"We take Security Seriously"... Really?

Security theatre—where organizations implement measures more for appearance than actual protection—has become a growing concern across industries. While on the surface these efforts may seem comprehensive and effective, upon closer examination, they often provide little to no real protection. Rather than addressing underlying vulnerabilities, these measures are designed to create a false sense of security, often employed after violent incidents as a way to manage public perception.

In Canada, we’ve seen multiple examples of security theatre following violent incidents at large residential properties and corporate offices. For instance, after incidents of workplace violence or armed attacks in major office buildings or residential complexes, organizations frequently release statements like, “We take security seriously,” or “You can’t put a value on a human life.” These statements are comforting, but they often obscure the truth: the organization didn’t take proactive steps to prevent the incident. Many do not!

A Reactive Mindset

Many organizations adopt a reactive approach to security, focusing on damage control after an incident rather than investing in proactive, cohesive strategies. Once you peel back the layers, their supposed "commitment to safety" often turns out to be little more than public relations spin. These organizations lack a real security framework where people, processes, and technology are properly integrated to create an effective and sustainable program.

In some cases, property managers may react by temporarily hiring additional security personnel or installing a few cameras. However, these actions are largely cosmetic, aimed at reassuring tenants or employees without addressing the root causes of the vulnerabilities that led to the incident. When the initial urgency fades, the extra measures quietly disappear, and the organization returns to its fragmented, underfunded approach to security.

A Lack of Business Priority

For many large property owners and corporate offices, security is not treated as a business priority. It’s seen as a cost to be minimized rather than an essential investment. Unlike areas such as marketing or operations, where resources are readily allocated to improve performance, security is often neglected. This avoidance mindset leads organizations to hope for the best instead of planning for potential threats.

This disjointed approach is apparent when you examine how organizations handle the critical elements of security: people, process, and technology. Without proper integration, these pillars fail to create the necessary force multiplier effect. Security guards are often undertrained, processes are unclear or nonexistent, and technology—while it may appear impressive—is poorly implemented or lacks coordination with the human elements of security.

The Missing Integration of People, Process, and Technology

A successful security program requires a well-integrated approach where people, processes, and technology work together to anticipate, prevent, and respond to threats. Unfortunately, in the world of security theatre, this is rarely the case. Security personnel are often the first response after an incident, but without clear processes and protocols, their presence alone is ineffective. Similarly, technology such as access control systems or CCTV may be installed, but without a comprehensive plan for how to use and manage these tools, they’re little more than expensive window dressing.

In many Canadian corporate offices and large residential complexes, you’ll see advanced security equipment—card readers, cameras, and alarms—but when an incident occurs, it becomes clear that there’s no cohesive plan for monitoring or responding to these tools. Without proper integration, these measures offer little more than the illusion of safety. And as the organization rushes to assure the public that they "take security seriously," the reality often reveals otherwise.

Moving Beyond Smoke and Mirrors

To move beyond security theatre, organizations need to stop treating security as an afterthought and make it an integral part of their operations. This requires not only financial investment but also a cultural shift—recognizing that effective security is an ongoing process that demands leadership, commitment, and accountability.

Organizations should develop comprehensive security plans that include well-trained personnel, clearly defined processes, and advanced technology, all working together in a coordinated manner. These measures should be regularly updated and tested to ensure they remain effective as threats evolve. Security should not be seen as a box to tick off after an incident, but as a proactive, integrated function that ensures the safety of both people and property.

Until organizations take security seriously—not just in words, but in actions—security theatre will persist, and the same incidents will continue to occur, accompanied by the same empty statements and temporary fixes.

It’s time to move beyond the smoke and mirrors and build real, sustainable security programs that reflect the seriousness of the risks at hand. Anything less is simply irresponsible.

How BCA Security Management Can Help

At BCA Security Management, we specialize in helping organizations move beyond security theatre and develop security programs that tackle real risks and threats. We recognize that many organizations employ superficial security measures that may look impressive but fail to protect against actual dangers. Our mission is to change that by providing comprehensive, integrated security strategies that are proactive, focused, and sustainable.

We work with corporate offices, residential properties, and other high-traffic environments to ensure that their security programs aren’t just window dressing but are grounded in thorough risk assessment, proper integration of people, process, and technology, and a long-term commitment to safety.

Here’s how we help organizations:

1. Comprehensive Risk Assessments Before making any recommendations, we conduct detailed risk assessments that identify real threats and vulnerabilities. These assessments go beyond surface-level fixes commonly used in security theatre, providing a clear understanding of what the organization needs to do to effectively protect its people, assets, and reputation.
2. Integrated Solutions An effective security program requires more than just guards, cameras, or access controls. We integrate people, processes, and technology to create a cohesive, robust security strategy. This integration ensures that all elements of security work together seamlessly, providing a force multiplier effect that enhances the program’s overall effectiveness.
3. Custom Security Frameworks We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every organization faces unique risks, so we develop custom security frameworks tailored to the specific environment—whether it’s a corporate office, residential property, or public space. Our solutions are designed to address both current and emerging threats.
4. Training and Support A well-designed security program is only as effective as the people who manage and implement it. We offer comprehensive training for security personnel, property managers, and corporate staff to ensure they are prepared to respond effectively to any situation. Our goal is to make sure everyone involved knows their role and is equipped to handle real risks.
5. Ongoing Review and Improvement Security is not a one-time project. We help organizations continually review and improve their security measures to adapt to changing environments and threats. This proactive approach ensures that security remains a business priority and is always aligned with the organization’s overall objectives.

By partnering with BCA Security Management, organizations can move beyond the illusion of security theatre and develop programs that provide real protection and peace of mind.