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Hotel Security
This helpful checklist was compiled by Cheryl-Anne Sturken, with assistance from Richard P. Werth, CPP.
DETERMINING SECURITY NEEDS
Is the nature of the meeting/event highly sensitive?
Does the nature of the meeting/event require special access control procedures?
Will any celebrities or VIP guests require special security arrangements?
Are any known threats directed against the company, association, senior management, guests, attendees or venue?
Will large sums of cash, electronic equipment or other valuable items be present?
Has the hotel experienced labor problems, demonstrations, threats, fires, etc.? If yes, be sure to obtain specific details.
HOTEL ROOM CHECK
Do guest rooms have deadbolt door locks and self-closing devices?
What type of door lock system is in place: standard key or key card?
Are keys or key cards provided without room numbers or hotel name marked on them?
Do guest room doors have viewports (peep holes)?
Do sliding glass doors to patio have a secondary locking device, and are all locking devices operable?
Is an emergency evacuation plan posted?
Is the evacuation plan consistent with ADA requirements?
Are smoke detectors and fire sprinklers in place and working?
What sound alarm provisions are made for hearing-impaired guests?
Do guest rooms have safes? If not, what options are available for safeguarding valuables?
HOTEL SECURITY PERSONNEL CHECK
Who will be the planner’s security contact?
Are all security personnel certified in CPR/first aid?
How many officers and supervisors are on duty per shift, and how visible is security presence?
How are fire, medical, weather and bomb threat emergencies handled?
Will clearly written duties/responsibilities be provided to security personnel?
If the event requires contracting of additional security personnel, what performance criteria will be employed to ascertain their level of training and competence?
Who will brief security personnel on their responsibilities with regard to the meeting/event?
What internal security checks are in place to verify security personnel before allowing access to restricted areas (name badge, electronic pass, code)?
SECURITY PROCEDURES
What is the in-house security emergency number?
How often are room keys/cards inventoried?
How does the front desk maintain room key/card security?
How often are room key/card combinations changed? Request date of last change.
Can meeting rooms be re-keyed?
At your request, will all details pertaining to your event be omitted from the facility’s announcement boards?
If guest does not respond to a requested wake-up call, what actions are taken?
Are security video cameras in place? Where are they located, and how are they monitored?
Does security patrol the interior and exterior of the hotel? How often?
What procedures and systems are available for VIP guests?
Are the interior hallways and exterior areas (particularly parking lots and garages) well lighted?
Are there special on-property storage areas for equipment prior to setup or shipping? Who has access to these storage areas?
Does the hotel have a close relationship with the local police department?
Have all hotel employees been instructed in hotel evacuation procedures? What was the date of the last training session?
