About the Article
The article ‘Psychology in the study of Physical Security’ is very realistic. It considers the major elements of physical security. These aspects are technology and people. Many issues have not been researched in the field of physical security. The article lacks some physical security considerations such as intrusion detection and environmental control. In general, the paper is well done but the author should consider the issue of intrusion detection because it poses a great danger to physical security. This paper will seek to critically analyze the article and provide an evaluation of the same.
Summary of Article
The article as stated before identifies the human and technology as the major aspects in the field of physical security. The authors aim at identifying the areas of research in the line of human aspect that researchers have not given much attention to but deserve. She points out that the two aspects of physical security are important and none can be termed as being useless. According to the article, there are very few completely automated systems. This means that the security systems need a human being in order to work effectively. There has not been enough research on the use of computers for long times such as prolonged attention, divided attention, visual fatigue, change blindness and others (Bitzar & Hoffmann, 2005, p.6). In selecting security officers, tools such as biodata, personality testing, and realistic job reviews have not received enough research. The concepts of security culture and climate for security have not employed barely been employed in security. Some methods are identifying disgruntled employees should be put in place so that they are dwelt with accordingly. Security officers do not have the necessary professionalism required to provide security. Research on how to reduce boredom associated with work also needs some attention. Research also needs to be done to determine some effective ways of accessing the performance of security officers.
Contribution of the Article to the Physical Security Field
The article greatly contributes to the physical security field in that it shows the contributions that the personal aspect of the field can play if more research in different fields is done. For example, there needs to be some research done to come up with a means of accessing the performance of security officers (Bitzar & Hoffmann &, 2005, p.12). The article offers some new insights that researchers could be investigating soon. For example, the issue of security and climate for security has not been well researched and research in the field could show the importance of the personal aspect in physical security and also increase security. The field of study is advanced by the author’s thesis and supporting claims in that it shows the importance of the personal aspect in physical security. As argued before, the technological systems available are not completely automated and cannot therefore completely operate on their own.
Critical Evaluation
The research performed by Andrew Hoffman and Edward George Bitzar, III is quite thorough. From the thesis, the paper seeks to analyze those lines of the personal aspect that have not received enough attention and therefore need some research. The argument is that individuals play a major role in physical security. With proper and serious research, the individuals could even bring more contribution. The use of security officers in monitoring security systems especially one officer taking care of several machines has some negative effects. However, research on these effects has not been taking place until recently when there are some concerns. Another field that has received little concern is the use of employee selection programs in recruiting security officers (Bitzar & Hoffman, 2005, p.8). It is true that tools such as personality testing, biodata, and realistic job previews could be of great help in improving physical security.
The issue of culture in any field or organization is very important. The emphasis that an organization puts on its physical security determines the seriousness that it has in providing security. The perception of the security officers on the level of security, rewards, routines, and procedures is also important. This will determine the confidence and efforts of the employees within the organization. Some research needs to be conducted so as to help determine those employees that are displeased. Such officers are inside the organization and pose a great danger to the security of the organization. The destruction they can cause is horrible. Some research needs to be conducted so that a strategy to identify such employees is devised (Bitzar & Hoffmann, 2005, p.11).
Another issue requiring detailed research is a strategy to determine the professionalism of security officers. Professionalism increases the job performance of individuals. Most guards sit down for a very long time with no work available to perform. This brings boredom on part of the guards and a method to reduce the boredom could reduce the problems related to the boredom. Research to come up with a way of accessing the performance of security officers is very important (Tyska, & Fennely, 2000, p.24). This will help in determining which officers to promote when an opportunity arises.
Conclusion
The article on psychology in the study of physical security is quite realistic in the way it addresses the contribution that the personal aspect in physical security. It analyses the issues that need to research so as to increase physical security. The arguments are given the support the thesis of the paper.
Reference List
Bitzar, E. G., & Hoffman, A. (2005). Psychology in the Study of Physical Security. Florida: University of Florida.
Tyska, L. A. & Fennely, L. J. (2000). Physical Security: 150 Things you should Know. New York: Butterworth-Heinemann.