Safes and Vaults: Evaluating Security Needs

By Shelley Swearingen | May 26, 2020

Safe Vault
noun: a place or receptacle to keep articles (such as valuables) safe adjective: affording safety or security from danger, risk, or difficulty1   noun: a room or compartment for the safekeeping of valuables, or an underground storage compartment, or an arched structure of masonry usually forming a ceiling or roof 2  
     

Planning for the safety and security of a facility can seem like a daunting task. It doesn’t need to be. By taking a few steps and evaluating the needs of your business, you can easily identify what the best solutions are.

First, you must identify what will be stored. Consideration should also be given to the level of theft associated with the item. For example: cannabis, firearms, and some pharmaceutical drugs are highly sought after on the black market.

Smaller amounts of items could safely be stored in a safe while others may require a custom-built vault room. KL Security offers custom vault rooms that are manufactured in individual panels for fast and easy installation. This cuts down on construction costs and keeps your project on schedule. 

  • Where do you plan to store items?
    • On-site or off-site?
    • Who will have access to this location?
      • Does access need to be limited?
    • Where is the location of the storage room?
      • Interior of building? Or does room contain an exterior wall?

Does your facility already have standards of procedure in place for who will have access to the items? Are there time restrictions on when these items can be accessed? Do you need to develop plans and standards for procedures on access?

If the storage location is off-site, perhaps additional measures should be taken; KL Security (through a partnership with March Networks) offers state of the art surveillance cameras. If the items are going to be contained in a room with an exterior wall, perhaps the wall should be reinforced by a vault panel.

  • What are the legal security or storage requirements?
    • Are there compliance mandates for the storage of items?
      • What are the consequences for violation?

Various government departments regulate the sale, storage, handling, and disposal of certain materials. The DEA has requirements as to how certain medicines must be stored; the ATF has requirements as to how explosives must be stored; States have requirements for the storage of cannabis that vary depending on legislation.

  • What is your budget?
    • Have you weighed the cost of purchase vs. cost of non-compliance?

This is where the evaluation of regulations is so important. If your facility were to be found to be non-compliant, there could be costly fines. In addition to fines, regulating departments may also require a cessation of business operations until the changes are made to bring violations up to code. These costs will undoubtedly exceed the initial cost of investment. 

Evaluating security needs is a multifaceted process, and should not be taken lightly. The experts at KL Security are experienced and willing to help. We’re dedicated to staying educated on legislation mandates and strive to provide the best possible service. Let us assist you in finding the right solution for your facility’s needs. To start a conversation on how we can secure your facility, improve safety compliance, or review security protocols call or email us:

(866) 867 – 0306 OR [email protected]

Information has been gathered from sources deemed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice.

  1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safe
  2. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vault

Illinois Conditional Adult Use Dispensing Licenses

By Shelley Swearingen – May 1, 2020

Today would have been the deadline for Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to issue additional licenses. There are 75 Conditional Adult Use Cannabis Dispensing Licenses up for grabs. The Governor of Illinois, JB Pritzker, signed an executive order suspending the issuance of new licenses.

On March 9, 2020, the entire state of Illinois was declared a disaster area. In an effort to mitigate the spread of the virus and corresponding disease, the state of Illinois has instituted several safeguards. Social distancing is being practiced, and I would imagine all government employees with the ability to work remotely are doing so. These licenses must be reviewed by a panel, and on can safely assume the extension for issuances of licenses has been pushed back due to communication limitations and the necessity of more pressing issues.

Furthermore, the Governor authorized a variance to Illinois Administrative Code allowing Medical Cannabis Dispensaries to dispense medical cannabis outside of the limited access area. This permits dispensary agents to offer curbside and limited-contact service. In order to partake in this exception, the dispensary must have a written procedure on how to operate safely and ensure that they are only dispensing to approved patients.

Here at KL Security: we’ve assisted several of these applicants on addressing security needs, and we’re waiting on pins and needles for the announcement of license winners along with these applicants. As of now, a new date has not been determined by the State of Illinois.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way the world does business. It may have brought to light many standards of procedures that are outdated and require attention. The experts at KL Security are dedicated to staying educated on new and innovative ways to safeguard your business. We’re here to help cannabis dispensaries, cultivators, transporters, testing facilities, pharmacies, and craft growers to develop and implement security procedures to drive revenue & stay compliant. To start a conversation on how we can improve your safety compliance while staying true to your brand, call or email us.

(866) 867 – 0306 OR [email protected]

Information has been gathered from sources deemed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice.

https://www.idfpr.com/News/2020/Cannabis%20EO%20Dispensary%20license%20deadline.pdf

https://www.idfpr.com/Forms/COVID19/Medical%20Cannabis%20Restricted%20Area%20Dispensing%20April%202020.pdf

https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/gov/Documents/APPROVED%20-%20Coronavirus%20Disaster%20Proc%20WORD.pdf

https://www.idfpr.com/ILCannabis.asp