Protocols: Drawing Security Elements Together

Within a system of security, protocols such as a security policy, plan and procedures guide key stakeholders in their work.

Typically procedures operationalise the system of security through the provision of step-by-step instructions in the performance of routine or predictable tasks.

An absence of formal guidance means staff are able to exercise discretion in the performance of their work. 

It is well reported in the literature that the exercise of discretion must be minimised where possible to further reduce the likelihood of inappropriate responses to operational issues. 

If staff are not inducted, trained and sometimes disciplined against SOPs it is more likely that human error will occur during work, especially in high risk areas such as managing aggression or violence, responding to an emergency where there is injury and the like.