Hotel Security Audit Checklist for The Security Manager / Team

As a security manager or team, it is crucial to maintain the safety and security of guests, staff, and property in a hotel. One way to ensure that all security measures are in place is through conducting regular security audits. A hotel security audit involves a comprehensive review of all security systems, procedures, and protocols to identify any gaps or weaknesses that may compromise the safety and security of the hotel.

To guide security managers or teams in conducting an effective security audit, a hotel security audit checklist is essential. The checklist should cover all aspects of hotel security, including access control, surveillance, emergency response, fire safety, and employee security training. It should also include a review of the physical security measures such as perimeter fencing and lighting, guest room locks, and security cameras.

When conducting a hotel security audit, it is crucial to involve all stakeholders, including the hotel management, security personnel, and external security consultants. The audit should be conducted regularly, preferably annually, to ensure that all security measures are up-to-date and effective.

Perimeter:

1. Will a fence help protect the premises?
2.  If there is a fence in place, is the fence too high to climb or protected with barbed wire?
3.  Is the fence in good repair?
4.  Is the fence designed so no one can crawl under it?
5.  Are materials such as trash containers, incinerators, etc., that could be used in scaling the fence placed a safe distance away?
6.  Are the gates solid and in good repair?
7.  Are the gate hinges in good repair?
8.  Are there flammable materials in the receiving area that should be removed?
9.  Is there a frequent trash pickup?
10.  Is adequate lighting provided for the entire area? 

Doors:

1. Are all unused doors secured?
2.  Are door frames strong and securely in place?
3.  Are the glass in back doors and similar locations protected by wire-glass or bars?
4.  Are all doors designed so the lock cannot be reached by breaking glass or a light sash panel?
5.  Are the hinges designed and located to prevent the pulling or breaking of the pins?
6.  Is the lock bolt designed and placed to prevent easy displacement with a “Jimmy” or another instrument?
7.  Is the lock designed or is the door frame placed so the door cannot be pried open by spreading the frame?
8.  Is the bolt protected or constructed so it cannot be cut?
9.  Is the securely mounted so it cannot be pried off?
10.  Are the locks on the door in good working order?
11.  Are the keys in the possession of trusted personnel and are they secured when employees leave the premises?
12.  Are padlock hasps constructed so the screws cannot be removed?
13.  Are the hasps heavy enough?
14.  Are all doors locked and/or bared during non-operating hours? Is emergency evacuation capability maintained at all times on such doors?
15.  In non-operating hours, are access locations properly checked by security staff and/or central station or proprietary protection systems?

Windows:

1. Are easily accessible windows protected by gratings, bars, or other access-limiting devices?
2.  Are unused windows permanently locked?
3.  Are windows that are not protected by bars locked?
4.  Are there unneeded windows on lower floors or other areas that could be replaced by glass blocks or other less vulnerable alternatives?
5.  Are the windows and locks so designed or located that they cannot be opened by simply breaking the glass?

Other openings:

1. Are unnecessary skylights (which may be subject to hurled objects) protected or have they been eliminated?
2.  Are accessible skylights protected with bars, etc.?
3.  Are the roof hatches properly secured?
4.  Are the doors to the roof or elevator penthouses in good condition and securely locked?
5.  Are laundry and trash chutes provided with locks?
6.  Are all ventilator shafts and vent openings protected?
7.  Are entrances to sewers and service tunnels protected?
8.  Are fire exits and escapes designed to permit easy exit but to limit illegal entry?

Building Construction:

1. Are the walls of the building(s) of frame construction and fire-resistive or capable of being made so?
2.  Is the roof fire-resistive and secure?

Safes:

1. Is the safe fire-resistive?
2.  Is the safe fastened securely to the floor or wall, ceiling, and floor, set in concrete, or appropriately alarmed?
3.  If a vault is used, are the walls as well as the door secure?
4.  Is cash on hand kept to a minimum?

SecuritySecurity is the prevention of theft; fire; and other emergency situations in the workplace. Officers:

1. Is it feasible to have in-house security staff? Or, is it more appropriate to employ a contract security service or off-duty police?
2.  Do the security officers receive proper screening, training, and supervision, whether they are in-house or contracted?
3.  If security personnel are armed, are they properly armed and proficient in the use of such arms?
4.  If there are full-time security personnel, are they free from “extra duties” so they can perform their protective duties fully?
5.  If a commercial security service is employed, is the service checked to confirm that it can provide full services?
6.  Would it be beneficial to conduct emergency drills?
7.  If available, has a complete central station or proprietary supervisory service been considered in addition to standard security services?
8.  Has closed-circuit television or a similar monitoring device been investigated as a means of increasing effective surveillance by your security force?

Public Protection:

1. Is proper liaison maintained between the hotel or motel and the police and fire departments?
2.  Do the police and fire departments have the phone numbers of key personnel and vice versa?

Electronic Data Processing:

1. If there is a computer on the property, have proper steps been taken to ensure computer integrity with proper off-premises backup capability?
2.  Is the computer facility in a secure location?
3.  Is the computer room protected from the danger of hurled objects, flood, or fire?

Communication Equipment:

1. Is the communication center (telephone room, etc.) located in a secure place?
2.  Is adequate protection provided for wires and cables, etc.?
3.  Has an emergency communications plan been developed?

By conducting regular security audits and using a comprehensive security audit checklist, hotel security managers or teams can maintain a safe and secure environment for all guests and staff. The security audit helps to identify areas that need improvement, and the necessary steps can be taken to address any security gaps or weaknesses.