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Memo: New Corporate Security Framework (May 21, 2024)
Date: May 21, 2024
To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Kim Ayotte, General Manager, Emergency and Protective Services
This memo serves to inform Members of Council of the recently established Corporate Security Framework.
Background
In 2019, the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) conducted an audit evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of the governance, internal controls, and risk management practices related to physical security management. The audit highlighted areas where there were opportunities for the City’s Corporate Security Program to improve, including through the development of a Corporate Security Policy.
The Corporate Security Program prioritized all audit recommendations that presented potential operational risk (e.g., improvements to the Photo Identification Card and Access Control Systems) and then began working on the ones that would be best addressed through the development of an over-arching new policy or framework.
Since 2019, the City’s security context has changed. The pandemic, the Convoy Protest, and the housing and homelessness crisis are some of the contributing factors. The current and evolving operating context has been taken into account in the development of this new Corporate Security Framework.
Update
Aligned with industry best practices and standards, the new Corporate Security Framework aims to provide appropriate oversight for the City's physical security measures and fulfills several outstanding OAG audit recommendations.
The Framework provides a formal governance structure for the Corporate Security Program and confirms senior management's support and participation in security risk management and awareness initiatives. It does not change the day-to-day operations of the Corporate Security Program nor does it delve into specific security processes, procedures or standards.
Vision and mission:
The Framework articulates the vision of the Corporate Security Program, which is to provide a safe, secure and inclusive environment for all persons at City facilities. Its mission is to anticipate, understand and address the evolving physical security needs at City facilities through the assessment of security risks, and the application of reasonable risk management strategies.
Development process:
Extensive groundwork, including an academic literature review, analysis of established security standards, and benchmarking against similar municipalities, has underpinned the Framework's development. Approval of the strategic direction and governance structure by the Senior Leadership Team in February 2024 was followed by consultations with all City departments to ensure inclusivity and stakeholder input, with particular attention to equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations.
Next Steps
The Corporate Security Framework will be accessible on the City's Policies and Procedures SharePoint page. Staff will be informed of the new Framework through articles in the Management Bulletin and In The Loop during the week of May 27.
Questions on the new Framework or on the City’s Corporate Security Program can be directed to Beth Gooding, Director, Public Safety Service.
Respectfully,
Kim Ayotte
General Manager
Emergency and Protective Services
cc:
Wendy Stephanson, City Manager
Senior Leadership Team
Andrea Lanthier-Seymour, Chief Communications Officer
Beth Gooding, Director, Public Safety Service
Michele Rochette, Manager, CMO Administration
Carole Legault, Program Manager, Council and Committee Services
Danyelle Belanger, Program Manager, Council Support Services