Physical security isn’t just about locks, screens, and barriers. It’s about how people interact with these measures, how they respond to them, and how they influence behaviour. From banks to retail stores and public sector buildings to education centres, the most effective security solutions understand and work with human psychology rather than against it.
When security measures are poorly implemented, the impact on business can be significant. Staff might feel isolated from customers, visitors may feel unwelcome, and legitimate users of a space might avoid it altogether. Conversely, well-designed security can increase footfall, improve staff retention, and create environments where people naturally contribute to their own safety through appropriate use of space and increased awareness.
Security measures can deter crime before it happens. Take retail environments, where shop theft has reached record highs and organised crime syndicates frequently target high-value goods. The presence of security screens at till points and counters serves as a visible reminder of protection, often deterring potential offenders.
In 2023, Tesco rolled out hundreds of safety screens in Express stores and petrol station kiosks across the UK. These screens, which enclose vulnerable areas and stand above head height, protect staff against assault while deterring theft of high-value items like alcohol and other products kept behind counters.
The concept of ‘defensible space‘ plays a key role here. Well-designed security measures create clear boundaries between public and private areas, establishing zones that are visibly protected and monitored. This might include thoughtful use of lighting, clear sight lines, and strategic positioning of service points.
In retail environments, for example, wide aisles with good visibility combine with CCTV and security screens to create spaces that feel open yet secure. When potential offenders can see that a space is secured and well-monitored, they’re less likely to attempt criminal activity.
Security measures affect not just potential offenders, but everyone who interacts with a space. The challenge lies in making people feel protected without making them feel threatened.
Well-designed entrance areas can create a positive first impression while maintaining security. Clear sight lines, appropriate lighting, and thoughtfully positioned security measures help users understand and navigate spaces confidently. Even high-security environments can feel welcoming when access points are clearly marked, and security measures are integrated naturally into the building’s design.
The positioning of security personnel, the visibility of access control systems, and the overall layout of entrance areas all influence how people perceive and interact with a space. When security measures are well-integrated into a building’s design, they can actually enhance user confidence rather than create anxiety.
Let’s examine how different environments address their unique security challenges:
Retail
In retail environments, security measures must protect staff and stock without creating barriers to shopping. Modern security screens are designed to be unobtrusive while still providing protection. As seen in Tesco’s rollout of safety screens in Express stores and petrol station kiosks, they protect high-value items and staff while maintaining clear sight lines and easy communication with customers.
Banking
Banks require the highest levels of security while maintaining customer confidence. Safetell’s project with Northern Bank’s Leeds head office demonstrates how this can be achieved. Its enhanced door automation system provides security while ensuring easy access for all users, including those with mobility needs. The system protects without creating an intimidating atmosphere. The bank’s consideration of similar systems across multiple locations shows the success of this approach.
Healthcare
Healthcare environments, particularly areas like A&E departments, present unique security challenges. Reception areas often feature protective screens, creating a safer environment for staff managing high-stress situations. CCTV throughout facilities helps monitor activity while reassuring staff and visitors. The challenge in healthcare settings lies in maintaining safety without compromising care. Security measures must protect staff while keeping spaces welcoming and accessible for patients seeking treatment. This is especially important in emergency departments, where clear communication between staff and patients is essential.
Public buildings
Public buildings face the challenge of remaining open and welcoming while providing necessary protection. Safetell’s collaboration with Metropolitan Police shows how flexible security measures can adapt to different situations. Interview rooms feature security shields that can be raised or lowered as needed, allowing staff to adjust security levels based on circumstances while maintaining a generally welcoming environment. This flexibility means spaces can transform from open and welcoming to highly secure when required, without permanently altering their fundamental character.
Effective security design considers human behaviour at every stage. Key principles include:
Visible but not intimidating: Security measures should be noticeable enough to deter crime but not so overwhelming that they create anxiety.
Flexible and adaptable: Systems like movable security shields allow spaces to adjust their security level based on need.
Clear boundaries: Well-designed security measures create obvious but not oppressive distinctions between public and private spaces.
User-friendly operation: Security systems should be intuitive to use, reducing stress for both staff and visitors.
Materials and aesthetics: Modern security installations use materials and finishes that blend with their environment while maintaining their protective function.
Appropriate lighting: Well-designed lighting enhances both security and user comfort, making spaces feel safe rather than threatening.
When people feel protected but not restricted, they’re more likely to use spaces as intended and even contribute to their security through natural surveillance and appropriate use. The key is finding the right balance for each environment – whether it’s a retail store that needs to remain welcoming while protecting staff and stock or a bank that must maintain the highest security standards while ensuring customer comfort.
Success lies in understanding how people interact with security measures and designing systems that protect while promoting positive behaviour. This approach not only enhances security but also creates spaces where people feel genuinely safe rather than merely guarded.