If you have been following along with our series on security in the Cannabis Industry here at Sonitrol Security, then you know the importance of keeping employers, employees, the product itself, and personal information safe. In our recent blogs, we have discussed the following topics around the cannabis industry: legal requirements, security precautions, the importance of data security, security gone wrong, and securing the California Cannabis Industry. Today we want to share the importance of dispensary safety, particularly having a panic (or hold-up) button present inside of the building or easily accessible. Continue reading to learn more about what panic buttons do and why there is a need for them inside of marijuana dispensaries.
What is a Panic Button
Panic Buttons are a common electronic device used for security purposes that alerts authorities whenever its pressed for a threat of harm or danger. A panic button will typically set off an alarm either within the building or send an alert to a monitoring center. The alert can be sent to local law enforcement, security, or emergency assistance services. Although panic buttons are commonly used in schools, offices, stores, and other public places, we are seeing a rise in numbers and need of panic buttons in Marijuana Dispensaries.
Having panic buttons located inside of your place of business will give you not only a physical source of protection if you sense a threat or actual danger presents itself, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing you have a backup safety plan. When emergency strikes, it can be difficult to remember safety measures you would typically practice because fear can take over your instincts. Panic Buttons give you a way to call for help if a robbery or break-in occurs. It will likely go unnoticed that you even pressed the button and likely to keep you safer during an emergency.
Why Is There A Need for Hold-up Buttons For Dispensaries
As the marijuana industry continues to grow and the number of states that have legalized marijuana use rises, all employers, employees, and customers need to be aware of the risks and statistics of crime at dispensaries. A new study conducted at the University of Colorado Denver found an association between marijuana dispensaries and increased rates of crime and disorder. The study tested crime rate from 2012-2015 with both medical and recreational dispensaries in or near Denver neighborhoods and shortly after Colorado legalized retail sales of marijuana.
“We found that neighborhoods with one or more medical or recreational dispensary saw increased crime rates that were between 26 and 1,452% higher than in neighborhoods without any commercial marijuana activity,” notes Lorine A. Hughes, associate professor in the School of Public Affairs at the University of Colorado Denver, who led the study. “But we also found that the strongest associations between dispensaries and crime weakened significantly over time.” -Quote pulled from this article
It is found that drug and alcohol use, burglaries, thefts, and aggravated assaults, are associated with dispensaries- the most common being burglaries and thefts. If any of these crimes happened, wouldn’t you want to feel prepared and have a security system in place to keep you, the employees, and product safe? This is where the need for panic buttons in dispensaries comes in. It is always better to be safe than sorry, and whether you are a customer, employee, or employer at a dispensary, you want to feel protected if emergency strikes. Other emergency situations that may require the need for a panic button include: fires, injuries, medical emergencies, disorderly conduct, etc.
We hope that this blog will serve as a reminder of the importance of marijuana dispensary safety. Panic buttons are a safe and secure way to keep your business and employees protected from danger or harm’s way. Sonitrol wants to keep our customers and readers safe and secure no matter where you are located. Contact us today if need a Panic Button installed in your business or to see how we can assist your security needs.