Protecting Casino Policies and Procedures
Wednesday, October 6th, 2010
It is vital that Surveillance Department employees implement the policies and procedures for their position set forth by the casino into their daily routine. This typically includes the correct handling of confidential information in written reports as well as verbal conversations regardless of their level. If information is leaked, this can be embarrassing for the department and potentially result in harm to other employees, patrons or the company.
Therefore, the primary purpose of surveillance is to protect the assets of the organization and eliminate potential liabilities. The Surveillance Department serves two functions including:
- Observe, document and report violations
- Increase awareness of the department
Observing, documenting and reporting violations is effective for upholding local, state and federal laws as well as the corporate policies and procedures. Also, by being cognizant that someone is watching and recording the actions of all patrons, this provides a deterrent from potential violators.
Catching a thief is effective but preventing one prior to an act being committed is tremendously valuable. A well-trained, effective Surveillance Department prevents cheating, theft and other inappropriate activity by sheer reputation. Since most observation is conducted through closed-circuit television and floor surveillance, effective departments have all the tools necessary to be vigilant.
There are many other tools besides training and equipment that can help employees uphold the casino’s policies and procedures. These include:
click here to see most Popular Pages- Documented procedures for all departments
- Effective communication with other departments
- 24/7 communication with the Director of Surveillance
- Positive rapport between Supervisors and Security Managers
- Effective communication with other casinos
- Proper utilization of security personnel
- Files of known offenders
- Information on casino operations
In addition to these critical tools, there are a few labor saving tools including:
- Computerized documentation of all employees
- Staff identification badges that can be read by a camera
- Full departmental schedules
The objective of surveillance is to protect the assets of a casino and prevent liabilities from taking place. This is accomplished through observation, proper documentation and reporting. Also, by creating a crack team of surveillance operators, the department can become one, “not to be reckoned with” in the casino industry. The best surveillance tool of all is prevention.
By nature, the Surveillance Department observes to prevent harm to patrons, staff and casino property. Through teamwork and effective communication with other departments, casinos and patrons, the goals of protection and prevention can be achieved.



