*****  Introduction to Business and Industrial Security and Loss Control. By Raymond P. Siljander; published by Charles C. Thomas Publisher, Ltd., www.ccthomas.com [1] (Web); 345 pages; $53.95.

This new version of Raymond P. Siljander’s original 1991 text is accurately described by its subtitle: A Primer for Business, Private Security, and Law Enforcement. The book covers all the security trade’s basic concepts, from locks and intrusion detection to executive protection and construction planning. The new text goes further, providing up-to-date information on terrorism and the impact of new laws such as the USA PATRIOT Act.

The final chapter on management and leadership is exceptional, pulling together all the concepts needed for effective, practical loss control, enabling the reader to understand how security concepts work in reality. The information demonstrates how loss control fits into overall business operations and affects profitability. The ideas presented about effective managers and leaders (with the help of several case analyses) could apply to any industry.

Information is well organized in an easy-to-read format with photos, graphs, and diagrams that allow the reader to visualize the material presented by the author. As an added value, there are useful appendices included in the book with information that readers will undoubtedly use again and again as reference material.

This is an excellent textbook for those beginning in the security profession who need a basic understanding of security and loss control fundamentals from a broad perspective. 

Reviewer: Marianna Perry, M.S., CPP, is a consultant and owner of Loss Prevention and Safety Management, LLC, specializing in education, training, and physical security assessments. She is an instructor at the University of Louisville’s National Crime Prevention Institute and a member of the ASIS Commercial Real Estate Council.

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