When it comes to physical security, getting the right advice can mean the difference between a well-protected asset and a costly oversight. In a market filled with vendors, installers, and equipment providers, more organisations are turning to consulting security professionals to help them navigate risk with clarity and confidence.
But what does security consulting actually involve? And why is independent advice such a powerful tool for councils, facility managers, commercial operators, and government clients?
This article explains what consulting security means, what it includes, and how working with a security consultant can help your organisation make smarter, safer decisions without vendor pressure.
What Is Consulting Security?
Consulting security is the process of engaging an independent expert to assess, advise, and guide the physical security strategies of an organisation. Unlike product-based services, security consultants offer impartial advice based on your specific needs, vulnerabilities, and operational context.
At its core, a consulting security service is about identifying risks, recommending realistic controls, and supporting your organisation in making informed, future-proofed decisions.
At Smartsec Security Solutions, we provide independent security consulting in Perth and across WA, with a focus on risk-based, standards-aligned solutions that work in the real world — not just on paper.
Who Needs a Security Consultant?
Security consultants are not just for large organisations or high-risk environments. Many of our clients are councils, commercial property managers, schools, universities, and even event organisers who want confidence in their site’s safety, compliance, and risk posture.
Some common triggers for engaging a consulting security expert include:
- You’re planning a new development, park, or public space and need CPTED input
- You’re facing ongoing vandalism, anti-social behaviour, or crime
- You’re unsure if your CCTV or access control system is effective
- You’ve had a critical incident or near miss and want a professional review
- You’re seeking grant funding or budget approval and need formal documentation
- You want to make security decisions without relying on salespeople
In all these situations, working with an independent consultant can bring clarity, reduce liability, and improve outcomes.
What Does a Consulting Security Engagement Include?
While every project is tailored, Smartsec’s consulting security services generally follow a structured approach designed around ISO 31000:2018 and relevant Australian Standards.
Here’s what’s typically included:
Initial Discovery and Briefing
We begin by understanding your organisation, site, and current concerns. This may include a stakeholder briefing, review of incident reports, and discussion of what outcomes you’re seeking from the security review.
Site Inspection and Risk Identification
Our consultants conduct an on-site walk-through, during both day and night (if required), to identify vulnerabilities. We assess:
- Entry and exit points
- Perimeter fencing and barriers
- Lighting conditions and sightlines
- CCTV placement and blind spots
- Landscape design and environmental risk factors
Where necessary, we benchmark against standards like AS/NZS 1158 for lighting or ISO 22343-1 for hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM).
Review of Existing Systems
We evaluate your current physical security infrastructure — including:
- CCTV and surveillance systems
- Access control and alarm systems
- Control room operations (if applicable)
- Staffing, patrols, and procedures
This helps determine whether your current setup meets operational needs or presents hidden risks.
Risk Assessment and Prioritisation
Using the ISO 31000 framework, we rate the risks by likelihood and consequence. This allows us to focus on the areas that matter most and ensures your resources are allocated efficiently.
Practical, Standards-Aligned Recommendations
Our advice is unbiased. We do not sell products, so you can trust our recommendations are based on what’s best for you — not what generates commission. Recommendations might include:
- Optimising or repositioning existing cameras
- Improving access control policies or gate layouts
- Lighting upgrades to meet compliance and improve safety
- CPTED strategies to deter unwanted behaviour
- Bollard planning in accordance with ISO 22343-1 for high-profile spaces
Comprehensive Reporting
You’ll receive a formal report that documents the assessment findings, risk analysis, and practical next steps. This can be used for:
- Internal planning and budgeting
- Grant applications
- Council or executive briefings
- Insurance or compliance records
Our reports are professional, easy to read, and aligned with best practice.
Benefits of Hiring a Security Consultant
Bringing in a consulting security expert isn’t just about compliance — it’s about making smart, forward-thinking decisions that protect your people, reputation, and investment.
Key benefits include:
- Independent advice: No product sales, no pressure — just guidance you can trust
- Reduced liability: Identify risks before they result in harm or claims
- Optimised investment: Avoid over-engineered or underperforming solutions
- Stronger documentation: Get the reports and evidence you need to justify decisions
- Improved public confidence: Safer, well-designed spaces build trust with your community or clients
For many of our clients, these benefits result in significant cost savings and long-term improvements to operational safety.
Real-World Examples
Our consulting security work has helped dozens of organisations across Western Australia achieve real outcomes:
- A public space with recurring anti-social behaviour was redesigned using CPTED principles, lighting improvements, and passive surveillance — reducing complaints and improving usage
- A shopping centre saved tens of thousands by upgrading their CCTV strategy instead of replacing the entire system, based on our recommendations
- A council preparing a new park development used our CPTED and HVM advisory to meet grant requirements and reduce long-term risks before construction even began
- A commercial facility experiencing after-hours break-ins improved their access control and perimeter strategy, preventing further incidents
These examples reflect our approach — practical, independent, and aligned with both compliance and community outcomes.
Why Work With Smartsec Security Solutions?
Smartsec Security Solutions is a Perth-based independent security consultancy with over 17 years of experience. We don’t sell or install equipment, which means our advice is focused solely on what’s right for you. Our services are ideal for councils, FM providers, property managers, developers, and anyone seeking expert, unbiased guidance.
We’re qualified in:
- Security risk management
- CPTED and urban safety planning
- Control room compliance (AS 2201.2)
- Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (ISO 22343)
- Lighting and environment safety audits
Our goal is to help you make decisions with clarity — and without pressure.
Conclusion: Consulting Security Is the Smarter Choice
If you’re managing physical security for any type of asset — whether a public space, private facility, or community building — working with a security consultant gives you the insight and confidence to act. In a world where risks are evolving and pressure to get it right is high, consulting security services offer a strategic edge.
With independent guidance, risk-aligned planning, and a focus on real outcomes, Smartsec Security Solutions helps you build safer, more resilient environments — without the noise.
