Security Honor Roll - Brian Haley sows seeds of effective security at Dow AgroSciences

Sep 1, 1998 12:00 PM, GEORGE PARTINGTON

           

Name a job, Brian Haley can manage it. Construction and maintenance manager? Haley was one during the 1980s for Federated Department Stores and Allied Department Stores. Project engineering manager? Haley filled the position for Dow Brands, a consumer products division of Dow Chemical, from 1989 to 1992. Security manager? Haley stepped into that role in 1992 with Dow AgroSciences, also a division of the Dow Chemical Company. Since the company had no security department, Haley was charged with building one from scratch. "When you build something from the ground up, you have no one but yourself to blame if it doesn't fly when you're done," he says. "I have been very fortunate to be able to surround myself with an excellent team of professionals. We get a lot accomplished with what we have, and we have always put a priority on having fun doing it." The lack of security experience did not prevent Haley from forming what Dow AgroSciences' site safety coordinator Kenneth Barnes calls a "cutting edge security/safety team." Haley has installed tight perimeter security, a proximity access control system and a CCTV system. He oversees a small, well-tuned guard staff, and he has taken on increased responsibilities; he is now the global manager of security for Dow AgroSciences. Haley set about learning by listening, watching and working with seasoned security professionals. "I've had the luxury of leaning on some wonderful people down at the Eli Lilly company (a former Dow partner)," he says. Local law enforcement officials also provided contacts that helped Haley get established on a broader scale, and he now has a network of security insiders he can turn to. As an example, he points to the recent crisis in Indonesia. Haley used his contacts in the area to get a Dow worker safely out of the country, which had taken a sudden turn toward dangerous civil unrest. "I had never been in a position where you needed that kind of network to lean on in your day-to-day job," he says. Luckily, Haley has found in the security business a network of professionals "that is, by far, the strongest of any field I've been in."

Starting anew The Dow AgroSciences site in Indianapolis covers 340 acres and includes 12 buildings. About 1,400 people work there. The 620,000-square-foot research and development center is the top priority, but headquarters for the division is also located on the campus, as are the division's administrative and support personnel. Haley's security program begins at the perimeter. Gates at three different locations allow employees automated access past the gate arms. No public traffic is allowed, which Haley says gives Dow AgroSciences a leg up on more public places. Visitors sign in at a manned visitor gate and receive a temporary visitor badge. Visitors proceed to the main reception area in the Employee Development Center building where they are announced to their host, who escorts them to the appropriate area. The buildings outside of the main lobby entrance are all on the same proximity reader system, so if a visitor gets turned around or if a stranger does get on the site, the buildings are secured. The system has been tested. "Sales people are really interesting; they are usually harmless in their intention other than to try to capture a sale, but they help us find the weak spots in our security system," notes the security manager.

The security frame of mind Haley views his security department as a service provider, rather than an enforcer. But he also wants employees to feel a sense of ownership of the security and safety processes. Getting people in the security frame of mind is an ongoing challenge. "You have to be a technician at communications; not a technician at enforcement," Haley notes. The security awareness also extends to contractors on site, such as the cleaning service. Haley's department works closely with contractors on screening and hiring processes. And they maintain a positive, "working partner" relationship. "We've been known to throw pizza parties to give some kind of recognition back to them," says Haley. He adds, "We've had issues, but knock on wood, we've had a good site. We haven't had a lot of major issues, and it is through awareness on the part of the end-user."

More projects One of Haley's biggest challenges is to stay on top of security issues at Dow AgroSciences' various global sites, and he is always looking to further establish his global network of information resources. Haley provides security guidance for Dow AgroSciences sites in Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Pakistan and Malaysia. Most of the sites do not have a person who works exclusively on security, says Haley. Haley is involved in projects outside of work, as well. He has been a leader in a group called Industry Partners for Safety Awareness that deals with the chemical safety and awareness for all of Marion County, the home of Dow AgroSciences. Haley started a pilot program on chemical safety awareness for local high schools. The experience has been rewarding for Haley, and so have presentations he has given for career day at local middle schools. Haley made it interesting by using some sophisticated security equipment. "Nothing holds the interest of eighth graders like CCTV equipment," he says. "I demonstrated some wireless equipment that immediately got their attention. The kids thought any career that could have toys like that was one they wanted to look at." When Haley is not involved in security endeavors, he enjoys family activities with his wife, son and three daughters. Those activities often take the form of home projects. Haley and crew built a room and a number of decks on the back of their former home, and are currently in the process of a major project: building a new home. "We have a contractor," notes Haley, "but we will do all the deck work and probably finish a lot of the inside work." He hopes this project will be finished in time for the Christmas holidays. Although construction projects are part of his professional background and still a pursuit, security is in Haley's blood. "Much to my surprise, security has been the most intriguing and exciting job I've had," he says.

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