The RWRD Security Scorecard Project: A Low‐cost, Effective Method of Enhancing Security Culture

Abstract

This article discusses an effort at Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department (RWRD) in Arizona to achieve staff partnership as it tightened security at wastewater facilities and offices. One of the defined objectives of the security project was to change the “security culture” within the department. This change required motivating approximately 550 staff members at 20 RWRD locations to have a greater investment in site security. The change in security culture was created, in part, through nontraditional means. Education and policy change provided a traditional foundation, but most of the improvement was accomplished using a competitive strategy of a “security scorecard” that provided a security grade for each site. The article discusses the security scorecard pilot project at RWRD, the initial security goals that were established, security improvements over time, additional security recommendations from an outside consulting company, and the importance of employee buy‐in.