Running a physical security audit helps you spot weak points before they turn into real problems. Whether you're overseeing a single site or managing several, a good audit keeps your people, property, and operations safer. It also gives you something solid to show clients, insurance providers, or compliance inspectors when questions come up.

In this article, we’ll cover: 

• What a physical site security audit is and why it matters
• Who needs it, and when should you run it
• Preparing for an audit
• Physical security audit checklist

Let’s start by discussing what physical security audits are.

What is a physical security audit?

A physical security audit is a full walkthrough of your site to check how well your security setup actually works. It looks at things like locks, cameras, lighting, alarms, patrol coverage, and access control, and also looks at whether the people and policies behind those systems are doing their job.

You’re not just checking for broken gear, you’re making sure post orders are being followed, patrols are being done, and nothing’s slipping through the cracks. It’s about confirming that what’s supposed to happen is really happening.

Unlike a building security risk assessment, which focuses on what could go wrong in the future, a physical security audit focuses on your current setup. It helps you figure out what’s working, what’s missing, and what needs to be fixed. This kind of audit helps you spot weak spots before they turn into big problems. It also gives you something solid to show clients, insurers, or regulators if questions come up.

Why are regular physical security audits important? 

You can have cameras, guards, and access control, but if no one’s checking whether those things are working like they should, problems slip through. Regular physical security audits help you stay on top of weak spots before they lead to theft, injuries, or liability headaches.

Here’s what they help you do:

• Identify blind spots before they become incidents: Catching blind spots early can stop a real issue down the line, whether it’s a camera pointed the wrong way, a broken gate sensor, or something else.
  
• Stay ahead of insurance and regulatory expectations: Many insurers and agencies want proof that you’re reviewing your site regularly. Audits give you that paper trail.
  
• Improve emergency preparedness and response: Audits often uncover missing signage, outdated evacuation plans, or equipment that’s not easy to find when it counts.
  
• Reduce liability in the event of theft or injury: If something happens, having recent audit documentation can show you took steps to keep the site secure.
  
• Protect people, property, and reputation: At the end of the day, that’s what this is really about — keeping your site safe and your name out of trouble.

Who should conduct a security audit?

You’ve got a few good options when it comes to who runs your security audit. The right fit depends on your team, your setup, and what kind of documentation you need. Here are your options:

• Internal safety or facilities teams: If you’ve got trained staff who know the layout, protocols, and past issues, they can often handle basic audits in-house. This works well for regular checkups or smaller properties.
  
• Third-party security consultants: These folks bring an outside perspective. They’re more likely to spot issues your team has stopped noticing and can give unbiased reports. This is a good option for high-risk sites or when you want a full reset.
  
• Private security firms: If you already have a guard company, they may offer client-facing audits as part of their service. This is especially helpful if you need documentation for insurance or legal reviews.

When should you run a physical security audit?

You don’t need to wait for a perfect moment. The best time to start is when you’re ready to find out what’s really happening on-site and take action from there.

Here are the best times to run a physical security audit:

• Annual reviews: Once a year is a solid baseline for most properties. It helps catch slow-building issues and keeps your documentation fresh. You can also choose to do it more often if you really want to make sure nothing goes wrong.
  
• Post-incident: After a break-in, injury, or major security concern, an audit helps figure out what failed and what needs to change right away. This allows you to figure out how you can improve your physical security measures and update your policies.
  
• Before a new contract or insurance renewal: If you’re bidding for a new client or trying to lower your security company insurance cost, a recent audit helps show you're prepared and serious.
  
• During staffing changes or post expansions: Any time you move people around, open a new wing, or add new posts, your risk profile changes. Audits help you adjust to that shift as needed.

How to prepare for a security audit

A good audit doesn’t start on the day someone walks the property. The more prepared you are going in, the more helpful the results will be coming out.

Here’s how to get ready:

• Gather previous reports, post orders, and incident logs: Look at the last audit (if you have one), review current security post orders, and pull any recent incident reporting data. This gives you a clear picture of what’s been working and what hasn’t.
  
• Know your local codes and insurance requirements: Check if there are fire code rules, licensing updates, or insurer demands you need to factor in. These can often change and catch people off guard.
  
• Identify your goals: Are you doing this audit to meet insurance needs, prepare for a new client, or fix recurring issues? Knowing what you’re after helps shape what to focus on.
  
• Involve the right stakeholders: Bring in whoever’s responsible for safety, HR, legal, or daily operations. They’ll help flag blind spots and follow up on whatever comes out of the audit.

Security audit example checklist: What to review

You don’t need to overthink a security audit, but you do need to be thorough. Missing one bad lock or a dark hallway can lead to big problems later. This checklist is meant to help you cover every area of your property, from the parking lot to the panic buttons.

Some of these checks are physical, like doors, lights, and cameras. Others are about procedures — are guards doing their rounds? Are visitors being logged? Whether you’re handling this in-house or hiring a consultant, this list keeps you focused and helps you build a clear report at the end.

Here’s what to review during your physical security audit:

1. Perimeter and exterior security

Start from the outside in. The perimeter is your first line of defense, so it needs to be solid, not just in structure, but in visibility and control. Here’s what to check on the exterior of your property:

• Fencing and gates: Are they in good shape with no gaps, rust, or weak spots?
  
• Landscaping visibility: Can you clearly see around shrubs and corners, or could someone hide there?
  
• Parking lot lighting: Are lights working, evenly spaced, and bright enough at night?
  
• Parking surveillance: Are cameras covering every entry, exit, and blind spot?
  
• Entry/exit point control: Can you monitor or restrict who comes through gates and exterior doors?
  
• Exterior signage: Are rules, warnings, and restricted access areas clearly marked?

2. Doors, windows, and locks

Once someone gets past the perimeter, your next defense is everything with a hinge or lock. This part of the audit looks at how secure your access points really are and whether the right people have the right keys, badges, or codes.

Here’s what to check for doors, windows, and locks:

• Door strength and reinforcement: Are exterior doors solid and reinforced against forced entry?
  
• Window access points: Are ground-level windows locked, shatter-resistant, or alarmed?
  
• Lock functionality: Do all locks work properly, or are there doors that don’t close or latch securely?
  
• Key tracking: Is there a record of who has physical keys or master access?
  
• Badge or PIN access logs: Are entry logs being tracked and reviewed regularly?
  
• Emergency exits: Are exits accessible, clearly marked, and not blocked or alarmed incorrectly?

3. Surveillance and monitoring systems

Cameras won’t help much if they’re pointing at the wrong spot, not recording, or too blurry to see anything. This part of the audit focuses on visibility, coverage, and how well your footage is being stored and accessed when needed.

Here’s what to check for surveillance and monitoring systems:

• Camera placement: Are all key areas covered, including entrances, exits, and blind spots?
  
• Uptime and functionality: Are all cameras working, recording, and connected to the system?
  
• Image quality: Is the resolution high enough to clearly identify people and license plates?
  
• Storage and retention: Is footage stored securely and for a long enough period?
  
• Access controls: Who can view, download, or delete footage — and is that access logged?
  
• Blind spot review: Are there any areas with limited or no coverage that should be addressed?

4. Alarm and intrusion systems

Alarms are there to catch what your guards or cameras might miss, but they only work if they’re set up right and tested regularly. This part of the audit checks whether your system is reliable and gives you enough warning to respond fast.

Here’s what to check for alarm and intrusion systems:

• Alarm functionality: Are all alarm zones working and tested on a regular schedule?
  
• False alarm frequency: Are there patterns of false alarms, and have they been investigated?
  
• Panic button access: Are panic buttons easy to reach and clearly marked?
  
• Notification systems: Are alarms tied to alerts by text, email, or dispatch systems?
  
• Entry and exit delays: Are the delay settings appropriate for each entry point?
  
• Sensor coverage: Are door, window, and motion sensors installed where they’re actually needed?

5. Interior access control

Once someone gets inside, you still need ways to control where they can go. This part of the audit focuses on how well your interior spaces are secured, especially sensitive or restricted areas.

Here’s what to check for interior access control:

• Reception visibility: Can front desk staff clearly see who’s coming in and where they’re going?
  
• Visitor protocols: Are visitors signed in, badged, and escorted if needed?
  
• Access levels: Are sensitive areas like server rooms or cash handling rooms properly restricted?
  
• Badge or fob logs: Are entry records reviewed regularly to spot unusual patterns?
  
• Internal door controls: Do doors between departments or restricted zones require extra clearance?
  
• After-hours access: Is access limited or logged during off-hours?

6. Security staff and patrols

Your guards are the front line. If they’re not following post instructions, logging their rounds, or reporting issues on time, the whole system starts to fall apart.

Here’s what to check for security staff and patrols:

• Post order compliance: Are guards following the correct instructions for each site and shift?
  
• Patrol routes and logs: Are patrols being done consistently, and are the routes clearly outlined?
  
• Shift accountability: Are guards showing up on time, clocking in and out, and completing their assigned duties?
  
• Incident reporting: Are reports being filed as things happen, or is important information getting lost?
  
• Supervision and follow-up: Are supervisors checking logs and holding guards accountable for what happens on shift?
  
• Coverage consistency: Are there any posts or shifts that regularly go without coverage or get last-minute fill-ins?

7. Lighting and visibility

Poor lighting makes it easier for someone to sneak around unnoticed, and harder for guards or cameras to do their job. This part of the audit checks how well-lit your property is at all hours.

Here’s what to check for lighting and visibility:

• Lighting coverage: Are parking lots, walkways, entrances, and blind spots well-lit?
  
• Sensor functionality: Do motion sensors trigger lights consistently when someone passes by?
  
• Bulb condition: Are lights working, or are there any outages that need to be fixed?
  
• Night vs. day conditions: Are there areas that look fine in daylight but become problem spots at night?
  
• Emergency lighting: Are backup lights in place and working in case of a power outage?
  
• Lighting maintenance plan: Is there a system in place to check and replace bulbs regularly?

8. Emergency protocols and signage

When something goes wrong, clear signs and practiced responses can make all the difference. This part of the audit checks whether people know what to do, where to go, and how to get help in an emergency.

Here’s what to check for emergency protocols and signage:

• Evacuation plans: Are maps posted in visible locations and updated to match the current layout?
  
• Emergency contacts: Are important phone numbers clearly posted near phones and in high-traffic areas?
  
• Drill history: Are regular fire, lockdown, or evacuation drills being done and documented?
  
• Fire extinguishers: Are they easy to find, clearly labeled, and up to date?
  
• AED locations: Are defibrillators accessible, marked, and inspected regularly?
  
• First aid kits: Are they fully stocked and in known, reachable spots?

9. Training, policies, and documentation

Even the best equipment won’t matter if people don’t know what to do. This part of the audit looks at how well your team is trained, whether your policies are being followed, and if your paperwork is complete and current.

Here’s what to check for training, policies, and documentation:

• Guard certifications: Are all security staff trained and certified as required by your state or contract?
  
• Training records: Are training sessions logged, and are expiration dates being tracked?
  
• Policy updates: Are security policies reviewed and updated regularly based on site changes or past incidents?
  
• Use-of-force guidance: Are there clear rules on how to de-escalate situations or when to call for help?
  
• Last audit follow-ups: Were the issues found in your last audit resolved and documented properly?
  
• Documentation access: Are reports, licenses, and logs stored in one place and easy to access when needed?

Documenting and following up after an audit

What you do with the findings is what actually improves your security setup. If you don’t document issues clearly, assign them to the right people, and follow up, most of it ends up forgotten.

Here’s how to turn your audit into action:

• Structure your report: Group your findings by area, like exterior, access control, or guard coverage, and include notes, photos, or time stamps where needed.
  
• Prioritize by risk: Flag high-risk problems that need to be fixed right away (like a broken lock or missing emergency light), and separate them from low-risk issues that can wait.
  
• Assign ownership: Every issue should have someone responsible for fixing it. That might be your site manager, security contractor, or maintenance lead.
  
• Set deadlines and track progress: Use a simple dashboard or software tool to track which issues have been fixed and which ones are still pending. Without deadlines, things get forgotten.

Frequently asked questions

Who should perform a building security audit?

You can have your in-house safety or facilities team run the audit and your building security risk assessment, but many companies bring in third-party consultants or private security firms for an outside perspective. They’re more likely to catch gaps you’ve gotten used to or overlooked over time.

What is included in a physical security audit checklist?

A full audit checks the entire setup, including gates, locks, lights, surveillance, alarms, guard patrols, and security post orders. It’s also a chance to review procedures for visitors, deliveries, and emergency exits.

How often should a physical site security audit be done?

Once a year is a good starting point, but you’ll also want to do it after any major incident, staff change, or site expansion. It’s better to catch issues during an audit than during an emergency. An option is to set a schedule to do an audit quarterly or twice a year.

Is there a difference between a security audit and a risk assessment?

Yes. A physical security audit checks if your current systems, staff, and procedures are actually being followed, and it’s focused on what’s already in place. A risk assessment looks ahead to potential threats and weak spots, like unsecured entry points or a lack of backup power. It helps you plan how to reduce those risks before they become problems.

What tools are best for documenting security audits?

You can use spreadsheets and paper forms if you want to go old school, but that can get messy fast. It’s much easier to use software that lets you log findings, assign follow-ups, track status, and store everything in one place. Belfry handles all of that, plus it connects to your scheduling, patrols, and real-time incident reporting for better follow-through.

Can physical audits help lower insurance premiums?

They can. Insurers want to see that you’re keeping your property secure and handling issues fast. A well-run audit, paired with tools like security guard monitoring systems, helps you document that effort, which may lead to better insurance rates or coverage terms.

What are common failures found during security audits?

Some of the most common problems include broken locks, missing keys, poor lighting, dead cameras, or incomplete security post orders. You might also find gaps in patrol logs or guards not following check-in procedures.

How do I audit multiple buildings or facilities efficiently?

Stick to one master checklist so you’re reviewing the same things at every site. Use software to track which buildings passed or failed certain areas, and set deadlines for fixes. Belfry makes this easier by letting you manage guard performance, document follow-ups, and compare data across all locations. 

Can Belfry help manage post-audit guard operations?

Yes. If your audit uncovers issues like missed patrols, late arrivals, or weak reporting, Belfry helps you turn that into action. Supervisors can track real-time activity through the Bell Tower dashboard, verify patrols using NFC checkpoints, and review incident reports submitted from the mobile app. You can also document guard behavior over time and use built-in data for performance evaluations.

How to put your physical security audit into action with Belfry

Running a physical security audit gives you valuable insight, but it’s what you do next that really matters. If follow-ups live in scattered notes or don’t get tracked, problems will keep slipping through. That’s where the right tools can help turn findings into fixes.

Belfry was built to help security teams handle exactly this — not just spotting issues, but making sure they get resolved. Once your audit is complete, you can log corrective actions directly in the platform and assign them to the right people. Notes, supporting documents, or even incident photos can be attached to specific sites, posts, or shifts so everything stays organized. 

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Increased officer accountability: Belfry has GPS tracking and NFC-based guided tours to help you make sure your guards are adhering to their post orders. Geofencing alerts help alert you if a guard leaves their designated area.
• Digital incident reporting: Goodbye pen and paper — guards can more easily keep you up-to-date by sending digital incident reports through the Belfry mobile app. They can even attach any evidence if needed.
• Custom reporting: Need to create reports? Belfry allows you to design tailored reports, including incident documentation, patrol activities, and compliance status.
• Notify your team: When you update post orders or shift procedures, alerts go out to your guards automatically, so no one misses a change.

See how Belfry can help improve your operations. Schedule a Free Demo Today.