IMPROVING YOUR DEALERSHIP SECURITY

Abstract

Dealership security is a critical component of our nation’s overall security initiative. It is clearly evident from the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City that agricultural products can be used for terrorist activities. This event put the agricultural industry in the spotlight and required an appropriate response. Retail dealerships are not immune to terrorist activities, including theft, although many are located in remote areas of the country. The agricultural industry is responding through the efforts of many organizations including CropLife America, The Fertilizer Institute, Agricultural Retailers Association, individual state associations, and federal and state agencies. The agricultural industry was addressing security issues prior to September 11 (9/11). This is primarily due to the theft of anhydrous ammonia for the manufacture of methamphetamine. Dealerships were taking steps to improve security for their respective facilities and customers. After 9/11, this heightened awareness was compounded by the fact that other agricultural products could potentially be used for terrorist activities. Fortunately, dealerships were offered assistance from many sources. These sources included agencies suc