Module 1: Security Overview

Understand Ohio's comprehensive security requirements designed to prevent diversion, ensure public safety, and maintain product integrity.

Why Security Matters

  • Legal Compliance: Security violations can result in immediate license suspension
  • Product Protection: Cannabis products are high-value targets
  • Public Safety: Preventing diversion to illegal markets
  • Employee Safety: Protecting staff from robbery attempts
  • Evidence Collection: Supporting investigations when incidents occur

⚠️ 24-Hour Repair Rule

Any security system failure must be repaired within 24 hours. This includes cameras, alarms, locks, or any other security equipment. Failure to meet this deadline is a major violation.

Core Security Components

🎥 Video Surveillance

  • 24/7 recording capability
  • 45-day retention minimum
  • Clear identification quality
  • Complete facility coverage

🔒 Access Control

  • Limited access areas
  • Electronic entry logs
  • Key card systems
  • Visitor management

🚨 Alarm Systems

  • Motion detection
  • Door/window sensors
  • Panic buttons
  • 24/7 monitoring

🏛️ Physical Security

  • Secure perimeter
  • Vault/safe requirements
  • Lighting standards
  • Window/door specifications

Regulatory Framework

Regulation Requirement Applies To
OAC 3796:2-2-05 Cultivator security All cultivation facilities
OAC 3796:3-2-05 Processor security All processing facilities
OAC 3796:6-3-16 Dispensary security All dispensaries
OAC 3796:4-2-04 Testing lab security All testing laboratories

Security Plan Requirements

Every facility must maintain a written security plan that includes:

  • Facility layout with camera positions
  • Alarm system specifications
  • Access control procedures
  • Emergency response protocols
  • Key personnel contact information
  • Law enforcement coordination plans

💡 Compliance Tip

Keep your security plan updated and easily accessible. Inspectors will request to see it, and any discrepancies between your plan and actual setup are violations.

Module 2: Camera System Specifications

Master the technical requirements for compliant video surveillance systems in Ohio cannabis facilities.

Minimum Camera Specifications

Specification Requirement Why It Matters
Frame Rate 30 FPS minimum Smooth motion capture
Resolution 9600 DPI still photo capability Clear identification
Color Full color required Better identification
Date/Time Stamp Embedded on all recordings Evidence integrity
Low Light Adequate for 24/7 recording Night visibility

Recording System Requirements

  • Storage Capacity: Minimum 45 days continuous recording
  • Backup Power: Must operate during power outages
  • Failure Notification: Alert within 5 minutes of system failure
  • Remote Access: Ability to view footage off-site
  • Export Capability: Provide footage to law enforcement

✅ Best Practice: Storage Calculation

To calculate storage needs:

  • Number of cameras × resolution × frame rate × 45 days
  • Add 20% buffer for safety
  • Consider compression rates (H.264 vs H.265)
  • Plan for future camera additions

Camera Types and Applications

🔴 Dome Cameras

Best for: Indoor areas, retail floors

  • Vandal-resistant
  • Wide viewing angle
  • Discreet appearance

📦 Bullet Cameras

Best for: Perimeter, long distances

  • Weather-resistant
  • Visible deterrent
  • Focused coverage

🌐 PTZ Cameras

Best for: Large areas, active monitoring

  • Pan, tilt, zoom capability
  • Track movement
  • Operator control

System Architecture

Typical Setup Components:

  1. IP Cameras: Connected via ethernet cables
  2. PoE Switch: Powers cameras and handles data
  3. NVR System: Records and manages footage
  4. Monitoring Station: Live viewing displays
  5. Backup UPS: Uninterruptible power supply
  6. Network Security: Firewall and encryption

⚠️ Common Technical Violations

  • Cameras recording at less than 30 FPS
  • Black and white only recording
  • Incorrect or drifting timestamps
  • Insufficient storage (less than 45 days)
  • No backup power system

Quality Assurance Checklist

📋 Weekly Camera Checks:

  • Verify all cameras are recording
  • Check image quality and focus
  • Confirm date/time accuracy
  • Test night vision capability
  • Clean camera lenses
  • Verify storage capacity remaining
  • Test playback functionality
  • Check failure notification system

Module 3: Camera Coverage Requirements

Learn exactly where cameras must be placed to meet Ohio's comprehensive coverage requirements.

Mandatory Coverage Areas

🎬 Required Camera Locations:

Location Coverage Requirement Key Details
All Entry/Exit Points Clear facial identification Both interior and exterior views
Point of Sale Areas Transaction visibility Customer and employee visible
Storage/Vault Areas Complete coverage No blind spots allowed
Processing Areas All work surfaces Package creation visible
Cultivation Rooms All plants visible Entry points mandatory
Waste Areas Disposal activities Clear view of destruction
Loading Areas Transfer activities Vehicle and personnel visible
Perimeter Complete fence line Overlapping coverage

Coverage Standards

👥 Identification Standard

Cameras must capture images clear enough to identify all individuals at:

  • Entry and exit points
  • Point of sale locations
  • Areas where cannabis is handled

📦 Activity Standard

Cameras must clearly show:

  • All product movements
  • Package label details
  • Scale readings
  • Cash handling

Facility-Specific Requirements

🏪 Dispensary Additional Requirements:

  • Waiting room coverage
  • Consultation areas (privacy compliant)
  • ATM machines
  • Display cases from multiple angles

🌱 Cultivation Additional Requirements:

  • Mother plant rooms
  • Clone/propagation areas
  • Drying rooms
  • Trimming stations

🧪 Processing Additional Requirements:

  • Extraction equipment
  • Packaging lines
  • Lab testing areas
  • Chemical storage

Blind Spot Analysis

🔍 How to Identify Blind Spots:

  1. Create facility map with camera locations
  2. Draw coverage cones for each camera
  3. Identify areas without coverage
  4. Walk the facility checking views
  5. Test with multiple people moving
  6. Document and address gaps

⚠️ Common Coverage Violations

  • Corners with no camera coverage
  • Cameras blocked by equipment or plants
  • Insufficient lighting for clear images
  • Cameras pointed at walls instead of activity areas
  • Missing coverage of secondary exits

Coverage Documentation

Maintain these documents for inspections:

  • Camera Layout Diagram: Shows all camera positions and coverage areas
  • Camera Inventory: List of all cameras with specifications
  • Coverage Verification: Signed attestation of complete coverage
  • Blind Spot Analysis: Documentation of coverage review

Module 4: Access Controls & Alarm Systems

Implement comprehensive access control and alarm systems that meet Ohio's strict security requirements.

Access Control Requirements

🔒 Limited Access Areas (Employees Only):

  • Storage rooms and vaults
  • Cultivation areas
  • Processing rooms
  • Security equipment rooms
  • Office areas with records
  • Waste disposal areas

Access Control Systems

System Type Features Compliance Benefits
Key Card/Fob Electronic logs, easy deactivation Audit trail, quick termination
Biometric Fingerprint/facial recognition Cannot be shared or lost
PIN Codes Unique per employee Individual accountability
Dual Authentication Card + PIN or biometric Enhanced security for vaults

Visitor Management

👥 Required Visitor Protocols:

  1. Sign-In Process:
    • Government-issued ID verification
    • Purpose of visit documentation
    • Time in/out recording
    • Escort assignment
  2. Visitor Badges:
    • Clearly marked "VISITOR"
    • Temporary and dated
    • Must be visible at all times
    • Returned upon exit
  3. Restricted Areas:
    • No unescorted access
    • Limited to necessary areas only
    • No access to storage/vault
    • Continuous supervision required

Alarm System Requirements

🚨 Mandatory Alarm Components:

Motion Detectors
  • All limited access areas
  • After-hours activation
  • Pet-immune sensors
Door/Window Sensors
  • All exterior openings
  • Vault/safe doors
  • Emergency exits
Glass Break Detectors
  • Storefront windows
  • Display cases
  • Vulnerable entry points
Panic Buttons
  • Each register/POS
  • Manager offices
  • Vault areas

Alarm Monitoring

📡 24/7 Professional Monitoring Required:

  • Licensed alarm company
  • Direct law enforcement notification
  • Multiple contact verification
  • Response time under 5 minutes
  • Regular testing protocols

💡 Compliance Tip: Response Procedures

Create and post alarm response procedures including:

  • Designated employees for alarm company callbacks
  • Password/passcode list (secured)
  • False alarm prevention protocols
  • Law enforcement coordination plan

Key Control

🔑 Physical Key Requirements:

  • Key Inventory: Numbered and logged
  • Distribution Log: Who has which keys
  • Restricted Duplication: "Do Not Duplicate" keys
  • Collection Process: Upon termination
  • Regular Audits: Quarterly key inventory

Emergency Procedures

Scenario Immediate Response Follow-Up
Intrusion alarm Do not enter, await police Full inventory, report filing
Panic button Lock down, police response Witness statements, footage
System failure Physical security increase 24-hour repair requirement
Lost access card Immediate deactivation Reissue with new code

Module 5: Security System Maintenance & Compliance

Maintain your security systems at peak performance and ensure ongoing compliance with Ohio regulations.

Maintenance Schedule

📅 Required Maintenance Activities:

Frequency Task Documentation
Daily Visual camera check, alarm panel status Daily log sheet
Weekly Camera lens cleaning, footage review Maintenance checklist
Monthly Full system test, access log audit Test reports
Quarterly Professional inspection, updates Service records
Annually Complete system evaluation Annual certification

The 24-Hour Rule

⚠️ Critical Compliance Requirement

Any security equipment failure must be repaired within 24 hours. This includes:

  • Non-functioning cameras
  • Recording system failures
  • Alarm system malfunctions
  • Access control problems
  • Power backup failures

During the 24-hour period: Implement compensating controls such as additional staff, physical locks, or temporary guards.

Vendor Management

🔧 Security Vendor Best Practices:

  • Pre-Approval: Vet all service providers
  • 24/7 Availability: Emergency repair capability
  • Background Checks: All technicians cleared
  • Escort Required: Never leave vendors unattended
  • Work Documentation: Detailed service reports

Common Maintenance Issues

🎥 Camera Problems
  • Foggy or dirty lenses
  • Sun glare interference
  • Network connectivity
  • Focus drift over time
💾 Storage Issues
  • Hard drive failures
  • Insufficient capacity
  • Corrupted recordings
  • Overwrite settings
🔋 Power Problems
  • UPS battery degradation
  • Power surge damage
  • Insufficient runtime
  • Generator failures

Compliance Documentation

📁 Required Security Records (3-Year Retention):

  • Daily security check logs
  • Maintenance and repair records
  • Alarm activation reports
  • Access control logs
  • Visitor sign-in sheets
  • Security incident reports
  • Employee training records
  • System test documentation

Security Audit Checklist

🔍 Monthly Self-Audit Items:

  • All cameras operational and recording
  • 45+ days of footage available
  • Time/date stamps accurate
  • Alarm system fully functional
  • All panic buttons tested
  • Access logs reviewed for anomalies
  • Visitor logs complete and filed
  • 24-hour repair documentation current
  • Employee access list updated
  • Security plan matches reality

✅ Best Practice: Security Metrics

Track these KPIs monthly:

  • System uptime percentage (target: 99.9%)
  • Average repair response time
  • False alarm frequency
  • Security incident count
  • Training completion rate

🎓 Course Complete!

You've mastered Ohio's security and surveillance requirements! Key takeaways:

  • Security is non-negotiable - violations risk your license
  • The 24-hour repair rule has zero tolerance
  • Documentation proves your compliance
  • Regular maintenance prevents violations
  • Your security system protects your business investment