A security services agent monitors a live video feed and smart building dashboard, reporting on a potential threat to his team members.
In today’s world, it’s important to do everything possible to stay safe. With numerous random shootings at work and other venues, terrorist attacks, and other crimes, the world often feels very unsafe. While police and other law enforcement personnel do an unbelievable job of putting themselves in harm’s way to protect others, private security guard services are playing a much more pivotal role in keeping the peace as well. Trained to perform a variety of security and life-saving procedures, today’s security guards are often the first line of defense when a dangerous situation happens. Because of this, security guard services are some of the fastest-growing industries in the nation. To learn more about why security guard services are so important to more and more businesses, here are some key points to consider.
With so many places today being considered “soft targets,” it’s vital to have visible security acting as a deterrent to those wanting to inflict harm on others. While many people automatically think of police fulfilling this role, the fact is police cannot provide 24/7 protection to every business or venue. Because of this, companies turn to private security guard services to offer visible security. By patrolling the premises looking for anything or anyone suspicious, employees, facilities, and customers can be made much safer.
Since criminals are experts at predicting behavior and learning when it’s the best time to strike, many security guard services now use what’s known as random patrolling. Rather than running patrols on regular schedules that can be easy to figure out, randomly generated schedules are used in conjunction with digital technology to provide higher levels of surveillance. Whether it’s finding suspicious persons, noticing hazardous obstructions, or spotting fires and alerting first responders, security guard services are providing an excellent and necessary service in an unsafe world.
As technology has become an even more important part of security guard services, video surveillance has come to the forefront to be used in a variety of ways. Along with being used to monitor physical patrols of buildings and grounds, it is also used extensively to look for fraud or malpractice from employees. By using guards who are well-trained in the use of this technology, companies can use video footage to assess situations and gather evidence. By doing so, they can generate detailed reports that often mean the difference between a conviction or a criminal walking away unscathed.
When a security guard sees a crime being committed, they are trained to make a citizen’s arrest. A way to detain a suspect until police arrive, it’s vital to have the training needed to do this correctly so that no legal questions arise before, during, or after the arrest is made. As a result, most security guard services offer in-depth training on how to make a citizen’s arrest, in an effort to comply with the law and protect those who need it most.
While deterring criminal activity is a very important aspect of security guard services, handling various types of emergency situations is also a very important role these guards play in keeping businesses safe. Whether it’s a fire, injuries to employees or customers, or dealing with a bomb threat, guards must be trained to handle these situations in a calm, matter-of-fact way. Along with this, all guards should be trained to perform CPR and basic first aid, and are also trained in how to properly evacuate a building in case of fire. And with the growing and continued threat of terrorism, guards who work in schools, malls, or stadiums receive additional training in bomb threats and what to do in the event of an active shooter incident.
Depending upon the situation, security guards may be armed with a variety of weapons. For example, mall cops often carry batons, while other guards who are involved in cash transit may carry handguns or rifles. However, no matter what type of weapon a security guard carries, extensive training is required not only in how to use the weapon, but under what circumstances it should be used.
For many businesses, utilizing 24/7 security guard services can lead to lower insurance premiums. Since most insurance companies offer discounts to businesses that use security guards, companies can easily qualify for the discounts. In addition, companies that handle large amounts of cash or valuables, as well as those that deal in hazardous products, save money by taking advantage of lower insurance rates.
As businesses begin to realize the importance of keeping their employees, customers, and facilities safe from potential harm, the need for security guard services is sure to increase. Whether it’s a petty criminal or a terrorist, well-trained security guard services can mean the difference between life and death.
