Security guards are on the front lines of overall security operations. They monitor entrances to buildings and other premises, restricting entry to authorized personnel; patrol properties and report suspicious activities; respond to alarms; and handle sensitive documents.
They constantly look for anything that isn’t quite right—from a strange smell to an unfamiliar face. This type of work requires strong attention to detail and the ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations. Contact DMAC Security now!
Security monitoring is a process by which network administrators collect, normalize, and analyze real-time data from their systems, devices, and endpoints. This information is often referred to as logs and events and is an invaluable intelligence source for security teams.
The presence of security guards can deter potential criminal activity, and their ability to respond quickly to alarms or events provides an excellent complement to the capabilities of modern security camera technology. Additionally, security guards can document incidents by reviewing recorded footage, which can be an essential resource for investigations or insurance claims.
Remote access services allow you to let in customers or clients when an in-person security guard is not needed, for example, during after-hours or at locations with low traffic. A remote agent will verify credentials following your procedures, open the door or gate, and monitor the visit via video if desired.
Depending on your requirements, security monitoring can include integrating online threat feeds to detect and alert you of incoming or outgoing traffic to known bad actors associated with ransomware and malware attacks. This can be particularly useful for companies that need to comply with regulatory compliance mandates, such as GDPR or HIPAA.
Another function of security monitoring is to help you track the location and movement of individual security guards. This can be accomplished by installing a tracking system that uses GPS to tell you exactly where your security guard is at any given time. This can be especially helpful if you notice that a security guard isn’t at one of their patrol checkpoints when they should be.
This can also be a good way to monitor the progress of newer employees who are unfamiliar with your security processes. Some of the most advanced monitoring services now come with mobile apps that provide security guards with a means to communicate with managers, supervisors, and other team members. This can save a lot of time, and it can ensure that all team members are aware of what is happening on the job.
Enforcing Rules
Security guards must be able to understand and enforce all rules and regulations regarding their specific sites or clients. These could be safety protocols, access control procedures, or other guidelines set by the property or company they’re protecting. In some cases, guards may have the authority to detain individuals who violate these rules until law enforcement arrives on the scene. This is why security guards should be well-versed in local, state and federal laws that outline the limits of their force, so they can be held accountable for any actions they take on site.
Security officers can be the first responders in emergency situations and are often required to assess a situation and react quickly. This is why they must be trained in first aid, CPR and emergency evacuation procedures. They also need to be familiar with the security policies and emergency protocols of the locations they patrol, so they can coordinate with first responders on site. This requires a high level of mental and physical coordination, as well as the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Guards are also tasked with overseeing the safety of surveillance systems at the locations they patrol. This includes monitoring CCTV cameras, alarms and other electronic devices, so they can quickly respond to any potential issues. They must be able to identify any suspicious activity and act accordingly, which often requires them to have extensive experience in threat assessment and active shooter training.
Another important duty is enforcing property rules, such as ensuring that only authorized personnel enter certain areas. This can involve verifying identification, signing people in and out, and searching personal belongings. Guards must be aware of the legal boundaries around search and seizure, as well as the data protection requirements for the companies they work for.
Occasionally, it’s necessary for security guards to physically restrain or subdue individuals who are resisting commands or endangering the public. While this should be a last resort, it’s an important part of the job. As a result, security guards are required to receive specific training in physical restraint techniques, so they can use force when necessary in a safe and proportionate way.
Responding to Emergency Situations
One of the most important aspects of a security guard’s role is their visibility. By simply patrolling the property, their presence can deter criminal activities, and it can also serve to create a sense of safety for building occupants. In addition, patrolling is an effective way to identify and respond to suspicious behaviors, which can be a key early warning system for security issues before they escalate.
Access control is a major part of the security guard’s job, as it involves monitoring entrances to buildings and other facilities to ensure only authorized people enter. They can perform this task at schools, hospitals, construction sites and other high-profile locations. They may check credentials, monitor CCTV and logs of visitors, vendors and employees, as well as ensure people who come to the facility are not loitering or trespassing.
If an emergency occurs, such as a fire or medical emergency, security guards can quickly assess the situation and take action, whether that’s notifying the appropriate authorities, redirecting people from unsafe areas or offering first aid. They can also help prevent further damage or loss and write incident reports for their client. Armed security guards are often contracted to act as law enforcement until local police arrive on the scene.
While a security guard’s powers are far more limited than that of a police officer, they still have some degree of legal authority when it comes to searching property. They can search a person or their belongings under strict conditions, including if they have reasonable grounds to believe a crime has been committed, such as the discovery of weapons or drugs.
To make the most of their skills and training, it’s vital that a security guard understands the full range of their duties and responsibilities. This can be done by ensuring they are properly trained and that their supervisors keep an eye on their work. In addition, using tools that can monitor and track guards’ progress while they’re on duty – like PARiM’s workforce management software – can help managers ensure their team members are always ready for their shifts.
Making Citizen’s Arrests
Security guards have a unique role in our society. They are highly trained to deal with security-related issues and have the ability to act quickly during emergency situations. However, security guards must understand their legal landscape and know what they can and cannot do. This is important for them, their employers, and the people they protect.
In some cases, security guards may be able to make citizen’s arrests on the property they’re securing. Citizen’s arrests show up a lot in popular television shows, but security guards must be very careful when making these kinds of decisions. This is because they have to use only a degree of force that’s reasonable given the circumstances. If they use more force than that, they could be charged with assault and battery. They also need to be sure that they have a legitimate reason to make the arrest. Otherwise, they could get sued for false arrest.
Another thing that can get security guards in trouble is if they search someone or their belongings without their permission. This is because security guards must respect individual privacy rights. They can only search a person or their property if they have a reasonable suspicion that criminal activity is taking place.
For these reasons, it’s a good idea to have security guards attend regular training sessions to keep their skills sharp. These sessions can help them better handle emergencies and work with public safety officials to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Security guards play a crucial role in protecting businesses, individuals and property. They’re highly trained to identify suspicious behavior and deter criminal activity. They can also provide valuable information to law enforcement when they see something that warrants attention.
While they’re not police officers, security guards are often mistaken for law enforcement officers, which can lead to misunderstandings. It’s essential for security guards to understand the distinction between their powers and those of law enforcement officers, because it’s a big difference. While they can perform a citizen’s arrest in certain circumstances, they can’t do anything else that requires the authority of a police officer.
