Baltimore Bodyguards are visible deterrents to crime and provide a variety of security services to businesses. They patrol premises, monitor cameras and identify any anomalies or suspicious activity.
Popular culture may showcase this career as a joke, but the reality is that these professionals are essential to our society. Let’s take a look at some of the most important functions that security guards perform.
The presence of a uniformed security guard can be a powerful deterrent for criminal acts. Potential wrongdoers are less likely to commit crimes if they know that the security guards will be able to respond quickly and efficiently to any incidents that may occur. This proactive approach can save businesses money in property damage and loss of business as a result of criminal activity.
Moreover, the security guard’s demeanor can serve as a psychological shield and repellant. A command posture conveys an image of confidence and competence, indicating to potential perpetrators that their illicit activities will be quickly and easily detected by the security guard. The security guard’s strong demeanor can also inspire a sense of collective safety within the workplace, fostering a culture where the well-being of all is prioritized.
Security guards work closely with law enforcement agencies and act as the first line of defence against criminal activities. They are trained to respond to criminal activity in a timely manner, and they can alert local police departments to any suspicious activity. Additionally, they can patrol properties and work with the police to report crime statistics.
Research has shown that a security guard’s presence can be a significant deterrent to crime, but the type of security guard matters in how much of an impact they will have. For example, some security guards are armed and can take action to stop or deter a crime in progress, while other unarmed security guards can only watch for the occurrence of crime and report it to the appropriate authorities.
In one study, a secret shopper compared off-duty police officers who were working as security guards to regular security guards. While the shopper expected the police officers to show stronger command presence, the results were similar for both groups. However, the shopper observed that more regular security guards displayed weak command presence than the police officers did. Ultimately, the shopper determined that more training and development is needed to help security guards develop and maintain a strong command presence. This is especially important since it will directly affect the success of security guards in preventing crime and maintaining safety in their assigned areas of responsibility.
Patrols
In order to keep your business safe, a security guard must regularly patrol your property. This is one of the best ways to deter criminal activity. It is important that your security team takes the time to develop a detailed patrol route that covers all areas of the premises. It is also important that they vary their patrols frequently to prevent wrongdoers from being able to predict when security will be present.
In addition to developing a patrol route, it is also essential that your security team has the right equipment for their duties. This includes GPS tracking devices, two-way communication systems, and high-visibility vests. In addition, your security guards should be trained in the use of these tools, as well as how to respond in case of an emergency.
There are a few different types of security patrols available, including active, static, and random. Static patrols are those that follow a set schedule and are typically used for sites with a high risk of crime or those that have experienced issues in the past. In contrast, active patrols are those that leave a stationary position to examine the perimeter and surrounding area on a regular basis, identifying and assessing potential threats. They then take quick action to resolve any security concerns and make sure that they are reported so that similar problems do not arise again in the future.
Another type of patrol is the random patrol, which varies the route and timing on a regular basis to prevent thieves from being able to predict when security will patrol. These patrols are also often conducted in conjunction with other security measures, such as CCTV and guard dogs, to create a comprehensive deterrent against commercial crime. If you’re interested in implementing a security patrol for your business, it is important to work with a professional service that has experience in this area. They can help you determine how often your business needs to be patrolled, as well as how many patrols per day or night your building requires. They can also recommend the appropriate gear to ensure that your security team is ready for duty.
Observation
Security guards are tasked with being on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary in their assigned areas. They are able to provide preventative measures in the case of a security breach by noticing suspicious activity or unauthorized individuals. Security officers have to have strong observation skills, which they hone through frequent training and drills. They must be able to see what is happening in their environment and the people within it, and they also need to have a good memory for retaining information about what they see.
A good security officer is a good listener, as well. They should be able to pick up on important details from the conversations and actions of the people they encounter. They can also use their sense of smell and touch to evaluate the safety and security of a situation. For example, if they observe a suspicious package, they should know what to do next. They should follow their employer’s procedures and alert the authorities immediately.
Observation is a key component of security training, as it allows security guards to be proactive in the face of potential threats. They need to know their environments well, so they can notice anything that is out of the ordinary or could be a threat. Security guards are also taught to scan their surroundings in a particular pattern to ensure that they are aware of any changes or unusual activity.
The security guard must be able to recognize what they are looking for and remember it so that they can act swiftly in the event of an emergency. This is an essential part of the OODA loop, which is an iterative process that involves repetition, assessing results, and taking preventative action.
To be a successful security guard, you must be able to keep a heightened state of awareness throughout your shifts. To do this, you need to avoid distractions and remain focused on the task at hand. This includes refraining from texting, using your phone, and other tasks that could interfere with your ability to observe the area you are securing. In addition, you must maintain a professional appearance and avoid engaging in on-the-job gossip.
Reporting
Writing security guard reports is an important part of a security officer’s duties, as they serve as legal documents, tools for incident analysis, and bases for improving security protocols. Writing comprehensive incident reports requires clarity, precision and reliability in documentation. As a result, mastering the art of report writing can enhance your career as a security guard and ensure your clients receive the quality of service they expect.
Generally, an incident report should be written when there is any deviation from normal activities within a guard’s patrol area or scope of responsibility. Examples include theft, vandalism, unauthorized access, aggression or violence, and accidents. Documenting these incidents as soon as possible allows a security guard to capture all the details of the event, which are essential for future analysis, establishing accountability, and taking preventive measures.
When an incident occurs, it’s vital to write a detailed security report as soon as possible. The first step is to record the date, time, and location of the incident. Then, describe what happened. Avoid using subjective language or personal opinions and focus on the facts of the situation. This will ensure that the report is unbiased and easy to read.
It’s also important to note any relevant information regarding the incident, such as who was involved, what type of incident it was, and its outcome. It’s helpful to have an incident reporting template to use, which will make it easier for a security guard to fill out their report and stay on track with the required information.
Once the report has been written, it should be emailed to the client as soon as possible. This will allow the client to review the incident report and take any necessary action. Using a security management solution like GuardMetrics will enable your guards to submit reports directly from their mobile device in real-time. This can be a powerful tool that reduces the amount of time spent on manual labor and enables your clients to receive the reports they need faster, while providing you with the data you need to improve operational efficiency.