Baltimore Security Companies work in various settings, such as commercial properties, residential complexes, and events. They monitor surveillance systems and respond to alarms or disturbances by contacting law enforcement or emergency services if necessary.
They also are a visible crime deterrent, whether it’s potential shoplifters in a mall or criminals looking for cars at an apartment complex. They communicate clearly, are alert, and stay aware of their surroundings.
Security guards are trained to assess and respond to situations that arise. They collaborate with law enforcement, participate in drills, and ensure compliance with regulations. Depending on the role, they may also be responsible for maintaining order in crowded settings, like events or public spaces, by enforcing rules and resolving conflicts. Security guards who are licensed to carry weapons have an additional level of responsibility and must strictly adhere to strict laws and ethical guidelines.
Security patrols are another key component of a security guard’s duties. During these patrols, they walk or drive around designated areas to deter crime and observe suspicious activity. This is an effective way to identify threats before they escalate. A security guard’s presence alone can be enough to discourage criminal activity, but if deterrence is not successful, they must be ready to react quickly and accurately to any situation that arises.
Whether on a routine patrol or responding to an emergency, a security guard must be prepared for anything. This includes being aware of all potential hazards within the area they are covering, including any changes to their work environment that might present new risks or potential points of entry for thieves. For example, if construction is being done at a building site, it’s important for a security guard to be aware of this, so they can inspect and monitor any areas that might become a new risk.
It’s also important for security guards to be conscious of their own limits, both in terms of physical strength and stamina, as well as their training. Guards who are aware of their limitations are better equipped to handle emergencies, as they can recognize when they might be facing a threat that is beyond their ability to resolve. In these cases, it’s best to rely on established protocols and to immediately contact the appropriate authorities. Guards who are unsure of their abilities should seek additional training or consultation with a supervisor.
Deterrent
Security guards are often the first to respond to emergencies. This can be a critical factor in keeping an incident from escalating. Guards who have been trained to notice suspicious activity can react immediately, alerting law enforcement and detaining suspects until authorities arrive. Guards that are familiar with the details of a business’ security management plan can also assist first responders to contain an emergency and mitigate potential damage.
In addition to responding to incidents, a security guard can act as a deterrent by simply being visible. The mere presence of a security guard can stop criminal activity by making it clear that attempting to break in would be highly dangerous. Security guards also patrol their assigned areas, which can help in the detection of unwanted activity or security vulnerabilities.
A security guard’s role as a deterrent is especially important in commercial and industrial settings, where securing equipment and merchandise can prevent theft and vandalism. Guards may be trained in the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), which is a holistic approach to designing spaces that discourage criminal activity through minimizing opportunities for it to occur.
Often, guards are called on to interact with employees and customers to create a positive, safe environment and make them feel valued. This type of interaction can be a great deterrent to criminal activity, because it can prevent people from feeling threatened and scared.
Many security guards are required to work overnight and during out-of-office hours, which makes them a vital deterrent for crime. This is because criminals are more likely to attempt a crime when they know law enforcement won’t be able to immediately respond. Security guards can prevent this by being on-site to immediately report suspicious behavior and detain suspects until police arrive.
A security guard needs to be able to stay awake and vigilant, even during the most mundane tasks. Instances such as the nuclear power plant incident highlight this importance, and elucidate the need for security staff to be alert, awake, and ready to act quickly in times of crisis. In order to reduce instances of lone worker fatigue, security companies should implement a system that automatically confirms shift changes and ensures that all guards are accounted for – this includes confirming that all lone workers are safe.
Communication
Security guards are often a part of teams, and this is particularly important during emergencies or crisis situations. Smooth communication allows the guards to work together and ensure everyone understands what needs to be done. Clear communication also helps de-escalate tense situations and prevent minor disputes from escalating into major incidents.
Security guard training programs are often designed with these strategies in mind, incorporating modules that focus on active listening, conflict resolution through communication, and verbal and non-verbal communication. Role-playing exercises and simulated scenarios are commonly employed to provide security guards with the experience and confidence to handle different situations effectively.
In addition to the benefits of training, a security guard should constantly strive to improve their own communication skills. This can be accomplished by practicing active listening throughout daily interactions, consciously working to articulate thoughts clearly and concisely, and asking for feedback from supervisors or colleagues. Reading about communication strategies and staying up to date on industry best practices are additional ways to develop these skills.
When communicating with clients, employees, or visitors, a security guard should be friendly and approachable. Maintaining eye contact and standing upright while speaking is essential to project a professional demeanor that can put people at ease. Security guards should also be attentive to the body language of others and respond accordingly. For example, a guard may avoid pointing or gesturing aggressively, as this could signal aggression or a lack of control.
As part of their responsibilities, security guards should coordinate with other security personnel and law enforcement for effective responses to incidents. In addition, they must share relevant documentation with these groups to ensure that they have all the necessary information to assess and respond to the situation. This coordination can help minimize panic among clients, employees, and visitors during an emergency, allowing them to evacuate safely and remain calm.
When a task is created in the issue monitor, a property is assigned to it by a security supervisor or administrator. When a new alert comes in, the first guard to log-in at that property will receive it. This ensures that a security guard will always be aware of an incident on their shift and is able to act promptly to resolve it.
Emergency Response
Security guards are trained to respond to emergencies as they occur. When the alarm goes off or someone needs assistance, they are the first people on-site to notice and are able to react appropriately, often times before police or fire departments are even aware of what’s happening. They’re also responsible for assessing the situation and taking any necessary precautions, which could include notifying the proper authorities, calling 911, and de-escalating situations with unruly individuals.
Security personnel are trained to observe suspicious activity, which is why patrols are one of the most important duties they carry out. By monitoring the premises on foot or in a vehicle, security guards are able to keep an eye out for any unusual behavior and quickly identify anything that looks amiss.
They’re also familiar with building layouts and can quickly identify any potential access points that need to be secured, which will help them limit the damage that may be caused by an intruder. This is especially important when a business or facility has been compromised.
Another vital duty is to ensure that all safety equipment and security protocols are in place and working properly. This includes checking on the status of fire extinguishers, alarm systems, and first aid kits regularly. They are also able to guide employees and visitors during an emergency evacuation in a calm and orderly manner, which is why they must be well-versed in the location of all exits as well as know how to operate any necessary emergency systems like fire alarms or sprinkler systems.
A security guard is often the face of a company’s security program and the person that the public sees on a daily basis. It’s for this reason that they must posses integrity, honesty, and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations. They must also be able to handle difficult interactions with people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures.
It’s important to understand the difference between a security guard and a security officer. Although they both perform many of the same tasks, the responsibilities and duties differ between the two positions. A security guard works under the direction of a Security Officer and will typically only be required to stay at their post or patrol a limited area. A Security Officer will take a lead role in a security management plan, training security guards, investigating incidents that occurred on their watch, and providing testimony in court proceedings related to the property they’re protecting.