Whether it’s to ensure that all entrance points are locked or to check if the fire extinguishers are up to date, security guards are trained to take note of everything around them. Their goal is to gather intelligence and report this back to you. The specific things they look for will vary but can include observing body language, unattended packages, and safety hazards.
Observing Body Language
Security guards are trained to notice the small things that can tell a lot about a situation. It includes non-verbal body language, like how they walk and stand. They need smooth, fluid movements and not look nervous or unsure of their surroundings. Observing eye contact is also essential. Eye contact can deter intruders, and it is helpful for security officers to know how to read a person’s expressions.
Another aspect of body language is knowing when to ask for help. Security guards should know their employers’ de-escalation strategies to handle difficult situations and conflicts. It is crucial because it lessens the likelihood of damage and violence. Security guards must also be able to spot when a situation becomes dangerous or overpowering so that they may get aid as quickly as feasible.
Keeping an Eye on Emergency Situations
Security guard patrols keep people and property safe. The presence of highly trained guards can assist in preventing other crimes and hindering theft and property damage. An excellent choice is to employ a security guard to watch your property. They do this by being observant of their surroundings. It includes checking all entry points on a property, such as dark stairwells, emergency exits, and out-of-the-way doors or windows. They also look for bags, briefcases, or other objects that may be suspicious. If they find something suspicious, they can examine it by a professional organization, such as a bomb squad. It is one of the reasons why frequent, thorough patrols are so important. In addition, a security guard should be able to recognize hostile actors and their aims. A terrorist’s aim may prompt a site lockdown, while an activist staging a sit-in might require only a local cordon.
Keeping an Eye on Unattended Packages
Many thieves break into a business through an unattended window or door. To prevent this, route security guards must regularly check to ensure all doors, windows, and gates are fully closed. Additionally, they must be alert for behavioral changes that can point to a problem. Security guards should always be aware of their surroundings to assess the area and record any incidents as they happen. It will help them to respond quickly and prevent the situation from escalating, for example, if a fire alarm is activated. They are trained to evaluate and act on potential fire dangers, including flammable items, obstructed escape routes, and overloaded electrical outlets. They can then contact the relevant groups to resolve the issue.
Keeping an Eye on Suspicious Objects
Security officers must look for anything that must be appropriately placed. Unattended packages, suspicious vehicles, or objects that seem moved without reason indicate an intruder on the premises. Security guards are on patrol to keep their clients and colleagues safe. They must thus be able to appraise problems in real-time and take appropriate action. They should also wear comfortable footwear that does not restrict movement. It will help them avoid injury during an altercation. Hostile actors will often perform surveillance on the premise they plan to attack or launch an assault. It is a crucial step that nearly always precedes an attack. Security guards can help prevent hostile reconnaissance by wearing high-profile clothing and appearing vigilant.
Keeping an Eye on Lost Clients
If a client is lost or needs on-site assistance, the security guard will look them up in their system. They are trained to notice anything unusual, such as unattended packages, cars, or broken windows.
Depending on the risk of your site, your security team will decide how many times to patrol and where to go. Usually, the patrol route will change so that a hostile actor cannot predict when the guard will come. Keeping an eye on entrances is essential as this is where thieves, disgruntled employees, or competitors could gain access to a business. The security guard will lock all doors to protect against crime, fire, and natural disasters. They will also look for obstructions on the road that could impact safety.