7 Tips for Successful Security Guard Patrolling

With the ever increasing crime rate, it is essential for a security guard to provide efficient patrolling services with these tips.

The shocking crime stats released by FBI not only alarm the communities, but alsomake security guard’s job more challenging than before.

According to the FBI’s Preliminary Semiannual Uniform Crime Report 2016, there has been a tremendous increase in criminal activities over past 12 months. And here is an excerpt from the report enough to make your jaw dropped:

“The number of aggravated assaults increased 6.5 percent, murders increased 5.2percent, rapes (legacy definition) increased 4.4 percent, rapes (revised definition) rose 3.5 percent, and robbery offenses were up 3.2 percent.”

This is why a professional security guard has to be more alert and watchful to avoid such incidents in an area he is assigned to. And patrolling is an essential part of a security’s guard job to make sure the people and property around them are safe. When crimes and burglary are more common than you think, it is essential that your guard tour covers each nook and corner of the area you are assigned to.

Patrolling,whether on vehicle or on feet, lets you respond quickly to the situation which otherwise can turn worse on being unattended. Patrolling helps security guards monitor suspects, visitors and the isolated areas.

You can also read: 10 Benefits of Having a Professional Security Guard at Your Business

To provide proactive security, keep the following points in your mind:

1) Allocate Checkpoint Locations

One of the important elements of efficient patrolling is the allocation of the checkpoints throughout the area. Make sure the checkpoint is close to the regular patrolling way. In other words, a checkpoint should be easily accessible to the security guards on the round. Besides, check if the location overlooks an ample view of the area you are assigned to. 

2) Wear Comfortable Shoes

If you are on a foot patrol, you like to have comfortable shoes allowing you to walk for the entirety of your shift. However, you must purchase them on your own if your provider is unable to provide you quality shoes.

Make sure your shoes are supportive, lightweight and have rubber soles while purchasing. Or you can choose the shoes being used by law enforcement agencies. 

3) Always Carry Your Equipment and Gear

You can’t afford to move around without your defensive gear, especially when you are patrolling alone. For example, if the job requires you to have a flash light while inspecting the dark areas or a baton to deal with the aggressive personal, make sure to have it on you. 

Similarly,a belt lets security guards to carry all necessary objects; a pepper spray comes in handy to prevent an assaulter without fighting them. Before you start patrolling, make sure you are equipped with all essential gears and tools.

4) Keep Your Patrol Intervals Random

You must keep your patrol schedules randomly, rather than performing it at the same time every hour. This is because a potential criminal can predict the timings of your interval. You can give ten-minute interval, then 20 minute interval,managing it with a fifteen minute interval in between. 

5) Don’t Use the Same Route for Patrolling

Changing your patrolling route is as essential as changing your patrol intervals. Sadly,many inexperienced security guards take the same route for daily patrolling.You should take different routes to guard the area or use the other possible routes, and tracing back your own route. These small changes will make it unpredictable for the suspects to track your route on any given time. 

6) Look, Stop and Listen

Patrolling doesn’t mean that you just watch the things as you move on. Instead, make it more purposeful by keeping your ears and eyes wide open to the things around.While it is difficult to observe a person or an object when you are moving,standing still and listening will allow you to observe everything that is moving within your view.  It’s advised that you don’t walk close to the corners as it may make you prone to the attack of criminal who may be hiding there. 

7) Use Mobile Security Guard Applications

From keeping track of your security guards to daily reporting, smartphone apps make your job easy. There are many security guard patrol apps which act as internal check points and digital reminders as well for a security guard.

A mobile security guard application also enables you to link with your fellow guards for streamlined communication throughout all patrols. Needless to say you must leverage on the technology to enhance the method of patrolling while ensuring that your guards are safe and throughout their shift. Ask your security guard provider to provide these mobile applications. 

These were the efficient security patrolling techniques to help you protect your client’s property and your life as well. Combine these tips with your dedication, alertness, fitness and dedication to provide incident free security services. 

And if you are looking for professional security guard service providers you can contact us.