At first glance, security guards that are patrolling an area seem to be doing little. However, trained security guards usually have good reasons as to why they do such rounds. There are specific things that they often look out for during a patrol. Some of these include:
Checking all entrances and exits
When guarding a building, security guards have to constantly check the state of any doors to the premises. Those that lead to more sensitive parts of the building usually receive more attention than the rest. Rather than simply looking at the door and figuring out if it’s open or not, well-trained security guards often go the extra step to check the lock and handle for signs of tampering. This could indicate that an individual tried to gain access to the building through this door, and would call for further investigation and probably put in place more security features to deter this.
Looking out for suspicious objects
In current times, the threat of terrorist attacks is very real in virtually all parts of the world. Having a trained security guard is an advantage when it comes to preempting such a strike. During their patrols, these security guards also look out for objects that are out of place, such as bags, briefcases and other objects which could potentially be harmful. If the item is very suspicious, they have the mandate to have the item examined by a professional body, such as a bomb squad. Regular thorough patrols can therefore thwart these incidents.
Taking note of people with odd behavior
In addition to inanimate objects, Montreal security guards with adequate training are also usually taught on how to identify and deal with individuals who might pose a security threat to what the guards are protecting. To do this effectively, the security guard would need to look out for specific behavior such as hanging around the same place for too long without seeming to have any business there. They may also have a shifty look about them. Basically, this boils down to having skill in reading body language in order to identify individuals who potentially pose a security risk to the facility.
Reading body language is not an innate skill, which is why the guards need to be trained to know what to look out for. This is also the reason why one is encouraged to hire trained guards when securing any facility.
Spotting ongoing crimes and stopping them
It is during a regular patrol that a security guard will have the highest chances of spotting an ongoing crime. In the case of a building, for instance, any would-be intruder would choose an entry point that is far away from the guard’s station so as not to be seen. However, if the guards are mobile, then they are more likely to be caught in the act, leading to a higher chance of stopping the crime and apprehending the suspects.
Providing help to individuals who might need it
During the patrol, the guard might come across individuals who are lost or need some other type of help. In a building, for instance, a lost client could easily find themselves in an area of the building where they are not supposed to be, such as the server room. When a guard is on patrol, they are likely to come into contact with lost people and then guide them on how to get to where they need to go.
These are just a few of the many things that security guards look out for when on patrol. A security guard can only achieve this if he or she is trained properly, and therefore know what to look out for.
