With the surging levels of crime rate, the importance of security patrolling services has increased than ever before. In fact, the job of a security guard is the most challenging and life-threatening when compared to jobs in other industries.
Having said that, it is vital that the security patrols are well-trained and organized in advance to carry out efficient patrolling. Every guard should be fully aware of the duties he is going to execute and also know the actions he has to accomplish to perform his role accurately. He should know the route he should follow and be clear while giving directions to the other staff members.
Since crimes and burglary are happening more often, a security guard needs to be highly alert and watchful to avoid such incidents in his assigned area. That can be easily done by routine patrolling and keeping a vigilant eye on any suspicious activity or unwanted visitors around.
However, security guards have to not only ensure safety and guarding of the communities, but also of themselves. So, let us go ahead and discuss some important points to help the security service company and its managers create safe working conditions –
Keep your Guards Armed with Defensive Gears
No matter how skilled and trained your team is, you can never predict when the situations can turn to the worst. To ensure the safety of your guards even in the most hostile conditions, ensure that they are equipped with proper defensive gears.
They should always carry firearms with them and wear protective clothing and have few things handy – like a flashlight, radio, pepper spray, and a baton.
Allocate the Checkpoints Appropriately
For effective security patrolling, it is essential to have checkpoints allocated throughout the area in a way that they are easily accessible for the guards on the round in case of emergency or danger to their physical safety.
Moreover, the allocation should be done in a way that the buildings and the whole area remains unexposed to any sort of risk and there are no extreme weather conditions around.
Know the Job Site well and the Risks Associated With it
The security guards are quite often asked to pay duties for property housing life-threatening materials. In such a situation, it is crucial that they are well-informed with the potential dangers surrounding them.
They should know if the materials they are guarding can attract thieves or are hazardous to their health. This way they can be prepared beforehand.
Don’t Forget the Right Clothing
Safety and clothing may sound like a total mismatch but in fact, appropriate clothing helps in the security guards to perform their job properly. The kind of clothing one wears has a great impact on health, and hence should be duly taken care of.
For instance, if you are on a foot patrol, you should be wearing comfortable shoes. Since, there will be a lot of walking, running and other physical activities involved, your footwear should be very supportive, lightweight and slip prone to prevent injury.