The Best Tips to Ensure Security Patrols Are Effective

Have you ever considered the why behind hiring private security guards? Security guards are typically hired for one main reason to keep assets, clients, and employees safe and secure. One of the biggest tools security guards use is security patrol at random intervals. While at face value this may seem simple, in order to properly execute an effective patrol, guards must develop a thought-out plan, considering a plethora of important factors. Much more goes into a patrol than you may have realized. Here are some great tips to ensure your security team gets consistent and effective results during patrol, every single time.

Never Underestimate the Power of Planning

Putting a plan in place will be important to successfully execute a patrol. Thus, prior to patrolling a new location, a plan should be in place to identify the times random patrols will occur, as well as laying out and assigning security tasks to each guard involved in the patrol. Furthermore, checkpoints should be identified in advance of the first patrol and should be located in a pertinent area.

Don't Let Your Guard Down

Whether your guards are armed or unarmed, they should always be prepared for the worst. Thus, when going on patrol they should take proper steps to ensure they are fully geared up if a dangerous situation arises. If armed, they should have their guns strapped on and in working order. If unarmed, they should know where their baton and pepper spray are and be able to quickly access it when a threat occurs.

Be Aware of Potentially Threatening Behavior

You should always be vigilant, being fully present when speaking with a suspect. Body language and eye contact are reliable predictors of dangerous behavior. Hence, it is important for you to maintain eye contact with the person and be aware of any upper torso movement that may signify aggression. If you are able to quickly identify a person who is intent on attacking you, you will be able to quickly defend yourself and avoid injury. You never truly know someone, even if they seem levelheaded don't let your guard down. Always be aware of behavioral cues and your surroundings.

Engage All Your Senses

In addition to watching for suspicious activities or behavioral signs of aggression, be sure to hone in on your listening skills. Even if you don't see anything suspicious take time to be quiet and still, listening for movement or anything suspicious that your senses pick up on. Taking time to use all your senses ensures criminals don't simply slink into the night undetected.

Change It Up Everyday

While it is important for guards to be briefed daily on the scheduled "random patrol times," it is crucial that these intervals change each day. A random schedule is no longer random if done at the same time each day. Patrol the premises at different times and starting points each day to make it much more difficult for criminals to carry out their crimes without getting caught.

Keep your property, people, and/or business safer with the assistance of trained security patrol guards!