Why security guard services are essential for business safety
Security guard services offer on-the-ground protection for businesses seeking an additional layer of safety for their existing security systems. Security guards provide a wide range of skills that companies can utilize to meet the security needs of their business operations.
In this blog, we’ll explore how security agent services enhance business safety, examine various security guard roles and responsibilities, and suggest best practices for implementing guard services.
Security guard services help prevent theft and trespassing
According to the National Retail Federation, retailers experienced a 93% increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents in 2023 compared to 2019.
This upward trend continued in 2024. Researchers from the Council on Criminal Justice discovered that shoplifting incidents increased from 2023 to 2024 in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Moreover, it’s not just retail; theft and vandalism are major concerns on construction sites, in warehouses, distribution centers, and throughout the transportation industry.
That’s where security guards play a vital role. They assist businesses in preventing theft, stopping trespassing, and addressing vandalism in three critical ways:
- Visible threat: The simple presence of a security guard deters shoplifters and discourages criminal activity. It sends a clear message that a business prioritizes security and will deal with illegal activity in a serious, professional manner.
- Proactive surveillance: Security guards are always looking for suspicious activity, ready to disrupt would-be criminals before they can steal or cause damage. Guards can spot suspicious activity and intervene when necessary.
- Rapid response: In the event of a security incident, security guards are positioned to respond instantly, increasing the chances of apprehending the culprit and recovering any stolen inventory or goods.
Armed vs. unarmed security guards: What’s right for your business?
Businesses must choose between armed and unarmed guards when selecting a private security provider. Both can offer various services, but they differ in deployment and assignments. Here is a quick overview of each:
Unarmed guards
- Training: Unarmed security guards are certified security personnel who are required to complete a comprehensive training course covering the essential safety skills and duties necessary for the job.
- Assignment: Unarmed guards typically work in low- to medium-risk security environments such as retail stores, commercial buildings, public spaces, and vacant lots.
- Duties: Unarmed security officers observe surveillance footage, stand guard at key entryways and exits, patrol indoor and outdoor spaces, and monitor activity in specified areas.
- Benefits: Unarmed guards deter crime and respond immediately to incidents. They are less intimidating to employees and customers than armed guards, maintaining a welcoming but safe environment for customers and the general public. Their services are more affordable than those of armed guards, including savings on liability protection.
- Challenges: Unarmed security guards receive less training than armed guards and are unable to respond to a security event with a firearm.
Armed guards
- Training: Besides security guard training and certification, armed guards undergo extensive firearm training and are licensed to carry a firearm.
- Assignment: Armed security guards protect environments with expensive inventory, sensitive information, and large sums of on-site cash, or they are located in high-risk areas with a lot of crime.
- Duties: Armed security watches over valuable inventory and property, patrols at-risk areas, and guards high-value assets.
- Benefits: Armed guards possess a higher level of security training and certification. Due to the firearms they carry, they offer a more assertive security presence. Armed guards help employees and customers feel more at ease in environments rich with potential threats.
- Challenges: Armed guards are more costly than unarmed guards, in part due to the additional liability insurance fees. It’s also essential to consider that the presence of a firearm can be stressful for some staff and customers.
How security guards respond faster than remote systems alone
A contemporary surveillance system can swiftly identify threats, while security guards provide value-added services to ensure an immediate and efficient real-time response to emerging security incidents:
On-the-ground decision making
A security guard understands the context of a security event with greater nuance than video surveillance technology. Security guards reduce false alarms by improving real-time threat assessment and detecting unusual behavior that a camera system might overlook.
Prompt physical intervention
Waiting for law enforcement to arrive takes time, and every second counts during a security event. Guards can intervene immediately to help secure vulnerable areas, stop crimes in progress, or provide aid to victims who need support.
Clear communication
An effective way to enhance overall security is to designate a trained point person responsible for evaluating threats and coordinating an efficient response in real time. Security guards mobilize on-site support by alerting other guards and staff via walkie-talkie or phone, while simultaneously providing professional monitors and emergency responders with accurate, updated information to inform the next steps.
Mobility
By moving freely around a site, security guards can easily adapt to changing situations. They can intervene in a shoplifting attempt one minute and quickly relocate to monitor a vulnerable area the next.
Security guards improve safety for employees and customers
Security guards are capable of more than theft prevention and surveillance. They improve safety by reducing risk factors while boosting staff confidence and customer satisfaction.
Here are additional safety benefits to adding security guards:
- Conflict de-escalation: Theft isn’t the only security issue businesses have to consider. Violence is a growing concern, and security guards who are trained in conflict resolution and de-escalation help prevent physical altercations and reduce the amount of violent incidents.
- Access control: Security guards monitor access to authorized areas by managing who can and cannot enter specific locations, preventing unauthorized activities, and ensuring the safety of on-site personnel and property.
- Increased sense of safety: A security guard’s presence psychologically reassures people, enhancing customer and employee satisfaction.
- Reporting and documentation: Guards maintain detailed records of all security incidents and monitor any maintenance and equipment issues that could affect safety in the future.
- Safety escorts: Safety escorts, commonly available on educational campuses, offer walking assistance to individuals, particularly those who may feel uncomfortable walking alone.
Different tiers of security guard services
While on-premise security guards offer the most protection, not every situation calls for a standing security professional around the clock. If a constant presence is not what you want, consider these other two security staffing options.
- Alarm responder: Some agent services offer guards that are only sent out when an alarm is triggered. Monitoring personnel dispatch security agents to deter potential threats and verify false alarms. This service is often less expensive, but the response is not as swift as it is for guards who are already stationed on your property.
- After-hours patrol: Environments like construction sites and warehouses might not require standing guards during operational hours. You might opt for a patrolling guard to check on your property every so often. This option offers a fast response similar to standing guards, and the frequency of visits is customizable depending on your risk level.
Hiring security guard services through a trusted provider
A security provider can help simplify the process of adding security guard services. Here are the key qualifications and skills a security provider considers when hiring a security guard for a business:
Essential qualifications
This includes licensing, training, and background checks. Qualified guards must possess the appropriate security guard licensing according to state or county regulations. They must also complete all mandatory formal training and pass a background check.
Additional skills
In addition to the required security guard training, strong candidates should possess other valuable skills, such as CPR certification, conflict resolution training, proficiency in security technology, and a baseline level of physical fitness.
Experience
Prior security experience is extremely useful, particularly in similar environments to the one they are being hired to protect.
Understanding of local security issues
A security guard who understands specific security challenges and concerns in the community is better prepared to address them.
Why businesses are adding security guards to their existing systems
Business owners are finding that they don’t have to choose between security technology and professional security personnel. They can have both.
While video surveillance and alarm systems are essential for monitoring property, analyzing incidents, and providing documentation, security guards contribute speed and judgment to create a more robust network of protection.
Cameras capture detailed footage and trigger alarms, but security guards respond instantly in ways cameras cannot. Guards add a contextual, sophisticated perspective that is extremely important when determining the appropriate response to security events, large and small.
Security guard services enhance the capabilities of security technology and address problematic security gaps, making commercial properties safer and more resilient against today’s security threats.
