Security Companies In Baltimore protect property, people and events in a variety of settings. They patrol sites, monitor surveillance systems and take action when observing signs of trouble.
They may work alone or with a team and often collaborate with law enforcement during serious incidents. They also follow policies and regulations set by their employers and undergo regular training and drills.
Security guards use their training to spot the signs of potential threats. This includes observing how people move and speak as well as identifying suspicious activity or individuals. They’re also trained to de-escalate situations that may be about to turn dangerous, using conflict resolution techniques to keep everyone safe and calm.
In addition, security guards often conduct safety checks on the premises to make sure everything is functioning properly. This might include fire exits, alarm systems or any other equipment that could be a threat to the property. In the event of an emergency, security guards act as a point of contact with local law enforcement or fire services and assist them by gathering important information such as where and when an incident took place.
Depending on the specific industry, security guards might also be responsible for checking credentials for visitors or maintaining logs of who enters and exits the property. Hospitals, construction sites and schools are just a few examples of industries that rely heavily on security guards to monitor their properties to prevent unauthorized access.
While it’s not a part of their job to provide medical treatment, security guards are often trained in basic first aid and CPR. In the event of a medical emergency, a security guard will assess the situation to determine if someone needs immediate attention. If they do, they will call 911 and notify the appropriate authorities.
A security guard will also be able to respond quickly and appropriately in the event of an active shooter or other armed emergency. They’re highly skilled at being able to communicate with police, fire or other rescue personnel to provide vital details such as the location of an incident and the number of people involved.
In the case of a computer-based monitoring system, an alert is sent directly to a remote guard’s mobile device. This makes it much quicker for them to react to a situation than if they were relying on eyewitness recollection or notes they had taken at the scene. This feature is becoming increasingly common in more comprehensive security systems as a way to save on costs for employers, while still providing the same level of protection.
Patrolling
A security guard’s patrolling duties involve walking around a designated area, checking for unauthorized vehicles or people on the property and monitoring surveillance systems. Patrols can be conducted by a single security officer or a team of officers. Guards on patrol are also trained to look for any changes in behavior, such as suspicious activity or a person acting nervous or scared, that could be a sign of trouble.
Patrolling is a critical aspect of security and can be done at various locations, including offices, retail spaces, event venues and even government buildings. Companies with valuable assets, high foot traffic or potential security risks often require the assistance of a patrolling security guard.
During their patrol, a security guard will assess the area they are in and ensure all doors are locked, windows are closed and there are no signs of unauthorized entry or exit. They may also check for unattended packages or items that appear out of place, as well as any signs of crime such as graffiti or other evidence.
Guards can patrol a building every hour, which gives them the opportunity to see any potential problems in a timely fashion. Security guards also typically have defensive training to help them defend themselves if they encounter any suspicious activity or criminals on their property.
In addition to their regular patrols, security guards will often respond to alarms or other disturbances on their client’s properties, assessing the situation and taking immediate action. They can also alert law enforcement or other relevant authorities if necessary.
During an emergency response, a security guard can provide first aid or CPR as needed and can assist in minimizing the impact of an incident. They can also communicate with emergency services to coordinate a safe evacuation of people and property. They are also equipped to handle many types of emergency situations, such as fire breakouts or natural disasters. This is because they have undergone rigorous training in first aid, fire safety and emergency response protocols. This enables them to react quickly to any situation, helping keep everyone safe and minimize any damage or loss.
Deterring Crime
Security guards are visible and tangible deterrents to crime. They provide a constant presence, reassuring employees, customers, residents and visitors that their safety is a top priority. In addition, they can use a range of techniques to detect and deter unwanted activity, including closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems and sniffer dogs. Guards can also patrol a designated area to spot suspicious activities and alert police to their location.
A security guard’s ability to prevent crime depends on their training, numbers, deployment strategy and other security measures in place. For example, guards can be armed or unarmed and have varying levels of authority. They can patrol a larger area or focus on monitoring specific checkpoints, such as doors and gates. Guards who are armed may be able to intervene in situations that require immediate action, while those without weapons can defuse situations with minimal force or rely on verbal communication.
Studies have shown that the mere presence of security guards can be a powerful deterrent, particularly in areas prone to street crimes. One study found that security guards positioned near Philadelphia banks significantly reduced the prevalence of bank robberies. However, the results of other studies have been more mixed. For example, while some studies have shown that preventative private policing is causally linked to reductions in street violence, others have found no significant effect.
Another factor that influences security guards’ effectiveness in preventing crime is their relationship with law enforcement. In some cases, security guards work closely with law enforcement to collaborate on patrols and other security measures. Security guards are a great resource for law enforcement because of their knowledge of the community, ongoing monitoring and awareness of the area. This can help police to quickly identify criminal activities and nip them in the bud before they escalate.
As a result, many people who are interested in becoming security guards are required to undergo comprehensive training and pass extensive background checks to ensure that they can be trusted with sensitive information. Additionally, the job requires strong interpersonal skills to deal with a diverse population and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
Emergency Response
Security guards are often first on the scene of an emergency and have to assess the situation, take action and direct others during a crisis. During a fire emergency, for example, they will be responsible for visually inspecting all exits to ensure they are clear of obstructions and then activating an alarm and calling the fire department while also maintaining crowd control.
They are also trained to provide first aid and CPR to individuals in a medical emergency. Their ability to respond quickly and effectively can save lives.
In addition, security guards are trained to communicate clearly with people in a crisis. This is because they have to communicate the location’s evacuation routes and their locations, so that people know where to go for safety. They can also notify local law enforcement or other authorities about an emergency.
A security guard’s role can be crucial during natural disaster situations, particularly because these events can cause significant disruption to businesses and communities. In these situations, the community may be overwhelmed with people seeking shelter, supplies and other services.
Security personnel can help manage these circumstances by directing people to safe areas and preventing criminal activities like looting and unauthorized access to restricted areas. They can also provide assistance to those suffering from emotional trauma or injuries.
As part of their training, security guards will often receive specific procedures for handling emergencies at the client sites they protect. This ensures that they will be prepared for any situation that arises during their shift.
During these times, they must remain alert and keep their eyes open for any potential threats that may arise such as suspicious packages or a person acting strangely. Security guards will also be trained in de-escalating agitated persons, which is the process of disengaging them and resolving their issues without violence.
In a security guard’s ongoing training, they will be kept up to date with any changes in emergency response strategies and relevant legal and regulatory updates. They are also given opportunities to practice their responses during tabletop exercises, drills and other simulations.