Assigning security guards to patrol a client’s facility is meant to be one of the best methods of responding to incidents and mitigating threats. However, the reality is that your guards will only be effective if you have the right security guard patrol procedures in place.
Establishing the right patrol procedures can make all the difference for both you and your clients. But which tactics will make a routine truly effective? And how will they give your team an advantage? Here’s a closer look at some of the most important elements of a patrol procedure and how they can make a difference.
Advanced Organization
Much of the work that goes into a successful patrol begins long before your guard arrives for their shift. Providing your guards with a predefined route, directions regarding which tasks will need to be accomplished, and any special requirements from the client will make it that much easier for them to effectively go through their patrols and make smart decisions.
With a smart organizational tool that provides this information to your guards in advance, they will have all the information they need at their disposal so they can perform their assignments with confidence. This will help your company avoid unnecessary back-and-forth between guards in the field and back office staff, helping both sides of your organization save time and work more efficiently. This also ensures that communication channels are reserved for items that are truly important.
Checkpoint Placement
The appropriate placement of checkpoints along your guard’s routes play a key role in guiding their work. Security guard patrol procedures dictate the path your guard will take, and as such, should be spaced in a manner that no part of the building is left at risk.
Of course, every security company should have policies in place to ensure that checkpoints are safe for their guards. Checkpoints should be located in areas that are easy to reach and are protected from severe weather and other potential threats.
By placing checkpoints at appropriate intervals, your guards will be able to provide an effective sweep of client facilities while also staying out of harm’s way. Smart technology integration automates the check-in process, allowing your guards to maximize the efficiency of their patrol.
Incident Reporting
Having a consistent incident reporting methodology in place is essential for your guard team to mitigate suspicious incidents and request additional instructions or help as needed. This is where guard monitoring software can have a major impact.
You should do everything in your power to help your guards understand that monitoring software isn’t just a way to make sure they’re doing their job right — it is also meant to help them through the incident reporting process. Even in non-emergency situations, the uniform reporting mechanisms provided by guard monitoring software can significantly improve the effectiveness of your reports.
With mandatory entry fields and the ability to upload photos and videos, reports remain organized and easy to read, delivering greater value to both the office staff and your clients.
Most importantly, this technology helps keep guards safe by allowing them to quickly contact office staff or emergency personnel when necessary. GPS integration ensures a rapid response when help is needed, which in some situations could very well save lives.
Conclusion
By utilizing the latest technology to improve your security guard patrol procedures, your team will be able to operate more efficiently than ever. Your guards will have all the information they need to stay on track with their necessary tasks. Better yet, they can have confidence that the office staff is readily available to assist them when necessary. As your team operates in a safer and more efficient manner, you’ll be able to deliver better results to your clients, improving satisfaction and retention so you can enjoy steady growth.