Best security guard safety tips and alternative security methods

Ever wondered what security guards encounter on a lonely night shift? It’s not always glamorous, but it can be far more interesting (and sometimes dangerous) than you might think.

Staying safe as a security guard is paramount. But their profession inherently exposes them to a variety of risks. This article examines how the skills security guards develop for on-the-job protection can also be effectively used to ensure their own safety.

This blog dives deep into security guard safety. We’ll explore essential tips to keep your security guards sharp and prepared, from situational awareness to de-escalation techniques. But we won’t stop there. We have an exciting alternative security method, showcasing how technology and innovative security systems can be powerful allies.

But wait, let’s first take a peek into the security challenges faced by security guards!

The safety challenges faced by security guards:

Security guards face a unique set of security challenges. These challenges may intensify across various industries; for example, security guards working at retail outlets may face aggressive and uncooperative individuals, causing physical distress. 

A security guard working at a remote warehouse may face extreme weather conditions, power outages, or even wildlife encounters. 

When you have a good idea of the challenges, you will be better able to identify how to offer better security. Here is a list of more security challenges :

• Fatigue from Long Shifts: Extended shifts can lead to fatigue, increasing the likelihood of mistakes and reducing vigilance.
• Constant Vigilance: Guards must remain alert at all times, especially during monotonous tasks, to maintain security.
• De-escalating Conflict: They are often required to defuse tense situations to prevent outbreaks of violence.
• Stress from High Pressure: Working in crowded or high-crime areas can significantly increase stress levels.
• Ethical Dilemmas: Guards face tough decisions, such as reporting employer misconduct or managing sensitive information.
• Limited Support: In dangerous situations, guards may find themselves isolated or with minimal backup.
• Adapting to Changes: With evolving security threats and technological advancements, continuous learning is essential.
• Harsh Weather Conditions: Outdoor duties in extreme weather conditions pose additional risks.
• Information Overload: Managing data from multiple security systems can be overwhelming.
• Technology Dependence: Reliance on technological systems means that malfunctions can create significant security gaps and necessitate immediate troubleshooting.
• Limited Visibility: A restricted field of vision prevents guards from covering all areas simultaneously, leading to potential blind spots.
• Emergency Response Delays: The effectiveness of emergency responses can be compromised if guards cannot reach the scene promptly.

Practical tips and automated solutions for security officer safety:

Keeping security officers safe is paramount. While they fight challenges at your property, security guards face unique challenges on the job.

Keep reading because this blog is a complete guide that gives you actionable tips on how to minimize risk and ensure their well-being. 

Tip #1: Provide protective clothing.

There were 107,589 security guards in 2021, providing security to various businesses across Canada. Security guards can face dangers like violence, accidents, explosions, and assaults that may even be fatal!

Using protective clothing or having appropriate safety equipment can help prevent these mishaps. Here are some examples of safety equipment commonly used by security guards:

• Protective clothing includes armored vests for ballistic protection, stab-proof vests, and bright-color clothing to improve their visibility.
• Footwear: Heavy-duty footwear with good ankle support is important for guards who are constantly on their feet and may encounter uneven terrain.
• Duty belt: This belt holds essential equipment such as handcuffs, pepper spray, flashlights, and batons.
• Eye protection: Face shields or safety glasses protect guards from splashes, chemicals, or flying debris.

Tip #2: Always stay alert.

The security guards should be given a proper understanding of their surroundings. Also, clear and defined patrol routes should be established to ensure all areas are covered frequently.

Security guards are the eyes and ears of a location. It is crucial to be aware of your surroundings and remain alert for any suspicious activity. Paying close attention to potential hiding spots, such as corners and blind areas where criminals could conceal themselves, is essential for maintaining security.

News reports tell of security guards being shot in parking lots while attempting to resolve disputes or being stabbed during robbery attempts.

The security guards should be trained for any emergency, such as dealing with robbers. Implement a mandatory schedule for security guards to regularly inspect their patrol cars, armor, and equipment.

Tip #3: Provide clear emergency procedures.

Make sure that security guards follow all your security protocols. For example, they should be aware of precisely what steps to take for crowd control, fire evacuation, medical emergencies, and active shooter situations. Regular drills are essential to ensure smooth and effective response.

It is also crucial to keep safe distancing between suspects. Maintaining a safe distance from suspicious individuals or during confrontations is paramount. Train guards on de-escalation tactics and appropriate use of force.

Tip #4: Exchange useful Information regularly. 

Hold regular briefings to share information about past incidents, suspicious activity reports, and any changes in security protocols. This keeps everyone informed and allows guards to adapt their approach.

Encourage open communication channels where guards can report suspicious activity, raise concerns, and share observations. This fosters collaboration and helps identify potential threats before they escalate.

Implement a user-friendly system for security guards to report incidents and suspicious activity promptly.This ensures rapid investigation and response, along with timely updates for all security personnel.

Tip #5: Equip security guards with security gadgets.

Security guards act as the first line of defense, and equipping them with the right security gadgets is vital to empowering them in their crucial role.

This includes two-way radios for constant communication with backup, body cameras for recording incidents, and duress alarms for discreet emergency alerts. 

But it goes beyond high-tech tools. A basic first-aid kit, a sturdy flashlight for dark areas, and a well-maintained duty belt with essentials like pepper spray and a security baton are all essential for on-the-ground preparedness. 

Additionally, depending on the security needs of the location, items like bulletproof vests, tasers, and even bomb detectors can be integrated to further safeguard the guards and the environment they protect.

Tip #6: Conduct physical fitness training.

Make a schedule to conduct physical training every six months. You can hire external trainers proficient in a particular industry to build the strength and stamina of your security guards. So, they become physically fit to handle these demands effectively.

Cardiovascular and strength training is an excellent idea to reduce the likelihood of injuries and accidents on the job.

The Private Security and Investigative Services Branch (PSISB) ensures that security guards and security professionals carry out their tasks safely and lawfully across Ontario.

They report 49,011 training tests booked by security guards to polish their communication, customer service, and teamwork skills. But only 81.3 % passed the test, indicating the need for regular tests and training. Here we have highlighted a few pieces of training for security guard safety:

Tip #7: Introduce technology integration.

To stay up with the cunning thieves, it is essential to introduce technology integration to the security guards.

Use security cameras, access control systems, and other technology to gain a broader view of the environment and identify potential issues remotely.

Security Cameras: 

Strategically placed high-definition cameras provide a broader view of the environment, allowing for remote monitoring and identifying potential issues.

Security personnel can patrol larger areas virtually, focus on high-risk zones, and even track the movement of suspicious individuals.

Reporting Software: 

Implement user-friendly software for guards to report incidents and suspicious activity promptly. This software can be designed to capture details like time, location, type of incident, photos, and video footage.

Easy reporting allows for swift investigation and response by supervisors and updates for all security personnel. The software can also generate reports and compile data to identify trends and areas of improvement for security protocols.

Tip #8: Remote Video Monitoring. 

CCTV security cameras play a vital role in maintaining order and preventing crime. However, their usefulness is amplified with remote video monitoring.

This means AI-integrated cameras or regular cameras combined with Cloud AI can trigger an alarm at a central monitoring station if it detects a security breach or suspicious activity.

Here, trained operators jump into action. They can access the live video feed to size up the situation and take appropriate measures based on the client’s pre-established procedures.

Advanced video analytics: 

Advanced AI-powered systems provide proactive security measures that operate continuously, 24/7, helping to detect security breaches before they escalate and potentially cause harm to security guards.

These systems function without breaks or blind spots, enhancing overall security effectiveness. They can analyze data and identify patterns or suspicious activity much faster than human guards, allowing for earlier intervention and potentially preventing security breaches altogether.

Here, we have discussed a few:

• License plate recognition can identify suspicious vehicles before they enter a property. 
• Tailgating detection, for both people and vehicles, uses AI to prevent unauthorized access through controlled areas. 
• Loitering detection can trigger alerts for individuals lingering in restricted zones. 
• Shoplifting detection AI can identify suspicious behavior without infringing on privacy. 
• Smoke and fire detection, gun detection, and slip and fall detection all provide faster response times to potential hazards, protecting both property and people. 
• Violence detection AI and crowd detection AI can help maintain order and ensure safety in various environments.

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Conclusion: 

Security guards play a vital role in maintaining safety. By empowering them with the right tools, training, and technology, we can create a safer work environment for them and everyone they protect. Investing in their well-being is paramount; a secure guard translates to a secure environment for all.

Remote video monitoring is not just a security tool; it’s an investment in the safety and well-being of your security guards. 

By empowering them with this technology, you create a more secure work environment for your guards, ultimately fostering a safer environment for everyone involved.

Contact us today for a customized security solution for your business!