Baltimore Security Companies patrolling in public places is a visible deterrent to criminal activity. They are trained to recognize suspicious activities and use conflict resolution skills to prevent situations from escalating.
Often, security guards work for private security contractors that provide them to client facilities. They must be licensed.
Security assessments are a great way to weigh your security posture against the risks of a potential attack. They can assess various security aspects, including physical, information, and personnel security. Performing security assessments regularly is a critical component of an effective security program. They help you identify threats and vulnerabilities so you can address them before they become a problem. Security assessments can also help you evaluate your security measures and determine whether or not they are working properly.
Before an assessment can begin, you must define the scope of the evaluation. This will determine which areas or departments will be evaluated, as well as what type of evaluation you want to conduct. Using this information, you can identify specific assets and departmental needs to determine the necessary security measures. Generally, you will need to collect information about your workplace, such as building layouts, security systems, and emergency response plans. Additionally, you may need to interview personnel and review documents to assess the effectiveness of security measures in place.
Once you have determined the scope of your security assessment, you must develop and review a Security Assessment Plan (SAP). The SAP will be an agreed-upon roadmap for conducting the security controls assessment. The SAP will include a set of assessment procedures, which specify the methods and objects to be used by the security assessor. It will also indicate the minimum assurance level required by the organization. The security assessor will tailor, customize, and supplement the assessment procedures to align with the requirements of the organization. The security assessor will also identify opportunities to reduce resource requirements through reuse and consolidation of assessment procedures.
The independent assessor executes the SAP’s assessment procedures by conducting interviews, examining artifacts/documentation, and testing the implemented security controls. Once the assessment is complete, the independent assessor will draft a Security Assessment Report (SAR), which identifies all of the assessed controls as either satisfied or other than satisfied. The SAR will be provided to the CMS AO. The independent assessor will also perform a SAR out-brief with the CMS AO to review assessment results, discuss recommendations, and answer questions.
Patrols
Security patrols are one of the most important preventative measures that guards can take to reduce crime and safety hazards. Consistent, visible patrols alert criminals that a watchful eye is present and deter them from choosing a location to commit an act of violence or theft.
Patrolling also helps to improve situational awareness, which is an essential skill for security guards. As they travel through a facility on patrol, they will gain a deeper understanding of what is happening at any given time, and identify any potential weaknesses in the system that need to be addressed. For example, if they notice that someone seems nervous or fearful, it could be a sign of suspicious activity. Likewise, if they hear any offensive language or slurs being used, this is an indication that there may be a conflict developing that needs to be dealt with quickly.
Effective patrols will include a thorough visual inspection of fences, gates, buildings exteriors and other key access points for signs of tampering or breaches. Additionally, they will check security cameras, alarms and other equipment to ensure that they are functioning properly. They will also document their findings on a patrol log, which can be useful in maintaining accurate security statistics and reporting to clients.
Business owners rely on security guards to safeguard their property and the people who work for them. Retail stores, for example, face constant threats from shoplifters, thieves and vandals. Guards patrolling the premises can spot these risks and respond immediately to take the necessary action to protect the assets of the company and the well-being of employees and customers.
Guards on patrol can make citizen’s arrests if they observe crimes being committed that threaten the safety of individuals or properties on the facility they are protecting. They can also call the police for help if they witness a crime in progress or an individual acting suspiciously.
For patrol officers, it is critical to have the right training to conduct these important duties. This includes a solid understanding of the relevant laws and regulations, as well as de-escalation techniques and emergency response protocols. It is also helpful to use technology solutions like GPS tracking and mobile reporting apps to streamline the process.
Emergency Response
Managing emergencies like natural disasters, fires, or medical crises is a critical component of security guard jobs. They follow established protocols and coordinate with emergency personnel to ensure a swift and effective response. Security guards also participate in regular emergency management training to improve their skills and prepare for unforeseen circumstances.
In the case of a medical crisis, they may administer first aid until medical professionals arrive. For example, they might apply bandages to wounds or use CPR if someone has a heart attack. They are also trained to evacuate occupants and can activate fire alarms, use the appropriate extinguishers for different classes of fire, and assist with other safety procedures like locking doors.
Security guards can also help prevent crimes by observing their surroundings for suspicious activity. For instance, a security guard might spot an unauthorized person in a restricted area and report it to their supervisor or the police. They can also monitor CCTV footage to look for intruders who enter the premises after hours.
The ability to communicate effectively is another key aspect of security guard roles, especially during emergency situations. They often communicate via two-way radios, mobile phones, and encrypted messaging apps to relay crucial information quickly. This helps to keep everyone calm, reduce panic, and make sure that individuals understand what is happening and the appropriate actions they need to take.
They can also serve as liaisons between organizations and their communities by promoting awareness about safety measures and emergency procedures. This can include conducting drills, distributing information on safe escape routes, and fostering positive relationships that will benefit all parties in the event of an emergency. In addition, they perform post-incident analysis to identify what went wrong and how to improve in the future.
Conflict Resolution
Security guards are often first on the scene in a conflict, and it is important for them to take a calm approach and be prepared for a range of scenarios. This requires planning ahead of time, identifying potential risks, and determining how to intervene in a way that defuses tension rather than inflaming it. Security guards should also be able to identify when a situation is beyond their capabilities and know how to escalate the issue to supervisors or law enforcement.
Effective verbal de-escalation is an art that requires a strong level of patience and tact. The key to suppressing any security related conflict is understanding that in most cases people are purely venting their frustration and not at you personally. The fact that you represent an authority figure they have a problem with (for example not allowing entry into a venue or not letting them have one more drink) is the main cause of their anger, not your personality or actions. Once you understand this, it is much easier to respond with empathy and impartiality.
In addition to ensuring that all parties involved in the conflict are heard, it is vital that security guards use active listening techniques during conflicts. This includes asking open-ended questions to allow the individual to speak their mind and empathising with them. Providing reassurance and maintaining eye contact can help to calm individuals down, as well as seeking clarification on any misunderstandings or misinterpretations that may be contributing to the conflict.
Demonstrateing that you are open to cooperating with all parties in the conflict can eliminate resistance and make it much easier to reach a peaceful resolution. Security guards should be able to think quickly and propose practical solutions that address all of the parties’ concerns without resorting to force.
In some situations, conflict resolution may involve involving supervisors or law enforcement to handle the matter legally. During this process, security guards should follow all applicable laws and be prepared to use force if necessary. Security officers should be able to recognize when their interventions have been unsuccessful and know how to escalate the matter to authorities to avoid unnecessary physical violence.