Monthly Archives: May 2023

Why Increase Your Event Security?

Security guards play a thankless role in society. They are responsible for the success of all major events. Many people fail to realize that they are responsible for ensuring that that event is free from disturbances, and that the members of the event are safe.

To do this, a team of security guards will undergo extensive coordination, strategy, and communication before that event starts. They tirelessly execute their duties pertaining to surveillance, monitoring, assisting, and managing large crowds during the event.

When performing all of these tasks, they have to be alert and ready to execute the entire time. This is because even the slightest drop in attention can lead to a harmful outcome for the people. They have to carry out the difficult task of making disruptions unnoticeable for the public.

In today’s uncertain times, the crime rate is rising, and chaotic occurrences between large crowds are slowly becoming the norm. This is why organizers and companies must increase their event security. Increasing event security also encompasses more benefits that we will discuss further.

Lowers the chances of high-risk guests

 With certain events, the consideration of high-risk attendees and guests is crucial. These refer to individuals that pose a high risk. In other words, they are most likely to cause disruptions or violence due to slight inconveniences. This is most common when the event venue is open for all and at a large-scale venue.

Increasing the number of security guards will minimize the chances of particular high-risk guests entering the event premises. Most high-risk guests are easily agitated and angered and may even possess a lethal weapon that they can use to impose harm onto others.

For instance, there may be a situation in which a guest speaker at an event may talk about an opposing view which may trigger guests that are prone to protest and express their anger. Some guests are present at an event for the sole purpose of protesting.

Increasing security ultimately means that professionals in the vicinity will quickly identify those individuals and stop them from entering. Despite all the efforts, there may still be a few bad actors in the event because it is impossible to identify uncertainties within humans.  Some tend to act violently even if it does not seem like it.

Neutralize heated situations

Security guards have a way of neutralizing situations that are about to boil down into heated situations. They are individuals that can instinctively spot a heated situation that can potentially burst into violence.

After spotting an escalating confrontation or occurrence, security guards are equipped with the right training to deescalate that situation and stop it from turning into havoc. They have superior communication skills that allow them to neutralize a situation without having to use any force.

Crowd Control

With the lift in lock-down ban, public and private events are host to larger crowds than before. People are looking to flood more events. Many recent concerts and events have seen attendance in record-breaking numbers. Projections indicate there is a strong demand for outdoor public events in post-pandemic times.

The more people in attendance, the more chances of chaos, and you need professionals that are trained in handling crowds that get out of hand. An increase in security guards means that you have more individuals that will direct groups of large gatherings towards the exit points. This allows them to manage the flow of attendees safely and prevents injuries due to shoving and pushing.

They also make sure that everyone follows a straight queue. To avoid conflicts, you need to increase security guards so that no one dares to cut in line or barge into the event by jumping fences or boundaries. Additionally, it allows you to allocate more people guards in the crowd and distribute roles more fairly.

It may also allow some organizers to position a guard on the VIP access areas. Some areas in an event, such as backstage or indoor compartments, need to stay exclusive. Keep in mind that some attendees try to play tricky tactics to enter without authorization.  In this situation, security guards can keep unauthorized people from gaining access.

To Conclude

An increase in event security will only do more good than harm.. This means that the crowd inside the venue will be filtered and screened for public safety. Adding more security elements also means that the venue will be unwelcoming to all sorts of hostile activities.

Common Areas That Are Vulnerable to Security Lapses

Even the slightest lapses in security can be critical to the safety and health of the public. Planners must be very considerate when formulating a security strategy. The strategy should rightfully address all flaws and possible vulnerabilities within the security system.  Any small loopholes in the security can provide access opportunities for infiltrators.

You must be aware of the common areas that are often exploited for a security breach. These are areas that most entities and businesses will leave unchecked and unaddressed. Sometimes, even the smallest unchecked areas can be the cause of a major loss.

They may also be the reason for traumatic events and destruction within the premises. The best safety system allocates guards and uses technology to constantly monitor all the major entry points, along with the blind spots that many people happen to miss out on. Additionally, there are some aspects to security systems that also lead to lapses in security.

 Gaps between Doors

Despite having motion sensors and video surveillance in place, movements and activities happening within the thin gaps between doors can easily go unnoticed. Perpetrators can gain entry into secure locations by using these gaps. They can enable the doors to open and compromise some of the important documents and valuables on the other side of the door.

This is an area that most people do not give much attention to when formulating a security system around a premise. It is largely because they undermine the abilities of the wrong-doers and cannot comprehend anyone exploiting such a thin gap in the defense.

Covering up the gaps is the best way to prevent a victim from slipping objects through them. Other than filling up the gaps, the next best safety prevention technique to counter this would be to increase motion sensor sensitivity or add motion sensors in areas close to the door gaps.

Outdated Security

Technological innovations are redefining many aspects of our lives. Some would argue that it has influenced the security sector the most. In recent years, there have been astronomical improvements in surveillance technologies such as cameras and sensors.

Security cameras today can provide high-resolution footage and offer incredible visibility to security guards. Having updated security differences can be the difference of whether you are vulnerable to external threats or not.

Therefore, in today’s age, having an outdated security system is a security lapse that criminals will be quick to exploit. Updates and replacements are essential to both cyber and physical security systems.

Keep in mind that new security systems and updates are invented in response to the modern security breaches which older security systems could not handle. This ultimately means that you should not expect old systems to protect you against modern, innovative attacks.

Glass Infrastructure

In the age of today, minimalist architecture and design are in high demand. The use of glass for doors and barriers is very common. However, if you care about safety, then you may have to compromise aesthetic pleasure for protection.

Burglars and criminals can easily break through glass material and gain entry. If you still want to have compartments that are separated by glass, it is best to equip them with motion sensors. The premise windows should consist of hard glass that is tough to breakthrough.

Using glass for infrastructure should come with security considerations. This material can easily be pierced through with the help of cutting tools and other high-tech pieces of equipment. Glass doors and windows are areas that you need to address. You should also place more cameras and sensors in locations with more glass doors and windows.

Final Words

In today’s uncertain environments, there are many different ways criminals and offenders can access your premises and compromise your business. Security threats are taking shape into different forms, and you need to be up to date and prepared for everything. Despite all your efforts to prevent lapses in security, you may still have to deal with an invasive breach.

This is why you also have to prepare for minimizing risks in the face of a security lapse. This means that you have to make it difficult for the perpetrator to access valuables once they break into your premises.

 

Many Benefits of Mobile Patrol Security

They serve as a conspicuous deterrent to anyone who intends to commit crimes on the property. mobile patrols are frequently the first to respond to security threats such as theft and damage. If there is ever a need, they can contact the police or emergency medical personnel right away.

Hiring mobile guarding and patrol security is one of the best ways to secure all parameters around your area.  Patrolling refers to survey, monitor and observe company site or a specific area. There are different types of patrolling that mobile patrol security offers. The first type is the initial or first round patrol. Along with that, guards also offer random or last round patrol.

Patrolling Services

Mobile guarding and patrolling use highly skilled officers that drive visible vehicles around a premise. Patrolling can be done either indoors or outdoors. They drive visible vehicles so that they can quickly respond to alarms and escort employees safely into and out of business premises.  The patrolling services also include opening and closing business premises.

Random Check-ins

Security officers that randomly monitor an area at different times can vastly increase your security. This is because criminals and offenders usually carry out their malicious activities at quieter times when no one is present. When you are not on the site, you can expect the mobile patrol security guards to always be patrolling.

Flexible Approach

Mobile security patrol officers are always ready to quickly respond to numerous situations. This highly flexible approach to security gives you the advantage to initiate on-sight security without an around the clock payroll. At the core of all mobile security services, lies the opportunity to provide patrol inspections and alarm responses.

Inspections

Security providers can allow clients to customize inspections according to each client. If you want officers to secure a large surface distance outside the business premise, then you can have officers drive around in cars looking for suspicious activities that can potentially be harmful for your business. This also helps you integrate a physical and mobile crime deterrent around the business premise.

Officers will also frequently step out of their vehicles to check doors and inspect vacant areas around a business that are most vulnerable to criminal activities. They will also record and document all inspection activities and results and report them to the superiors.

These types of services allow businesses to work with flexibility and transparency. They will also use communication devices to immediately alert any issues that need to quickly resolve.

Interior Inspections

Patrol inspections also involve interior inspections. These are inspections in which security officers will look for any suspicious activities, along with safety hazards inside the building.  They not only check interior rooms, but also adjust equipment according to your orders.

Alarm Responses

In addition to inspection and patrolling services, a mobile patrol security can also efficiently respond to alarms. Alarm responses allow them to work in synergy with security technology and other advanced systems. They have years’ worth of experience and specialized training to respond most effectively to alarms.

Many enterprises and locations have very high fees if you want law enforcers to respond to the alarm. Private mobile patrol officers in this regard can be very cost effective for businesses and residents. You should also take into consideration that many of the motion sensor alarms are false.

When the alarm system triggers, the nearest security guard is alarmed. According to the type and area of the alarm, the officer will respond in a certain way. If they find an issue, then the officer will contact the proper authority, for example, building maintenance, firefighters, animal control, ambulance, or other emergency services.

Additional Services of Mobile Patrol Security

Mobile guarding also offers several additional services. For example, it can include employee escort services.  This leads to a safe environment for the on-sight employees. They also offer first line maintenance, which means that they can perform simple tasks that may otherwise require hiring costly service technicians.

In addition to that, you will also find mobile patrol services making transient interdictions. This keeps homeless trespassers or other people to engage ethically with other people in the community. They also provide safe environments for any lone worker at a facility.

Concluding Thought

Mobile patrol guarding is a smart security solution for people that are looking to integrate limited security measures that are cost-effective. It is also an ideal method to enhance existing security systems that clients already have in place. For example, mobile officers can replace static positioned officers when there is low activity. Or, they can provide security presence at sights that only have surveillance cameras and no security guards.

 

Hiring a Celebrity Bodyguard-What to Expect

Celebrity bodyguards are quite different from other private protection agents you may hire. People also refer to security bodyguards as executive protection agents. In other words, they represent the upper echelon of security guards and have more experience.

Most of the celebrity bodyguards have a background in the military or police department.  Nonetheless, many people have the wrong perception of bodyguards. The article will discuss real aspects of bodyguards and what you can expect when you hire them.

Physical Appeal is not a requirement

When people hear the word bodyguard, they instantly start imagining a person who is three hundred pounds and six feet tall. However, there are a lot more requirements than just physical presence that bodyguards need to fulfill.

Protection important personalities and famous individuals take a lot more than just muscle, and it is more of a thinking game. The best protection executive is one that can maintain calm in all sorts of situations. They know how to think proficiently on their feet and adapt with the versatility to constant changes.

The primary goal for a celebrity bodyguard is to keep the clients safe, but there is much more than that. The training of celebrity bodyguards includes practical exercises in which they have to role-play an entire distress situation from beginning to end. This job is highly demanding and overwhelming because bodyguards have to escort celebrities across large bombarding gatherings.

Bodyguards do this by positioning themselves in different formations around celebrities. They will utilize these formations when celebrities are walking around in high threat environments or open areas.  However, these positions and roles can vary according to the needs and demands of the clients.

The Average Cost of Hiring an Executive Protection Agent

The average cost for hiring an executive protection specialist will depend on several factors. Firstly, it will vary according to the work that needs to be done. Another factor that comes into play is the location. Thirdly, it also depends on who needs the agents. All of these factors define the threat level for protection agents.

Bodyguards are willing to put their lives in danger for the celebrity’s protection. If their job requires minimal threat, then they will service will charge the lower end of the pay scale. On the other hand, if the threat level is high, then the pay scale can be incredibly high.

For example, bodyguards of celebrities that are very polarizing and controversial always have a chip on their shoulders. This means that they are more vulnerable to facing attacks and other offensive actions. Bodyguards in this case have a tougher duty of protection, and hence they will rightfully charge more.

Do you need a celebrity bodyguard?

Corporations are downsizing their mergers and acquisitions due to uncertain times. This means that companies end contracts with employees and other business partners. This may be a financial responsibility, but it affects others very harshly.

It is not uncommon to build enemies that want to harm you and your business. If you feel like you have taken similar steps in the past years then you should consider private protection. Many employees make life-threatening claims when they get fired, and some even act out on them.

These are things that you read in the news every day, unfortunately. Therefore, violence in the workplace is sadly a relevant reality. You have to make special arrangements to make sure that you do not face any loss or damage because of it. This is why you should consider hiring a bodyguard or even any other security service.

Working with a private protection Specialist

If you want to hire someone right away, you must do proper research and locate a legitimate service. You should also not have false expectations of a bodyguard as well. Make sure that you only hire from a reputable company.

Additionally, private security companies are also limited to the confines of the law. This is why you should not expect the guards to do anything that requires them to break the law.  To clear this misunderstanding, you should go through the legal limitations before you hire the individual.

Finally

Make sure that you hire according to a contract. It is best to have everything written down and stipulated before you hire the bodyguard to avoid confusion and misunderstandings. Lastly, you should also go through the background of each security guard.

 

Preparation for Using Private Security Services

Customers that are in need of hiring security guard services must not make abrupt and rash decisions when hiring.  Hiring security guard services should only come after careful consideration and thorough planning. To start with, you must decide the level of security services you require. This will involve you evaluating security risks around your premise.  Below are suggested preparation steps that help you utilize security services to the best potential.

Determine Your Needs

 Before you even contact a security service, you must vary of your needs. Determining your needs means looking at the problems you face more closely and whether hiring security guards will solve that problem. It will also involve highlighting the short- and long-term goals that you are looking to accomplish by hiring the security services.

It also means that you need to consider the amount of coverage that you need. The coverage will translate to the scope of work you want to perform, and also the security budget that you have at your disposal. All of these things will give you a good idea of the type and scale of security service is best suited for you.

Research

Research involves finding out about the security service that you are looking to hire. Make sure that you do not stick to the first security providers that come your way. Widen your options and judge each service with a critical lens. This will involve using online search engines to learn more about the vendor. It will also involve checking whether they are a legitimate business, and whether their licensing is relevant and authorized by the government.

A watch guard and patrol agency cannot function without the licensing and state authorization. You can also investigate details about their insurance, experience in the field, their number of employees, and most importantly, their online reviews.

Contact the Agency

Once you are done with the research and convinced about the company, you can call the company and speak to a representative about their security guard services. When calling them, take their response time into consideration. Along with that, make sure that they sounded professional, organized, and invested in helping you instead of trying to make money off of you.

Schedule a Meeting

It is best that you schedule a meeting with the manager and have a real-life conversation with him in which you express your needs and expectations. They are likely to ask about your budget, and to that you can try to negotiate a good deal. Make sure to only consider them if their impression was organized and safe.

Negotiation

You want to make sure that you negotiate a bill rate. A bill rate is an agreed upon amount that a security company will charge a client on a set hourly basis. How do you determine a bill rate? For that you have to take into account the scope and frequency of the work that you require, and consider the customer’s complete budget, along with the security company’s interest.

Before a security company can propose a bill rate, they must understand the customer’s requirements. Another thing that will affect the bill rate is whether you need armed or unarmed security guards. Other things include equipment and resources.

Review Your Proposal

 After you lay down your requirements to the security service, they will offer you a proposal in which they will include all the services that they will provide and the breakdown of the expenses that it will cost you. Make sure that the proposal is easy to read and has relevant proofs and references. Make sure that it states all the insurances and policies as well.

To Conclude

 As you can see, there is plenty that goes into hiring a security service. Make sure to stay on top of all processes and be prepared with what comes after you show interest in an agency. Knowing what to do can help you land a better deal.

Security Personnel Duties and Limitations

Overall, security officers are tasked with securing the premises and personnel by staying on patrol, monitoring surveillance equipment, performing building inspections, guarding entry points, and verifying visitors. Completes reports by recording observations, information, occurrences, and surveillance activities.

The primary function of a security officer is deterrence.  The mere presence of a security guard is designed to disincentivize any potential criminal from committing a crime. If a would-be criminal enters a store and sees a guard on site, they may think twice about the crime.

Security checking is the pillar of maintaining the safety of an institution. Whether it is a school or a shopping mall, security guards play an instrumental role in providing thorough security to the place. Security guards are in charge of preventing theft, robbery, vandalism, trespassing, and other criminal activities. While security personal are allowed to take certain actions to perform their tasks seamlessly, they must remember that there are things that they cannot do.

Things security guards can do:

 Security personnel is in charge of the safety of an institution and thus they are empowered with certain authorities to prevent unwanted situations. Here is an outline of things that a security guard can do.

 Frisk a person

This is the most common task of a security guard. Be it a residential apartment or a cinema hall, security guards are deployed to check whether people are entering with unauthorized objects. As a security guard, you must ask a person first before frisking. In case you find an object, which is not authorized, inform the same immediately to security officers.

Ask a person to wait

A security guard needs to ensure that no unauthorized person is entering the facility. For example, as a security guard of a commercial facility, you must make sure that people who are entering have tickets and proper booking slips. If the person is unable to produce sufficient documents, you can make him or her wait and inform your supervisor.

Citizen’s Arrest if suspect is caught red-handed

An “arrest” includes the actual restraint of a person. But the restraint must be reasonable. But who can make arrests? Well, any police officer or person may arrest another person by restraining them, but only under certain circumstances.

A police officer may arrest a person when the police officer has reasonable cause to believe the person has committed a public offense or when he has an arrest warrant. If the public offense is a felony, the police need not have seen the offense occur to make an arrest. But if the offense is not a felony, the police officer must have seen the offense to make the arrest. It becomes much more complicated for the police officer in the case of domestic violence.

A security guard is merely a private person even though he wears a uniform. The security guard may arrest a person when that person has committed a felony, but only if a felony has actually been committed. If the offense is not a felony it must be committed or at least attempted in the presence of the security guard before a citizen’s arrest can be made. Whereas, the requirement is not so demanding for a police officer who can arrest a person for a felony as long as the officer has probable cause to believe the person committed the felony, whether or not the felony occurred.

A security guard can arrest criminals and culprits if they are caught in the act, red-handed. For instance, if you find a group of burglars trying to break in, you can arrest them immediately and take them into your custody. However, call your supervisor immediately after the arrest.

Assistance in Making a Citizen’s Arrest

Interestingly, the security guard can ask for assistance from other security guards or other persons in making the citizen’s arrest. A security guard can also call the police and ask the police officer to make the citizen’s arrest for the security guard, whether they are a part of protective services or otherwise.

The “Magic Words” in Making a Citizen’s Arrest

In making the citizen’s arrest, the security guard must tell the person being arrested that he is being arrested, the reason for the arrest and the authority to make the arrest. Does the security guard always have to go through this verbal list? Not if the person to be arrested is in the middle of the crime or the attempt to commit the crime or is being pursued immediately after the crime. But once the criminal is caught and being restrained, he must be told what offense he is being arrested for.

How clearly must the security guard articulate the basis for and nature of the citizen’s arrest? Not very. In a case where an intoxicated driver exiting a parking garage the wrong way breaking the entrance gate and hitting a security guard, a parking attendant signed a citizen’s arrest form indicating the arrest was for malicious mischief and vandalism only. The driver’s blood alcohol was over the permissible limit. When the driver challenged the arrest and the suspension of his driver’s license, it was held that the substance of the attendant’s actions constituted a valid citizen’s arrest even though he did not utter or write the “magic words.”

What to Do with Weapons in Making a Citizen’s Arrest

What if the person being arrested has a weapon? Can the security guard take it away? Yes, the security guard making the citizen’s arrest can disarm the person being arrested.

What to Do After Making a Citizen’s Arrest

Once the security guard has made the citizen’s arrest what does he have to do? The security guard must call the police immediately and turn the person arrested over to a police officer as soon as possible. The security guard must also inform the police officer of the offense the person committed and file a formal criminal complaint. If the police officer decides to release the person arrested by the security guard, the arrest is considered a detention.

Things security guards can’t do:

There are a few things that a security guard is not entitled to do. Please refer to the following points for a brief outline of the same.

Can’t use force

If you find someone suspicious, it is better to call your immediate officer. Do not use force until it is not in self-defense. For instance, spitting on the floor is an unauthorized act but not a crime. If you find a person spitting within the campus / premise, you can ask for fines. However, you cannot use force or show arms to the person. On the contrary, if you find someone trying to break in, you can use force to stop the criminal.

Can’t carry a firearm or any other kind of weapon, if not certified and authorized to do so

 Usually, only a few security guards are certified and allowed to carry firearms on duty. If you are not a certified and authorized to carry a firearm, you should not do it.

If you do and it is discovered this is a breach of policy and is illegal, in the State of Illinois, and action will be taken against you.

Can’t carry any other kind of weapon either, if not certified and authorized to do so. Most security agencies have a strict policy regarding use of force, including intermediate force options, including, batons, handcuffs, OC spray, and Tasers. Usually, only a few security guards are certified and allowed to carry any kind of weapon on duty. If you are not a certified and authorized to carry a firearm, you should not do it.

If you do and it is discovered this is a breach of policy and disciplinary action will be taken against you.