How To Conduct Security Patrols

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Security guards conduct regular patrols to assess the workplace and identify and manage security risks. Below is an excerpt detailing the considerations that security guards should make when conducting security patrols. Ultimately, it will help improve the effectiveness of the security patrol. 

Identify Site Risks

In some cases, you will conduct security patrols at night when there is little or no visibility. As such, it would be wise to consider pre-inspections to identify site risks. For instance, you should identify obstacles and barriers around the site. Besides, you should assess the perimeter to identify holes and weak points that could be used by unscrupulous individuals to gain access to the premises. 

Create A Patrol Plan

The patrol plan details how the guards will patrol the premises. Ideally, the patrols should be conducted at random intervals. Routine patrols can expose the premises to theft since thieves know when to attack. Guards must be in constant communication as they patrol the premises. It ensures that the team knows the exact location of each member. The guards should file a report after each patrol. It should indicate the route used, the threats encountered and any recommendations on how to improve the security situation. 

Integrate Patrols With Other Security Measures

Increase the efficiency of security patrols by integrating the patrols with other security measures. For instance: 

• The security guards should use guard dogs when conducting the patrols. Other than attacking criminals, the guard dogs will also identify weapons and drugs.
• Use a security guard tour system. It informs you of the location of each team member. Additionally, the system has a discrete panic button that the guards can use to alert other guards if they are in trouble.
• Have someone monitor CCTV cameras as the guards patrol your premises. It helps instil discipline as the guards patrol the area. Moreover, the person monitoring the system will warn the rest of the team if the guards get into trouble.
• The guards should have adequate training on how to respond to threats. For instance, martial arts and self-defence training can come in handy when confronted by an adversary.
• The guards should have protective gear and equipment. For example, they should have appropriate clothing and security equipment such as guns, batons, pepper spray and body armour. 

You should now have an easy time planning security patrols. Identify site risks, create a patrol plan and integrate patrols with other security measures. As a rule, your guards must be trained and experienced. 

26 March 2021