Security Guard Companies In Baltimore Maryland help protect people, places, and things from various threats. They patrol the premises, monitor surveillance systems, and respond to alarms or disturbances by contacting authorities or diffusing situations using conflict de-escalation techniques.
Security guards should be visible at all times to deter criminal activity. They often work in retail locations, office buildings, or residential complexes.
Security guards are mini-police officers who patrol the property to observe suspicious activity and deter crime. They can also act as immediate responders in emergency medical situations, offering first aid to prevent further injury or even death before ambulances and police arrive.
In addition, they can perform search and detainment actions depending on each client’s specific needs. For example, they can request consent to search a person at store exits or event entrances, which deters shoplifting and helps recover stolen merchandise. They can also ask trespassing people to leave the property or, in some cases, call the authorities to make a citizen’s arrest (depending on the laws of the jurisdiction and extent of the crime).
Training is key for effective security patrols. For example, your guards should be knowledgeable about verbal de-escalation techniques to help diffuse tense situations and avoid physical intervention. They should also know how to identify precursors to violence, so they can take steps to defuse a situation before it escalates.
Many clients choose to have security personnel conduct regular routine patrols. This provides a sense of security for the client and is a valuable tool for crime prevention. For example, residents in gated communities enjoy knowing that guards regularly check-in and can provide a reassuring presence. Employees in office buildings or guests at events also appreciate the regular patrols, which provide a safe environment.
Some security threats require a quick response. Trained security guards are equipped to handle a variety of emergency situations, including fires and natural disasters. They can quickly secure the scene and assess the situation to gather vital information for law enforcement or other emergency services.
The key to security patrols is a well-defined set of guidelines. For instance, guards should be able to explain the purpose of their actions and that they are acting to keep the community safe. They should also document all of their observations and activities to ensure accuracy and compliance with the law. Guards can use tools like GPS tracking and mobile reporting apps to improve efficiency and visibility.
Responding to Emergency Situations
Security guards are trained to handle a variety of emergency situations. Their role is to detect and report any issues, so management can take appropriate action. They also work with local law enforcement officers, collaborating on incidents to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Security professionals often work in different industries and settings, ranging from malls and airports to corporate offices, events, healthcare facilities, and transportation hubs. Their duties may vary depending on the industry and setting, but they typically include patrolling property, monitoring cameras and access points from a control room or guard booth, and interacting with visitors, customers, employees, and others to promote a safe environment.
They can monitor parking lots and keep an eye on entrances and exits, and they may be tasked with screening individuals entering and leaving their workplace. Security guards may need to use a variety of tools and equipment, including X-ray machines for bags and other large containers, or they might need to open and visually inspect items. They are responsible for logging all of their patrols, and this information is usually compiled with the help of an electronic system that provides real-time tracking and downloadable patrol logs.
During serious security incidents, security guards may be the first to notice any problems and the first to react. They can then call 911, contact local authorities, and provide assistance to anyone who needs it. Security guards are able to work calmly and effectively in high-pressure situations, especially when they are supervised by a supervisor who is able to give them guidance and direction.
Some security guards are armed, meaning they carry weapons, which can make them more effective in preventing or responding to threats. However, armed security guards are highly trained and only use their weapons legally and in direct defense of their lives or others’ lives.
Specialized security personnel also serve as bodyguards for VIPs, celebrities, and other high-profile individuals. They are sometimes referred to as loss prevention or personal or executive protection (bodyguards), and they work in plainclothes or in uniform, as needed.
Maintaining a High Visibility
Security guards are tasked with maintaining a visible presence to deter potential wrongdoers from acting against property or people. A principle known as the “broken windows theory” suggests that visible signs of order can prevent larger problems from developing. For example, a security guard may patrol a building’s perimeter and check to make sure all doors are locked to ensure no one is entering an area that should remain private. In addition, a guard can monitor access control systems to prevent unauthorized entry.
Another security guard duty is observing and reporting suspicious activity. This requires training in identifying threats specific to the environment they are working in. For instance, a security guard at an industrial site will look for safety violations or equipment malfunctions that could potentially lead to accidents, while a security guard in a residential complex will watch out for trespassing and vandalism.
A security guard must also be able to communicate effectively. They often need to relay information about a situation to supervisors or police officers, and they must be able to provide clear, articulate reports that focus on the six Ws—who, what, where, when, why, and how. Using digital reporting tools can help streamline this process and ensure reports are thorough and accurate.
Lastly, a security guard must be able to work well with others. This includes other security personnel, police and fire officials, and members of the public. Security guards need to be able to defuse conflicts and handle emergency situations without inflaming the situation, and they must be willing to take direction from others when necessary.
To perform their duties effectively, security guards must be healthy and fit. They must wear comfortable, protective clothing to protect themselves from physical attacks and have access to training in first aid and conflict de-escalation techniques. They also need to maintain a high level of fitness through regular exercise, and they should be provided with mental health resources and access to counselors when needed. Moreover, it is important that they have proper training in recognizing common workplace hazards, including electrical hazards, chemical spills, and fires.
Providing Excellent Customer Service
While people typically associate customer service with receptionists and sales assistants, security guards can also provide excellent customer service. This is because security personnel are often the first individuals to greet customers or visitors and can have a great impact on the overall experience for anyone visiting a property. Security staff that demonstrate good customer service will leave a positive impression on the people they encounter and can help create a secure environment in which patrons can feel confident and comfortable.
The ability to communicate well is an important part of providing excellent customer service, which is why training in effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills is essential for any security officer. It’s also important for addressing any concerns or complaints that may arise. Whether they are dealing with an angry guest or a problem with a robbery, security officers who display excellent customer service skills will be able to calmly and quickly work through the situation while maintaining safety.
Security guards are often tasked with responding to a wide range of issues, including emergency situations and resolving complaints. As a result, they should have strong problem-solving skills and be able to think on their feet. In addition, they should be able to handle stressful situations and interact with people from a variety of backgrounds. This requires strong emotional intelligence and a high level of maturity, which is why it’s essential for security officers to have the right training and experience.
In addition to solving problems, security guards must be able to effectively communicate with law enforcement in the event of an incident. This can be challenging, but it is crucial for the safety of everyone on site. Security guards with strong customer service skills will be able to provide a clear and accurate description of the situation to police, which will ensure that victims receive the care they need and that criminals are caught.
Security guards play a vital role in the safety of the occupants of a building or event. By demonstrating good customer service, they can build trust and confidence in their team and organization. By being friendly and helpful, they can improve the quality of the experience for their customers, which can lead to greater loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.