Professional security is not just for businesses

There is a common misconception that security is just for businesses. Security guards, CCTV, alarms, alarm response and keyholding, are all services that people conceive to be related to businesses and commercial premises, but this is not the case.

There are plenty of other areas that professional security services are required and used frequently. These areas include councils, emergency services and government.

 Security services

Private Security firms are commonly relied on by councils when running events, especially when running events that will have large numbers of people. Any event, whether it is public or private, indoors or outdoors, that has large numbers of people needs to have a few things in mind:

Risk

With any event, there are a number of risks that need to be identified and a plan put in place to reduce or remove them completely. Security service providers are trained in risk assessments and risk management.

Crowd management

Large crowds often cause chaos and security service providers to deploy professional security teams that are highly trained and skilled in managing crowds.

Security

Security is a vital part of events. Having the correct security services means that as event organisers, you are taking the responsible precautions in keeping staff and visitors safe and secure. This also gives people the reassurance that you take their safety seriously.

Emergency Services

There are often times when emergency services are under extreme pressure and are unable to keep up with demand. This is where professional security service providers step up and aid the emergency services in keeping people safe and places secure. Security guards are SIA qualified and are able to deal with many different situations.

Government

Like councils, government events usually require a combination of Police and security guards. Security service providers like All Time Security are often called on to carry out thorough risk assessments and put robust plans in place for securing conferences and various other events.

Personal Protection

High profile people, including celebrities and public figures, personal security is a must. High profile people are often at risk. Risk of attacks, both physical and verbal. Security guards who are trained and qualified in personal protection are skilled in vigilance and protection.

This means they will stay with their client at all times and ensure that no harm comes to them.

If you require professional security services for your events, business or personal security services, contact All Time Security and see how they can help you.    

How to safeguard yourself as a security professional

Security is an industry that is often on the front-line, especially in events and other functions. This puts security personnel at considerable risk. They are relied on to protect buildings, assets and people. But they can also be vulnerable, especially amidst an outbreak of disease and virus.

Although many businesses have been forced to close for the duration of the lockdown, professional and opportunist vandals, arsonists, thieves and burglars are viewing this a good opportunity to target vulnerable businesses.

What makes a vulnerable business during the lockdown?

With the country in lockdown, many businesses are left empty. Due to the nature of the pandemic, the rate that it spread and with all the uncertainty, businesses have not had the time to prepare appropriately. Not all businesses had efficient security measures in place.

• No alarms
• No CCTV
• No security personnel
• No security signage

In the current circumstances, installing alarms and CCTV is not that simple, and not all businesses are in the financial position to hire security guards. This leaves them vulnerable.

With the emergency services tight up with the pandemic, many businesses are relying on bespoke and affordable security solutions, like security patrols and alarm response. This is where a professionally trained security guard will make regular patrols of the premises and ensure that everything is in order and if there is a problem, the guard will take the appropriate action.

If premises are fortunate enough to have an alarm, then security service providers can also provide a rapid alarm response service, where if any alarm were to activate, they would respond immediately. Guards will investigate the activation and take the appropriate action.      

Why are security guards at risk?

As mentioned earlier, Security guards are regularly on the frontline and therefore are at the forefront of exposure. They are exposed to having to deal with situations, people and are forced to be in close proximity of other people – people who could be violent or contagious.

The government guidelines for maintaining a 2-meter distance can be complicated in this situation – especially if a security guard is confronted with a problematic situation or violent person.

What steps can security guards take to keep safe?

Maintain a distance

Although 2 meters might not be possible, guards must try to maintain some distance

PPE

Personal Protection equipment is a must. Where possible, guards should wear the appropriate PPE to ensure that they are safe.    

Avoid spittle

If guards are face to face with people, they need to avoid spittle for people’s mouth being transferred on to them as this is how Covid19 and other viruses are spread.

Do not shake hands or make unnecessary contact with people

Handshaking and any other contact must be avoided.