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Private security and event security companies have become increasingly popular in recent years and have arguably cemented themselves as an important feature of modern society. And with advancements in modern technology, the way in which such companies operate has become far more efficient and effective, allowing business owners to protect their premises in ways that they haven’t been able to in the past. But what does the future hold for private security services? And how will advancements in technology affect the way in which business owners secure their property? Let’s take a look in this expert guide.

The Use of Drones

Drones have become an increasingly popular asset in the private security sector. Drones offer an unrivalled level of versatility and are able to access hard to reach areas where a human being might experience difficulty. Drones equipped with cameras can provide aerial surveillance and real-time video feeds, allowing security personnel to monitor large areas from a central location. This can be especially useful for large scale events, construction sites, and other locations where hiring human patrols may be out of budget. Indeed, drones offer an affordable alternative to conventional security measures – and are definitely a worthwhile investment.

When it comes to the future of the UK’s private security services, it is likely that drones will continue to play an increasingly important role within the industry. Ever evolving drone technologies, such as longer battery life, improved cameras, and enhanced navigation systems, promise to make them far more useful in security applications, such as surveillance systems and reconnaissance missions.

Advanced Biometric Systems

Biometric authentication is nothing new, but is vastly becoming an increasingly popular tool in the private security sector, thanks to its ability to provide secure, accurate, reliable and convenient access control. Biometric authentication is effective because it analyses physical or behavioural traits, such as a person’s unique fingerprints, an individual’s face, and patterns in their voice, to verify a person’s identity and grant access to restricted areas or devices, and preventing unwanted visitors from entering the area, reducing the risk of harm coming to property or a business premises. 

As aforementioned, the key benefit of biometric authentication is the fact that it is highly accurate, secure, and reliable. Biometric traits are unique to each individual and are difficult to replicate, making them more secure than other modes of authentication such as passwords or scanning an ID card. Indeed, this also means that biometric authentication is faster and more convenient than having to remember a password and pin or having to carry around a physical ID card.

Although there are concerns from some commentators that biometric authentication can present privacy issues for those involved, it is a highly effective and efficient way to ensure that a business premises is secure, and only the people who should be on site are granted access. Indeed, the rapid advancements in biometric technology, such as improved accuracy and faster processing times will make them highly useful when it comes to access applications.

Artificial Intelligence

Increasingly, artificial intelligence is being used in security surveillance systems. One of the major advantages of AI is that it can analyse large amounts of data in real time and quickly detect any potential threats. AI systems use machine learning algorithms to identify suspicious behaviour or activity, such as unauthorised access, loitering, or unusual movements of individuals that the human eye may not be able to detect. AI systems essentially streamline the way in which a security system operates, reducing the workload for security personnel so that they can focus on other tasks such as running the business. Another added benefit of AI security systems is that they automate the monitoring process, providing for a far more accurate and efficient security system.

Although some critics suggest it has its flaws such as creating false positives for innocent behaviour, the AI technology is evolving at a rapid rate and is only set to improve, meaning businesses will massively benefit from an enhanced and far more accurate security system.

An Increased Reliance on Private Police

Due to massive government cuts in the UK, the number of public police officers has fallen dramatically, which has resulted in private security companies being used as essentially replacements for police patrols. Many small and large businesses are now opting to hire private security companies to protect their premises from break ins and thefts due to their loss of faith in the police service.

Cloud Based Solutions Will Be Everywhere

Much like with AI, the cloud based solutions are not a new trend in the private security industry, but it is arguably expanding extremely rapidly. From small business markets to much larger enterprises we can see the momentum push more and more businesses to leverage cloud-based security solutions and services. And as we continue to witness, the devastating impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on  businesses globally has only accelerated the movement to cloud-based operations for people and businesses around the world.

Cloud based solutions allow businesses to achieve a simplistic way of managing their security, minimising the amount of assets needed, and offer a setup that is both easy to use and navigate – and this is exactly what cloud technology delivers so well. With a cloud based security service, there is no need for a local server or software. Business owners can quickly and easily check the status of their business security in real time, receive security events and alarms quickly, and respond effectively to emergencies using a simple smartphone app.

The Bottom Line

Technology has arguably revolutionised the way in which private security services in the UK operate, and has allowed them to streamline the service they provide, making everything far more reliable, precise, and efficient. It is crucial that private security companies embrace this ever evolving technology if they want to ensure that they offer a service that truly safeguards a business – and that’s exactly what we do here at All Time Security. For more information on how we can assist you and your business, do not hesitate to get in touch with us today.

All businesses, no matter their size, need to implement appropriate safety measures and provide a safe working environment for members of staff. The level of security you will need to implement will depend on the size of your business, any specific risks you face and of course your specific budget. Here at All Time Security, we pride ourselves on being one of the country’s leading security firms, and provide the best security solutions for businesses of every size. In this handy guide, we will explain 5 of the most crucial security measures your business should adopt so that you can create a safe working environment.

1. Carry Out a Thorough Risk Assessment

It is important that, as soon as possible, you are able to assess which areas within your business premises could be vulnerable to crime, accident or other events out of your control such as a weather event. If you operate from a property on a busy high street, it may be a good idea to install shutters to prevent criminals from breaking in. Similarly, if your business is located in a remote area, it is essential that you install high quality CCTV. In other words, it is important that you are able to do your research to identify the places that could be vulnerable and come up with a solution quickly. It may be a simple fix that a window or door just requires an extra lock, but even this could make the world of difference.

2. Make Sure Your Staff are Adequately Trained in Safety

All of your staff members should be given adequate training on safety procedures in case of an emergency, such as a fire in the workplace. It is crucial that your safety drills are practised regularly and your premises should have at least one fire extinguisher that is readily available and tested to ensure it is in working condition. Emergency fire exit doors should be clearly visible at all times and must not be obstructed. You also need to consider the arrangements and requirements for any employees who have a disability or present an additional risk (such as a pregnant colleague) in the event of an evacuation.

A two-way radio device can be of use in coordinating and communicating in such an event. It is also important to have a list of emergency numbers for the police, ambulance services and the fire brigade to hand and a safety manual or a safety notice pinned up to advise staff of what to do should the worst come to worst. Simply put, it is vital that all of your employees know what to do so that the risk of harm is minimised.

3. Make Sure High Value Items are Properly Secured

If you keep your products, money or high-value goods such as computers, televisions, and other expensive workplace equipment, it is essential that you are able to properly secure them. In a small business, having high-value items stolen can be disastrous and cause the business to collapse. If money is kept onsite, purchase a heavy duty and high quality safe and make sure you bolt it securely to the wall or floor. If high volumes of stock or expensive tools or equipment are left overnight, make sure they are stored out of sight and towards the back of your premises or in an area that is not easily accessible, ideally in a room with few or no windows, and secured shut with one or more heavy duty locks.

4. Hire Physically Present Security Officers

A security guard’s physical presence demonstrates to members of the public that your business is secure and is being watched at all times. In other words, having such officers present is a fantastic way to deter crime. Physically present security guards observe and report any suspicious activity while responding quickly and calmly to any incidents that may have a negative impact on your business. But, indeed, physical security stretches beyond just security guards. The type of security guard you need can differ, depending on the requirements of your business.. You might need one or a combination of the following solutions:

• Security officers/guards
• Access and egress officers
• Mobile patrols
• Internal and external patrols
• Door supervisors
• Stewarding and compliance teams
• Keyholding services

And here at All Time Security, we can offer you just that. Affordable, sturdy security that minimises risk and any potential threat to your business.

5. Install Security Lighting and a CCTV Control Room

Alongside the array of security guards we are able to provide, a CCTV control room is another physical security measure you can take to ensure your business is protected at all times, and is another way to deter thieves and other criminals. Highly trained guards monitor the feeds for extra security in real-time, ensuring that your business premises are kept safe and monitored at all times. Similarly, security lighting is an affordable and effective way to safeguard your business. Motion-sensitive lighting will ensure that any dark corners that could provide cover for criminals are illuminated so they cannot be undetected. When combined with CCTV, security lighting is a highly effective way to ensure your business is safe.

With a CCTV control room that’s manned 24/7, 365 days a year, alongside multiple guards on duty at all times as well as secure lighting, you can ensure your business is protected. And when you choose All Time Security, you’ll benefit from expert guidance on design and solution considerations based on the specific requirements of your business.

Get in Touch With Us Today

When it comes to securing your business premises, you should not take any chances. Here at All Time Security, we are an SIA Approved contractor for Security Guarding, Door Supervision, Key holding, Close Protection and CCTV Public Surveillance, and guarantee to keep your business safe – and at highly affordable price points, without compromising on the quality of the service we provide. We pride ourselves on being one of the UK’s leading security firms, and with years of industry experience, we are passionate about what we do. For more information on the quality services we provide, get in touch with us today.