Private Security Company Baltimore works in various settings to prevent theft, unauthorized access, and other crimes by patrolling, monitoring surveillance systems, and managing access. They are also trained to respond quickly to alarms, disturbances, and emergencies by managing situations with decisive leadership until first responders arrive.
If you see a Security Guard, please respect their duties and keep your distance. They may approach you to ask questions or search your belongings if they have reasonable suspicion.
Security guards act as a deterrent against crime, patrolling their assigned areas and watching the surroundings. This constant presence, along with the fact that a security guard can stop criminals in their tracks or detain them until police arrive, serves as a powerful deterrent against property theft and other forms of crime. Security guards may also monitor and maintain surveillance equipment to prevent security breaches.
Some security guards are armed, but many do not carry weapons. These unarmed guards focus on observation, patrols, and access control and are often found in commercial properties, residential complexes, and public spaces. Unarmed security guards are commonly used in retail and restaurants to monitor employees and customers and ensure that patrons are not stealing merchandise or food.
Other security guards work in a wide range of settings. In offices and factories, guards check credentials for people entering and leaving the premises and monitor alarms. They may be responsible for checking visitors’ identification, providing directions, or offering assistance. They might even be called on to interact with employees and the general public, providing customer service and ensuring everyone is safe while on site.
Retail security guards prevent product loss in stores by monitoring security cameras, ensuring that store employees are not stealing merchandise or allowing shoplifters to escape, and functioning as liaisons with local law enforcement when theft occurs. Casino security guards and gambling surveillance officers monitor casino operations and may use audio and video equipment to monitor compliance with rules and regulations.
Some security guards are stationed outdoors to monitor parking lots and entrances and exits of buildings. They might even be required to travel between locations as their duties require. Guards whotasked with performing security checks at several sites need to be mobile and comfortable moving between locations. They must be alert, and they need to have good communication skills so that they can interact with people from a variety of backgrounds. Guards that are required to train other security personnel need to communicate effectively and demonstrate their knowledge of the security operations they are trained to protect.
Monitor
Trained security staff operate the monitoring station from either on or off-site, which allows for surveillance of your property 24/7. They can watch live footage from the cameras to identify any suspicious activity. They can then immediately take action, contacting the police or dispatching security guards to investigate. Remote monitoring eliminates the compromise of security when human guards are tired or distracted, ensuring crime is always being detected and reported. It also provides crucial evidence to aid in law enforcement investigations, reducing instances of repeat crime.
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Detecting Crime
Security guards have the skills and experience to identify suspicious activity. They can detect unusual smells, sounds, or sightings that may indicate a potential problem. They can also monitor access control systems, verify visitors’ identities and prevent unauthorized entry to sensitive areas. This means they can provide valuable intelligence to law enforcement agencies, enabling them to respond more quickly when crime occurs.
The presence of security guards in public spaces, residential areas, and commercial establishments sends a clear message to criminals that they won’t go unnoticed. This act of deterrence can be enough to discourage perpetrators and reduce the likelihood of crimes.
In addition, security guards are often prepared to handle emergency situations such as fires or medical crises. They can evacuate buildings, administer first aid, and coordinate with local emergency services. They can also work with management teams to identify risks, implement procedures, and mitigate risks before a disaster occurs.
Security guards are also trained to report incidents and activities to their supervisors and to the police. This helps to improve prevention efforts, as well as to identify trends in criminal activities that might not have been reported otherwise.
Some studies have shown that security guards can perform many of the functions of a police officer, at least in the context of some street crimes. However, these studies tend to lack methodological rigor.
In some cases, a security guard’s monitoring and observation of suspicious activities may have led to a police investigation and resulted in the arrest of a suspect. This can have significant implications for businesses, especially if a crime is committed at times when it is difficult to get law enforcement to the scene quickly, such as overnight or during out-of-office hours.
Other studies have found no evidence that security guards can deter crime by patrolling in public places, although they can make the area safer by their mere presence. Furthermore, security guards can foster positive relationships with the community to build strong networks that collectively combat criminal activity. This can be particularly important in high-risk areas.
Responding to Crisis Situations
Security guards must be able to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations. They must know the disaster plans specific to their workplace and be able to follow protocols during incidents of fire, bomb threats, and natural catastrophes. They also have a responsibility to help their coworkers remain calm during tense situations and defuse conflicts before they escalate into violence. Security guards often receive crisis de-escalation training to better handle these kinds of situations, as well as conflict resolution skills that allow them to diffuse uncomfortable situations and settle disputes peacefully. Practicing regular emergency response drills and performing routine equipment inspections improves their preparedness for handling real-life disasters.
During times of emergency, security guards assess the situation to determine the nature and severity of the emergency, prioritizing the safety of individuals. This assessment guides their subsequent actions, which may include evacuating people from the affected area, providing aid, or securing the premises. They are able to maintain order by managing crowds, ensuring the fair distribution of resources, and preventing looting or unauthorized access to restricted areas. They also collaborate with emergency personnel to ensure that the response to the emergency is coordinated and effective.
Medical emergencies are another type of emergency that security guards must be able to handle, as they may be the first to arrive on the scene after an accident occurs. This involves assessing the situation and administering necessary first aid, such as bandaging wounds or giving CPR to victims until paramedics arrive. Security guards that have medical training are also able to provide support in cases of mental health crises. They can recognize the warning signs of a psychiatric crisis, such as elevated voices or aggressive body language, and be able to disengage from these types of situations.
In addition, security guards are responsible for reporting any incidents that occur on their property. This includes any damage to buildings, equipment, or evidence that could indicate a crime is taking place. They are also responsible for preserving and safeguarding any evidence from contamination or tampering, which helps them in the case of an investigation.