What Type of Security Officer is Right for Your Property

Security is a top priority for many businesses and residences. It’s important to ensure that your space, employees, tenants, guests, and assets are protected. There are six different types of security guards. While the most common security measure is to have a physical security guard on site, it’s important to first ensure that you have the right type of security guard based on your needs.

Here are a few of the different types of services that security officers can provide to ensure safety at your property and what each associated role is. 

1. Monitoring and Surveillance

Unarmed security guards are often seen as the best option for companies that have a low-risk profile. They are best for managing access points, providing foot patrols, and monitoring security cameras.

Armed security guards are a great addition to any physical security plan if clients have a high-risk property. The purpose of these guards is to provide safety and protection to people, property, and assets. The presence of armed security guards can deter crime and violence while also performing the duties of an unarmed security guard.

Concierge security guards are a new addition to residential and commercial security. They are responsible for providing services to the employees, tenants, and visitors. They can also monitor security cameras at the front desk of the property.

2. Survey and Assessment of Property

A survey and assessment of property is a way for property owners and managers to get insight into their buildings, grounds, and tenants. Surveys are the most effective way to measure the current condition of your property. They will also allow you to determine where you need Outsourced Security vs. In-house security.

Fire watch security guards ensure fire safety procedures are in place, assess properties for potential hazards, and enforce a safety plan. Construction site security guards also monitor the safety procedures and security plan on-site.

3. Customer Service

Fantastic customer service is a vital part of etiquette for commercial properties, residential properties, and any business in the hospitality industry. People tend to feel comfortable in places where they are being treated well. Having security that can display masterful customer service, answer questions, and provide assistance goes a long way. Concierge security guards can do all of the above while also focusing on your security needs. 

Another option could be an unarmed security guard. Their duties include patrolling the building to make sure it is safe for people to enter and exit, as well as watching over employees at all times during working hours. They can additionally direct people to the right places and answer questions from any customers, tenants, or visitors. 

4. Theft and Crime Prevention

Retail stores, warehouses, distribution centers, and cannabis dispensaries are all high-risk properties for theft and crime. 

This is why having an armed presence can be helpful as they deter crime and theft. Armed security guards can provide a peace of mind for both employees and customers. They are also great in the case of an emergency response due to their training and skills. 

Unarmed security guards can engage in patrols and monitor security cameras. 

For large spaces, like warehouses, hospitals, and government property, roving security guards can monitor your property with vehicular patrols. 

5. Access Control

Access control is the process of granting or denying access to a designated area.

The purpose of access control is to restrict visitors who enter and exit that area. This can be done with an automated system, but it can also be reinforced with a physical security guard. This would be ideal for commercial security, retail security, warehouse security, and residential security. 

6. Crowd Control & Traffic Management

Traffic management is the process of regulating the flow of traffic in a designated area. It is often done to reduce congestion and improve safety. 

This is necessary for large open public spaces such as hospitals, school campuses, retail stores, and large commercial facilities that have high volumes of incoming and outgoing traffic. Roving security guards can help with both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

If the need is only temporary, such as for events, conferences, or other large gatherings, then event security guards are ideal for escorting guests and managing foot traffic and crowd control. Using Outsourced Security vs. In-house security may be better for your temporary security needs.

Construction sites are also oftentimes filled with activity during operating hours which is why having a construction security guard may be beneficial for managing vehicular traffic on-site. 

About OPS
OPS Security Group has over 80 years of combined experience protecting executives, businesses, residents, guests and government officials throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington D.C. and New Jersey. As a regional security alternative with a service-first approach, we offer a level of customer service that international providers are too big to deliver. If you’d like to learn more, you can contact us at https://opssecuritygroup.com/contact/