When running a commercial business, you will prioritise the safety of the building, your clients, and your employees. Some companies will choose to hire security guards as a strategy for crime prevention, and we will look at whether or not this is an effective strategy.

Security Guard Duties

Security guards patrol and inspect the property to check for fires, vandalism, terrorism, illegal activity, and theft. Their role is also to monitor people and buildings to prevent crime. Security guards have many duties, and these include:

Being a Visible Deterrent to Crime

The presence of a security guard is effective for crime prevention as criminals are less likely to commit vandalism, physical and theft when security guards are present. The presence of security guards is sometimes enough to prevent criminals from attempting to cause harm.

Detecting Suspicious Behaviour

A security guard will be able to look out for any irregular or suspicious behaviour that might occur on the premises. Security guards are also well-trained to identify any abnormal smells, sight or sounds that might require attention. During business hours, while you and your employees are hard at work, criminals could use this as an opportunity to commit crimes.

Contacting and Communicating with the Authorities

If an emergency were to occur, the security guard is quite knowledgeable and would act as a point of contact for the authorities. They are also trained to observe and gather the information required by the authorities to conduct their job.

Take Action in Emergency Situations

When an emergency arises, security guards have the necessary training and skills to ensure that they can respond effectively. Security guards are often the ones who will find out about a security situation which means that they react first. They are also knowledgeable about how to assist in evacuations and security events.

Are Security Guards Important for a Business?

There is a high possibility that crime might occur on your business premises. Businesses such as banks, retail stores, and convenience stores are more likely to be targeted by criminals, so some companies choose to hire security guards. We will look at some of the benefits that hiring a security guard can bring to your business.

1. Provide a Sense of Security

The mere presence of security guards on your business premises will offer peace of mind and a sense of security to your employees and your clients. The presence of security guards will be especially appreciated by employees who work in high-risk areas. You could benefit from this as employees may become more productive, which will aid in employee retention. Hiring security guards will also ensure that customers know that their safety is a priority and that you take steps to secure it. Businesses that handle high-end merchandise or are located in high-crime areas will significantly benefit from this sense of security.

2. Crime Prevention

When criminals detect the presence of security guards on your premises, they will think twice before attempting to target your business. One of the ways that security guards can effectively deter crime is through the training they receive, which makes it easier for them to detect any suspicious activity immediately. Excellent crime detection enables them to assess a situation quickly and react to any security breaches that might occur. It can also be said that security guards are more effective than merely installing security cameras. It also sends out a message to criminals that you take crime prevention seriously.

3. Customer Service

Security guards are not only beneficial for your business for crime-related purposes, but they can also serve as excellent customer service ambassadors. Security guards can be assigned to the front desk or control access to an area that allows interaction between them and customers. Guards can then assist customers in finding products or getting the correct location in a business. After hours, security guards can assist customers by escorting them to their vehicles when it is dark. Hiring security guards will enable you to communicate that your business is customer-oriented and secure.

4. Handle Crime

Your business has the option to hire an armed or unarmed security guard, and this will influence the steps that they can take if a crime occurs. There are varying levels of training that security guards will receive, and that training will determine how they will respond to crime. Some security guards may only be able to take down the details of a crime and contact the authorities, while others have the power to detain suspects.

5. Assists with Monitoring

Security guards will not only have to actively patrol your business premises as some may be employed sorely to monitor your video surveillance, restrict access to certain areas and check credentials. Security guards may have to play some roles that include watching out for shoplifters or opening and closing the business for the day. Having a security guard responsible for these monitoring duties will take the pressure off business owners and employees, allowing them to focus on other tasks.

Conclusion

Hiring a security guard for your business will offer plenty of benefits to ensure that you protect your customers, employees and merchandise. When hiring security guards, ensure that you choose those from a reputable company. This will ensure that they behave sensibly and capably when handling criminal activity on your business premises.

See How to Secure Your Business: 6 Security Maintenance Items to Run.