Private Security’s New Direction
Charlotte NC Jan 26, 2019
Drones, robots, license plate readers, patrol tracking GPS software and automated buildings are all part of today’s private security industry.
All but gone, are the days of the night watchman with the thermos of piping hot coffee, a flashlight, and a good book.
In fact, today, you’re more likely to find a security officer wearing a bulletproof vest with a body camera hanging from it and a Glock strapped to his side than a Detex clock and a ring of keys.
The use of technology such as GPS equipped vehicles and guard patrol software that records in real time help to serve the growing industry while protecting its personnel.
Electronic security systems such as cameras, burglar alarms, and video surveillance aid physical security firms to watch crimes in progress and dispatch security and law enforcement to the scene faster which increases the chance of apprehending the bad guy in the act.
Drones have successfully been deployed by security staff to monitor large events such as outdoor concerts, sporting events, and protests thereby covering much larger areas with fewer officers.
In today’s fast-paced, technologically advanced world, the private security industry must train with and use these new tools to help better secure their client’s property while understanding the value of each piece of equipment.
It’s not uncommon today to find a robotic security officer patrolling a shopping mall or office complex while a human security officer is patrolling a different part of the property and a third security employee is keeping the entire property under video surveillance.
As the security industry changes, the old access control gate guard, clock rounds and one man posts are dwindling down and being quickly replaced with newer, better, more effective methods of securing property with or without a physical security officer being present and now is the time to seize and accept that change or your company may be left on the sidelines while younger, newer
tech-savvy security executives show their strengths and sway customers over to their way of doing business.
Of course, there are plenty of customers who need actual physical security officers to patrol, respond and take actions during emergencies, crimes in progress and threats.
There are more high-risk security assignments than in years past and more use of force incidents requiring increased training, higher quality staff, and increased frontline supervision.
As the security industry continues to evolve, many more changes, challenges, and methods of securing property and protecting people are sure to be on our doorsteps soon.
How will you handle them?
