Unarmed security guards patrol and monitor properties without guns, reducing liability for business owners. They provide a visible presence that deters criminal activities like theft, vandalism, and trespassing.
If they observe any suspicious activity, they promptly alert law enforcement. They can also detain suspects and offer first aid to injured individuals until emergency services arrive. Let DMAC Security provide the expert help you need.
The visible presence of unarmed security guards helps deter crime and vandalism in many settings. They patrol the premises, check credentials, observe suspicious activity, and help in case of an emergency. They also ensure the proper functioning of security equipment such as cameras and alarms. They must have excellent verbal and written communication skills to inform, guide, and interact with visitors from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, they must be very good observers and have the ability to notice unusual activities and changes in their environment. They are also expected to report these observations and alert authorities in the event of an incident.
Some settings require security officers with police or military experience and a lot of training in self-defense. Guards are able to quickly recognize and respond to situations as they have extensive knowledge in situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, and physical safety. They are often first to arrive on the scene of incidents and manage dangerous individuals until law enforcement arrives.
Another important component of their job is to ensure the safe working and shopping environment of clients, employees, and visitors. They are trained to inspect and maintain security equipment, to monitor CCTV footage, and to alert authorities if they observe unauthorized activities or other possible hazards. They are also responsible for logging and documenting all activities in their designated areas.
Security officers with good customer service skills can help create a welcoming and secure environment in places like department stores, malls, convention centers, and office buildings. They help customers find what they need and answer any questions, and they can provide directions or assistance in emergencies. They are also trained to communicate with visitors and visitors using professionalism, patience, and empathy.
Armed security is a great option for businesses that deal with large amounts of money or sensitive information, and for those in high-risk locations. But if the risk is fairly low, unarmed security may be sufficient for your business. The best thing to do is consult with a security consultant and assess your needs. They can recommend whether an armed or unarmed security guard would be best for you.
Deterrence
Deterrence is a key component of unarmed security. It entails dissuading unwanted behavior with the threat of significant punishment. While this strategy has its drawbacks, it is an effective way to protect a property and prevent criminal activity.
The Department of Defense (DOD) relies on nuclear deterrence to convince other countries and non-state actors like terrorist organizations that they will suffer more costs than benefits if they attack the United States or its treaty allies. The goal of this foreign policy tool is to ensure global stability and prevent war.
Several other types of weapons can also be used to deter aggression. These include conventional arms like bullets, explosives, and fire bombs, as well as chemical and biological weapons and other types of non-nuclear weaponry. The DOD seeks to create a comprehensive deterrence posture by ensuring that its military forces, including the nuclear force, are in a position to meet any threats.
A key part of this is ensuring that the threat of retaliation is credible. This means that the DOD must have enough firepower and precision to carry out its retaliatory actions. It must also be clear that other countries will share in any costs associated with retaliation. This concept is known as mutual assured destruction (MAD).
It is important for the unarmed security guard to understand these aspects of deterrence and have the necessary training to perform their duties. This is especially true in situations where they may need to intervene in conflicts and address a potential criminal act, as well as document any incidents that occur.
In addition to the physical aspect of the job, unarmed security guards are often responsible for conducting speed enforcement. In some settings, such as gated communities and parking lots, this can involve monitoring and reporting vehicles that exceed specified speed limits.
It is also important for an unarmed security guard to be able to communicate clearly with others in their field of responsibility. This includes employees from businesses that have a security presence and members of the public. This is because the presence of a security guard can help to deter criminals by creating a sense of safety and accountability. It is also useful to know that these professionals are trained in conflict resolution, so they can defuse situations before they escalate into violence.
Vigilance
The sight of a security guard on property can help deter potential criminal behavior. It can also make employees, tenants and customers feel safer and more at ease when they are on site. Armed or unarmed, guards with vigilance can act as an effective visual deterrent for opportunistic crime such as theft and vandalism.
For those businesses with low to medium risk, a security consultant may recommend an unarmed option. Guards without firearms are less expensive and can be just as effective at reducing crime on the premises as their armed counterparts. Unarmed security can still use their training in de-escalation and communication to reduce opportunistic incidents. Additionally, they can employ their training and the use of non-lethal weapons to manage potentially dangerous situations until law enforcement arrives.
Vigilance is the ability to constantly observe one’s surroundings for unusual occurrences and suspicious activity. Unarmed security officers must be vigilant at all times, and their training allows them to quickly spot risks on their assigned properties. When they do see unauthorized personnel or suspect activities, they can alert authorities to ensure that the problem is addressed promptly.
Guards that aren’t carrying weapons must still keep up to date on laws and regulations concerning their job, which can require ongoing education and retraining. Depending on the nature of their work, they can encounter complex legal and liability issues that could lead to negative consequences if mishandled. This is why they are often required to undergo extensive and rigorous training before being placed on duty, and it is an important part of their responsibilities that is not taken lightly.
When choosing a security service provider, it’s vital to know the difference between an armed and unarmed guard. Armed guards may be able to protect their clients’ property and people more effectively because they have the physical ability to use force if needed. However, if they are not appropriately trained in situational awareness or de-escalation techniques, they can be put at greater risk and even endanger their own lives when confronting individuals who pose a threat to others. This is why unarmed security guards who rely on their training in communication and awareness, and their quick response time to alert authorities, can provide more value for their clients.
Reporting
Security guards must be able to effectively communicate in a number of situations. They must be able to relay the facts about any suspicious activity or security breach and make the proper report, alerting authorities in the event of an emergency. They also have to monitor alarm and surveillance systems and respond quickly if they detect any problems.
Besides monitoring and patrolling premises, unarmed security officers are responsible for controlling the ingress and egress of people entering buildings or properties, verifying credentials, distributing information and educating visitors and staff on company and client regulations. Their visible presence alone deters criminals and reassures clients, visitors, and employees.
Unarmed security personnel often work alongside armed security guards, providing support for any situation that requires a physical response. This is especially true for businesses and organizations that operate in highly public or populated areas, where physical security is essential to protect against crime and ensure the safety of people in and around the location.
The most effective unarmed security guards are proactive, detail-oriented, and patient. They pay attention to everything going on around them and are able to communicate the facts about any security breaches or suspicious activities to their management team. This helps them frame cybersecurity risks for board members and executives who may not have detailed technical knowledge.
Security guards need to be able to write and read effectively in order to accurately report their findings. All reports should be easily legible and include details about the date, time, specific location, all observations and actions taken, and any resulting outcomes. Security managers should never settle for a security report that simply reads, “All clear” or “All quiet.” These reports are useless and can indicate that the officer has become complacent or lazy in their duties.