GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Corporations have one idea in mind, and that is to be profitable in order to remain sustainable. The security staff is part of the marketing plan to ensure that they are profitable. By the mere existence of a security staff, a company is viewed as being proactive and interested in their employees’ safety and in the continuity of the business. By having a security staff, companies are also generously compensated (in the form of lower premiums) by insurance companies that consider security and safety of employees a top priority. A well organized and executed security program will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the company’s employee safety culture. It is the responsibility of security Guards to make a difference in the way the company’s image is perceived by the general public, and professional associates.
An active security force will always be “on the ball” making sure that all aspects of the protection management program are adhered to by the people who interact with the property’s tenants. Implementing preventive measures will avoid more serious issues from arising.
By enforcing the company’s business, security Guards enforce the company’s objectives by there mere presence. But to further encourage businesses to be profitable, security Guards must also be vigilant in ensuring that company policies are enforced. The enforcement of policies may happen in informal settings, as well as business related settings. The jurisdiction for security Guards does not extend outside the times designated in a workday nor beyond the jurisdiction of the company property.
Discretion and confidentiality is critical of security Guards who have access to sensitive company information and trade secrets. Personal client information should never be exposed or tampered with by anyone, particularly security Guards who have a great deal of accessibility to this information. All business transaction should remain confidential at all times. In some properties, contractual security Guards are required to sign an agreement indicating that they are not to share any private company data with anyone outside of those people who need to know.
The employees must be afforded personal safety and protection while at work in the building. Employees are to be protected when at work and in any other area that is within the company’s “property line.” Privacy, health and safety and normal working conditions are expected to be provided to the employees, including security Guards.
Security Guards must protect property from loss by theft, damage and waste. A proactive and well orchestrated security program will discourage employees and intruders from committing thefts, damaging property and wasting valuable company time investigating these incidents.
Security Guards are expected to be familiar with the following protection management areas: Asset Protection: Protection company equipment Loss Prevention: Prevention loss of company documents, inventory and office equipment Escort Services: Escorting guests and visitors to appropriate locations Alarm Response: Responding to fire, burglar, water and other alarms in the property Crime Prevention: Creating and administering programs to prevent crimes from occurring Accident Prevention: Through fire drills, hazardous materials safeguards and reporting dangerous conditions
Patrols Patrols are generally divided into two categories: Internal or vertical patrols and perimeter patrols. Internal patrols require security Guards to walk throughout the building to ensue that all the areas are properly protected. Patrols must be highly visible to be effective. Tenants and other people in the property usually feel a sense of safety when they see security personnel walking the floors and stairwells. When conducting vertical patrols, security Guards must also check the elevator lobby doors to ensure that are secured. Excellent observation skills enhance the patrol experience for both the security Guard and the people being protected. Being aware of what belongs and what does not belong is advantageous for the security Guard. When faced with a situation where the security Guard is faced with a problem, them it is of utmost importance that the problem is communicated to the line supervisor so that the problem is corrected.