Basic security guard training Unit 5 Lesson (C)
A security patrol is an important part of the security guard duty. In which a guard tours to keep watch over the area, which makes you more visible and deters crime. Staying in a post you can not observe a large portion of the site but go for patrol you can cover more area and can observe what is going on in the surroundings.
The security guard is hired to protect people, property, and information. A uniformed guard deters crime against people or property by being there. When you patrol on as regular basis the widened area can protect you.
The main purpose of the patrol is to maintain security in the premises under your authority. The patrol helps you to identify the situation around your site and take action if it requires.
PURPOSE OR RESPONSIBILITY OF PATROL;
- detect hazards:- like housekeeping, hazards (garbage pile and recycle bin). Maintenance hazards ( leaks, burnt-out lights). The equipment hazard (sparkling electrical wire, overheated boiler, sprinkler system), etc.
- detect emergencies such as floods, fires snow melting, etc.
- For keeping the site safe reporting injuries, giving first aid, and escorting them if they feel unsafe.
- To make sure the area is secured from intrusion. such as vandalism, break, and entry theft, shoplifting, and assault etc.
- Reporting the machinery that not working properly such as heating and cooling systems.
- Check for damaged property
- and protect information by ensuring only authorized people are in controlled areas.
- Check the unusual sound and their sources
- Check for unusual conditions and improve community relations by giving help and information to the public.
- Report and record It is very important to record in your notebook the thing that was found unusual in the process of patrol and report to the supervisor.
The 5 types of Patrol;
- Reactive: patrol after the incident happened
- Proactive: You do Patrol to prevent the incidents. (You think and you do)
- Control area: Patrol for dominating or controlling the area. (you do patrol as post order)
- Random: You do the patrol randomly. (not fixed time or route)
- Directed: Someone asked or directed you to do patrol. (Sometimes control room or supervisor directs you go patrol to check something.)
Method of security patrol;
- Foot patrol
- Bicycle
- Vehicle
- Visual (CCTV/Mirror)
What senses will you use a security patrol?
- Sight:
- Be observant
- Check for unusual conditions
- Hearing:
Check for unusual sounds and investigate their sources
Examples include running water, smashing glass, and malfunctioning equipment.
- Smell:
Examples include smoke, gas, and overheated machinery
- Touch:
- Air Currents
- Temperature change
- Taste:
Use with caution
What should you check and do while on patrol?
The security guard generally performs their duty on the day and night shifts. Either shift you work it does not matter. You have to go for a patrol as per the circumstances around you. The security guards who work on a holiday, have to patrol constantly even it is daylight.
Patrol at the night time is more sensitive than patrol at the daytime. Because of poor illumination, the criminals generally make a plan for the night. But, you can take advantage of the dark to observe closely what is going around you without being visible. Here are important things you should do in the patrol.
Do in the patrol;
- Turn off equipment when the operation is not indicated
- Check for;
-
- unusual sounds and their source
- unusual ordos.
- damage property
- All security processes
- unusual conditions
- running water
-
- Checking Doors and Buildings
- Use your flashlight effectively
- Be cautious with windows and glass doors
- Be careful entering a dark room
- Don’t smoke while on patrol
What to do if you suspect the crime has been committed?
If you find someone has committed the crime you should respond quickly and appropriately. These following things are so important to follow.
- Call the police
- Ask other guards for backup if available.
- If other guards are not for back up you should wait until the police come.
You should do the following states to accomplish a patrol;
-
Prepare for patrol.
- Make sure, you study your post orders and know your site well.
- Gather and analyze the information on taking over duty.
- Check all patrol equipment working fine.
2. When you patrol:
- Complete patrol as the first time avoids routine.
- use all of your senses, and be aware of the unusual things.
- don’t rely on your memory. Always use your notebook
- Be visible. Meet the people on your site.
3. Patrol safely
- Seek for backup if someone confronts you.
- walking quietly and trying not to be seen at night
- Look for hazardous materials and avoid them.
- Try to develop your powers of observation
IN SUMMARY:
- The goal of security is to identify and prevent problems that affect the client.
- Patrol is the most common way to identify problems
- Understand the general patrol responsibilities
- Make sure you have the correct equipment and that it is working when on-site
- There are 5 major types of patrol
- Never carry any kind of a weapon unless authorized
- Plan the action that you would take in an emergency