what is security guarding service

What Is Security Guarding? A Complete Guide

Security is a critical concern for businesses and property owners. Choosing the right security measures can be challenging, especially for those new to the field or unsure about their specific needs. The security industry offers a wide array of services, and understanding the key concepts is vital for making informed decisions.

This guide aims to clarify the essentials of manned security guarding. We’ll explain what it entails, why it’s a key element in many security strategies, and what you can expect from security guards on your premises. Our goal is to provide clear, straightforward information that helps you focus on protecting what matters most to you.

What Is Security Guarding?

Manned security guarding refers to the deployment of static or stationary security personnel who monitor and secure specific areas of a property. These guards are typically positioned in high-traffic zones, such as front entrances or reception areas, but can be stationed wherever their presence is deemed necessary.

The primary function of manned security guards is to prevent unauthorized access to a property. They serve as an effective protective measure for high-value assets and property. Many businesses and organizations opt for manned guarding services during nighttime hours, as the presence of security personnel acts as a strong deterrent to potential criminals and provides peace of mind to property owners.

Daytime manned security is also common, particularly in retail environments during busy periods. In these settings, security guards help protect both staff and merchandise. Their presence can be especially valuable during sales events or other times when large crowds are expected.

Security guards are in high demand for various events, particularly those involving alcohol or large gatherings. Their broad skill set makes them valuable assets in managing crowd control, maintaining order, and ensuring the safety of attendees.

In the next section, we’ll examine the specific roles and responsibilities of manned security guards, highlighting the diverse skills they bring to their work.

What Are The Responsibilities Of Manned Security Guards?

Manned security guarding involves a range of duties that contribute to the safety and protection of your property. Let’s examine the key responsibilities that security guards typically undertake in their role.

1. Securing Your Premises

The primary duty of security guards is ensuring the safety and security of your property. This fundamental aspect of their job description is often the main reason why many choose to employ manned security. The process of securing your site includes:

  • Locking doors, windows, and other entry points
  • Securing barriers, especially in locations like business parks
  • Manning a guardhouse or monitoring the site from a designated facility

These tasks form the core of any manned security services you’ll receive, providing a strong foundation for your property’s protection.

2. Investigating Disturbances On Site

Despite the best efforts to maintain security, disturbances can occur. In such scenarios, your manned security personnel are responsible for investigating the cause of the disruption and taking appropriate action. This ensures that your site is protected across various potential scenarios and entry points.

Professional security guards approach all disturbances with the same level of diligence and professionalism, regardless of their apparent severity. This thorough approach helps maintain consistent security standards.

3. Responding To Alarms

The ability to respond promptly to alarms is one of the most valued aspects of manned security guarding. When an alarm sounds, security guards:

  • Investigate the cause of the alarm
  • Take appropriate action to address the situation quickly and effectively
  • Deactivate the alarm once the threat has been dealt with
  • Log the incident and report to site owners or managers for further action if necessary

This quick response capability provides peace of mind and ensures that any potential threats are addressed swiftly.

4. Liaising With Emergency Services

In the event of a crime or emergency on your property, manned security personnel play a crucial role in dealing with relevant emergency services. Their responsibilities include:

  • Providing emergency service representatives with necessary information about the site
  • Liaising with them throughout any investigation process, particularly in cases of damage or theft

Choosing security guards with specialized training in emergency service liaison can be particularly beneficial in these situations.

5. Enforcing Health & Safety Procedures

Health and safety are integral parts of modern workplaces. Effective security guards can play a key role in maintaining these standards by:

  • Understanding and enforcing site-specific health & safety procedures and rules
  • Ensuring all protocols are adhered to by everyone on the premises, including guests and visitors who might be unfamiliar with specific rules

This aspect of their role contributes significantly to maintaining a safe environment for all who enter your property.

6. Keeping A Log Of All Site Traffic

For busy premises such as construction sites, large warehouses, or distribution centers, maintaining a detailed log of site traffic is crucial. Manned security guards can:

  • Keep records of all individuals and vehicles entering and leaving the site
  • Assist with necessary paperwork
  • Help in preventing and investigating corporate theft by providing a clear record of site visitors

This detailed record-keeping also supports fire safety measures and emergency response by providing a clear account of who is on the premises at any given time.

7. Managing & De-escalating Conflict

While physical conflict may be rare, the presence of security personnel who can respond swiftly and effectively to heated situations provides invaluable peace of mind. This is particularly important in:

  • Heavily trafficked premises where personalities might clash
  • Volatile environments such as hospitals or busy event venues

Security guards with specialized training in conflict management and de-escalation can deploy their expertise to maintain a safe and secure environment.

Benefits of Manned Security Guarding

Implementing manned security guarding offers numerous advantages for your property or business:

  1. Physical Presence: The visible presence of security guards acts as a deterrent to potential wrongdoers.
  2. Immediate Response: Guards can react instantly to security breaches or emergencies.
  3. Adaptability: Trained guards can adjust their approach based on changing situations or threats.
  4. Customer Service: In many settings, guards can also assist visitors, enhancing the overall experience of your property.
  5. Detailed Reporting: Security guards provide firsthand accounts and detailed reports of incidents, which can be valuable for improving security measures.

Where Are Manned Security Guards Needed?

The need for manned security guards varies widely across different sectors and locations. As experts in providing robust security solutions, we’ve observed the significant positive impact that manned security can have in numerous settings. While the necessity for manned guards can depend on specific circumstances, certain scenarios particularly benefit from their presence.

Business and Retail Parks

In these environments, security guards often operate from a guardhouse or small cabin. Their primary responsibilities include:

  • Monitoring the entrance area
  • Tracking visitor flow
  • Maintaining a safe and secure atmosphere

This constant vigilance helps create a protected environment for businesses and shoppers alike.

Construction Sites

Construction sites are frequent targets for theft and trespassing. Effective security guards positioned at strategic points can significantly reduce these risks. Their duties may include:

  • Controlling access to the site
  • Conducting regular patrols
  • Protecting valuable equipment and materials
  • Deterring potential intruders

By maintaining a visible presence, security guards help safeguard the site, its assets, and its workers.

Hospitals and Medical Facilities

Medical facilities are among the most challenging environments for security. The presence of security personnel is often crucial due to:

  • High-stress situations and heightened emotions
  • Valuable medical equipment and pharmaceuticals
  • Sensitive patient information

Security guards in these settings must be adept at:

  • De-escalating conflicts
  • Preventing theft and unauthorized access
  • Assisting staff and visitors
  • Maintaining order in emergency situations

Their role is vital in ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and visitors while protecting valuable resources.

Warehouses and Distribution Facilities

These locations often house high-value merchandise, making them attractive targets for theft. Static security guards can minimize risks by:

  • Monitoring entry and exit points
  • Conducting regular patrols
  • Overseeing loading and unloading operations
  • Verifying employee and visitor credentials

Their presence acts as a strong deterrent to potential thieves and helps maintain the integrity of inventory management systems.

Other Sectors Benefiting from Manned Security

While the above examples represent some of the more common applications, many other sectors can benefit from manned security:

Educational Institutions

Schools, colleges, and universities face unique security challenges. Guards can:

  • Control access to campus buildings
  • Respond to emergencies
  • Patrol grounds to prevent vandalism or unauthorized entry

Hotels and Hospitality

In these settings, security guards contribute to guest safety and property protection by:

  • Monitoring public areas
  • Responding to guest concerns
  • Preventing unauthorized access to guest rooms or restricted areas

Event Venues

Concerts, sports events, and conferences require specialized security measures. Guards play a crucial role in:

  • Crowd control
  • Ticket verification
  • Preventing disruptive behavior
  • Emergency response coordination

Financial Institutions

Banks and other financial services providers rely on security guards to:

  • Control access to secure areas
  • Monitor surveillance systems
  • Escort employees handling cash or valuables
  • Respond to alarms or suspicious activities

Government Buildings

These facilities often require heightened security due to their sensitive nature. Guards may:

  • Screen visitors and packages
  • Monitor surveillance systems
  • Patrol premises to detect unusual activities
  • Coordinate with law enforcement agencies when necessary

Residential Complexes

Large apartment buildings or gated communities often employ security guards to:

  • Monitor entry and exit points
  • Patrol common areas
  • Respond to resident concerns
  • Manage visitor access

Industrial Sites

Factories, power plants, and other industrial facilities use security guards to:

  • Control site access
  • Protect sensitive equipment and materials
  • Ensure compliance with safety protocols
  • Respond to emergencies

Why Choose ZAM FM Ltd For Your Manned Guarding?

ZAM FM Ltd brings 5+ years of expertise to the security industry, making us an ideal choice for custom, high-quality manned guarding services for your business or property.

Our process begins with a thorough consultation. We discuss your site’s specific security requirements and how we can meet your guarding schedule needs. This approach allows us to gain insight into your sector, understand the unique challenges of securing your premises, and develop the most effective strategies.

We provide highly skilled, well-trained guards familiar with the local area. Where needed, we offer guards with industry-specific experience. For instance, our Weighbridge and Banksman-trained personnel are particularly suited for construction site security.

Our services include round-the-clock support from our advanced Communications Centre. This ensures that your security personnel maintain constant contact with our expert operatives and receive full support for all their needs.

ZAM FM Ltd‘s strong reputation and extensive network of SIA-trained security operatives make us a reliable choice for safeguarding your premises with excellent manned guarding services.

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