The world that we live in today, unfortunately, is no longer a safe place. Mass shootings, terror attacks, armed robberies, abductions – the list could go on. Be it a commercial business center, a shopping mall, the school or a residence, no place is safe from being attacked or broken into. It has become imperative for both private and public authorities to take measures to protect their people and belongings. While it is not possible to set up an army to protect your premises and people; installing high-end, state of the art security systems and hiring the services of a professional security company is an excellent deterrent for criminals.
Professional security guards are trained to manage situations and get them under control. Public places that are more liable to be attacked require security to act as a crime deterrent. Professional guards, who acquired their training from Centre for Security, are trained to detect suspicious activity and take corrective measures before it becomes a full-blown crisis. With the crime rate on the up, the reasons for hiring the services of professional security personnel are numerous. Some of the more common reasons are:
Preventive Measures
Most criminals would be deterred by the presence of security systems and guards on a premise. However, for those who still wish to try their luck, most commercial premises have security guards checking people who enter. Using metal detectors, physical checks of belongings carried and at some places even frisking, the security guards ensure that unwanted guests do not enter the premises.
Crisis Management
Professional security personals are trained to deal with challenging situations and aggressive people. They are well versed in handling crisis situations and defusing tense moments. These could range from a heated argument between two people to a life and death situation which might require armed intervention.
Provide a Sense of Security
One of the primary reasons for hiring professional guards is to provide people with a sense of security. It is important that people who work on your premises feel secure about their workplace. According to owners and managers, hiring security services is a good solution; and this is an option from the business point of view as well. It’s because enabling peace of mind amongst the employees will help them work better. Office complexes, shopping malls, and other such real estate benefits from hiring security as people who buy or lease property in them feel secure about protection for their business and employees.
Maintain order
Security guards at a premise represent the law – both for internal and external people. They are authorized to handle unruly people and escort them outside the premise if required. In most cases, the sight of a security person makes people less likely to violate the rules of the premise.
First Aid
Most professional security personnel are provided training to handle and deal with first aid requirements. There are also many trained security guards who have certifications in first aid and medical interventions like CPR. Places that are frequented by a large number of people are likely to have situations where accidents or injury might occur. In most places, security staff has access to or are provided with the necessary equipment and materials to deal with such situations.
Assessing the Quantum of Security Required
Before you hire a security company for your premises, it is important to assess the extent of your security requirements and the allocation of funds that you can make for the same. There are three questions that need to be answered before hiring either a professional security service or even single security personnel.
- What Level of Security do you Need?
This will depend on two factors – the reason for requiring security in the first place and the value of that which requires to be secured. Simple situations like vandalism or defacement of the property may require security guards only. However, if there is a threat of physical violence to your people or you have items of high value on your premise, you will require a higher level of security. This could mean hiring a professional security agency which will have the necessary equipment and infrastructure along with highly trained personnel to guard your people and premises.
- What Size of Security do you Need?
The number and size of the security unit will depend on the size of the property, the number of people and belongings that need to be secured, and the type of threat that you perceive. Public places like shopping malls, business centers, and other commercial establishments will require security 24×7. This requires security teams that work in shifts. Smaller residential properties generally do not require any security personnel and are secured with high-tech CCTV and alarms, which could be linked to the security agency. However, if there is a problem that could be severe, it would be a better idea to hire security guards that can secure your premises around the clock.
- How much can you spend to make the place/people secure?
While answers to the above two questions will, to a large extent define the cost of securing your premises and people, you will need to allocate a budget for the same. Trying to save a few bucks by selecting a security provider, who may not be in a position to provide optimum service, may cost you much more in the long run. The company that you hire is going to protect your valuables, people and premises and need to be trustworthy and efficient in their work. Thus, it is always better to select a company after all due diligence. Remember, it is always better to hire a company with a track record of satisfied customers than to try and save a few dollars by hiring someone who offers a lower rate. Having a general idea of how much you want to spend will help a security consultant put together a plan that offers the best possible security solutions within your budget.
The Bottom Line
Your people, property, and valuables need to be protected from any threats. Hiring a professional security service is a good way to ensure the protection and peace of mind.