Despite the fact that everywhere around us, physical security is being replaced by cameras and autonomous observing systems, the relevance of the presence of “reliable guys” who control order anywhere is not lost. Pay attention to any institution - be it a bank, a store or a pawnshop: in addition to cameras, there are also security guards there who are ready to react at any moment. We will talk about such a business area as physical security services in this article.
Why are security services needed?
The question of why security guards are needed is simple and complex at the same time. Its simplicity is to indicate that security officers or a person authorized by a security guard have a number of responsibilities that include protecting a specific facility or individual, inspecting people passing a checkpoint, controlling a certain territory, or simply ensuring security at any event or institution.
The complexity of the answer to the question of why physical protection is needed lies in the specifics of the work of representatives of this service sector. Let's put it simpler: everyone understands that one guard standing in the bank is not able to stop the gang of armed robbers. However, he, firstly, can distract their attention with his presence; secondly, try to delay, delay a little time and call the police. This is the specificity of the work of physical security - their task is not just to “stand with a formidable look”, but to act clearly according to the instructions in the event of a particular threat.
How does security work?
How a guard functions depends on its type. If this is the physical protection of objects of particular importance or having a special regime, then specialists in this field work to anticipate and control. This means that all the links of such a security system (meaning not only personnel, but also defense and surveillance systems) are configured in such a way as to reflect the threat at any time. Control is carried out in the form of constant patrols, inspections of the territory and verification of persons entering the territory or in close proximity to the object.
Another type of services in this area - the physical protection of legal entities - works on a slightly different principle. Here, the representative of the service must steadily follow the person being protected and be prepared to repel any threat as well. In the case of personal protection, the list of possible sources of danger is significantly less than when working with legal entities. However, this does not mean that the bodyguard should lose vigilance or be negligent in his work - his reaction in the case of a threat to an individual should be definitely faster.
How is coordination?
In order to fully ensure the protection of a person or an object of special importance over a large territory and from threats of various nature, the participation of several employees is required. Physical protection in this case is carried out by a group of professionals whose actions, for greater effectiveness, are coordinated. This happens either among themselves, or from a single control center. Communication is maintained with the help of special talkie radios or other means of signal transmission, it all depends on the specific task. Only having the opportunity to communicate how the situation at the workplace is changing, what potential threats arise, and where this or that security guard is now, can the entire protection system function properly.
Who is guarding?
Of course, since security activities involve a number of risks and are primarily aimed at ensuring the safety of persons or objects, the personnel who take such positions undergo a rigorous selection process according to a number of criteria. First of all, this is a certain level of physical fitness, which testifies to the willingness of the employee to be able to cope with an enemy who violates order with his bare hands. This criterion is also aimed at such a criterion as possession of martial arts or experience in playing sports (boxing, judo and other martial arts).
In addition to physically strong people, responsible and able to act together people are also involved in security activities. Often, in practice, one does not have to deal with a single adversary, but with a group that plans its activities in such a way as to avoid direct contact with the guard. This, of course, should be considered.
Also, other conditions can be set for a guard post, for example, possession of firearms, permission to use them, ability to drive in extreme conditions, and others. It all depends, first of all, on the specifics of the work. For the security guard in the supermarket, perhaps these criteria are not necessary, unlike collectors or bodyguards.
How is the threat confronted?
The way that security confronts threats is the main mechanism that ensures its effective operation. Again, it all depends on the service company. Large agencies have their own focal point, which keeps in touch with all work units. In the case of, say, a threat signal from one of the employees, all groups at the same facility or territory change their positions, preparing to confront the danger.
Sometimes security agencies that cannot repel the threat on their own resort to the help of state-owned companies or the police by sending relevant information to a duty post.