Along with significant changes in the way we travel, live, shop and work, the Covid-19 crisis has also had a tremendous impact on the demand for skilled security personnel.
The basic duties of Security Guards
We know that security professionals perform a variety of tasks. Their usual duties are:
- Management of facility security and surveillance
- Patrol and surveillance
- Control of access to the facility for authorized personnel and visitors
- Notifications and communication with the authorities in emergency situations
- Crowd control and guidance of traffic flows
- Keeping records and monitoring of any unusual activities
- Support security plans and related requirements of the installation
The Security Guards, in addition to their above responsibilities, manage the implementation of new security procedures, communicate directly with the public and impose controls. A clear example is in the field of retail, where Security Guards are already on hand to prevent theft, antisocial behavior and troubleshooting.
However, with the changes in the way we shop, this role has been adapted accordingly. The security staff has the responsibility to explain how the new systems work, to collaborate with staff and visitors to ensure their smooth implementation, and to deal with resistance to security protocols.
How Covid-19 changed the field of security
Some of the most important changes that have been made to the security staff include:
- Higher numerical demand and more visibility of Security Guards for the enforcement of new security regulations
- Increasing communication functions help visitors and employees, especially in public access areas
- Understand and implement social measures such as limiting the number of visitors, mask-wearing, minimum distance and disinfection
- Implementation of higher levels of crowd control and pedestrian management
- Special assistance to vulnerable groups under the new provisions
- More mobile patrols while businesses and facilities are closed
- Expanded fire safety roles in empty spaces
- Surveillance of the most extensive areas, such as car parks, open access areas and waiting areas
- Imposition of procedures and control of visitors
While some of the above tasks were already part of the responsibilities of a Security Guard, there is now a significant increase in the demand and value of using this staff to keep facilities, employees and visitors safe.
As a result of the pandemic, the purpose of a Security Guard has been transformed into a more direct communication role. There is a significant increase in the need for contact with the public as new measures are implemented, which are introduced, amended and increased on a weekly or daily basis.
Businesses in several sectors are returning to action. Having adequate security to manage a smooth opening process is crucial to enforcing the relevant requirements.
How Security Guards support businesses
Protecting the security of a facility has always been vital for businesses. This prevents criminal activity, provides safety and means that insurance costs and risk factors are measurable. Often, the visible presence of a Security Guard is enough to prevent a commercial business from being targeted by illegal activities.
As the way we interact continues to change and businesses need to respond quickly and effectively to the changing security climate, future-facing staff has become increasingly important.
Professional security staff skill sets are well suited to these increased demands, such as:
- Excellent judgment skills
- Calmness and authoritative nature to be able to respond to issues
- Handling of disorders in a controlled manner
- Utilization of excellent security management knowledge
- Reliability and accuracy
- Professionalism
- The ability to keep detailed records and activity logs
- Communication skills for interaction with a wide range of different people
How much has the demand for Security Guards increased in 2020 and how much it continues to grow
The demand for highly trained security personnel continues to grow. Businesses rely on these team members to implement the new measures, control access to their site and manage any resistance to stronger security protocols.
Significant increases in the number of vacant facilities, the need to handle more waiting queues, the increasing need for crowd control and the essential nature of having a person to communicate with customers, make the role of a Security Guard vital to the smooth running of a business.
If you want to discuss your security needs, contact UNITED SECURITY today.
