Investing in modern surveillance and alarm systems is a wise choice for securing your business. They could save you thousands if an unfortunate event occurs. They also reassure your employees and demonstrate your commitment to their safety, particularly for those who work alone or during nighttime hours.

However, manned guarding is an essential aspect of business security that is often overlooked but provides a unique level of protection. This service enhances security technology by addressing the limitations of cameras and alarms. Having a physical presence on-site is a significant crime deterrent and is an effective way to ensure the security of your business.

The Benefits of Manned Guarding For Your Business

Manned guarding is a security service that involves having one or more security staff present at a designated site to maintain safety and oversee daily operations. This service helps to deter possible threats and handle any incidents that occur. It includes:

  • Simple administrative tasks
  • More complex security measures that focus on monitoring and responding to dangers.

Here are some advantages of employing manned guarding for your business:

Prevent Crime and Theft

A skilled and trained team of security personnel can safeguard your property and facilities from acts such as theft and vandalism. They are capable of managing situations before they escalate. While CCTV cameras can observe larger areas, having a physical guard on-site is a stronger deterrent against thieves and criminals, ensuring the safety of your business. Their presence creates a psychological barrier for offenders, discouraging them from approaching your property.

It Provides a Feeling of Safety

Having manned security will give you and your employees a sense of security. Most people are likely to perform better when they know that professional security guards are outside the premises to protect them. These guards can be trained and equipped with the latest tools and technology to help them perform their jobs better. A feeling of safety can also enhance your reputation as a well-guarded business, making clients more likely to work with you.

Customizable Services

Security risks and concerns differ by industry, type of business, and size. Therefore, you need customized services where security personnel know your business’s needs and challenges. Opting for manned guarding ensures you have specially trained guards on-site to address your business’s unique issues and risks.

Manned Guarding Offers a First Point Of Contact For Your Clients

Manned security not only ensures safety but also enhances customer service. When customers arrive, these guards serve as their initial point of contact. They can assist by directing visitors to the appropriate departments or areas, leaving a positive impression, and making clients feel valued in their interactions with your business.

Reduce Damage During Disturbances and Strikes

Security personnel can protect your property and equipment during unrest or labor strikes. They can manage the situation, alert authorities if necessary, and work to minimize any potential damage. Manned guards evaluate circumstances, prevent unauthorized access, and document inappropriate or violent behavior. Their presence also discourages workers from taking extreme actions.

They Ensure a Fast Response Time

Security guards can manage and de-escalate unwanted or violent situations before law enforcement arrives. Reporting the incident and waiting for police can take time, which may lead to considerable business losses. Having manned guarding services on-site helps to reduce these losses or injuries through their rapid response capabilities. Immediate action from security personnel can stop incidents from worsening and lessen their effects on the property and its occupants.

Lowers Your Insurance Costs

Numerous insurance providers offer lower premiums to businesses that utilize manned guarding services. The presence of trained security staff can significantly decrease the likelihood of theft, vandalism, and other security issues, making your business a less risky insurance prospect.

Extra Level of Surveillance

Security personnel are trained to be alert and watchful, consistently observing the premises to spot any unusual activities or possible security threats. Their ongoing surveillance adds an extra level of safety, allowing for quick responses to potential dangers. Guards also monitor CCTV feeds, entry points, and various security systems.

Access Control

Manned security services regulate facility entry, ensuring only those with proper authorization can gain access. Security guards verify identities, check credentials, and oversee visitor access, keeping unauthorized individuals out of restricted zones.

Manned Guarding Services in Different Types of Businesses

Trained security guards offer unique advantages tailored to specific industries, enhancing safety and security.

  • Retail Stores

Retail stores regularly encounter security challenges, particularly in preventing theft and managing shoplifters. Whether a small boutique, a large department store, or a grocery store, these businesses require physical and digital security measures to safeguard their inventory, staff, and customers.

Having on-site security guards can discourage shoplifting through their visible presence and enable quick action in case of theft or burglary. Also, retailers can significantly benefit from private security services, which help lower financial losses from theft and provide a safer atmosphere for customers and employees.

  • Construction Sites

Many might not realize that construction sites are prime targets for theft and vandalism. These sites need specialized security measures, and costly materials and equipment are often left unattended for long periods, sometimes months or years. Construction firms risk significant losses, project delays, and insurance complications without proper protection.

By engaging a private security firm for manned guarding services, construction companies can keep their projects on track, reduce theft-related losses, and ensure a smoother process until the project is completed.

  • Healthcare Facilities

Healthcare facilities require enhanced security to protect patients, staff, and valuable medical equipment. These facilities are at risk for unauthorized access, theft, and emergencies. Having manned guards on-site can offer the human oversight necessary to tackle these challenges, keeping healthcare environments safe and secure.

Manned guards in healthcare settings can:

  • Oversee entry points to make sure that only authorized personnel, patients, and visitors gain access to the facility.
  • Calm situations, whether they involve a distressed patient or a troublesome visitor.
  • Respond quickly to emergencies like fires, evacuations, or medical crises, ensuring that all protocols are strictly followed.
  • Perform regular patrols to spot vulnerabilities such as unlocked doors, bad lighting, or suspicious behavior.

  • Financial Institutions

Financial institutions are essential to the global economy, handling large sums of money and confidential data. Given the significant risks involved, safeguarding these institutions is crucial. Security guards are key to this protection strategy, acting as the first defense against potential threats.

A core responsibility of security guards in financial institutions is deterring crime. Their visible presence at lobbies, entrances, and other areas strongly deters would-be criminals. The knowledge that trained security personnel are present can discourage illegal activities. This deterrent effect applies to outside threats and internal staff who may consider perpetrating unethical actions.

Additionally, security guards closely monitor who enters and exits the building, verifying the identities of visitors, employees, and clients to ensure that only authorized individuals are allowed in. This role helps prevent unauthorized access to secure areas, safeguarding valuable assets and sensitive information.

  • Hospitality

Hotels, resorts, and casinos must ensure a safe and secure environment for their guests while effectively managing the flow of visitors. The main goals for hospitality businesses are to prevent theft and establish a welcoming atmosphere, allowing guests to feel comfortable during their stay.

Security personnel can monitor entry points, exits, common areas, parking lots, and other locations to deter theft and maintain a friendly, safe environment for guests. Access control measures should be implemented for sensitive areas, such as:

  1. Guest rooms
  2. Staff zones
  3. Locations with valuable assets.

Security staff and surveillance systems can also be utilized to observe and document activities within the premises, including lobbies, elevators, and event spaces, creating a detailed record of occurrences and their timing. You can ensure your business thrives and encourages repeat visits by prioritizing guest safety, protecting valuable assets, and promoting a secure and inviting atmosphere.

  • Schools

In educational institutions, valuable items like computers kept on the premises can attract thieves. Sometimes, risks can also arise from within, such as hostile students or parents, making learners and staff feel insecure in what should be a safe space. Having security personnel present on-site can help protect everyone during incidents and allow students and staff to focus on their schoolwork without worrying about their safety.

  • Parking Lots

The large number of vehicles in the United States creates a significant demand for parking. The Parking Lot and Garage Industry offers temporary parking options for consumers and businesses, available by the hour, day, week, or month.

This industry includes various types of facilities such as parking garages, commercial lots, employee parking areas, airport parking, and auto dealerships, contributing to an estimated revenue of $11.3 billion in the US in 2024. Given this substantial income, ensuring security in these parking spaces is crucial for the overall automotive sector.

Parking areas are often busy and vulnerable to vehicle theft, property crimes, traffic incidents, and even violent crimes. Therefore, maintaining security in parking areas is essential for building a trustworthy business.

Manned guarding services promote parking lot safety. Companies can reduce liabilities and save money by proactively addressing potential risks and issues. For example, relying solely on unmanned surveillance can give your customers a misleading sense of safety, making them less alert to possible crimes, as they assume there is a backup response that is not present. Unmonitored cameras can lead to increased legal risks, mainly if crimes occur in front of the cameras without any immediate response. Security personnel on-site, whether on foot, bike, or in a vehicle, allow for real-time response to incidents.

Security guards who oversee camera feeds can identify suspicious individuals attempting to break into parked cars or manage traffic issues in parking garages.

  • Cannabis Businesses

The cannabis market has become one of the fastest growing in the United States. This industry includes cultivation companies, manufacturing facilities, testing laboratories, dispensaries, distribution networks, and delivery services. Each sector has unique security requirements.

A key challenge for cannabis businesses is their reliance on cash transactions. Although cannabis is legal in many states, including California, it remains illegal federally. While some financial institutions choose to work with cannabis businesses, most federally regulated banks are hesitant. As a result, most cannabis businesses operate primarily in cash. This reliance on cash and large amounts of money on-site pose serious safety risks for employees and customers.

Due to the high cash flow and the valuable nature of the products, burglaries at licensed cannabis businesses have surged in recent years. In 2022, California reported 329 break-ins at licensed cannabis establishments.

Despite the concerning rise in burglaries, only a percentage of financial and product losses in the cannabis sector are due to external theft. Most theft cases stem from internal employee theft. Therefore, manned security services are crucial for any cannabis business.

A professional security firm can significantly enhance security for cannabis companies. Their services, including armed or unarmed guards, foot, bike, or vehicle patrols, and monitored security cameras for internal and external surveillance, can help make a cannabis business more profitable. Beyond safeguarding products and profits, adequate security also ensures the safety of customers and employees.

  • Event Facilities

Event facilities host a variety of occasions, including sports events, corporate parties, concerts, conventions, VIP gatherings, press conferences, and weddings. Proactive business owners should engage trained professional security for their events to ensure a safe environment. Manned guarding services can offer a range of services for your events.

Event security personnel can oversee and enforce rules in designated areas while managing traffic flow. Security guards in parking lots and around the venue help maintain order and prevent theft or break-ins in clients’ or guests’ vehicles.

Security guards oversee the entry points of your event and manage guest lists to prevent unauthorized access. They also check for weapons, which is crucial given the increase in gun violence today.

Many events also feature vendors who enhance the customer experience. Manned guarding services can efficiently assist these vendors by managing their personnel and products at the entrance and addressing on-site temporary storage needs.

Security guards are essential for crowd control. Big events often lead to long lines, and having security manage these crowds helps avoid potential issues or injuries. Their presence is significant in venues that serve alcohol. Most importantly, security personnel can specifically safeguard VIP areas, ensuring that your VIP guests enjoy the exclusive experience they have paid for. By providing this specialized security for your guests, your company will deliver the best possible services to its most valued customers during any large event.

Manned Guards Can Perform Specific Duties

The specific duties and training of manned guards can differ based on the industry and the client’s security requirements. Manned guards handle various security tasks, which may include:

  • Patrolling

Manned guards typically perform regular patrols in the areas they are assigned to protect. Patrolling can involve walking or driving around to deter potential threats and quickly respond to incidents.

  • Surveillance

They utilize surveillance tools like cameras and monitors to watch and record activities in and around the secured area. This can help detect and address security breaches or suspicious actions.

  • Emergency Responses

Guards are trained to handle emergencies such as medical situations, fires, accidents, and security threats. They may provide first aid, start evacuations, or contact the authorities.

  • Conflict Resolution

When conflicts or disputes occur, manned guards often work to de-escalate the situation and prevent it from turning violent. They may also detain individuals involved in criminal activities until law enforcement arrives.

  • Customer Service

In some environments, guards may also offer customer service by assisting visitors, answering inquiries, and giving directions.

  • Report Writing

Guards keep detailed records of their activities, including incident reports, shift logs, and any unusual occurrences they notice during their shifts. These reports are crucial for documenting security-related incidents.

How Can You Select a Private Security Company for Your Business?

If you need a security services provider, consider these best practices:

  • Identify your service requirements.
  • Assess the qualifications for security guards in your state to ensure the provider has the necessary certifications.
  • Seek recommendations from your network.
  • Look for reviews of private security companies from others in your industry.

What are the Key Traits of Leading Private Security Companies?

Keep these factors in mind when evaluating potential providers:

  • An exhaustive service list—A quick visit to the company’s website should reveal its services. If the site is hard to navigate, it may indicate a disorganized provider.
  • Positive reviews—Check platforms like Trustpilot, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau, and ask your contacts about their experiences. Consistent positive feedback is a good sign.
  • Qualified professionals—Visit their website’s “Careers” section to see the qualifications required for employment. The “About” page can also provide insight into the leadership and their experience.
  • Responsive customer support—Look for reviews that highlight excellent customer service. You should not have to wait long if a security officer fails to arrive for their shift.
  • Advanced technology—Leading private security teams utilize modern technology for live remote monitoring and are trained in the latest de-escalation techniques to minimize the use of force.

Find Manned Guarding Services Near Me

Security guards are essential for ensuring safety and security in business across many industries. They handle various duties, including preventing threats, managing access, assisting customers, and responding to emergencies.

If you are considering manned guarding for your business, contact Green Knight Security. Investing in our manned guarding services will boost security and strengthen the trust of both employees and customers. To learn more about our services and how we can assist you, call us at 844-457-8326 to schedule a consultation with one of our security experts.