Combining security guards with video surveillance cameras creates a comprehensive, cost-effective solution for improved safety and efficiency.
In today’s brave new world, things are more automated than ever before. There are increasingly more self-check-out lines, kiosks, apps, and even AI chatbots to interact with over the computer or phone when you have a customer service issue. The shift towards automation is largely rooted in both economics and efficiency, and retailers seem to be going all-in by rolling out even more ways to push the envelope.
However, there’s a delicate balance between increasing efficiency and losing the benefits of human sensibilities and interactions. We’ve all heard the familiar axioms shunning an all-or-nothing mentality like, ‘Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,' or 'Don't have more than one iron in the fire.’ It’s the same when deciding whether to solely employ security guards versus utilizing a security system. Often the answer may lie in a combination of the two rather than an isolated choice.
There are clear-cut advantages of both security guards and security systems. Security guards are skilled professionals who are trained to spot potential problems and either intervene or provide emergency support.
One of the biggest advantages of employing security guards is their familiarity with the area they are patrolling and protecting. Their ability to understand the unique challenges of the area often allows them to better protect against potential vulnerabilities. Another way guards positively impact security is by conducting randomly timed patrols. This prevents criminals from noticing patterns in security patrols or guard movements that would allow them a sure-fire window to commit a crime.
While security guards are a tremendous tool for protecting your business and assets, video surveillance cameras can be a formidable partner in creating a truly comprehensive security plan. Combining the power of video surveillance cameras and personnel is a formula that is both cost-effective and complementary in many ways.
Security guards provide valuable human intelligence and interaction, but those benefits come with a cost. The outsourced contract security market has become a $34.5 billion industry, and the nationwide average hourly wage of a security guard is $19/hour. This figure varies depending on the location, experience, and specific assignment, and does not include costs required for overtime or holiday pay and potential benefit packages. When you factor in the number of security guards needed to adequately protect a business, that cost becomes exponentially greater.
Security systems can be a cost-effective way to support guards, allowing them to do more with less. Though they may require a significant up-front investment, these systems can reduce the need for additional personnel in the long run by providing guards with tools that make their work easier, safer, and more efficient.
Security personnel can only keep an eye on what is happening in their immediate vicinity—and the reality is that they can’t be everywhere. Security systems, however, can scale surveillance by using multiple cameras to expand coverage and eliminate blind spots. With real-time monitoring from various angles, guards can focus on one area while other areas remain under constant watch. This is especially crucial in situations involving organized crime, where coordinated efforts by perpetrators require comprehensive surveillance.
Surveillance systems can also free up guards to respond to credible threats and emergency situations. These systems can flag suspicious activity or instances where further human investigation is needed and give security personnel a read on what they are about to encounter before they even arrive. The added benefit of having cameras stationed from above is that it provides a different vantage point that can be helpful in assessing situations.
Security systems can also help distinguish credible threats from false alarms. This allows guards to utilize their strengths and skills in situations that call for it, instead of wasting time and efforts that spread them too thin. This results in a sharper, more focused, and thus safer security team.
No matter the level of training and experience, or the integrity of the person, there is an inherent level of risk for human error that should be expected. Guards can become fatigued, struggle with short attention spans, become distracted, or take shortcuts that can be detrimental to the overall security of the business they work for or the lot they guard. And while most security guards are trustworthy and honorable, some may be susceptible to bribery, intimidation, or threats.
Surveillance systems also provide a level of consistency and reliability. While humans inevitably need time off the clock, cameras can keep watch 24/7 and offer personnel remote access to views of your lot. A remote video monitoring service allows authorized users to access and control cameras, check video recordings, and even intervene from anywhere in the world through a smart device.
When it comes to emergency situations, the ability to respond correctly and quickly is paramount. Video surveillance cameras increase the ability to isolate and analyze situations from a perspective that is absent of any distractions or stress one might encounter on the ground. This allows for a better analysis of the situation, which can lead to more appropriate responses and better outcomes.
Security systems improve communication and response times by instantly alerting guards and directing them to precise locations. This ensures that personnel have the information they need, whether it’s determining the number of guards required to stop a crime or providing the right equipment for a medical emergency. These systems can also notify law enforcement or emergency services simultaneously, ensuring that professional help arrives quickly.
While the goal is to always prevent crime from happening or intervene when an incident occurs, surveillance systems are essential for documenting crimes. Not only does documentation provide insight into vulnerabilities and potential patterns, but it provides evidence for investigations and prosecutions. Documentation can also help law enforcement identify perpetrators and understand what was stolen or damaged.
Surveillance systems are invaluable in cases of litigation or when guards are accused of misconduct because they help uncover the truth. They can protect your business from lawsuits and safeguard against potential bad actors within your team.
Implementing a surveillance system is an effective way to fortify an existing security plan that already leverages guards and live patrols. It can be integral to creating an overall security strategy that not only fills in potential gaps but also strengthens and enhances the advantages that guards inherently bring when it comes to protecting your business. It helps alleviate the burdens of security guards, allowing them to remain alert and focus on what they do best. Better security systems lead to better outcomes.
When it comes to protecting your business and assets, you want to ensure that you have an effective plan in place that gives you the best return on investment. Often those returns aren’t solely measured financially, but in terms of safety, litigation, and increasing efficiencies.
Whether you are looking for a comprehensive business security solution or are interested in bolstering an existing security plan, contact LVT for an assessment and find out how we can partner with you to best protect your interests.
