Almost every site in the world needs a security guard on patrol. Whether you’re in construction security, hotel security or hospital security, there are patrol skills that you must know to protect yourself and others from harm.
Here are several safety tips you need to know to do your job optimally.
1. Heroism
Even though the safety of others depends on you, it’s wise to never put yourself in the line of danger. This means never playing hero in potentially hostile (or fatal) situations. It does, however, mean assessing the threat-level damage of situations – and if it is dangerous, call the police.
It is a security guard’s duty to keep people safe, not to endanger your own life. There are policies suggested by guard companies about to what extent they must involve themselves in certain situations it differs within companies like security guards Cincinnati policies may differ from any other areas guard.
2. Armor
The body armor you wear will depend on the local crime rates in your region and the setting of your work. This is why there is a wide variety of armor that is resistant to different threats. These can include knives, spiked objects, and pistols.
Discuss with your boss or manager about the proper armor that’s suitable for the threat risk level of your patrol.
Your beat will be less effective if you are wearing armor that is too heavy for your needs, as you never know when things will spiral out of control and you’re in the hot seat. Other safety equipment includes a radio, pepper spray and/or a baton.
3. Saftey
You never know who is an attacker. Although you will generally be caught by surprise very rarely, it’s best to maintain a certain distance from people when you’re talking with them.
This means being out of arm’s reach. Even though they wear friendly faces, they could be someone who’s going to attack you. Stay Frosty.
4. Change Intervals
Never (under any circumstances) be predictable on your patrol. Always do your best to do your beats at different intervals throughout the day. Aside from giving possible threats intelligence about your whereabouts, being predictable also makes you powerless.
According to author Robert Greene, in 48 Laws of Power, he states: “Nothing is more terrifying than the sudden and unpredictable. That is why we are so frightened by earthquakes and tornadoes. […]
People are always trying to read the motives behind your actions and to use your predictability against you.” You can do this by beginning your shifts in half-hour segments, quarter-hour segments, or ten-minute segments.
5. Very Your Route
We talked earlier about the importance of walking your beats at random intervals. Equally important is to keep varying your route on your beat. It’s wise to backtrack occasionally (such as every other fifth beat) between checkpoints.
Varying your routes will prevent criminals from tracking you, which will allow them to know where you are not – giving them an opportunity to attack.
6. Stop
How often do you stop and smell the roses? While you’re on the beat, you should do so more frequently. Paying attention to your surroundings, standing still, gives you opportunities to spot moving people or objects (such as a possible perp carrying a weapon) more easily.
It’s tough to spot slight movements when you yourself are moving. Listening is also an underrated safety technique, as it familiarises you with your surroundings.
Conclusion
It is important to reiterate the main point: stay unpredictable in your beats by making them more frequently. Criminals like to attack when there is a lack of authority. Making yourself more present will diminish their will. You will also disarm threats from building plans around your location and time for trapping you.
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