See Something, Say Something! A Guide to Remote Guard Services

You must take comprehensive steps to protect yourself. Thankfully, remote guard services are available for you. The first and most important step is to find the best guard services for your needs. 

What are remote guard services, and how do they work? How do remote services compare to on-site ones? What should you do to make the most out of your security system?

Find out the answers to these questions to keep yourself and your workers secure for years to come. Here is your quick guide.

How Remote Guard Services Work

Remote guard services involve a team of security guards who watch over the security cameras in your building. The guards are located off-site. They are based in a secure location where they can view camera feeds live and in real-time to be proactive while being monitored by their supervisors. 

Companies that run an intelligent guard system take the necessary precautions to create a resolute security system. All guards receive training on how to watch surveillance cameras, how to detect suspicious activities, and evaluate threats. Many guards have years of experience in law enforcement, so they have prior knowledge in detecting threats. 

When you talk to a company, they will help create a security camera system. They can install cameras in high-risk areas such as entrance ways and back alleys. They will not place cameras in areas where people expect privacy like bathrooms and changing rooms. 

Once the cameras are installed, the surveillance of your building can begin. The guards are on 45-minute shifts, so you will always have a fresh pair of eyes watching your property. Guards can remain in place 24/7, even when your building is unoccupied. 

When a guard notices a suspicious person or activity, they will assess the situation. The situation is assessed to deter any false alarms.

If they believe an emergency may be happen, the guard will send an alarm to our alarm processing center. An experienced supervisor will conduct their own assessment of the situation and see if law enforcement response is necessary. They can contact the authorities as soon as they believe there is an emergency and they can contact you to let you know what is happening.

How Remote Services Compare to In-Person Services

When people think of security guard services, they usually think of physical guards in the buildings. Putting guards in your building is a good security solution but it’s not ideal, and yet very expensive. 

The biggest problem with guards is intimidation. Many people feel uncomfortable or stressed when a security guard is looking at them. You may lose customers because they want to go somewhere else. 

It is easy for a guard to think that an emergency is occurring. They may see someone putting a product in their bag and assume they are trying to shoplift. The guard may assault the innocent person as a result.

Security cameras deter crimes and cause less intimidation of your customers, especially if you place them high on the ceiling. A birds-eye view allows a guard to see an entire scene, so they can get a full perspective on someone’s actions and avoid false alarms. 

Strategies for Remote Security Guard Services

A security system will help you respond to threats and mitigate security risks. However, you shouldn’t just set up your cameras and forget all about safety. For everyone’s peace of mind, you should take further steps to significantly reduce the risks to yourself, your building, and your employees. 

Evaluate Your Security Threats

Every business has its own threats to deal with. If you run a retail store, you need to deal with theft and shoplifting. If you run a school, you may need to confront school violence, including an active shooter situation. 

Take time to figure out what threats you need to control, e.g. a forced entry. You should talk to other administrators in your organization and see what they think about security. You can also ask a security company to conduct an audit and determine what your biggest threats are. 

Once you’ve determined threats, you should develop a plan to address each one. These steps should involve all of your employees. You can run evacuation and lockdown drills every few months, so your employees can respond to emergencies promptly.

You should also train your employees in first aid procedures. Teach them how to treat cuts, burns, and allergic reactions. The more threats they can respond to, the safer they will be. Ensure that all employees know multiple exits in the event of an accident.

Get Additional Tools

In addition to cameras, you should install locks on your doors. Valuables should go inside safes or drawers away from entrance ways, making it harder for thieves to steal them. 

You should add Shattered Proof Film on any glass windows and doors to deter break-ins. Another option is to add roll-down gates to these areas as well.

You can place bulletproof objects like glass windows in your rooms to mitigate the threat of an active shooter. You should also install sturdy objects like desks in each room so people can have a place to hide from a shooter.

Keep Yourself Safe During Emergencies

Do not panic once a threat presents itself. Get the full information on what the threat is, starting with looking around you. 

You should try to escape from a fire, chemical spill, or intruder. Try to avoid going out into the hallway, as an intruder can easily see you and pursue you there. Use backrooms or windows to leave the area and put barriers between yourself and them. 

You can assist the injured once you get out of your building. Bring them to a secure location as far from your building as possible. 

The Essentials of Remote Guard Services

Remote guard services can save your life. A team of experienced law enforcement professionals will monitor video cameras live and act in case of an emergency.

Many companies rely on live guards, yet these guards can cause problems. They may overreact or they may intimidate someone. Remote guards avoid both of these problems. 

You should adopt a security plan and evaluate threats to your workers. You should get tools like sturdy locks, and evacuate whenever an emergency occurs. 

Don’t wait until your building gets broken into. Swissguard offers premium remote guard services. Contact us today.