Manned Guard or Mobile Security Patrols, Which is Best for your Business

Understanding the best security solution for your business

Securing business operations is paramount, and when it comes to physical security, two primary approaches stand out: static guarding and mobile guarding. In this blog, we'll explore the essentials of each to help businesses make informed decisions.

Static guarding ensures a constant, visible presence, acting as a deterrent, while mobile guarding emphasises agility and rapid response. Choosing between them requires a nuanced evaluation based on property size, operational nature, and budget

considerations. Additionally, integrating advanced security technologies can enhance the overall effectiveness of both approaches. Join us as we navigate the intricacies of static and mobile guarding, empowering businesses to bolster

their security strategies.

Static Guarding - An Overview:

Static guards play a pivotal role in the world of physical security by assuming fixed positions at specific locations and strategically positioned at entrances, checkpoints, or other key areas within a premises. This unwavering on-site presence is a visible deterrent to potential security threats, providing a constant watchful eye over critical access points. Their stationed positions allow static guards to meticulously monitor and control entry, ensuring that only authorised individuals can access the premises. The reliability and predictability of static guarding make it an effective security measure, particularly suited for businesses that prioritise a continuous defence against potential risks.

The Advantanges of Static Guarding

Deterrence: Having a visible security presence on-site is a deterrent to criminals, trespassers, or other unwanted actors..

Knowledge: Over time, static guards become familiar with their designated area, which might help spot anomalies.

Response: Having a guard on site means they can respond to incidents very quickly.

The Disadvantages of Static Guarding

1. Coverage: Manned guarding is effective at a specific location but may not provide comprehensive coverage for large or dispersed areas. In such cases, additional security measures may be necessary.
2. Predictability: Criminals may identify patterns in static guarding routines and coverage over time. 
3. Cost:  Having a security guard on site full or part-time comes at a cost

Read more about the pros and cons of static guarding

Mobile Security Patrols - An Overview:

Mobile guards offer a dynamic and flexible approach to physical security, as they actively traverse a property, either on

foot or in vehicles, covering different sections at varying times. This mobility enables them to respond swiftly to emerging security issues and monitor diverse areas, making mobile guarding particularly suitable for businesses with expansive facilities or those requiring adaptability in security coverage. The ability to move around the property allows mobile guards to address evolving security challenges and provide a comprehensive and ever-changing layer of protection. Their agility and rapid response capabilities make them well-suited for environments where a continuous, on-the-move presence is essential for effective security management.

The Advantages of Mobile Security Patrols

1. Coverage: Mobile guarding can cover larger areas, potentially suitable for expansive premises.
2. Unpredictability: Changing patrol routes can make it harder for criminals to predict where guards will be at any given moment.
3. Flexibility: Mobile guards can perform varied tasks during their patrols, from security checks to ensuring doors and windows are secure and providing a lock / unlocking service for the site.

The Disdvantages of Mobile Security Patrols

1. Response Time: patrols may be some distance away at the time of an incident. This can have an adverse impact on their ability to respond to an incident.
2. Limited Physical Presence: While mobile patrols offer flexibility, the physical presence at any given moment may be brief. This can be a disadvantage if a continuous, on-site presence is necessary.
3. Risk of Missed Incidents: Due to the dynamic nature of patrols, there is a risk of missing incidents that occur during the brief periods when the patrol is not present in a particular area.
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Read more about the pros and cons of mobile security patrols.

Which is Best for Your Business?

When deciding between static guarding services and mobile security patrols for your company, conducting a comprehensive assessment that considers various factors is crucial. The size and layout of your property play a significant role in determining the most suitable security approach. Larger properties with multiple entry points might benefit from a combination of static guards stationed at key locations and mobile patrols covering the entire area. Conversely, smaller properties with more straightforward layouts may find static guards sufficient.

Performing a thorough risk assessment is essential to identify potential security threats. Factors such as your business's location, area crime rates, and industry-specific risks should be carefully considered. Clearly defining your security goals is another crucial step. Static guards can provide a constant on-site presence if a visible deterrent is a priority. In contrast, mobile patrols are advantageous for businesses where quick response and flexibility are vital concerns.

Budget constraints also play a role in the decision-making process. Mobile patrols can be more cost-effective for covering larger areas, making them a practical choice for businesses with expansive properties. On the other hand, static guarding may be more expensive but provides a consistent presence at specific locations.

Consider the nature of your business operations, primarily if your industry deals with high-value assets or sensitive information. Tailoring your security strategy to address the specific needs of your business is essential. Additionally, assess the operating hours of your business; for 24/7 operations, a security solution that offers continuous coverage, such as mobile patrols, may be more suitable.

Evaluate the expected response times needed for different security incidents. Mobile patrols can offer faster response times compared to static guards who may be stationed at specific points. The number of access points to your property is also a relevant factor. Mobile patrols are effective in monitoring and securing multiple entry points.

Integrating security technology, such as surveillance cameras, access control systems, and alarms, should also be considered. These technologies can complement both static guarding and mobile patrols, enhancing the overall security infrastructure.

Ensure that the chosen security solution complies with local regulations and industry standards.

Review any previous security incidents to identify patterns or vulnerabilities. This information can guide the development of a customised security strategy tailored to address specific weaknesses. Ultimately, the best security solution may involve a combination of static guarding, mobile patrols, and technology integration based on your company's unique needs and circumstances. Consulting with a professional security advisor can provide valuable insights and help create an effective and customised security plan.

Conclusion

In concluding the exploration of the pros and cons associated with static guarding services and mobile security patrols, it becomes evident that the decision-making process is inherently tied to each business's distinctive aspects and specific needs. The dynamic interplay of factors such as property size, risk assessment, budget constraints, and the nature of business operations underscores the importance of a tailored security strategy.

Recognising the need for a visible deterrent, static guarding offers a constant on-site presence. In contrast, mobile patrols' agility and quick response capabilities cater to businesses prioritising flexibility. The consideration of operating hours, industry-specific risks, and the property layout further accentuates the nuanced nature of the decision. A combination of static guards strategically stationed at key locations and mobile patrols providing comprehensive coverage might be the optimal solution for companies with expansive properties.

Budget considerations play a pivotal role, with mobile patrols emerging as a cost-effective choice for businesses requiring coverage over larger areas. However, static guards' stability and consistent presence come at a premium. Balancing these financial considerations with the specific security goals of the business becomes imperative in making a well-informed decision.

In this context, the integration of security technology, including surveillance systems, access control, and alarms, emerges as a crucial aspect. Technology can enhance the effectiveness of both static guarding and mobile patrols, presenting a holistic security approach.

Recognising that no one-size-fits-all solution exists, the concluding recommendation is a consultation with security professionals. Such experts possess the expertise to conduct a thorough analysis of the unique security requirements of a business, offering valuable insights into the most suitable security approach. By engaging in this consultative process, companies can benefit from a customised security strategy that optimally combines static guarding, mobile patrols, and technological solutions, addressing the intricacies of their specific operational environment. In essence, the choice between static and mobile guarding is not a binary decision but a nuanced one that necessitates a thoughtful and tailored approach guided by professional expertise.

If you still have questions about static guarding or mobile security patrols then you can contact the team by calling us on 01202 523 573 or completing the form below: