What Is the Purpose of Security Patrolling?

The main purpose of a patrol is to maintain the security of the premises under the security guard’s duty. Preparation for a patrol should always begin with an understanding regarding the purpose of the patrol. For example, is the security guard:

  • Expected to keep intruders away?
  • Assist members of the public who appear confused or in need of assistance?
  • Check boilers and other equipment, to make sure they are still functioning safely?
  • Ensure the safety of enterprise property, prevent theft, and other events?
  • Discover fire and other emergency safety accidents and give warnings to reduce the loss of enterprise property and personnel?
  • Timely find out and stop the occurrence of public security incidents such as fights, and maintain the order of business operations?

The purpose of a patrol can change from time to time, even within a single shift. The first time that a patrol is made, security may focus on breaches of the property by an intruder; the second time, to make sure that the safety equipment on machinery in the area is functioning properly; the third time, to check again for intruders and breaches of the work site, and so on.

Thorough knowledge of the geography of the area to be patrolled is essential. The security guard should determine in advance where telephones, water shut-off valves, electrical and alarm panels, and light switches are located, and where emergency lighting is provided. The guard should also know where emergency equipment, such as back-up generators, first aid kits, fire alarms, hydrants, and extinguishers, is located. The guard should know the best routes to follow in an emergency, selecting the simplest, most direct route with the least number of safety hazards.

The guard should make a list of activities that need to be done while on a specific patrol and devise the route in advance, including a map of the major checkpoints, passageways, rooms, stairwells, doors, and windows, and so on. Alternate routes should be planned in case-specific areas are made inaccessible due to an emergency such as a fire, explosion, or chemical leak. The timing and route of the patrol should be varied to ensure that it does not become too routine or too predictable. The guard should make sure he or she possesses the proper patrol device, including appropriate clothing.

1. PATROL. INSPECT & MONITOR
Mobile patrol security guards secure premises and personnel by patrolling property; monitoring surveillance equipment; and inspecting edifices, equipment, and access points; permitting or refusing entry. A rapid alarm response is crucial for desired outcomes.

2. PREVENT LOSSES. REPORT & INFORM
They prevent loss and damage by reporting nonconformities, informing violators of policies and procedures, and ultimately restraining trespassers.

3. DETAIN
Patrol guards have all the rights to issue warnings, citations, or detain individuals who commit offenses. They must complete the necessary reports of the circumstances.

4. MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT
They make sure the equipment is operational by completing preventive maintenance requirements, following manufacturer’s instructions, troubleshooting, and calling for repairs.

5. ANTICIPATE
Security officers don’t wait for something to happen. They do preventative patrol inspections and proactively undertake security measures to prevent burglary, damage, and other misbehavior.

These duties are necessary to a patrol guard, every premise has its own requirements and each situation is unique. Therefore, mobile patrol officers must adapt and perform adequate activities to ensure everyone and everything is safe and sound.

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