In addition to their traditional duties, school leaders, business managers and operations staff members often have supervisory responsibility for the security guards. Additionally, leaders and managers of schools, institutions and businesses that do not employ a dedicated security or risk manager are frequently assigned these responsibilities though many lack specific experience or security training.
Fortunately, optimizing effectiveness and minimizing opportunities for poor performance, non-delivery of service, and overcharging is achievable. A relatively small investment of time in targeted oversight and a demonstration of interest goes a long way to ensure a top performing guard force, regardless of whether guards are contractually provided or are members of an in-house “proprietary” force.
Steps to Optimizing Security Guard Service
To receive maximum benefit from a guard program requires effort, but the rewards are worth it in presenting a professional image and safeguarding your institution. The following are industry best practices you can take to optimize guard force effectiveness:
1. Verify that all guards are properly licensed and have been adequately screened and vetted.
2. Check the training records of guards and attend and audit training sessions where possible.
3. Ensure that written instructions detailing guard responsibilities (General and Post Orders) exist, are current, accessible, and that the guards know their contents.
4. Schedule and conduct guard-only drills to practice both routine and emergency-response protocols. You (and key staff members) should observe and/or participate in the drills before moving to campus-wide drills. This lets the guards know you believe their contributions are important. It further allows you time to adjust or tweak campus-wide procedures.
5. Routinely ensure that all guard posts are fully staffed by approved guards. Immediately bring to the attention of the guard company any shortfalls or anomalies and verify corrections.
6. Get to know your guards and encourage others within your business or school to do the same. Spend a few minutes daily to say “hello” and ask about their job. Ensure that they have adequate work and break environments. This personal display of interest and concern commonly translates into performance that exceeds expectations.
7. Empower your guards and team with technology that provides alerts and communication from your interdependent group so they can respond faster and effectively in the event of an incident.
