​It is a necessity that every security enterprise is based on a well thought out operations plan in which defensive barriers and personnel procedures are specialized to combat the vulnerabilities particular to the defense of the assets under their charge. However, even with the best possible plan, no security operation can be successful without the right security officers manning the positions.

As with any industry, the hiring managers and schedulers for security must find and position the right personnel for the right places. There are many different skill sets that may be required in different posts, and although many security officers are very capable of performing well in multiple types of security positions, often security personnel that excel in one may not be so good a fit in another. An officer that is personable can provide an excellent first impression to people visiting a business and be very comfortable in a retail patrol role, as a concierge, or other positions that involve interaction with the public.

It is a much different type of experience when manning a security post where the objective is to deter intruders away from an otherwise empty and undefended property. While at first glance it may seem simple, staying vigilant, awake, and alert while alone through a night shift is demanding in its own way both physically and psychologically. In all cases, success is dependent not only on the guard having the skills and training to complete the task, but also knowing they have full support at all times from their management team.

A security officer can have many different responsibilities depending on what type of position they are placed in. For instance, an officer whose primary duties are checking in vehicles or visitors might be there primarily for documentation and combating liability, whereas one in a concierge position may be focused on providing customer service responsibilities.

In almost all cases, however, regardless of what duties a security officer is performing, an underlying purpose and benefit of their deployment is deterrence against unwanted intrusion or interruption by persons that have no legitimate reason to be there, and controlling access to the property when an attempt to enter is made.

When creating a security plan, it is necessary to coordinate any duties or tasks that a security officer is given with the basic functions of assets protection. If an officer needs to leave their main post or divert their attention to a different task, it must be done in a manner that does not leave the guarded area vulnerable. The most basic solution is to have regular patrols that broadcast to any outsider that the area is being monitored by a live security presence. This is not a catch-all solution however, and as always the best operations plan will be tailored to a property’s specific needs.

We celebrate the founding of our country once again, Capital Asset Protection would like to pass along our wishes that you have a safe and enjoyable holiday. 
Happy Fourth!