WHAT GUARDS LOOK FOR ON PATROL

​When a security officer is on patrol through the property they are securing, they are performing a carefully planned and orchestrated maneuver that is designed to both find any evidence of unwanted access by unauthorized personnel, and to announce the security presence to prevent intrusion from occurring. The route and means of the patrol maximize both effects, with the security professionals and property owners determining the best way to do so.
 
Every round accomplishes several tasks. Searching for examples of intrusion are the most obvious, such as checking entrances and exits for signs of tampering, finding suspicious objects like a briefcase that should not be there, or identifying people not allowed access to the area. Often other purposes are served too, such as discovering malfunctioning machinery or a water leak that could cause massive property damage, or helping guests and residents in a concierge like service.
 
In some cases, the duties a security officer is required to perform will prevent him from being able to leave his post to perform rounds. This can be made up for with additional personnel with this sole function. A camera system can mimic some of the functions of a patrol, however there are still benefits to having a visible officer patrolling along the vulnerable areas. Cameras may deter a well-planned intrusion, but even when extra effort is made to bring attention to their presence they might not be noticeable enough to prevent a spontaneous trespass from a simple vandal, which can sometimes be a more costly breach. Friendly security personnel showing active prevention have a morale effect on other personnel that machines cannot have.

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