We live in a world where the next security and safety threat seems poised to strike from anywhere, which poses major challenges for security guard companies that can be tasked with providing protection at a wide range of premises, from homes and airports to large-scale events, industrial facilities and places of work. Security guard companies not only require manpower but also need to ensure they are equipped to deliver the best security and protection in a world where it is more vital than ever before.
This growing interest and demand for security was backed up in a study that forecast the value of the US private security market as reaching beyond $350 billion by 2020, with the job roles of investigators and private detectives proving to be fast-growing occupations. Another possible cause for the growing demand of security guard companies is the lower availability of police officers — with cutbacks leading to less effective and visible policing.
With technology quickly advancing in the area of security, it would seem there are useful solutions for security guard companies, like the best security guard training Toronto professional services, who are aiming to stay ahead of the curve. Anyone worried about becoming a target will look urgently to security guard companies that can make the most of technological advances that are safe, robust and reliable.
What is the new technology that is improving security?
In public places, the sophistication of safes and lockers is improving dramatically, with higher levels of technological complexity in-built to locking devices that make them almost impossible to crack. The role of security guards themselves is also changing, with many likely to be asked to monitor remote video surveillance, which offers major advantages by removing human error, being able to access difficult physical locations, and being always on — a camera does not suffer from boredom and fatigue — but a degree of human monitoring is still required in the event of malfunction.
Another area of development for security guard companies is the use of robots. A pilot project by the University of Birmingham in the UK is trialling artificial intelligence technology that is aimed at testing autonomous intelligent robots in a range of human environments, with security being considered as one of their potential uses.
Other options include security guard companies that can employ heavy-duty options such as radar and seismic sensor systems, which are highly-sensitive devices that can quickly detect intruders, and smart fences and perimeters that surround a property or area with an impassable shield. Many even come equipped with embedded sensors and specific designs that prevent climbing, cutting or any general attempts to incapacitate them.
Why human beings are still needed for security
On top of all this technological development, the value of employing people as security guards should not be overlooked. Security guards are reliable where technology can fail or become unreliable, and do not need expensive maintenance, upgrades and replacement that many security systems naturally need throughout their typical lifecycles.
To provide a concrete example of the value of employing security guards, a private security company in LA would be useful for protecting the celebrities attending a big red-carpet event. Should a crazed fan run up and try to attack an actor, having surveillance cameras isn’t enough to prevent a potentially dire situation — a quick response is necessary to protect the client.
In the US, one security guard company has spoken of the value of employing army veterans and ex-servicemen in the roles of security guards. Allied Universal says it has hired more than 33,000 veterans in the last five years and says that their unique experience offers much to the security field. This includes resilience under the pressure of real-world combat or pressured situations, where army training and quick thinking and adaptability are vital in the unpredictable world of security.
Owing to the nature of military life, many veterans are very well-versed in the art of mastering new technology. Complex security hardware is part and parcel of everyday army life, where it can make the difference between life and death. Other transferable skills from military life includes strong team working and collaboration with others, while the security sector does not require ex-servicemen to ‘decode’ their language and behaviours to suit civilian life — many of the practices of life as a security guard match those of the military, making it a virtually seamless transition.
A further advantage of employing former military members is the ease of securing background checks. Military background checks are well known for being thorough and security guard companies can rely on a diligent measurement of the character and conduct of their new ex-military employees.
A changing world needs changing security
With a world that faces increasing levels of sophistication in its security threats — with many being cyber-based as well as physical — it is essential that security guard companies do all they can to employ the full range of security options open to them, which includes staying abreast of technological innovations. Employing security guards with the right background is also vital to ensure a strong mix of technological skills, personal resilience and balanced character is acquired.
