How Security Guards Can Make Sure Boredom Doesn’t Affect Job Performance

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Security Guards Having a set routine is good for many people, but it can get, well, boring after a while. This can happen to workers in a wide range of industries, including professional security guards, who may end up seeing the same things (or people) in the same spots day in and day out. Interestingly, security guards have to be “ever-ready” should something out of the ordinary occur, which can be stressful, but they may have to deal with monotonous work, too at certain jobs. Security guards often do repetitious tasks. They may work overnight when there’s “not much happening” around them, but it’s their job to protect the premises. It can be easy to get a bit bored.

Ways to Prevent On-the-Job Boredom

If security guards want to avoid boredom on the job they need to mix it up a bit, giving themselves some mental and physical variety.

Simple exercises can help the body stay more alert. Maybe try a couple jumping jacks once an hour or at least stretch your arms and legs. Anytime you can move your body, do so, as it’s good for your circulation and can help avoid a stiff neck and joints.

If you’re always guarding one spot, for hours on end, ask to switch with another guard so you’ll be somewhere else, seeing something different– that definitely helps relieve boredom. Also, anytime you can do walking patrol versus sitting at a desk, take it!

Security guards also do well when they commit to eating more healthy foods both on and off the job. Rather than getting a sugar high from soda pop and doughnuts (which is followed by a crash), a switch to celery, peanut butter and green tea with natural caffeine can make a guard feel and look better all-around.

Mentally, to combat boredom, guards can make up their own observational games, counting things around them, taking note of what people are wearing (for instance, how many people are wearing blue jeans within view during a 10 minute period), and using pen and paper to write down frequent notes about what’s being observed. These activities help engage the mind.

C.O.P. Security offers dependable private security for several Western New York counties; please call 585-750-5608 today for more information or email rbarton@copsecuritycorp.com.

Things Security Guards Should Keep in Mind While On Foot Patrol

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Security GuardsAs a security guard, your job is to keep the area you are protecting as safe as possible. This means that you should always be on high alert when you are on duty. It also means that you should patrol your area on a regular basis and in random intervals. This will ensure that the property you are patrolling is safe, regardless of whether you are in charge of guarding an event, a hotel, a construction site, or someplace else. Here are some other helpful tips you should keep in mind while on foot patrol.

Wear shoes that are comfortable.

Before you even set foot on the job site, you should make sure that you have a comfortable pair of shoes to wear while on patrol. You would be surprised by how many security guards don’t think about this at first and then find themselves searching for a place to sit when they’re supposed to be out walking around. Uncomfortable shoes can prevent you from doing your job to the best of your ability.

Make sure you’re carrying your defensive gear at all times.

Some security guards are allowed to carry guns. Others rely on Tasers. And many are only permitted to carry flashlights and walkie talkies while out on patrol. Regardless of what you’ve been told to carry, the key is to make sure you have it on you at all times when you are working. Even something as simple as a flashlight can help scare off criminals, so it’s important for you to have your defensive gear on you while you’re patrolling the premises.

Walk different routes when you are on patrol.

There are many security guards who will pick a route during their patrol and stick to it. They fall into the habit of walking this same route every day or night. And while this makes life easier on them, it also makes it easier for a criminal to pinpoint where a guard will be at a specific time. By switching up your route every time you walk it, you can make things more unpredictable and prevent a criminal from picking up on your habits.

The security guards that are employed by COP Security are highly skilled when it comes to providing protection. They are trained to protect properties, and they will leave you feeling safe at all times, regardless of what kind of property you operate. Call us at 585-750-5608 today to learn more about our foot patrol services.

 

Things You May Not Know About Security Guards

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Security GuardsAre you thinking about hiring security guards for your next big event or bringing in a fleet of security guards to help protect your business? If so, you might not know exactly what to expect from the security guards who arrive on site for their first day. There are many misconceptions concerning security guards, so let’s take a few minutes to clear them up and let you know about a few things you might not know about security guards:

Security Guards Don’t Always Carry Weapons

When most people think about a security guard, they think about a man or woman standing patrol with a weapon by their side. And while some armed security guards do carry guns, tasers, and other types of weapons, you also have the option of hiring security guards who won’t carry weapons. Event organizers who want to promote a family-friendly environment often want security guards without weapons, and this is a possibility for them.

Security Guards Do More Than Just Offer Protection

Most individuals and companies hire security guards because they want the protection they can offer. Protection is one aspect of a security guard’s job, but in the bigger picture, it’s important for security guards to practice crime prevention so that they don’t have to offer up protection at any point. Security guards can prevent crime by patrolling events, keeping a close eye out for signs of trouble, and making their presence known. It helps security guards prevent problems from popping up in the first place.

Security Guards Are Using the Latest Technology to Help Prevent Trouble

In the past, most security guards used their eyes, ears, and, in some cases, weapons to prevent crime and protect people from it. These days, they have way more tools at their disposal. From high-tech alarms to complex screening devices, these tools can help them to do their jobs more effectively and keep you safe.

COP Security can provide you with a wide range of private, event, and corporate security services. Whether you want one armed guard to stand at the door of your business or a large group of security guards to work an event, we can help you out. Call us at 585-750-5608 today for more information about our top-notch services.

What Do Security Guards Carry on Their Person?

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Security guards use a variety of tools to get their job done. If you were thinking of becoming a security guard, you probably wondered, at some point, what kind of tools you would use. Whether you’re controlling access to certain areas, protecting people and/or property, or you’re on the lookout for any suspicious or potentially illegal activities, you need certain tools to accomplish the task(s) at hand.

As for the basics, most security guards end up carrying a flashlight with them. This not only comes in handy at night, when it’s dark outside, but also during times when the power goes out. Also, if it’s a large event or facility, security guards tend to use two-way walkie-talkies and/or mobile phones to be in contact with fellow guards and/or supervisors. Depending on the nature of the job, security guards may or may not carry handcuffs with them, which can be used to subdue and/or detain others if needed. Other security guard basic tools can include a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and alarm/whistle for use during emergencies.

Though you may not think of clothing as part of “tools of the trade,” a security guard’s clothing plays a significant role in his or her job, typically holding and/or concealing tools, which can include masks, gloves, pepper spray, guns, etc. Typical security guards’ clothing includes a uniform with the label “Security” on it, complete with a hat, jacket and badge.

For surveillance, some tools a security guard might use include binoculars, listening devices, and some sort of vehicle. Guards have been known to do their jobs via car, van, bike, scooter and, yes, even golf carts. Guards also typically work with closed-circuit TV systems, looking at monitor screens to cover many areas at one time. For those who deal with crowds coming into venues, X-ray equipment, metal detectors, “wands,” and scanning devices are some of the tools employed.

Should a guard need self-defense, their weapons may include pepper spray, batons, tear gas, gas masks, and, of course, specially trained security guards may have guns. In many cases, security guards wear bulletproof vests.

When involved in administrative tasks, such as filling out reports, security guards deal with computers, word processing software, printers, and copiers. Meanwhile, keys and/or passcodes are used all the time.

These are just some of the tools security guards may use on the job. If you’d like more information about the tools COP Security uses to get the job done, call 585-750-5608.

Here’s Why You Should Have Experienced Security Guards at Outdoor Events

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When you’re having an outdoor event you should hire a security guard or a security team, depending on the size of the event and number of attendees. The more people involved, the more security you’ll need.

First and foremost, having security on the premises puts people at ease. It’s refreshing to know there’s someone there who is watching over the event and ready to step in, if necessary, to deal with any problem people or potentially violent behavior. Security guards, just by their presence, deter crime, too.

Next, security is able to check guests coming and going from an event, and, if needed, they can verify the people who are supposed to be there are “let in,” while keeping others, such as “party crashers,” out. In an era when people are scared that others might be carrying a knife or gun on them, even to an outdoor event, it never hurts to have security guards checking for such things.

Guests want to have a nice time; they don’t want to deal with a drunk or angry guest. That’s the security guard’s job! Furthermore, certain outdoor events attract protesters. Therefore, it’s important for event organizers to plan ahead, and have security guards stationed in key places to deal with any situations that get out of hand. If and when there’s a serious problem, security guards can call police for back-up.

Outdoor events are held in several places, like amphitheaters, stadiums, festival grounds, theme parks, municipal parks, and fairgrounds. They go on rain or shine. Attendees can be in good or bad moods. Security guards can be at outdoor events not only watching over the crowd to keep the peace, but also to serve in certain roles such as ticket takers or parking lot attendants. Guards are often called upon to handle line control as well as be the person guests ask questions of, like, “Where’s the bathroom?” or “Which way to the party?”

If you’ve got some ground to cover for your outdoor event, and you want to beef up security, don’t hesitate to call C.O.P. Security Inc. at 585-750-5608.

Why Security Guard Uniforms Are Important

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The other day there was a St. Patrick’s Day parade in Buffalo, New York. Marching in the parade were several men and women in uniform. They looked so smart, clean, crisp and, above all, professional. There’s something about uniforms that make people look important. It shows they’re in control more than the rest of us.

Indeed, wearing a uniform is important, even in this day of sloppy dressing. Well, perhaps it’s even more important at a time when the average person thinks nothing of wearing jeans and tee shirts to work, right?

Uniforms set people apart, but in a good way. They’re the way to know who is who. For instance, it’s a smart idea for security guards to wear uniforms because it makes them easily identifiable.

If they have a security badge that says “Security,” along with a name plate and/or company patch, that signifies to all the people they encounter who they work for, what they do, and that they’re approachable should a person need assistance.

Think about it this way: when you’re in a crowd, isn’t it true you can instantly recognize security guards because they’re wearing their uniforms? If they didn’t have them on, good luck finding them when you need them– they’d blend in with everyone else around.

There’s something about uniformed security guards on the premises that gives people peace-of-mind. Whether they’re employees, customers or visitors, it’s reassuring to know a uniformed guard is “there for them” in case they need them.

Meanwhile, uniformed guards help deter crime. After all, criminals are looking for places where no one’s watching them. Having a uniformed guard on patrol sends a clear signal to any potential criminals or people who want to cause a ruckus that they’re not alone and free to do whatever they please.

Finally, it makes sense for security guards and other people in certain roles and positions to wear proper uniforms because it gives them a sense of pride in their work. Furthermore, it helps them feel like they belong to something greater than themselves. Many uniforms are worn to show that people are serious about what they do and quite professional about their job(s).

How Security Guards Keep Crowds Under Control

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Security guards handle many tasks during their shifts. One of their typical functions involves keeping crowds under control. Event planners and site managers often rely on security guards to help maintain a sense of order and decency at events where crowds gather.

To help establish order at an event, security guards are usually stationed at a check-in point. This is a place where they can watch and interact with all the people coming and going from a party, event, or place. They may check people’s ID cards to make sure they are who they say they are and should be there. Further, they can check attendees for any potentially dangerous items on their person. By having security guards at an entrance/exit, attendees understand that their safety is being regarded since there is an authoritative presence at the event. Security guards should be highly visible at events, making their presence known for the good of the crowd.

Meanwhile, security guards are trained to deal with troublemakers. If someone is causing a scene, acting badly, a security guard may talk to them to calm them down. Guards want to de-escalate conflicts. If necessary, they may try to physically remove the person/persons from the grounds to help keep the peace. If and when a fight breaks out that’s more than a guard can handle, they can call police to intervene.

Finally, security guards help handle the flow of traffic at events. They can encourage people to spread out if and when they’re too close together for comfort and safety. They can direct people to “move along,” pointing them in the direction of various things, such as bathrooms. Ropes and other barriers can be utilized to organize crowds in such a way that there’s order rather than chaos.

Should you have an event coming up where crowd control is an issue, don’t hesitate to call C.O.P. Security at 585-750-5608 or email rbarton@copsecuritycorp.com. Hiring dependable, professional security guards can help make event crowds quite manageable.

Why Security Guards Are a Smart Investment for Busy Restaurants

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Have you ever avoided a certain restaurant because it just didn’t look safe from the outside? That happens often. People are very picky with where they’ll go and where they won’t go, and a lot of it stems from the need to feel safe and secure. Restaurants are smart to employ security guards because they help put customers at ease.

Even though restaurants aren’t the kind of place one thinks of when imagining criminal activities, crimes can and do occur there. That’s why having security guards on the premises can be helpful, since they deter criminals who’d rather go elsewhere. Think about it this way: if you were going to rob a restaurant, and  order the cashier to “gimme all your money,” would you scope out the vulnerable place(s) where no guards are on duty to deter you? Yes, you would.

Security guards at restaurants make sense because they’re there to “step in” should there be any arguments or fights among patrons or staffers. Guards are trained to diffuse these awkward and potentially dangerous situations. It’s much better for a guard to “step in” than to have no one willing to do that, because then chaos can ensue. The last thing a restaurant wants is to be known for having a riot or a shooting take place on premises.

Reputation is everything in the restaurant business. Think of how people talk… and post online with their reviews. Whether it’s word-of-mouth or comments on a website like Yelp.com, one thing’s for sure: a restaurant’s reputation is everything. If you were a restaurant owner who wanted to stay in business and be profitable, you’d obviously want to build and maintain a great reputation in the community. Besides offering tasty food and superior service, safety plays an important role in a restaurant’s overall reputation.

The physical presence of security guards at a public place– restaurants included– tells patrons that someone is watching over them and is there if any problems arise. This “peace of mind” is important to people, psychologically. Obviously, people want to feel comfortable, worry-free and relaxed while dining in an eating establishment. They also want to be able to walk outside to their car and not feel threatened by unsavory characters or homeless guys asking for money. Therefore, security guards go a long way in putting customers’ minds at ease at restaurants.

 

When Should Schools Consider Hiring Security Guards

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Schools are public places where many people gather each day. From administrators to teachers and students to parents, a school is one of a community’s major gathering spots, and therefore, sadly, a target for those who want to upset the community with violent behavior.

Schools house the most vulnerable of our population: kids. If a madman wants to tragically take out their frustration and anger with whomever, shooting up an elementary school, for example, is a way for them to unleash their evil while also gaining notoriety and fame. Sadly, we’ve almost become numb when hearing about such unspeakable tragedies.

So, should schools hire security guards? In the society we live in today? Yes. The more watchful adults patrolling school grounds there are, the safer a school can be. Security guards are always on the lookout for suspicious activity. They’re on the premises with a watchful eye, ready to confront anyone who seems out of place and up to no good. They watch for illegal drug activity, kidnapping situations, as well as guns or knives.

Schools should not be defenseless against perpetrators of crime and violence. Having security guards on school property sends a signal to the community that the school is serious about keeping both people and property safe. Security guards bring people much needed “peace of mind” in a world where we’re constantly barraged with bad news.

Besides guarding against outside threats, security guards are also vital to schools today because they’re “there” to witness, and perhaps stop, any harassment or fights between students and/or between students and staffers. It’s important to have security guards on duty during school hours because they’re trained to diffuse problem situations.

Need security guards to watch over your school? Call C.O.P. Security at 585-750-5608.

Reasons Hospitals Should Have a Security Presence

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You’ve probably heard stories where someone put on a lab coat and snuck into a hospital, pretending they were a doctor, going where they didn’t belong… in our world of violence and deception, it’s important for hospitals to have security guards. After all, some of the most vulnerable people are lying in beds in hospitals and should have the comfort of knowing there are people on patrol of the hospital hallways making sure things are safe. Friends and family members visiting those in hospitals also like to know there’s security “just in case” they need them for any reason– even simple things like asking directions within the hallways of maze-like hospitals.

Security Patients’ lives are more important than things. Sure, money, purses, and artwork matter, but not as much as people’s lives. Many people staying in hospitals feel like they’re at the mercy of whomever is around them, from orderlies to nurses and then some. Having security guards gives hospital patients and their visitors a peace of mind that’s critically important during their trying time.

Besides security cameras monitoring hospitals, it’s good to have real, live, breathing, thinking security guards on duty at all times to assist as needed. A hospital security guard watches over entrances and exits. He or she may deal with any alarms that go off. If someone gets disruptive and emotional, a security guard is there to calm him or her down and restore peace.

From finding missing patients to breaking up little fights, a hospital security guard’s shift is never boring– and full of variety. They’re an integral part of the hospital staff, keeping calm under pressure, ready for challenges, and team players who help make sure the hospital functions at its best.

Does your hospital or medical complex need security guards to help create a stronger feeling of safety? Call C.O.P. Security at 585-750-5608 or email rbarton@copsecuritycorp.com for information today.