Manned Security Keeps Facilities Safe
Keeping your premises safe and secure can be the main responsibility of a facilities management director or property manager. After assessing your organisation’s needs from a security service, manned security will probably be top of the list.
Manned security guarding is a highly effective way of eliminating theft and vandalism. This approach will protect your assets, reassure your staff and visitors and in turn reduce insurance costs. In fact, manned security is one of the most proactive security measures that you can take against crime. Managed security involves stationing security guards at your property. This may involve daytime, reception and entry barrier control, 24/7 security or just out-of-hours security. A security guard can have many roles!
Security Industry Authority (SIA) Standards
When choosing a security service it is important to ensure all security guards are trained to Security Industry Authority (SIA) standards. The SIA are the regulator of the UK’s private security industry.
The SIA are an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the UK Home Office. They were created by the Private Security Industry Act 2001 and they have two main duties:
- licensing people who do certain jobs in the private security industry
- approving private security companies who wish to be part of our Approved Contractor Scheme
The SIA also:
- set and approve standards of conduct and training
- monitor the activities of people operating within the private security industry
- make recommendations on ways to improve standards in the private security industry
RFM Group currently holds SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) status for the provision of security guarding.
The ACS Standard encompasses all aspects of a security provider’s operation. It takes a holistic view of how well an organisation is managed and an approved organisation must demonstrate to an independent assessor, on an annual basis, that it has met defined standards.
Manned Security Features
Manned security services do not always just involve guarding. Security offerings are tailored to the needs of the clients however, key elements of a typical onsite security service include:
- Security barrier control
- CCTV monitoring of grounds
- External meter readings for the managing agents with monthly management information reporting
- Locking/unlocking of premises
- Manage and transfer any external calls (out of hours)
- Site health and safety
- Lighting
- Waste management
- Alarm response to buildings
- Gritting in poor weather conditions
- Liaise with contractors, ensuring permits/rights to work on-site have been pre-arranged
- Carry out building checks and submit reports of any building defects/emergency issues.
Sample Security Patrol Plan
Effective security patrols are central to manned security services. A model security patrol plan might include:
- Patrols should be carried out within a defined period.
- Each patrol must include logging of all Cogard points.
- At the end of shift, a printout of all patrols carried out must be produced and filed in the appropriate section of the site manual.
- After each patrol, please enter the details on the Schedule of Work.
- Patrols should be carried out paying particular attention to the map showing the recommended patrol routes.
Technology and Manned Security
Effective manned security services are backed up by the appropriate technology. Technology that can help security includes:
- Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) software – integrated with security systems.
- CCTV
- Motion sensors
- Pressure and temperature sensors
- Body-worn video and audio recorders
- Cogard electronic security systems
Manned Security and the Cogard Electronic Security Systems
Cogard Electronic Security Systems log site patrols as staff pass defined coded proximity checkpoints. These electronic checkpoints are installed at strategic points along the routes that security personnel patrol.
Moving the handheld Cogard data collection unit in close proximity to the checkpoint registers the date and time against the checkpoint.
The security guard receives an audio and visual confirmation to signal the check-in has been recorded. At the end of a shift, the guard inserts the handheld unit into the station box for data processing and recharging.
The Role of the Facilities Manager in Security Services
The Facilities Manager or Security Manager will be responsible for ensuring the successful delivery of security services, on time and within budget. They will make sure the service is compliant and delivered to a high standard.
An effective security manager will ensure a consistent approach to:
- Day to day point of contact and maintaining the partnership objectives and standards
- Consistent customer focus across all workstreams
- Health, safety and environmental arrangements
- Delivery of emergency tasks and quality control
- Client/site satisfaction and commercial aspects.
The security manager ensures that KPIs and performance monitoring is bespoke to each workstream and in line with the client Service Level Agreements (SLAs), but also consistent enough to enable performance benchmarking across the team.
The security manager manages service delivery on-site, ensuring that excellent day-to-day service is provided. They also manage compliance with service, quality and contractual standards. They carefully monitor work delivery against the contract performance and quality obligations and should ensure ‘Right First Time’ and customer service objectives are embedded in the delivery of security services.
Security Manager Responsibilities
A summary of responsibilities includes:
- Managing the in-house team
- Carrying out joint audit inspections
- Provide leadership to the service delivery teams
- Work collaboratively with the Helpdesk team in the management and planning of day-to-day tasks; responding proactively during peak workloads and emergencies
- Manage KPIs and other elements of service performance across the service, reporting and accounting for results to the client
- Attend all service review meetings.
Guards Provide Proactive Security
Manned security can be the most proactive measure an organisation can take. Effective manned security should be trained to SIA standards, supported with technology and be expertly managed by a competent facilities manager or security manager.
FAQs about Security’s Role in Keeping Property Safe and Secure
Q: What is the role of security in keeping property safe and secure?
A: The role of security in keeping property safe and secure is to protect people, assets, and premises from threats such as theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access. This may involve a range of activities, including:
- Monitoring and patrolling the property to deter potential threats and identify any suspicious activity.
- Controlling access to the property using measures such as gates, barriers, and security checks.
- Responding to and investigating security incidents.
- Implementing security protocols and procedures, such as lock-up procedures and visitor management.
- Providing guidance and support to property users to help them keep the property secure.
Q: How can property owners and managers ensure their property is safe and secure?
A: There are a number of steps that property owners and managers can take to ensure their property is safe and secure, including:
- Conducting a security risk assessment to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities.
- Implementing security measures such as alarms, CCTV, and access control systems.
- Establishing and communicating clear security protocols and procedures to property users.
- Ensuring that security personnel are properly trained and equipped to carry out their duties.
- Regularly reviewing and updating security measures to ensure they remain effective.
Q: What are some common security risks that property owners and managers should be aware of?
A: Some common security risks that property owners and managers should be aware of include:
- Theft and vandalism
- Unauthorized access or trespassing
- Fire and other emergencies
- Cybersecurity threats such as hacking and data breaches
- Health and safety risks such as slips, trips, and falls
Q: What should property owners and managers do in the event of a security incident?
A: In the event of a security incident, property owners and managers should take the following steps:
- Remaining calm and taking appropriate action to ensure the safety of property users.
- Alerting security personnel and/or emergency services if necessary.
- Gathering any relevant evidence and documentation, such as CCTV footage or witness statements.
- Investigating the incident to determine the cause and identify any necessary corrective actions.
- Communicating with property users about the incident and any steps being taken to address it.
