Many business owners and managers think that a top of the range security system (CCTV, electronic tagging system etc) will be the answer to all of their security concerns. While technology has its benefits, it lacks some very important characteristics that only manned security professionals possess.

If you have security concerns at your business or property, manned security guards are one the best defences against most security threats including theft, vandalism or even violence.

Manned security guards add the human element that security systems, no matter how advanced the technology is, just do not have. Trained manned security guards have a skill set that allows them to make decisions there and then, to assess the threats and environment to make the right security decision be it for corporate security, close protection or event security.

Do you own/manage a property or business and have serious security concerns? Learn why manned security guards are often more successful at protecting people and property than automated cameras and security systems.

Is CCTV an Effective Deterrent to Crime?

We have all seen a security camera erected on the outside of a building or on the inside a shop. The idea of being recorded by CCTV committing a crime would be enough of a deterrent for most. However, it is not uncommon to find that a CCTV systems fails.

Unfortunately, it is not unusual for businesses to invest a lot of money in a security system, then over time, allow the maintenance and/or service contracts to expire. This leaves them with a system that is often out of service that rarely provides the video evidence required to identify and catch a criminal act.

Some businesses invest huge sums into high-tech, hidden security camera systems that may catch a criminal act. However, they will do little to deter a crime from taking place in the first place. Visible security features are more effective at making criminals think twice before targeting a business. This is particularly true and important when it comes to construction site security where there can be valuable machinery and materials on site.

A manned security guard standing at the entrance to your business, welcoming customers or checking credentials for access creates an immediate visible deterrence to criminals. The fact is a criminal is far less likely to target your business or property if they see a uniformed security guards on site.

Flaws of CCTV Security Systems

CCTV Security systems are not perfect. In fact, one of their biggest flaws is their inability to think and act like a human. How can a traditional CCTV security system tell the difference between a thief stealing or one of your employees restocking a section of your shop? How can a sensor tell the difference between a burglary or merchandise that came a bit too close to the security sensor?

Just like with house or car alarms that we hear all the time, security sensors in retail shops often go ignored because they are easily set off. Shop staff frequently tell customers not to worry about activations because “the alarm goes off all the time”.

Trained To Assess Security Threats

Manned security guards are trained to assess security threats as they happen, something that a security system cannot do. They can evaluate a situation and determine if it is a true security threat or a misunderstanding. Manned security guards are trained to identify suspicious behaviour that could indicate that a crime is taking place. Onsite manned security guards are able to immediately address any situation and take the necessary action to protect people and property.

Ask yourself, what happens if a violent attack takes place on your property? What happens if an altercation breaks out between an employee and a customer? Your top of the range security or camera system can’t do much in that moment to stop the situation from developing and keep people from getting hurt. When you engage a professional security company to protect your business, you are getting professionals who are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment. Manned security guards know how to de-escalate tense situations and how to appropriately respond to violence should it happen on your property.