Security Guard Training Archives

8 Rational De-Escalation Techniques Security Guards Must Know

securityguardapp on November 17, 2021

Having a plan prepared to deal with threatening situations can be beneficial. It can help minimize mistakes, keep security guards calm, and give them the confidence to mitigate any situation. But that’s not all. Being trained in de-escalation and implementing the de-escalation strategies is going to make all the difference to provide peaceful resolution.

For you, we’ve picked the top 8 de-escalation techniques all security guards must know.

Build Trust

The ability to build trust is a security guard skill that is deeply appreciated and recognized in the security guard industry. It is one of the simplest ways to resolve any conflict and de-escalate any situation after all. It may sound easy, but doing it can be extremely difficult. So, begin with showing compassion and respect to build trust. Once established, do not do anything to diminish it before conflict resolution.

Listen

Listening is more than letting angry people rant and yell. It is more about making them feel like they are actually being heard. It’s all they want. In order to do that you need to understand the most crucial rule of listening – do not interrupt. Give them the space to vent and air their grievances. Practice active listening – listen to understand and not reply to the angry person.

Deflection

In a high-stress situation, one of the most common ways that an angry person tries to control the conversation and himself/herself into a position of power is by using insults. A great way for you to not give them that leverage is by not acknowledging those comments. This will simply help change the topic of conversation by staying calm and composed and asking open-ended questions.

Empathize

Understanding an angry person is one thing but the ability to demonstrate an understanding of how the other person is feeling is called empathy. Practicing it is another great way to de-escalate tense situations successfully for security guards. This technique helps the angry person feel understood and feelings validated. Thus, allowing the angry person to reassess their action and stop immediately.

Apologize

There is no way of telling what you say to an angry person will set them off. Even those who have mastered de-escalation techniques may accidentally say things they are not supposed to. When you do, it’s important to recognize it and apologize. Apologize to also acknowledge that something wrong has happened. To further decrease hostility, remember to speak softly.

Clarify

Do you know that when emotions are heightened, especially anger, it interferes with our ability to think straight? And that’s exactly why the angry person you might encounter will have trouble articulating his/her thoughts. Therefore, seek clarification. Ask questions or paraphrase their statement to help the person clearly think about what he/she is actually saying.

Suggest

Giving orders or asking an angry person to follow demands isn’t going to go well no matter how well-spoken you are. When you find yourself in a situation that demands it, simply provide the person with a choice. This tactic will allow the person to unconsciously obey your commands and will be less likely to trigger combative responses.

Document

Documentation is a crucial part of every security guard’s job that makes all the difference at times. Well, in case of de-escalating a situation it turns violent, having detailed documentation can help later on in potential lawsuits or interactions with law enforcement. Security Guard App with guard access allows security guards to record audio, video, and pictures along with notes to ensure nothing’s left out.

Security Guard App is loaded with numerous other features that can help streamline your security operations on client sites. Download it now to get started for free.

9 Effective Ways To Build Trust Within Your Security Guard Team

Security Guard App on October 23, 2021

Why is trust critical to team success?

Today, whether you want to foster collaboration, drive engagement, or manage the never ending process of change, team success is crucial. To ensure that, having your security guard team members trust each other is essential.

When trust is present, they’ll step forward to do their best work, together, efficiently. Aligned around a common purpose, they’ll take risks, think out of the box, have each other’s back, and even communicate openly.

Despite how important it is, irrespective of the size of the security guard company, a lot of them struggle to build and sustain trust for the long term. So, here we are to help you build trust within your security guard teams with highly effective strategies.

How To Build Trust Within Your Security Guard Team?

Listen Before You Start Speaking

If you want your security guard team to understand you, be understanding yourself. Respect their time, their opinions, and their ideas. It doesn’t mean you have to agree with everyone, but when you honour their feelings, it helps build trust, and they feel safe to open up more often.

You can in fact encourage your security guards to make it a habit to first listen to the view of others with a motive to understand rather than just to reply. And that will help them go a long way.

Be The One Who Leads By Example

Another great way to build trust within your security guard team is leading by example. Always remember, your security guard team members are constantly watching you and taking cues from you. So take the opportunity to show them that you trust them. Show them what trust in others really looks like.

Acknowledge Guard’s Abilities And Skills

Every person has his or her unique strength and weakness. Similarly, so will the members of your security guard team. So, find the unique strengths and weaknesses of each one of them. Help them improve by working on it together and use those abilities for the good of your security guard company.

When you’ll trust your security guard team members’ abilities to make good decisions, you will reinforce trust in themselves, and encourage them to trust your decisions as well.

Set Realistic Goals For Everyone

Setting goals for your security guards can turn into a tricky task. Set goals for them that are too low, and they might feel you don’t trust them to develop. Set goals for them that are too high, and they will certainly question your judgement.

Hence, the key to resolving this problem lies in finding ways to challenge your security guard team members without overworking them. With the help of Security Guard App’s post orders you can easily achieve it and update them when needed in real-time.

Encourage Mutual-Serving Intentions

Encouraging your security guard team towards mutual success is crucial. The reason being, when employees start placing their personal agenda above the team, it breeds hostility and unhealthy competition.

Make sure your team is aware of the benefits from working together. Shape strategies that will work for your team and encourage them to work together as well as towards the security guard company’s mutual goals.

Give And Receive Constructive Feedback

If you do not give your security guard team members feedback after they have made a mistake, they might get an impression that it’s okay to repeat that same mistake again. Please don’t do that.

Be transparent by giving constructive criticism and positive feedback often. It will help them understand where you’re coming from and what your expectations are. You can also be transparent by admitting mistakes and being vulnerable with your security guards. This will show them that you’re not perfect either.

Don’t Play The Blame Game

Every mistake is a learning opportunity. But when you blame others you give up not only your power to change but also take the others power to do so. Therefore, step right away from the philosophy of blaming and shaming security guards for mistakes.

In fact, remember if you track your security guards’ mistakes but say nothing about their victories, you are technically begging for your best performing security guards to leave and only the most fearful ones to stay.

Promote A Culture Of Open Communication

Open communication is one of the most important aspects for building trust. Which is why you need to get everyone on your team talking to one another in an honest and meaningful way, meet regularly, so that all the security guard team members have a chance to talk about their progress in person even when Security Guard App’s reports and modules can easily do that, and discuss any problems that they are experiencing.

Discourage Micromanagement

Please do not micromanage. We cannot emphasise it enough because most micromanagement is rooted in distrust. And micromanagers are afraid of the fact that if they don’t manage the team members well, they will make catastrophic errors. When you are breathing down your team’s collective neck that’s exactly how productivity decreases and costs the security guard company its clients.

How do you build trust within your security guard team? Share us with your secrets to help others grow and streamline their security guard business.

How To Implement Modern Tech Effectively In Private Security?

securityguardapp on August 27, 2021

A lot of security guard companies have come to rely on new technologies gradually over the years, but the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. It played a crucial role in ensuring not only did morden security guard companies rely on technology to deliver reliable private security services but also the other companies still relying on traditional methods to embrace it.

However, any technology that isn’t used to its full potential is just a waste of money and that, in turn, can lead to inefficiency and confusion in operations. To help you avoid it like a pro, here are a few tips for you to follow to ensure you are being effective with the new technology.

Evaluate Your Tech Requirements

Before you start investing any resources into a new piece of technology for delivering extraordinary private security services, you should evaluate your technology requirement to ensure you are getting the right solution for your needs. Know whether you need a full-fledged guard tour system or an easy-to-use mobile-based tech? It is then you can expect your security guards to use it most effectively.

Ask Yourself The Right Questions

To ensure you are taking the right step forward, you will first need to think about how you can incorporate the new technology into your security guard operations. Asking yourself more such questions will make sure you make the most informed decision in this process.

Learn The Basics Of How It Works

Once you have found the right technology for delivering extraordinary private security services, and implemented into your daily operations, begin with learning the basics of how it works. Doing so will show your security guards that you are willing to learn with them and give them a standard to follow. Remember, effective change always starts with leadership.

Build Stronger Team Dynamics

Don’t know where to start learning about the new technology? But are your security supervisors or security guards already aware and well versed in using it? Turn to them. It will show them that you are willing to learn from them, and that can help build stronger team dynamics.

Explain Everyone It’s Benefits

Often with change comes resistance from people who are used to doing things a creation way, and that’s completely okay. This is why it becomes important to make every guard and supervisor involved in the process aware of how the new technology will benefit them.

So, don’t just announce it, communicate clearly and openly, but also educate everyone and provide helpful resources for them to learn more about it.

Train Security Guards On Tech

Asking already overloaded security guards to magically find time in their day to add training can be stressful. Thus, it will force them to put off learning new software for as long as possible. To avoid it, first, identify the standard operating procedures of using the technology and then make training a priority by allocating time and resources smartly.

Lastly, Ask For Feedback

The truth is that the tech you’ve implemented is going to impact everyone at your security guard company at some point. So, do not forget to ask your security guards to share their feedback on the new tech you’ve implemented. Doing that will ensure it meets the needs of your company while helping you uncover new issues.

Conclusion:

Embracing new technology in the private security industry has allowed security guard companies to stray away from the traditional approach to security, improving their bottom line. Therefore, when used properly, it can certainly make a huge difference. But before you implement it, there are a few vital things you need to consider and question your company’s requirements to enhance your private security services.

If you are looking for a cost-effective mobile-based technology, Security Guard App offers one such easy-to-use and navigate solution that security guards can get started with immediately to deliver desired results. Visit securityguard.app for more information

Why is Security Guard Training Important?

securityguardapp on August 5, 2021

Security guard training is required in order to become a licensed security guard. One is required to complete an initial eight-hour course, then within 30 days, another 16-hours of training is required. After that, within 60 days, another 16-hours of coursework is required. This means, in order to become a security guard, one needs to do 40 hours of training within the first 60 days. Why is security guard training important? Since security guards have important responsibilities, they need to be well-versed in what they are doing. Security guard training is essential because:

Security Guards Interact with the Public

Security guards often work with the public. They work in private security, retail security, school security, and other security professions. Since these jobs require them to interact with people, they need to be skilled in public interaction.

Security Guards Sometimes Face Risky Situations

When a problem arises, security guards often have to intervene in that problematic situation. Training teaches you how to be calm and de-escalate such situations. This will potentially prevent a dangerous or violent outcome.

They Are Required to Know the Law

If you are working in the security industry, it is a must for you to know what you are and aren’t legally allowed to do. You don’t want to deprive anyone of their rights.

These are just some of the key reasons why security guards need training. If you are thinking about joining the security guard field, you need to find out what training programs you are required to complete.

What Are the Duties And Responsibilities Of Unarmed Security Guards

securityguardapp on July 1, 2021

Security guards make people feel safer. They can be seen in public areas, security checks at the shopping mall, bank, and even in amusement parks. There is no doubt that people feel more secured when these trustworthy people are around.

Some might have the idea that all security guards are armed. However, this isn’t always true. Security guards can be armed as well as unarmed. Unarmed guards also go through proper training. They are also qualified enough to provide protection against customer assets.

But what exactly an unarmed security guards do? What are the duties and responsibilities of unarmed security guards?

Basic Duties and Responsibilities

Having unarmed security guards provides a layer of protection. Visibility of security guards deter criminals and give visitors a sense of protection around a specific area.

Oftentimes, unarmed security guards play the role of gatekeepers. They control the access to a specific establishment of a building. Some are also responsible for keeping a record of the identification of visitors. Unarmed security guards monitor security cameras for any unusual incident. They stay alert and vigilant to notice anything suspicious and use their judgment when to call for assistance.

Maintaining order among people during large gatherings is also the responsibility of unarmed security guards. They ensure that the people in attendance are safe and not being stamped. They safeguard the people as well as the property.

When There is a Threat

What can an unarmed security guard do if any criminal attack or violence occurs?

Unarmed security guards are trained to detain an individual temporarily if the circumstance escalates into violence or there is any probable reason for the arrest. Then his next step will be contacting the local police to respond. However, if the criminals are equipped with deadly weapons, then the unarmed security guards will surely require the help of local police. This calls for a calm mind and good decision-making, especially because delaying in intervention could cause loss of lives. Therefore, an unarmed security guard should be quick to get help from authorities for any unwanted situations.

Additional Responsibilities

Guarding, patrolling, monitoring, and notifying the authorities in case of emergencies are not the only duties and responsibilities of a security guard. In some circumstances, they may be required to perform additional tasks such as responding to phone calls and text messages of their employer, running errands. There are also specific reasons for hiring some unarmed security guards, such as working with the people who are responsible for safeguarding cash or other valuables. In such a case, the responsibility of the unarmed guard is to protect the valuables during transport.

You will be able to cooperate with unarmed security guards better if you know their duties and responsibilities. These individuals check identification cards and do other duties to keep everyone safe.

Inexpensive Ways For Security Guards To Stay In Shape

securityguardapp on June 27, 2021

Security guards often have to work in settings with high stress and occasions when things get out of control. Clients seldom witness that. It’s in these moments that the true nature of the role of security guards of a reliable security guard company comes into play. They might be required to overcome a thug or chase a shoplifter.

The reality of this job is that you must always be prepared for potential danger. Therefore, little does that have to do with a degree, but one of the prerequisites often required in this job is fitness and well-being. So, here we’ve jotted down some of the most inexpensive ways for you to stay in shape.

Get Enough Sleep Daily

Every day getting enough sleep is crucial.

But in addition to that, we also need quality sleep. That means sleeping deeply and restfully throughout the night. To achieve it, one must have a pre-bed routine.

If you don’t have a pre-bed routine, then figure out what activities help you relax to transition into sleep.

Further cut back on the light at night. Our brain uses light – particularly blue light to set its circadian rhythm. You do not want to expose your eyes to such a light right before bedtime.

Exercise Diligently

Implementing daily fitness into those long working hours or after that can be challenging for a lot of security guards.

To this problem, bodyweight and isometric exercises are the perfect solutions that can be done anywhere and anytime.

Stretching is yet another great way in which security guards can enhance their wellness while on the job, especially if they are stationed in one place and don’t frequently move from checkpoint to checkpoint.

It helps promote and maintain muscle strength and flexibility, which in turn improve the health of the body’s joints.

Start Eating Healthy

Diligently working out is a battle half won.

We win the other half of the battle when we start eating a well-balanced diet. After all, fitness begins with proper nutrition. Foods that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and protein.

The job of security guards of a reliable security guard company is so demanding that it can often require a hyperactivation of your muscles during a high-stress scenario.

Depending on sugary snacks, burgers, chips, pies, and other junk food for long isn’t the best choice. They can lead to an increased risk of obesity and chronic diseases.

Stay Hydrated

Coupled with eating healthy, staying hydrated is what helps us stay energized and alert.

So, begin your day by having a glass of water first thing in the morning, 30 minutes before each meal, as well as throughout the day while patrolling on client sites.

While it is not necessary to give up caffeinated drinks entirely, security guards should alternate their caffeine intake with water so they stay hydrated.

If you feel your energy starting to dip, it’s your queue to start having more water.

Focus On Mental Health

Working as a security guard can also have an adverse psychological impact, especially when the pandemic has spread like wildfire. Which is why it is important to actively focus on your mental health too.

How? If you’re wondering that, security guards are generally assigned specific post orders per shift which are delivered on their Security Guard App. They should try to maximize the potential mental stimulation from these tasks.

Even learning to type reports accurately can give the gray matter a good workout.

Make Use Of The Stairs

Are you working in a high-rise building, apartment, or commercial property with multiple floors?

If yes, taking the elevator can be a tempting prospect, but using the stairs is one of the best ways for security guards to maintain physical wellness while on the job.

Stair-climbing has proven to burn more calories than walking or jogging. It further helps strengthen muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and decrease the risk of stroke.

Practice Self-Discipline

Self-discipline for most is an integral thing. But today, with technology all around us, we can make use of it to build self-discipline and get past temptations to create a healthier lifestyle.

One perfect example is utilizing your phone’s built-in screen time settings to cut back on screen time, ensuring you go to bed at a decent time.

To maintain self-discipline, you can use a habit tracking app to keep you focused, adding accountability for better results.

It’s Time To Take Action!

Are you ready to make the changes you always wanted to but never made them?

Begin with taking these steps one at a time from today, be it eating healthy or going to bed early. Build a healthy lifestyle that’ll help you not only stay in shape physically but also mentally.

At the end of the day, don’t do it because of your job, do it because you and your body deserve it.

Important Jobs Performed by Security Guards

securityguardapp on April 27, 2021

The job of a security guard is much more than only wearing a uniform and patrolling the premises. These individuals are highly trained and skilled. They take responsibility for the safety of a designated area, quickly reacting when an incident takes place and preventing crimes. Below are some of the most important jobs performed by security guards.

Patrol

Patrolling and examining the premises is the most done duty of a security officer. A security guard is in charge of regularly walking around his designated area. They look for signs of disturbance and ensure the security of various access points.

Preventing intrusion

Security guards are the first ones to respond should a disturbance or intrusion occur. They might call the first responders to help them deal with the situation. Or else, they will react by themselves to eliminate the threat and secure the area.

Monitor the entrance

Security guards monitor the entering and departing of people in the building. Not every threat is external; security guards also monitor the people working in the building. They monitor the entering and departing of employees. By keeping an eye on their comings and goings, security guards reduce the risk of theft.

Detailed reports

Security guards record reports of activities in detail. It is essential to keep a document of any theft, damage of property or equipment, or unusual occurrences. The record helps you understand if there is any pattern, and it also helps other guards who work in different shifts.

Deterrence

Security officers remain visible. Their visibility helps to deter criminals from the area. In fact, their more visibility makes the area more secure. Thieves and burglars tend to steer away from a property that consists of security professionals.

Detain violators

Security guards are in charge of issuing citations should they catch someone or a thief damaging the property. In the event of a crime, they are the ones who apprehend the violator. Then, they hand them over to the police to press charges.

Security guards are essential for the security of property and business. They perform various important jobs in the area they are assigned. If you have a well-trained and responsible security guard on your property, this also gives you peace of mind.

Training Your Security Guards Is Crucial: Here’s Why

Security Guard App on February 19, 2021

Unreliable security guard companies often overlook the need to train their security guards, and that’s what makes their security services less efficient. When the security services of the security guard companies do not meet the requirement of the clients, no matter what actions are taken to resolve the problem, it deteriorates the overall client experience. Trained security guards amp up security patrol services that clients depend on.

Here’s a list of ways security guard training promotes the efficiency of security guards, let’s take a look.

Security guard training makes all the difference when it comes to deterring criminal activities on site. It equips the security guards with the observational skills required to identify and deal with suspicious behavior and technology like that of the Security Guard App to report it in real-time.
Training your security guards makes them more proficient. It further improves the way they communicate. Having dynamic personal and social skills is crucial in cultivating a relationship with the customer and employees of businesses that hire you.
Training is eventually what equips the security guards with the knowledge and expertise to identify and handle potential security threats on client sites. Because of it, your clients will be able to not only save money but also get new clients and retain the old ones.
Security guards frequently have to intervene when problems arise on client sites and become involved in risky situations. Security guard training ensures they can stay calm and de-escalate these situations effectively, preventing a potential violent outcome.
Not all security guards are familiar with what they are and are not legally allowed to do. The security guard training enables them to know the law, the rules, and regulations surrounding the arrest procedure. It helps them understand when situations call for an arrest, how to conduct one, and much more.
Security guards are often required to operate surveillance machines and alarms on the client site. Being trained in it and controlling traffic makes it easier for them to control and watch who goes in and out of promises while guarding the client site.
Security guard training is also strongly associated with the increased safety of the security guards. Trained security guards are less likely to be injured while on the job as they will be more conscious of the potentially hazardous situation they may encounter on client sites.

Security guard training helps security guards to be ready to quickly make intelligent decisions while under duress. It allows them to be more aware of the general operations of the client’s sites which they are protecting. Security guard training is crucial for every guard out there to not only secure client’s sites but also to maximize their overall performance.

Security Guard Skills Essential To Deliver Security Services

securityguardapp on December 11, 2020

Security guards are entrusted with the responsibility to keep people & property safe. For that, they need to monitor suspicious activities for security concerns while patrolling. They are expected not only to identify them but also to address them accordingly, report them in real-time using a reliable security guard mobile app, and do so much more on client sites. To carry out these responsibilities with great zeal & determination, they must possess several security guard skills.

The security guard skills are what enable them to stand at the frontline, ensuring all security threats are handled effectively. It’s the security guard skills that ensure high standards while delivering security guard services to the clients. Since clients nowadays understand this perspective very well, they look for guards with refined security guard skill sets. Here’s what they are expecting:

Technological advancement has enabled creating numerous tools like security guard mobile app to help guards to carry out their duties seamlessly. Despite that, possessing security guard skills are mandatory, that they must hone them every day to become a professional. Do leave a comment below to let us know your thoughts.

How To Keep Your Security Guards On Patrol Engaged For Better Productivity?

securityguardapp on October 13, 2020

Lack of motivation is one of the main reasons why today most of the security guards are disengaged. Feeling bored, stressed, or burned out further adds to the pile of reasons that make the security guards on patrol less productive. Even though when they work diligently to protect people and property and are often first on the scene of an emergency, there’s always room for improvement and the way they are engaged for better productivity.

Here are a few simple ways you can use. Let’s take a look at them.

Support Career Development

The top reason why security guards often leave their security guard company is because they do not offer career development. Therefore, take the initiative to identify different levels of technical skills & gaps in inexperience. Walk the security guards through how to use remote tools such as Security Guard App.

Improve Work Environment

If your security guards on patrol feel belittled or punished for making mistakes, then they are working in a very unhealthy environment. It results in disengagement and an unwillingness to be productive. Take a more kind & positive approach that can be constructive and insightful.

Encourage Teamwork

To successfully complete a security guard operation, it is essential for security guards on patrol to work as a team. To ensure that you need to make sure that you enforce a work-style that is interactive, allowing the security guards on patrol to work together. Where they can not only collaborate, ask for opinions but also seek out advice on best practices.

Enhance Supervision

The absence of supervision is likely to mean that the loopholes will be exploited, and the productivity of security guards on site will fall short. Security Guard App can help keep security guards on patrol in check. Supervisors with its help can find the live location of security guards on-site and receive live notifications of every activity conducted on-site.

Incorporate Technology

Make the job of the security guards on patrol easier. Incorporate Security Guard App and allows them to do more than just clock-in & out to improve the productivity on the client site. Using it, the security guards can share incident reports instantly, chat with other guards live, share passdowns, and do much more, to improve their productivity effortlessly.

Share Post Orders

Sharing post orders is one of the most effective ways to keep security guards on patrol engaged for boosting their productivity on-site. The clarity in post orders ensures there is no ambiguity regarding site tours and tasks are allocated as required. Security Guard App further enables the supervisors to update them in real-time if desired.

Motivate Your Guards

Your security guards should not only understand the scope of their work, but also your supervisors. That includes keeping the security guard motivated. Motivated employees can lead to increased productivity, allowing the company to achieve higher levels of output. Thus, in turn, enhancing client satisfaction significantly.

Keeping security guards on patrol engaged for better productivity isn’t a simple task. But with the right steps, it’s not that tough! For more information on such topics, subscribe to our blog.