What do Mobile Patrol Security Guards Do?

With crime in the UK at its highest rate in 20 years in the UK, it is understandable that many businesses are feeling susceptible.

That’s why choosing to have mobile security at your business premises is becoming an increasingly popular choice for added reassurance and as an extra deterrent.

What is Mobile Patrol Security?

Though you might have an idea of what a security company does, some of the phrases used can be confusing and might sound like jargon (and we completely understand that). Do you know what mobile patrol security is and what’s involved?

No? That’s okay, we are here to shed some light on the situation!

Essentially a ‘patrol’ is the act of going around a building, or area to check for danger and to uphold security.

Mobile patrol security is an effective way to add extra security to your premises and ensure that any security risks are dealt with. Another important purpose of a patrol is to deter potential crime because having a security member on site at all times, or at regular intervals, can be enough to reduce crime and vandalism.

What does a Guard do on a Security Patrol?

This will of course depend on what you have discussed with your security company and what services you would like carried out. At the crux of it, the officer will be there to prevent, investigate and monitor any security issues, or potential security incidents.

Good security companies will have a great deal of experience in stopping issues before they happen, so if you want to have peace of mind that your security is taken care of, a patrol can handle every aspect of what goes into that.

What different roles can Mobile Patrol Security Guards carry out?

Most guards will be able to carry out a wide range of services and will have varied skill sets. Some of the solutions available include:

Mobile Security Guarding:

If you like the idea of a security patrol for your site, on foot or by vehicle, then mobile security officers are the perfect solution. Additional services such as security checks, risk assessment, vetting, reception and cleaning can be added to the principal role. If a security issue takes place, it will be dealt with swiftly and effectively.

Alarm Response

Alarm response is a fast and reactive service which provides an emergency response when an alarm has been raised. Many alarm response services will provide key holding too, so you can be reassured that your premises is being looked after, even if you can’t be there.

Lock/Unlock Services

Having an external person responsible for unlocking and locking your business at set times, can take the stress away from your team and provides a reliable service that ensures the security of the building. It can also help provide additional safety for your employees if your business is vulnerable to crime.

Vacant Property Security

An empty property can be a necessary but problematic situation. They are vulnerable to vandalism, people dumping rubbish and squatters. A security patrol can regularly check on empty buildings, ensuring that they remain secure and crime-free.

Emergency Contractors

Buildings tend to have issues at incredibly inopportune moments and that can mean that you need emergency contractors on site at all hours of the day or night. This can be inconvenient, uncomfortable and time consuming. Security patrols can come on site and wait for your emergency contractors, dealing with the issue for you, saving you time and energy.

Lone Worker Escorts

If you have lone workers at your business site, they can be more exposed to crime and threatening behaviour. Having a lone worker escort can give your sole workers the safety they need to be able to do their job well.

What power do Security Guards have?

Under 24A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, security officers do have powers to detain individuals (making a citizen’s arrest) in certain scenarios:          
‍

• Someone is in the middle of committing a crime
• It is believed that someone is committing a crime
• A crime has been committed and it is believed that they are guilty
• A police officer is unable to arrest the individual
  
  It will stop the person:
  ‍
• Causing injury to themselves or someone else
• Suffering physical injury
• Creating the damage or loss of property
• Getting away before a police officer can take responsibility for them

Can UK Security Guards carry a weapon?

Simply put, no. UK security guards cannot carry weapons of any kind, even to use in situations of self-defence.

Can Security Guards search people?

Security officers are only allowed to search people if they have their consent to do so. They may not search an unwilling person, even if they believe that person has carried out a crime.

Security guards can also search property if it has been left unattended in suspicious circumstances.

Do Security Guards need an SIA License?

An SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence is required, by law, for security officers to be able to carry out ‘licensable activities’, which include things like security guarding, protection and public space surveillance. It helps to make sure that security officers are trained to do their job to the correct standard.

As you can see, security patrols can carry out a wide range of services that can be really tailored to you and your business’s needs. When you are looking for the right security firm, ensure that they have an SIA Licence and the skills and experience to carry out the tasks you need for them.