security guard patrol preparation and completion

Last Updated on May 27, 2020 by Ranga

For dominating or taking the situation under control the security guard need to carryout patrol. The methods and routes may be different depending on the organizations, generally, the security guard patrol completes three phases.

1. Preparation
2. Conduct
3. Completion

Preparation of patrol;

Patrol preparation means you should be confirmed the requirements of the patrol that could be the equipment or the information include;

1. The objective of the patrol
   • • Information gathering
     • Routine inspections
     • Show of force
2. patrol routes and Zone need to be inspected; 
   • • Power generation equipment
     • Life support systems
     • Hazardous waste processing
     • Fuel storage
     • Data centers etc.
3. Communication procedures;
   • • Primary and alternate radio frequency
     • Secondary communications
     • Reporting requirements
4. Equipment to be carried 
   • • Keys and access passes
     • Defensive tools
     • inspection checklist
     • Patrol map
     • Patrol touring device
     • Torch
     • Notebook and pen
     • Personal first aid
     • Appropriate PPE

The patrol requirement normally defined in the company policy. Another important matter is making sure all the equipment is in good condition before heading out for the security guard patrol.

Conducting the patrol;

 The patrol conduct procedure may be different according to the sites and the organizations, you may get the special instruction from your supervisor. However, the security staff must be familiar with the relevant procedures.

1. Communication to the control room:

While in the patrol, communication is vital to send and receive the message. You may need to request assistance or send information about the risk and threat with the other security personnel and control room. Before leaving for patrol you should contact the control room to check the following things;

1. • • Make the radio communication for checking
       • radio communication is good
       • and your callsign is identified.
     • Informe the patrol room about the routes of the patrol
     • Advise the control room the patrol has commenced at the current time.

2. Patrol event;

While you are in the patrol you may perform the various security and safety inspection. What needs to be checked can be different depending on the site. However, here are common things need to supervise;

• • • Safety inspections
      • Fire exits clear of obstructions
      • alarm panels operating correctly
      • Fire extinguishers correct location and in good condition
      • General health and safety hazards
    • Security inspections
      • Doors and windows secured
      • Areas not covered by CCTV checked 
      • Parking areas checked for violations or suspicious activity
      • Personnel within access zones are authorized (I.D worn)
      • Access zone controls are working correctly
      • Site perimeter is secure
      • Suspicious items or occurrences
    • Human interaction 
      • Gauge behavior of colleagues and staff
      • Gauge behavior of public
      • Observe relationships and interactions
      • Observe body language and nonverbal communications

3. Progress reporting;

 All the organizations need the security guard to submit the progress report after completing the patrol.

The security patrol is an excellent opportunity to collect safety and security information at a location. You can collect information by taking note photographs and checklists. The things need to report;

• • • Security staff safety
      • Control room know the location of patrolling staff
      • Support can be sent accurately
    • Situational awareness
      • Control room aware of security status within the site
      • Able to take pro-active steps to prevent possible security risks
    • Time management
      • Completion of patrols may be time sensitive
      • Patrolling staff may have other duties to move on to
    • Record keeping
      • Progress reports will be logged
      • Evidence of duty being performed

Responding to the unplanned event: During the patrol, you may require to respond to the unplanned event such as;

• security breach
• immediate health and safety concern
• Extra support required at another location

When you respond and resolve the unplanned issues then only consider the patrolling task has completed. Practice the following when you encounter the incident that demands the response.

• Notify the control room
• Note down the progress of current patrol

Patrol completion;

The security staff has to follow post-patrol procedures after completing the patrol. You will ensure that the patrol objective has achieved.

• Return of Equipment 
  • • Inspect all patrol equipment for damage and wear
    • Sign in any patrol specific equipment
    • Place any powered items on charge
    • Sign in and secure restricted items
• Patrol notes and reports 
  • • Review patrol notes for accuracy
    • Ensure any patrol checklists are complete
    • Prepare a patrol report if required
    • Submit patrol documentation to the control room
• Patrol duty handover 
  • • Verbal briefing of oncoming patrol staff
    • Significant observations
    • Incidents if any
    • Routes took during the previous patrol
    • Specific tasks uncompleted

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