8 things to consider when engaging a mobile security service

Whether you own commercial property or are responsible for community security, you should consider the benefits of a mobile security patrol. When you have large quantities of staff, customers or residents moving in and out of your space, it's critical that this is monitored to track suspicious behaviours and mitigate the risk of threats. 

Mobile security patrols offer businesses a physical security presence at their sites. Mobile patrols can serve as a visible presence and physical deterrent to intruders, while also ensuring regular feedback and monitoring of your surroundings for potential or ongoing threats to your company or community.

Mobile Patrols can provide alarm response services, aiming for quick response times that enable prompt action. They're also useful for lock-up/unlock services, which is especially important for businesses that have large volumes of staff and clients coming in and out of your building.

Many businesses also take the opportunity to use them to escort staff, providing a complete and reliable service. 

1. Selecting the right patrols

Physical security is a necessity when your location holds valuables, assets or for communities that want to feel safe and protected. However, when choosing the right one, there are several factors to consider.

Making the wrong choice in selecting or using a mobile patrol provider may actually be adding risk to your business, whether through malicious intent or due to tardiness and a lack of regulation. Read on to find out how you can engage with the right mobile patrol service.

2. Licenses and regulations

From the staff through to the company itself, you need to ensure the business you choose complies with legislative requirements and engages properly licensed and trained staff.

There should be no shortcuts when it comes to security, and a registered and accredited security patrol will understand this and put it into practice. 

3. Monitoring of activity

The provider you choose should have regular communication with patrol officers, both for the assurance of your business and the safety of employees.

Poor communication can leave your business and staff vulnerable, so ensure that patrol officers maintain regular communication with a control room or monitoring station. This should also allow for 24-hour surveillance and monitoring. 

4. Reporting and recording methods

A reputable mobile patrol provider will provide you with regular feedback and communication. Manual reporting involves a longer process and the potential for items to be overlooked.

Ensure the business you're engaging with has automated reporting and recording that helps minimise human error and keeps all your information easily accessible.  

5. Uniforms

Security officers should have properly labelled uniforms to distinguish them from customers and staff. This means a uniform marked with the business name, and not just a plain uniform. Plain uniformed patrols leave them at risk of being imitated, leaving important information and assets vulnerable to attack.

Combining a proper uniform with adequate identification helps significantly reduce the risk of impersonation. 

6. Registered and marked patrol vehicles

Regarding identification, patrol companies should clearly mark their vehicles to ensure they are registered and licensed.

An unmarked vehicle could potentially indicate that the business operates independently and may not have the necessary resources or accreditation to enforce effective security.

Marked patrols can act as a visible deterrent, whereas unmarked patrols may leave you missing a critical advantage. 

7. Finances, payments and taxes

Patrol officers who work cash in hand to avoid tax or who are working on an individual ABN may be untrustworthy. Regulations are in place for a reason, and while it may seem obvious, you want your security to be trusted.

Ensure a place that provides you with proper invoicing and is registered as a business. This helps protect your company, even in unforeseen circumstances.

8. Staff training

It's critical that patrols receive the appropriate training for their job, but it's just as important that they receive ongoing training.

A quality service provider understands that the security industry is constantly evolving, whether through technological advancements or updates to existing properties. This makes it imperative that ongoing and updated training is consistent, resulting in skilled patrols and enhanced staff engagement.

Are you seeking mobile security patrols for community purposes or to safeguard the safety of your commercial property and assets?

Speak to the team at Wilson Security today. We are highly experienced in providing both virtual and physical security to numerous clients, and we offer quality assurance when selecting staff to meet your specific needs.

Don't leave anything to luck; Wilson Security is happy to discuss a security plan with you.

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Edited by Jaime Kendler-Arnold