• Gone are the days when an organization and its assets could be protected by merely employing a few trained manned guards. In today’s times, ‘security’ is a broad term, and it encompasses numerous technologies, processes, and professionals. Physical security and security guarding refers to security measures that organizations take to protect their resources, equipment, sensitive information, and valuable assets.
  • While every organization has its unique physical security strategy depending on its specific requirements, there are certain physical security and manned guarding service measures which no organization can do without in this day and age. So, without further, ado, let’s take a look at those measures and also the types of threats that they can deal with.

Manned Guards with both brawn and brains

Whenever we think of manned guarding, we tend to picture tall, muscular men who are intimidating and have the strength to overwhelm troublemakers if they need to get physical.

While it’s true that security guards need to be physically fit and strong, they also need to have a certain level of intelligence.

Modern-day physical security training involves a lot of emphasis on the development of observational skills.

By becoming great observers, an organization’s security guards can identify potential threats and nip them in the bud before they become significant problems.

Intelligent security guards are also more capable of staying in line with physical security strategies, and they would not resort to doing something that goes against a particular strategy.

manned guards on duty
manned guarding company

Installation of access control systems

Unauthorized access is one of the major causes of thefts in organizations across the globe, and such access is only possible when proper access control systems are not put in place.

While smaller organizations with offices that have only one entry/exit can do without access control systems, bigger organizations with large offices can’t.

  • Larger office spaces also have smaller areas within them that are meant to be restricted to just a few people within the organization.
  • In such spaces, elaborate access control systems should be installed so that only the people who have the right to enter a certain area can access it.
  • Popular high-tech access control systems in today’s times include PIN-entry systems and finger-print scanners.

Compulsory ID card display

High-tech access control systems are expensive and may be out of reach for smaller organizations. 

One of the best ways for smaller organizations to ensure authorized access is to hand out IDs to all employees and make it mandatory for them to wear it in office.

The security guard posted at the entry/exit would also have an easier time detecting potential miscreants and stopping them from entering the office or its premises.

In case a person without an ID tries to enter, the security guard can get in touch with the manager to ask if access should be granted to the person or not.

Remote surveillance systems

Security guards may ensure safety during office hours, but what about the period when an office stays closed?

Big organizations have enough financial resources to employ multiple security guards who work on rotational shifts, but this may be too expensive for smaller organizations.

To prevent criminal activities while an office is closed, smaller businesses can opt for remote surveillance.

Remote CCTV monitoring and remote surveillance systems involve the use of CCTV cameras to capture videos in and around the office premises.

The captured videos are monitored by a team of security professionals remotely. If suspicious activity is detected, the professionals can alert local law enforcement agencies.

Even though the short-term investments required for installing remote surveillance systems are high, in the long-run, they are much more cost-effective than hiring multiple security guards.

Remote surveillance systems can be paired with on-site fire alarm systems as well, which guarantees protection from not just potential thefts and burglaries, but also disasters such as fire hazards.

Exercising caution against former employees

While some employees part with organizations on a good note, many are sacked due to their lack of professionalism or other problems that were counterproductive for business. An organization’s physical security strategy should include exercising caution against the latter sort.

Many of these former employees may develop resentful feelings towards their former employers, and in the most extreme cases, they may try to damage the organization’s property or steal money or documents.

Security guards should always be alert if such former employees do decide to visit the office. Entry should only be allowed to them if their presence in the office is deemed safe by the manager.

Many organizations make it impossible for recently fired employees to access their offices by taking legal steps to deny them the right to access.

Ensuring cybersecurity

Most modern-day organizations store their sensitive information and employee-related data on their servers.

But as the internet is crawling with hackers and other cybercriminals, it’s never a good idea for an organization to become complacent regarding their critical data.

Ensuring tight network security has become one of the priorities for organizations and the demand for cybersecurity experts is as high as it is for well-trained security guards and surveillance systems.

Not paying attention to cybersecurity needs is one of the gravest mistakes that an organization can make nowadays. If hackers get hold of sensitive information, they can seriously damage the organization and all its employees.


Physical security training for all employees

Every organization has a dedicated security team, but employees working in other departments should concern themselves with security as well.

Many modern-day organizations are investing in physical security training for all their employees.

The point of this exercise is to ensure that everyone working within the organization learns to value security and takes proactive steps in their respective capacities to ensure a good working environment.

For example, a trained employee can learn to look out for suspicious activities in the office.

Even if an intruder manages to bypass the security guards and installed surveillance systems, the training will pay off in the form of an aware employee reporting the intruder’s activities to the dedicated security team.

While putting these physical security measures is not a surefire way of guaranteeing no criminal activities at all, it is definitely recommended to reduce risks.

Contact DSOC today for security risk management, security operations centre as well as our alarm receiving centre.




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