Protecting Property

Protection of property and client assets is one of the basic duties of a guard. Perimeter protection can include man-made or natural barriers. Moat property protection is either perimeter, building, space area, or object protection. Windows and doors can have different levels of protection. Access control is controlling the movement of people, vehicles, material and information into and out of a site. There are a number of reasons why access is controlled. Access can be controlled by physical systems, guards, or a combination of both. Guards should be familiar with their site policies regarding access control and be aware of their response to common access control situations. The 2 basic requirements of personnel access are determining identity and determining level of access. Identification shown to by a visitor may not necessarily be in the form of an ID card. Guards may be required to make sure there is a sign-in/sign-out log at their site. In handling unauthorized access, guards should make sure that they know their site policies and remain polite at all times. There are 3 main responsibilities in controlling vehicle access: only authorized vehicles are permitted, prevent unauthorized equipment and material removal and maintain a log of vehicles entering and leaving. Guards should be aware of the approved vehicle identification at their site. Guard should know the height and size limitations of a vehicle access point. Ensure that a vehicle access point is kept clear for approaching emergency vehicles. Searching is part of the role of providing protection. There are 4 main reasons to conduct a protective search, make a note of these and discuss with your instructor. Searches are conducted for items which are dangerous, stolen, or prohibited. Vehicles are generally searched as required by site orders, when they enter a site and when they leave a site. People and packages are generally searched as required by site orders, when they are carrying something that can conceal a stolen item, when they leave a high security area and when they enter an area and could be carrying something dangerous. Know how to use search equipment used at your work site. A person should only be searched as required by your site orders. If a person must be searched, it should only be done by someone of the same gender i.e.: male-male. Always try and gain cooperation when conducting a protective search. You may be required to store personal property or check identification at the same time as conducting a protective search. If you store personal property as a result of a protective search, always give someone a receipt for their property. The goal of security is to identify and prevent problems that affect your client. Patrol is the most common way of identifying problems. Understand the general patrol responsibilities. Make sure you have the correct equipment and that it is working when on site. There are 5 major types of patrol, make a note of them and discuss with your instructor. Never carry any kind of a weapon unless authorize. Plan your action that you would take in an emergency situation.

There are three main types of alarms intrusion, distress and fire alarms. Most alarms have three major parts, a sensor, a control panel, and an enunciator. Alarm monitoring is typically coordinated in one of three way local, central station and remote. Alarm response is usually the responsibility of a security guard on the alarmed premises. The best alarm response is by a guard prepared foe alarms by knowing what to do in advance. All alarms a security guard responds to should be treated as genuine. A control room con function as the emergency operations centre in the event of a large scale emergency or disaster. An intrusion alarm detects a potential attack on something that is being protected. Intrusion alarms should be treated as a warning that someone is trying to commit a crime, whether theft or damage to property. A distress alarm going off indicates trouble or a change in condition, such as a panic alarm or an alarm that signals faulty equipment. CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) can be a very useful tool for a security guard. It can be used in a number of areas where it is more practical than personal surveillance. Guards should be familiar with the common types of CCTV equipment. Guards should be familiar with the recording retention policy at their site if CCTV is used. Information security includes both theft of hardware and software and the use of those for illegal purpose. Understand what you can do to prevent information theft. Familiarize yourself with the available types of computer hardware and software. The key to information security is to know your area and be vigilant. Security guards may be required to direct traffic as part of their duty or in case of an emergency. Traffic accidents in the UAE must be reported to the police. Traffic control by a person is only necessary if the traffic cannot move on its own or for safety. The priorities at an accident scene are life, safety and danger to others. Accident scenes could become crime scenes.