THE VALUE OF ON-SITE SECURITY MANAGEMENT

Issued by Perfect Word Consulting (Pty) Ltd

In the security industry, discipline and integrity are critical factors. A United States security expert* recently confirmed that; “the supervision of security guards is the most important and most difficult challenge of a security company.” Guarding is a career that requires a large set of skills – and while guards may be proficient in one area, this does not mean that they are able to deliver on the full skillset required. For this reason, supervision, hands-on management and a level of mentorship is required.

Jacki Condon, Managing Director of Apache Security Services, believes that on-site management plays an integral role in securing customers’ sites. “The field supervisor should consistently communicate with the guard on each visit and offer coaching. While this informal training takes place, the guards are also aware that they are being monitored for performance.”

To secure a site, it must be controlled. To control a site, expert attention must be paid. “Deploying on-site security managers to clients’ sites for six and 12-month contracts makes a lasting, positive impact on their overall security portfolio. Being full-time on-site provides managers with the time and access to maintain service levels, drive superior service, adjust approaches and implement new strategies.”

International Facilities Management specialists, Tenon, confirms that; “The old saying, ‘anything unchecked is undone’, underlines the importance of supervision in security guarding. In an era of multiple challenges and increasingly professional services demanded, the industry is slowly graduating from a generalised to a specialised, skill-based vocation.”

The importance of supervision in security guarding can be summarised in 10 key points. The first is the training and selection of supervisors, followed by basic responsibilities and imparting knowledge. Through the coordination of resources and a secular approach, security staff are motivated, morale is built, and teams are forged. With horizontal and vertical communication, on the job training is promoted. Managers are given the opportunity to investigate and report, they are available for emergency and incident management, and they are empowered to conduct accurate performance assessments.

In an industry where a lack of performance can determine whether lives are saved or lost, whether invaluable property is damaged or stolen, and whether businesses are crippled through crime, effective management must become standard procedure. “With the right level of on-site management, security officers are always under a watchful eye, giving customers greater peace of mind. Professional supervisors will make a significant impact on the business’ risk portfolio, guaranteeing the introduction of best practice policies and procedures.”

For more information, please contact Jacki Condon: jcondon@apachesecurity.co.za.

*Charles Willis