Security guards play a crucial role in safeguarding properties and sites. To ensure that they are fulfilling their duties effectively, business owners and security companies often monitor their performance. But how exactly is a security guard monitored? In this article, we’ll explore what security guard monitoring entails and the various methods used to assess a guard’s performance.

What Is Security Guard Monitoring?

For many business owners, it’s crucial to track which areas of their property are being protected by an SIA-licenced security officer and which areas have already been patrolled. This is where security guard monitoring plays a key role.

Security guard monitoring refers to the various software and tools used by security firms and business owners to track a guard’s location and activities. These tools may include guard tracking devices, GPS trackers, and specialised security guard monitoring systems, all designed to ensure effective surveillance and accountability.

What Equipment Is Used For Security Guard Tracking?

Most standard security guard tracking systems include small checkpoint tags, typically in the form of discs, placed at various locations around a property. As the security guard patrols the area, they swipe the checkpoint tags, which record vital data.

This data can include the date, time, and the identity number of the security guard on duty. The recorded information is then transmitted via GPS, allowing real-time tracking through an app. The security equipment used for this purpose is typically provided by the security firm or company overseeing the guard’s duties.

What Is A Security Guard Tracking App?

A security guard tracking app allows a surveillance company to stay connected with its security team in real time. Each security guard is equipped with a mobile phone that has the app installed. The app offers a range of features to ensure effective monitoring and communication.

Using GPS tracking, the app provides precise information about the guard’s location, whether inside or outside the building. It alerts you if a guard deviates from their assigned route or it there are delays in surveying a particular area.

The app also facilities messages, shift tracking, and report logging. More importantly, it serves as an emergency alert tool, enabling guards to notify other team members if assistance is needed or if suspicious activity is detected.

In summary, the security guard tracking app is a simple yet powerful tool for monitoring guard activity, ensuring safety, and improving response times.

Why Monitor A Security Guard?

There are many reasons why businesses and security firms choose to monitor security guards. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common reasons for implementing guard monitoring systems.

Monitor Where A Guard Is

A security guard GPS tracker and checkpoint monitoring system provide an easy way for business owners to track which areas of their property have been patrolled. These tools are invaluable for ensuring that guards are in their designated locations, offering both site owners and security companies the ability to verify patrol coverage and compliance with assigned duties.

Review A Guard’s Performance

Security firms often rely on tools like guard tracking apps to assess a guard’s effectiveness in securing a building or site. These tools enable firms to review the guards performance, ensuring they are completing their patrols on time, properly scanning checkpoints, and adhering to their assigned responsibilities.

Increase Security Guard Safety

Security guard monitoring tools are essential for tracking a guard’s location and ensuring they remain in safe areas at all times. According to the UK Government, verbal and physical abuse toward security guards is a common workplace concern. Real-time tracking devices, such as security office GPS trackers, allow firms to monitor a guard’s movements closely. If a guard fails to check in for a prolonged period, security firms can quickly reach out to confirm their well-being and provide support if needed.

How Do You Monitor A Security Guard?

Now that we’ve explored the reasons for monitoring a security guard, the next question is: how do you effectively monitor them? Below, we’ve outlined four key methods for security guard monitoring.

1. Guard Tour Monitoring

Guard tour monitoring is a critical component of security management that requires careful attention. Traditional paper-based tracking systems often involve manually calling guards every hour, a time-consuming and inefficient method. Modern guard tour software offers a more streamlined and effective alternative, allowing you to monitor guards without unnecessary intrusion.

2. Geofencing

Geofencing is an excellent tool for ensuring security guards are present at their designated posts when needed. If a guard isn’t on-site, they cannot clock in for work, or at a specific checkpoint—its that straightforward. This eliminates the possibility of covering up tardiness or missed shifts, enhancing site security. It also encourages prompt communication regarding scheduling needs such as holidays, medical appointments, or sick leave.

The integration of employees and technology ensures efficient operations. Geofencing devices are highly adaptable and can be implemented across various site types, including warehouses, factories, and large complexes like student accommodations. With this technology, you’ll have real-time insights into who is on-site, who isn’t, and which checkpoints require attention, fostering better communication and coordination among your team.

3. Real-Time Notifications

Real-time notifications can mean the difference between making a risky guess and ensuring a safe outcome. In the unpredictable world of security work, guards must be prepared for sudden shifts from inactivity to action.

With real-time notifications, security teams can stay updated instantly. These alerts, provided by modern security monitoring systems, allow guards to quickly share updates or report incidents, ensuring their team remains informed and responsive. This feature enhances coordination and provides an added layer of safety for both guards and the sites they protect.

4. QR Codes

QR Codes provide a simple and cost-effective way to monitor security officers. These codes are typically placed at various patrol checkpoints across a site or building. When a guard reaches a checkpoint, they scan the QR code, signalling that the area has been patrolled.

Many businesses choose this method due to its affordability and ease of use. QR codes are inexpensive to implement and can be quickly replaced if damaged.

However, it’s important to note that QR codes are not the most secure monitoring method. They are vulnerable to tampering, as codes can be easily forged or replicated. For sites requiring higher security standards, alternative solutions may be more suitable.

How Do I Monitor My Security Guard’s Performance?

Security companies and businesses often rely on tracking software to evaluate a guard’s performance effectively. When monitoring your security guard, consider the following steps:

1. Review Shift Attendance: Ensure the guard is clocking in and out of their shifts on time.
2. Track Location Accuracy: Confirm that the guard is in the correct location at the designated time.
3. Assess Patrol Efficiency: Monitor how effectively the guard is patrolling different areas of the site or building.
4. Check Task Completion: Verify that the guard is completing all assigned tasks within the expected time frame.

Is Security Guard Tracking Useful?

Yes, security guard tracking is highly beneficial as it adds an extra layer of oversight and security. For instance, monitoring a security guard allows you to:

• Respond to Suspicious Activity: If suspicious activity is reported, the system can help identify whether a guard is nearby to respond promptly.
• Identify Gaps In Patrols: Tracking reveals if a guard hasn’t patrolled a specific area, signalling a potential issue. This allows you to contact the guard and address the situation.
• Ensure Efficiency And Accountability: Security guard tracking ensure guards are punctual, remain in assigned areas, and take appropriate breaks. This level of accountability helps ensure a critical job is done thoroughly and effectively.

So, How Do You Monitor A Security Guard?

Overall, the most effective way to monitor a security guard and assess their performance is by using a comprehensive security guard monitoring system. At Region Security Guarding, we offer free guard tracking with all our guard services. Our guards are fully certified and extensively trained to work with the latest and most reliable guard monitoring equipment.

For more information about our guard tracking systems, visit our service page.

Interested in reading more security guard news? Check out our blog, where you’ll find articles on topics like what a security guard does and the different types of security services for businesses.