How to Defuse a Tense Situation

If you’re involved in a verbal altercation, there are a number of ways that things may take a turn for the worse. You may offend the other person and significantly rupture your relationship; in some cases, the altercation may become physical, and serious violence could erupt.

Tense situations are almost guaranteed to arise if you own a business or manage an institution. Whether you’ve caught someone shoplifting or are trying to deter loitering on your property, there are a number of instances each and every day that could result in deeply uncomfortable situations.

That’s why it’s so exceptionally important to work with a security guard that possesses good communication skills and is trained in the art of defusing tense situations. When you’re looking to hire a security guard company in Fort Myers, FL, you should ask about the strategies that they implement. There are a number of effective tension-defusing strategies that companies may train their employees to use while on the job. Here are just some of the best ways to defuse tension:

  • Planning: The most significant thing that security officers can do to defuse tense situations is plan ahead. If your security guard has a clear idea of how they’ll deal with a tense situation when it arises, they’re much more likely to possess the tools necessary to effectively defuse the incident.
  • Observing agitation: Astute security guards will know how to tell when someone is becoming agitated. They should be able to read body language and other non-verbal cues that can help them determine if someone is becoming irritable. Using these cues, they should be able to step in before the situation escalates.
  • Establish authority: Qualified security guards will know how to establish their authority, both by announcing it and by using non-verbal cues. Security guards should explain that they’re in charge of keeping the property safe, and then use their body language to project strength, while also maintaining a non-threatening posture.
  • Actively listen: It’s important for security guards to know how to actively listen to people who may be agitated. Often, people have a valid reason for becoming irritated or angry. If they feel that the security officer is blowing off their concerns, this will only result in them becoming more irritated, which could lead to violence.

If the security guard company that you’re thinking about working with uses these strategies, you’ve likely made a sound decision. If they don’t have a clear tension-defusing strategy outlined, however, you may be better off taking your business elsewhere.

Since 2005, American Pride Security Services has been a trusted security guard company in Fort Myers, FL. We’re proud to provide high-quality security services to each of our clients. We work with highly trained, highly qualified security professionals, many of whom come from a military or law enforcement background. To learn more about American Pride Security Services and the ways in which we can help keep your company safe, please reach out to one of our friendly representatives today to arrange a consultation.

What Makes an Effective Security Guard?

If you own or manage a business or property, you may be wondering what traits you should look for as you search for a qualified security guard to help you protect your patrons, employees and assets.

Effective security guards can make a substantial difference in the safety of your site, and help you foster a comfortable, safe-feeling environment for your team members and guests. Ineffective security guards, on the other hand, may end up unnecessarily escalating bad situations, and can create a hostile environment that deters shoppers and makes employees feel uncomfortable.

Striking a balance that ensures both a safe environment and a comfortable experience for guests and employees is a true challenge. That’s why it’s always advisable to hire highly trained, highly skilled security guards, preferably with law enforcement or military backgrounds.

When searching for security guard services in Fort Myers, FL, there are a number of traits that you should be looking for. Here are just some of the most important qualities that effective security guards possess:

  • Training: Proper training is really what lies at the heart of a successful security guard. Most security officers have experience in law enforcement or military settings, which means that they possess the expertise necessary to defuse tense situations, pursue leads and keep the public safe. Well-trained security guards are adept at keeping your assets in the right hands.
  • Technology: Good security guards are equipped with the latest and greatest technology. This means that they possess the tools necessary to properly surveil your site, and maintain active communication with team members across vast distances. Many security guard services in Fort Myers, FL also equip their staff members with vehicles to conduct patrols, and carry firearms or tasers to ensure they possess the power necessary to keep everyone safe.
  • Communication skills: Qualified security guards possess strong communication skills. This helps them ensure that they have the ability to defuse tense situations, and actively engage with employees and guests. Good communication skills, even more so than technology or weaponry, are at the core of keeping your assets, employees and patrons safe in tense situations.
  • Good observational qualities: Security guards play a number of roles: rule enforcer, asset protector and detective. You need to work with a security guard company that trains its employees to be extra observational, and that places a strong emphasis on the importance of observational skills. Observational security guards can help collect evidence if a crime occurs or, ideally, help prevent a crime from occurring at all.

American Pride Security Services is a trusted provider of security guard services in Fort Myers, FL. We’re proud to provide highly trained, highly qualified security staff to each of our business and institutional clients. Many of our employees come from a military or law enforcement background. We work with a number of local companies to help them protect their assets, employees and patrons. To learn more about ways that we may be able to help you keep your property safe, reach out to one of our friendly, highly trained security professionals today.

Is Gated Security Guard Service Doing What You Think It Is?

Driving up to a gated community with an imposing gate and uniformed security guard can seem like entering an impenetrable fortress. But the truth of the matter is that these developments give only provide the illusion of safety from things like theft and other crime. It’s important to understand exactly what living with gated security services does and does not do to keep your family safe.

If you live in a gated community, you still might want to employ security guard services in Fort Myers, FL. Read on to see some of the main misconceptions people living in gated communities have:

  • You may be a target: Yes, the security guard hut can look like a deterrent for robbers. You might assume criminals would avoid your community because they see a higher risk of getting caught by one of those guards. However, people who live in these communities are often wealthier than those outside of them. This means that some criminals might be drawn to break into and enter homes in gated communities with the idea that what they find within the homes’ walls will be more valuable than what they’d discover in homes elsewhere. This is a classic example of the “higher risk, higher reward” mentality we all understand.
  • Gates can be entered: Even with security, there are many ways criminals can get past those guarded gates. They might pose as a delivery person, a repair person or any other type of service provider needing to access a home inside. Once in, these con artists have their pick of the homes because they are basically hidden in plain sight.
  • Some communities are weaker than others: There’s a lot of research showing that the safest communities are those in which neighbors know each other and communicate. Communities with neighborhood watch organizations, for example, have a good understanding of who’s coming and going, and thus are better able to spot potential threats to the property and people. One thing to keep in mind is that some gated communities are full of longtime property owners, but many include lots of rentals. With rentals, you have a more transient population, which means that community bonds are often weaker and it could be harder to spot people who are up to no good.
  • Even keypads are a problem: Though not all gated communities employ some sort of entry pad system, many do. This may make you feel safe from intruders, but keep in mind that it’s easy to share these entry codes with friends and other visitors who are not residents. Something that seems foolproof may not be.

You need to do what’s right for you and your family and community. If you’re considering additional security guard services in Fort Myers, FL, you’ll want to find a company you can trust. The answer to all your security needs should be American Pride Security Services, which has been a leader in the industry since 2005. We offer a range of protection for your home or business, including patrols, unarmed uniformed officers and emergency planning consultations. Call today for more information on our services!

How Security Guard Services Improve School Safety

School safety tops the list of concerns for many parents and city officials in the Chicagoland area. In a day and age where acts of violence are all too common, we all want to ensure students are safe. The goal is to provide a place where children can learn and grow, free from harm. To provide this safe setting, administrators are turning to security guard services..

These services can provide protection for schools and students on many levels. Security guards offer assistance with the following common concerns.

Access

Security guards monitor entrances and exits to schools. Their presence can deter individuals from attempting unauthorized entry to the building. Guards can take action if anyone does try to gain access to the building to prevent entry.

Assault

Bullying, fights and assault are sadly common in many schools. The presence of security guards can help reduce the occurrence of these intimidation measures. Guards can prevent fights, report criminal behavior and provide daily protection of the students in their building.

Substances

Drug use is rampant in America, and unfortunately, schools are not immune from this practice. Security guards can help detect and prevent drug use and drug sales on school grounds. Their presence can deter criminals, and they can also report drug crimes to the police.

Vandalism

Graffiti, broken windows and damaged property are expensive for schools to manage. Repainting, repairing and replacing items can quickly add up and eat away at the school budget. The costs to recover from these attacks takes much-needed funds away from other educational efforts. Security guard services can help prevent these incidents. Guards can patrol the site to deter vandals, catch criminals in the act and help keep these attacks to a minimum.

Theft

In addition to property damage, schools often suffer from loss due to theft. Many schools have equipment that is costly to replace but is also easily stolen. Electronic equipment is frequently used in today’s classrooms, and these devices can be targets for potential thieves. Student backpacks are also at risk. Security guards can help prevent these acts of theft with daily patrols and onsite presence.

Peace

In addition to the tangible benefits offered by security guard services, students teachers and parents can benefit mentally and emotionally. The presence of guards can help everyone feel safer, which creates a better learning environment for students. Knowing they are protected, students can focus on their education rather than on their safety. Teachers, meanwhile, can rest assured that their environment is safe and can remained focused on teaching rather than on security.

Keep Chicago Schools Safe

To continue improving the safety of Chicagoland schools, your local security guard servicesare ready to offer their assistance. At American Pride Security Services, we provide highly trained guards who are dedicated to the safety of students. Our staff includes both male and female officers, bilingual officers and military veterans. Contact our team today to learn more about how we can help protect area schools.

Employee Theft: An Important Consideration for the Security of Your Business

When you hire someone to work at your business, you most likely assume that they want the best for your company, just like you do. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Some people are untruthful and will do whatever it takes to make more, including stealing from their own employers.

If you’re worried about employee theft, you might want to look into retail store security in Fort Myers, FL. Read on to find out more information on how employee theft hurts your business, and how an investment in security can help you:

  • Cutting down your profits: Running a business is stressful. You want the business to make good profits, and reaching that goal takes a lot of work in general. When you add in a problem with employee theft, you just add to the amount of stress you’re under as a business owner. And you may not think that employee theft is that common, but according to research, a whopping 75 percent of employees have reported stealing at least once from their employers. Another piece of research from 2017 notes that this theft contributes to business shrinkage by as much as 30 percent. That’s a big hit to your bottom line, whether it’s from cashiers skimming from the register or employees sneaking items from a recent shipment.
  • Keeping employees happy: One way you might be able to cut down on employee theft is by keeping your employees happy to be in business with you by offering fair wages, good benefits and a positive work environment. It’s true that there are some people who will not steal if they like the company, but a lot of times employees will face circumstances outside of their employer’s control that can lead them to make poor decisions. For example, imagine that employee whose spouse lost their job and left the family desperate for money. This type of problem could certainly push an otherwise good employee over the edge into criminal activity.
  • Security guards help: On top of providing a good work environment for your employees, you can cut down on theft by using security guards. These guards can provide a watchful eye that notices when employees might slip into stealing, on top of helping to prevent regular theft as well. Some employees might bristle at being watched, but if you make the guards a part of the whole business team, they should soon embrace them.

Using retail store security in Fort Myers, FL is a big step toward protecting your company, and you’ll want to make sure you choose the best security company in the area. If you’re in need, look no further than American Pride Security Services. Our company has put together an exceptional team of officers who can help with any of your security needs.

Since 2005, American Pride Security Services has offered a range of services, including providing officers, property patrol, security consultations, building lockup and parking details. Call today to find out how our team can help you and yours!