What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of security guards? You might say you’ve seen uniformed guards walking around your local shopping center, or that they are all overweight and unfriendly, or you don’t understand why anyone would hire a rent-a-cop instead of a real police officer for business property security.
Thanks to television shows and movies, many folks see the myths, not the actual facts, surrounding security guards and services. But the better you get to know the security industry, the wiser you’ll be to the benefits of hiring guards for your home or business. Here are five misconceptions about security guard services in Fort Myers, FL.
Myth #1: Security guards don’t need training
The truth is, professional security guards receive extensive and ongoing training from their employers. This is important especially since security guards are your first line of defense before law enforcement officials arrive on the scene. Guards are skilled and organized to handle all types of situations, and are fully capable of reporting and responding to the company’s clients. Security guards are professionals who are required to follow set codes and rules and regulations imposed by the state, as well as stay up to date on training, licenses, and certifications.
Myth #2: All security guards are men
One of the most common misconceptions about security guards is that there are no women working in the industry. This is absolutely not true. While this is a male-dominated industry, women are just as qualified as men to be on patrol as security guards. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, approximately 23 percent of professionals working in the security industry are women.
Myth #3: It’s a lazy person’s job
Security guards cannot be lazy to do their jobs right. They are hired to protect people and property, so they cannot be lazy or find the job boring. Contrary to what you see on television shows, they need to be active and alert at all times, ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice. Professional security guards don’t just sit in a chair napping, eating and staring at a screen all day.
Myth #4: All guards are big and burly
Sure, some security guards are big and muscular, but it’s not a prerequisite for applying to become one. Size can be helpful in deterring criminals and in certain situations, but being a security guard also requires observational skills and mindfulness. The key is to choose guards that will best serve the needs of your business environment
Myth #5: Security guards only deal with crime
Although it makes sense to assume that security guards only handle crime—such as shoplifters, vandals, and nuisance makers—their duties actually go far beyond crime deterrence. Some assist a business’s customers, while others help lost individuals, and all are expected report to the client.
If you’re interested in security guard services in Fort Myers, FL and want to learn more about what we can do for your business, reach out to American Pride Security Services, Inc. Call us today and let us know what you need!
More businesses are hiring a security guard for extra protection and peace of mind. Whatever other surveillance, alarms and security measures your business already employs, it can still benefit from a security guard service in Fort Myers, FL. There is something about that human presence that offers an extra deterrent for troublemakers, and additional peace of mind and a feeling of security for owners and employees. Whatever your business may be, you could benefit from a security guard, but this especially the case in these four scenarios:
Your business is located in a crime-heavy neighborhood: If your business is located in a neighborhood that unfortunately experiences a high volume of crime, you’ll definitely want to look into a security guard service in Fort Myers, FL. Densely populated areas are also prone to crime, and businesses that operated in these packed areas are more prone to thefts and threats. Whatever the nature of your business, you should consider working with a security guard for extra protection.
Your business sells alcohol: If your business serves or sells alcohol, hiring a security guard service in Fort Myers, FL is a must. Casinos, clubs, hotels and other night life businesses are prone to fights due to the intoxicated inhabitants. A security guard will not only make patrons more aware of their surroundings and restrained in their behavior, but it will help your well-behaved customers feel safer and happy to choose your establishment over other options that don’t offer a security presence. Plus, damage to your property and injuries to both customers and employees will be minimized.
Your business is next to a parking lot: Parking lots are unfortunately highly probable sites for crime. Troublemakers collect in parking lots, especially when they’re dark and not secured or staffed. If you employ workers late into the evening, they may feel unsafe walking to their car at the end of their shifts. Hiring a security guard service in Fort Myers, FL can turn the parking lot into a much safer place to be after dark.
Your business has troublesome history with certain customers or ex-employees: A customer who has been turned away or an employee who has been let go under heated circumstances can both be a cause for caution. These types of people can be emotional and unpredictable, so it’s important to protect your workplace with a security guard, which will make your law-abiding customers and employees feel safer and help to prevent conflict before it starts.
If you’re in need of a security service, look no further than American Pride Security Services Inc. We’re not just another security guard service in Fort Myers, FL—we’re your communications team, clerical team and security team. Every officer we staff knows how to use communication to its best effect, can write a detailed report and understands every facet of security. Our guards are not just bodies—they’re attentive, exceptional guards. We’re a state-regulated and licensed agency, and proudly employ military veterans. Contact us today to see how we can accommodate your needs!
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.
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!
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.
