Spot Patrolling vs. On-Site Security Guards

June 11, 2020

If you’re looking into security services, you’ve likely come across two distinct options: spot patrols and on-site guards. While these options both offer a level of security, that level is drastically different. We’re going to discuss on-site security vs. mobile patrol so you can make the best choice for your property.

What Is Mobile Security Patrol?

Mobile or spot patrolling is a type of security service individuals or businesses can choose to bring a minimal security presence to their property. Rather than have a security guard continuously stationed at your place of business, public building or home, with mobile security patrol services, a security guard will stop by at random or scheduled intervals to check up on things. In some cases, they may only do a drive-by.

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You will likely have the option to choose how many times per day you want the security company to stop by or drive by, and you may be able to call if you experience a problem and need a security officer there. However, because mobile patrol security services must cover many different locations, their availability might be somewhat patchy or unreliable.

What Is On-Site Security?

With on-site security services, you’ll have a dedicated security guard continuously stationed at your location. This security guard may be mobile in the sense that they patrol the premises to watch for any problems or suspicious activity, but they will not leave the premises to check on other properties. Therefore, they will always be available to respond to security threats at a moment’s notice.

On-site security services provide an uninterrupted security presence — a far cry from occasional check-ins. If you need a security guard to prevent people from gaining unauthorized access to your building, or someone who can be ready at all times to protect people on your property, you need a security guard there full-time. This service is costlier than mobile patrol security services, but you enjoy a tangible sense of security that you can’t get from mobile patrolling.

What Are the Benefits of On-Site Security?

Since on-site security is more of an investment compared to a spot patrolling service, you may feel tempted to choose the more economical option. However, you’ll want to consider the value of having a dedicated security presence at your property. An on-site security guard can provide the following services.

• Detect suspicious activity: When security guards are just stopping by for a moment at a time, they likely won’t know if a person has been loitering, casing the property or otherwise behaving suspiciously. That is one of the major disadvantages of vehicle patrol. An on-site security guard has a much better chance of noticing if a person has been loitering or has been acting strangely, since they have a continuous set of eyes on the premises and not just a few data points throughout the day.
• Respond quickly: With a security guard there at all times, you don’t have to wait on your patrolling security services or law enforcement to get there to address a situation. When problems arise, whether minor or major, your dedicated security guard will be there to act swiftly. For example, if you have a customer behaving aggressively, it could take up to 20 minutes for law enforcement to arrive, whereas an on-site security guard could immediately intervene.
• Deter criminals: Having an ongoing security presence can effectively deter criminals, preventing crimes from ever occurring in the first place. In a study of incidents at train stations, researchers went beyond the typical reactive response of security guards at some stations to maintain a more robust security presence at others, and saw crime rates fall considerably at those locations. When people know there is a security guard on the premises, they’re less likely to try anything criminal.
• Maintain safety: For some businesses, the main threat may be theft or other non-violent crime. However, for many companies or institutions, in addition to possibly forestalling theft, an on-site security guard can help maintain a safe environment. They might detain a dangerous individual before a harmful incident occurs, or they may prevent violence just by their watchful presence. An armed guard has even more ability to protect people in a dangerous situation.
• Provide peace of mind: Having a dedicated security guard at your home or business gives you the confidence you won’t get with a spot patrolling service. In the case of apartment complexes or university dorms, your residents will also feel safer, knowing that a security officer is always nearby, rather than counting on a guard who may stop by or drive by for a moment at a time.

 

Choosing the Right Type of Security for Your Needs

Mobile patrolling is far more limited than on-site security. So, why do some people choose this option? The answer typically comes down to cost. Spot patrolling is more affordable than hiring a full-time security guard. However, if you want a service that provides a continuous safety net, you won’t get that with mobile security patrols.

If you cannot afford a full-time security guard, a spot patrol is better than no security presence at all. If criminals know a security guard stops by, even if only occasionally, it may deter them from trying to carry out a theft or other crime. Make sure you and the security company you contract to provide these services agree on the specific details of how often and when their stops will occur, and the level of availability they can offer.

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Choosing to keep an on-site security guard does cost more, but there are ways to save on cost if that’s a problem. You should also consider the return on your investment. As we’ve seen, you can maintain a safer environment and can avoid crime by having a security guard there at all times. Especially for some businesses, preventing crimes like theft can end up saving you a significant amount of money, making the on-site security guard well worth it. You should especially consider having a security guard on-site if:

• Crimes sometimes occur in your parking lot.
• Your property is in a high-crime area.
• You’re experiencing shoplifting.
• Your insurance policy benefits from a security presence.
• You want someone to keep unbiased records of incidents.
• You have safety concerns.
• You serve alcohol.
• You want to monitor building traffic.
• You need help with your safety program.
• You want to be ready for emergencies.

 

Contact Vigilant Tiger for Security Guard Services Today

At Vigilant Tiger Security, we understand the limitations of spot patrolling and the valuable benefits of having an on-site security guard. That’s why we focus on on-site services and do not offer spot patrolling. Our security guards have committed to providing a continuous security presence for your location. Our guards are highly trained, energetic, respectful and attentive, so you can rest easy knowing you have protected your assets, your employees and the public. For security services in Colorado Springs, contact us today.

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