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Multi-Tasking Milieu: Security Officers Branch Out from Core Functions
April, 2009
By Paul Carson
Property managers seeking to conserve energy and reduce costs may not view their security provider as a resource in that area but, increasingly it can be just that. The security services industry is evolving and expanding services well beyond core security functions.
Familiarity with the facilities where they work provides security officers with the insight to support maintenance inspections, environmental monitoring and energy conservation programs within a facility. Put simply, security officers come to know what normal operations entail and can often sense when equipment isn’t functioning properly or other conditions are out of sync with routines.
The convergence of physical security and information technology allows for deployment of sophisticated electronics, such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), to assist security officers in the performance of their duties. PDAs can be equipped to handle e-mail or phone calls, creating efficiencies that were inconceivable as recently as 10 years ago. Today, the security desk at many companies resembles a high-tech control centre with event-based, closed-circuit video monitors, motion-detecting systems and wireless entry systems.
As security officers become more comfortable working with technology, they can take on a wide variety of monitoring tasks relatively easily. These might include environmental control systems, elevator control systems and visitor badge processing.
Beyond technical systems, security officers in many commercial and residential properties are assuming concierge services, handling customer/resident complaints, delivery services, shipping and receiving functions, receptionist and switchboard services.
In one interesting example, security officers took locksmith training so that they would have the skills and qualifications to change locks as tenants’ premises turned over. For a modest investment in training, the property management company eliminated costly lock replacement services and gained tighter key control processes and protocols, thus providing an increased level of security from the keying system itself.
Such a value-added service approach can save property managers time and money. Meanwhile security personnel are busier and more productive on their shifts. Additional duties help them to be more fully aware of what is going on in the facility they are protecting. This puts them in a better position to prevent rather than simply respond to a crisis.
Full service security firms offer many additional services that can be delivered on an as-needed basis. These include executive protection, consulting and investigative services, due diligence, employment screening and security training.
Paul Carson is Vice President with the security services provider, Garda, overseeing operations in Ontario, Manitoba and the Atlantic provinces. For more information, see the web site at www.gardasecurity.com. |
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