Gated communities are a great way to live in safety and security. But as with any security system, there are certain mistakes that security guards must avoid in order to keep residents safe. In this article , we’ll discuss the five most common mistakes security guards make and how to avoid them. By taking note of these tips, you can ensure that your community is both safe and secure!
PLUS… how to apply and qualify for a job as a gated security officer
- Not verifying residents’ identities
It’s important for security guards in a gated community to verify residents’ identities properly. Not doing so can lead to security breaches and compromised security. To ensure safety, guards must verify each resident’s identity using proper ID verification methods. If a resident doesn’t have the correct identification, they should not be allowed entrance into the community. Additionally, guards must be on the lookout for any signs of trouble, like suspicious behavior. By taking these simple steps, security in a gated community can be guaranteed.
- Not regularly monitoring security footage
It goes without saying that security is one of the main priorities for any gated community. That’s why it’s so important to make sure security footage is regularly monitored. Not doing so can lead to criminal activity going undetected. It’s also important to keep an eye out for unusual behavior on security footage. If you see something that doesn’t seem right, it’s best to get in touch with your security team to investigate. Lastly, always make sure all cameras are working properly and are capturing clear images of everyone entering and exiting the community. Failure to do so can jeopardize your community’s security.
- Not communicating security information with residents
It’s essential for security guards in a gated community to ensure that residents are fully educated about the community rules and regulations. This way, everyone is aware of what’s expected of them and there are no surprises. Residents should also be made aware of their responsibility when it comes to keeping the community safe. For example, if someone brings drugs or alcohol into the community, they need to know that they’re liable for any incidents that occur as a result. Additionally, guard patrols should remind residents about proper security measures like locking your car doors while you’re parking in the lot and not leaving valu ables in your vehicle.
- Incomplete Entry Logs
If you’re one of the security guards in a gated community, it’s important to keep an accurate entry log. This way, you can track who’s coming and going. Additionally, if there are any incidents that occur while someone is in or outside of the community, you’ll have a better idea what happened and who was involved. It’s also important to make sure all vehicles entering and exiting the community are properly documented. For example, vehicle license plates should be recorded as well as what type of vehicle it is (e.g., car, truck). If there are any questions about a vehicle, security guard should ask the driver for identification.
Performing a partial security assessment for entries
If you’re only doing a partial security assessment, you need to make sure that all entry points are being checked. This includes the gate itself as well as any other entries or exits. Additionally, it’s important to check for anything out of the ordinary such as broken locks or cameras that have been tampered with. If there are any issues detected during your security assessment, be sure to report them immediately to your supervisor so they can take corrective action.
When on the job Ask your employer about these two critical elements:
Ask about Regular guard training
It’s also important for security guards to keep up with the latest trends and security procedures. This way, they can be better prepared when dealing with potential threats. In addition to regular guard training, gated community security should also participate in state-of-the art safety programs like emergency button activation and panic alarm systems. By doing so, you can ensure that everyone – residents and security team alike – is always safe during emergencies.
Ask about Gaps in shifts
It’s also important to keep track of who’s on duty and when they’re scheduled to be off. This way, you can ensure that there are always security guards in place when the community is busiest. Additionally, it’s essential to have a plan for how you’ll handle any unexpected situations that arise. For example, if there is an emergency situation outside of the community (e.g., someone has been shot), you need to know who should Alert Security and what steps they should take once they arrive at the community gate.
How do I apply to be a security guard at a gated community?
To apply for a security guard job at a gated community, you’ll need to have some experience working in security. Additionally, you’ll need to have excellent communication, problem solving, and organizational skills. In addition, gated communities are becoming increasingly popular as people look for more secure housing options. As a security guard, you’ll be responsible for duties such as patrolling the property, monitoring CCTV footage, conducting patrols during off hours, and more. So if you’re interested in this career path, make sure to research all the necessary requirements and applications beforehand.
some of the common requirements when applyng for a job will include:
- Be at least 18 years of age for unarmed roles; 21+ years of age for armed roles
- Possess a high school diploma or equivalent, or 5 years of verifiable experience
- As a condition of employment, applicants will be subject to a background investigation in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws.
- Companies will consider qualified applications with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable laws.
- As a condition of employment, applicants will be subject to a drug screen to the extent permitted by law.
- Licensing requirements are subject to state and/or local laws and regulations and may be required prior to employment.
Conclusion
It is essential that security guards maintain a high level of security in a gated community to ensure the safety of all residents. By following these 5 common mistakes security guards often make, you can reduce the chances of your property being breached. Make sure to install adequate security measures, verify residents’ identities, regularly monitor security footage, secure your gate, and keep your property guarded at all times!