You might think that hiring a security guard or team of security personnel is all you need to protect your business. On the other hand you might think that installing a comprehensive security system is all you need. The two on their own are no doubt effective in different ways, but are even more beneficial when combined. However, security guards on their own are limited to their singular entities whereas a security system provides full coverage of an entire specified area, lacking only the immediate physical response that a guard would possibly have. No protection system is perfect, but there are certain advantages and disadvantages that are unique to each. As a security system provider our team at Perfect Connections, Inc. believe a comprehensive security system can help businesses avoid potential catastrophes. We have been securing business facilities throughout northern and central New Jersey for the past 23 years. Our systems have provided their owners with a peace of mind hard to obtain from anything else.
Pros & Cons: Security Guards
One of the most obvious pros to hiring security guards to watch over your business is their physical presence. Being there in person allows for an immediate reaction if the need arises. Having a security guard present at your business also creates a sense of security among employees and customers. Their physical presence can also act as a crime deterrent making a targeted location less appealing to a thief or criminal. As a business owner instead of hiring another individual or taking time out of your schedule, security guards can also be assigned to monitor surveillance footage.
What are some of the potential cons? Unlike a surveillance camera that is constantly keeping watch because that’s its inherent function, humans are not guaranteed to be vigilant 100% of the time regardless of their pay. To that point, the cost of hiring security personnel can sometimes be a financial burden for businesses. Costs can vary depending on the type of security guard you’re looking for (i.e. armed or unarmed etc.). The costs for a security guard can range anywhere from $10-100 per hour. Knowing that you hired a reputable guard can be tricky too. Some guard service companies may not be licensed and this can affect the quality in training, background checks, and insurance of the guards they represent. To be sure you’re hiring a professional that has a solid background it’s important to use a licensed and bonded guard service company. Security guards are only human which means they can’t see absolutely everything. On the other hand security cameras can be set up to cover an entire store or facility so if that shoplifter or thief isn’t caught red-handed, they can be caught on camera.
Overall, hiring a security guard seems to have more pros than cons for many businesses. However, the human element shouldn’t be the only line of defense for a business. Incorporating technology is an important and cost effective aspect to safeguarding any business facility. In fact according to SecurityMagazine.com, “It is at the critical interface of manpower and technology that the greatest cost efficiencies related to security management can be gained.” While the physical response of a guard is ultimately the desired outcome of any security situation their reaction time and effectiveness would be greatly enhanced with the technological aid of a comprehensive security system.
If a guard were able to monitor what surveillance cameras are capturing via a mobile device versus having to sit in a designated room, their reaction time to an issue would ultimately be quicker. They would have the security info and alerts they need in the palm of their hand versus having to look or wait for it. This holds true for an activated alarm, if it goes off, a notification will be sent directly to the guard’s mobile device. Remote monitoring is a helpful security feature that is becoming commonplace in many comprehensive security systems nowadays. It makes sense considering our “on the go” society lifestyle.
While no system is infallible a combination of customized security features will help protect any business facility. Adding the human element of a security guard couldn’t hurt either, just be sure you’re hiring someone reputable. You might consider combining the two, technology and guards, it really depends on the type of business you operate. At Perfect Connections, Inc. we believe a customized comprehensive security system can greatly decrease the chances of catastrophe at any establishment. Our team has been providing expert service to businesses throughout northern and central New Jersey since 1992. Security systems provide a peace of mind you can’t obtain from anything else and they let you get back to what is most important, running your business.
If you live or run a business in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, please call 800-369-3962 or simply CLICK HERE.
Image Credit: Image by Garry Knight-Flickr-Creative Commons
s a vital role in any comprehensive security system. It helps authorities catch criminals and provides helpful insight into your business operations by collecting and analyzing data on a daily basis. Where and how is all of this visual and analytical data being “collected?” That is the ever pressing question for system integrators and end-users alike. Storing surveillance data can be as important to the efficiency of your security system as having the surveillance equipment itself. We are catapulting ourselves into the future with the constant evolution of technology in all aspects of life including security system components, and surveillance storage solutions are no exception, but not all are created equal.