Security guards work to mitigate threats to businesses across various sectors. Today’s businesses face a wide variety of threats. Today we’ll take a look at how security guards match up against current concerns for security leaders.

A recent poll gives us some insight into what issues worry security leaders the most. The top ten threats, as seen by the industry leaders, are:

1. Workplace violence
2. Business continuity and business resilience
3. Cybersecurity
4. Crisis management
5. Staffing and training
6. Risk and threat intelligence
7. Theft (loss prevention/ asset protection)
8. Security Budget
9. Civil unrest/Targeted protests
10. Insider Threats

Security guards are great assets when it comes to combatting these issues. Here’s how. 

Security Guards Mitigate Top Industry Concerns

Security guards are highly prized assets in the security world because of their diversity. They can be deployed to prevent all types of issues and bring a myriad of skills to the table when it comes to protecting a business. 

Here is how security guards match up against some of the biggest issues facing today’s businesses.

• Workplace Violence: Security guards are trained to identify and de-escalate potential workplace violence situations. Their presence can deter aggression, and they can intervene quickly if a situation arises. By being vigilant and proactive, security guards play a crucial role in maintaining a safe work environment for employees and visitors.
• Crisis Management: In times of crisis, security guards are essential for maintaining order and ensuring the safety of people and assets. They can help coordinate emergency response efforts, guide evacuations, and provide real-time information to management and emergency services. Guards are also trained to handle high-stress situations calmly and effectively, which is crucial for minimizing the impact of a crisis. Security guards can help businesses navigate crises and recover more quickly by being prepared and responsive.
• Risk & Threat Intelligence: Security guards can serve as a business's eyes and ears, gathering valuable intelligence about potential risks and threats. By monitoring the premises, observing suspicious activities, and interacting with employees and visitors, guards can identify potential vulnerabilities and provide early warning of emerging threats. This intelligence can inform security strategies, allocate resources effectively, and adapt to changing risk landscapes. With their situational awareness and knowledge of the environment, security guards are essential for effective risk and threat intelligence.
• Theft: One of the primary roles of security guards is to prevent theft and protect company assets. Guards can deter potential thieves by maintaining a visible presence, monitoring high-risk areas, and conducting regular patrols. They can also implement access control measures, such as checking bags and identifying visitors, to prevent unauthorized entry and removal of assets. In the event of a theft, guards can respond quickly, gather evidence, and liaise with law enforcement to increase the chances of recovery.
• Security Budget: While security guards are an investment, they can provide significant returns regarding loss prevention, risk mitigation, and business continuity. By deterring crime, preventing incidents, and minimizing the impact of crises, guards can help businesses avoid costly losses and disruptions. Moreover, the presence of security guards can enhance the perception of safety and security, boosting employee morale, customer confidence, and overall brand reputation. When viewed in this light, investing in security guards can be a cost-effective way to protect a business's bottom line.
• Civil Unrest/Targeted Protests: Businesses can become targets of civil unrest and protests in an era of heightened social and political tensions. Security guards can help protect businesses during these events by monitoring the situation, securing the premises, and controlling access. Guards can also serve as liaisons with law enforcement and provide real-time updates to management. By maintaining a professional and impartial presence, guards can help defuse tensions and prevent property damage. In a protest or civil unrest, having security guards on-site can be the difference between a peaceful resolution and a damaging disruption.
• Insider Threats: Insider threats, such as employee theft or data breaches, can be some of a business's most challenging and damaging risks. Security guards can play a key role in mitigating these threats by monitoring employee behavior, enforcing access controls, and investigating incidents. Guards can also serve as a visible deterrent, reminding employees that their actions are being observed and that misconduct has consequences. By working closely with HR and IT departments, security guards can help identify potential insider threats and respond quickly to minimize damage.

Security Guards Prevent Many Security Concerns

Every day presents a new challenge in the business world. To help prevent and navigate your top security concerns, rely on security guards from Elite Investigations. Call (866) 779-5017 or click here to get started today.