A quality construction security guard is always alert and always ready to respond to identified risks. You'd like to think that your security guard provides the level of service needed to protect your materials and keep your construction site safe, but how can you know? The performance metrics you use to evaluate traditional contractors rarely guarantee an accurate assessment of security guards. Fortunately, a variety of techniques provide in-depth insight into your security guard's performance, providing valuable peace of mind:
Occasionally arrive earlier than usual
Employees work harder when they are under observation or when at least their supervisor can observe them firsthand. Your bouncer may perform well when you're around, but the moment you leave, he's likely to start to relax. Determine whether your guard is always on duty or only when you are on the premises; stop earlier than usual to catch security professionals off guard. It will be immediately clear whether they are shirking their duties.
Stop at night
Your security guard doesn't anticipate an early morning arrival from you, but a nighttime appearance is even less expected. Problematic security guards are much more likely to exhibit unacceptable behavior when everyone else is absent. By showing up between 11pm and 3am, you establish an element of unpredictability; Your security guard will no longer think he can get away with it when you're not around. They never know when you might show up.
When visiting, talk to your security guard
Your evening or morning visit should consist of more than a quick walk past the security checkpoint. Greet your security guard and briefly talk about the shift. To ask:
- When was the last time the guard went on patrol?
- When is the next patrol?
- What has your security guard noticed lately?
- Has anything unusual happened since your legal check-in?
In addition to determining your security guard's job performance, these questions will help you identify areas where you can improve, such as scheduling more effectively or using a better tracking system.
Look for signs that you are sleeping on the job
Few security guard behaviors are as dangerous or blatantly disrespectful as sleeping on the job. Play detective and watch for common signs of night shift napping:
- Chair grips – security guards may kick their feet back while relaxing
- Shirts or jackets rolled up to form a pillow
- Missed patrols or long periods between patrols
- Office lights off in security area
- Your bouncer appears dizzy or exhausted if you stop unexpectedly
These signs are easier to spot if you arrive late at night or earlier than usual. If you arrive at the normal start time, your security guard will likely have already cleaned up and eliminated all nap time signs.
Opt for a security company with a patrol tracking system
Don't limit yourself to late-night visits or low-quality videos. A patrol system can provide instant information about your security guard's performance. Work exclusively with a security company that uses an advanced tracking system, preferably a system that combines GPS and radio frequency identification (RFID) or, better yet, near-field communication (NFC) technology. NFC constitutes a subset of the RFID family. It is valued for its superior security and peer-to-peer capabilities.
Whether you opt for an RFID or NFC patrol tracking solution, you should never rely on GPS-only systems, as this approach rarely works inside buildings. RFID by itself is also undesirable as it cannot prove that guards are actually in the required environment. It is best to avoid security wand systems that do not have GPS and any form of RFID. Patrol tracking that combines GPS and active RFID technology is the best choice.
Also find: 10 tips to avoid theft on construction sites
Install a video surveillance system
Unexpected visits can help you determine your security guard's performance on the job, but this approach remains unreliable; Security guards who learn of your arrival will immediately alter their behavior – and return to undesirable behavior after you leave. Installing a video surveillance service allows you to act as a fly on the wall, observing your security guard's activities when you are not there. Make sure you hire a security camera company that provides professional installations like this. Video surveillance offers the added benefit of serving as a crime deterrent. Other benefits include:
- Security guards can use the surveillance system as a tool.
- Video surveillance improves overall security.
- Surveillance reduces how often you need to show up in person to check on your security guard.
Work with a security company that performs field inspections
You can show up at any time of the night, but there's no guarantee you'll observe everything that goes on behind the scenes. Most likely, you don't understand the field enough to detect problematic behaviors, even if they occur right before your eyes. In addition to utilizing a reliable tracking system, your security company should hire qualified field supervisors who conduct unscheduled inspections and report their findings in detail. Field inspections will determine:
- If your security guard is awake and alert.
- Whether patrols occur consistently.
- How security guards respond to challenges on the job.
Read the security reports (yes, read them)
Comprehensive reports are an integral part of your security guard's job, but how often do you bother to read them with a critical eye? Instead of just watching reports when something goes wrong, check them after an average shift. Things to note when reading reports:
- Patrol times. If scheduled patrols always occur at the same time, your security guard may create listings, which will not match the tracking system reports.
- Observations of unusual behavior and how your security guard responded.
- Check the locations where your guard intends to scan. Notice problematic patterns, such as visiting a specific area too often.
In a perfect world, all security guards assigned to protect construction sites would do an excellent job. Unfortunately, there are some that provide services that are not so good. Just hiring a security company to provide guarding is not enough. It's best to take a few steps to ensure your website is as safe and secure at levels that meet or exceed your expectations. You will never regret going the extra mile to ensure you receive the best service from your construction security guards.
