Private Security Officers are on the Front Line Everywhere in Maintaining Public Order and Security in the Current Crisis

Washington, D.C., April 15, 2020  salutes security officers across the United States who are playing a crucial role in public safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  There are over 1,000,000 private security officers in the United States, outnumbering public law enforcement personnel by a margin of more than two to one.   As the current crisis severely strains law enforcement resources, private security companies and their dedicated, hardworking security officers increasingly are being relied upon to provide vital security and support, including maintaining social distancing and other health and safety requirements, at hospitals, government facilities, and essential businesses.   They are also safeguarding non-essential businesses and other venues such as schools that have been closed but still require security.   While such public-facing roles come with increased public exposure, security officers throughout the U.S. are showing up for duty every day. 

Recognizing the essential nature of private security and private security officers during this crisis, the Department of Homeland Security/Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency includes “personnel (front line and management)” in “private security” in the category of essential critical workers related to “Law Enforcement, Public Safety and Other First Responders”.  Also, included in that important category is “Security staff to maintain building access control and physical security measures.”

In the United States, the vast majority of security officers are employed by contract private security companies.  This means the security officers currently providing security and public safety services on-site at medical centers, critical infrastructure and manufacturing facilities, nursing homes, grocery and hardware stores – practically everywhere --- are not employees of those essential businesses.  Nonetheless, it is those contract private security officers and their companies who are ensuring the safe, continued operation of those essential businesses.   Their contributions are often overlooked by politicians and the media.  

Accordingly, as Congress, the Federal government and state and local governments look to provide accommodations or premium compensation to essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the essential service role played by security officers and the essential business role played by private security companies cannot be overstated, nor overlooked.    

Our team works hard every day to assure the security and safety of our clients and their properties! 

Contact: 800-613-5903 

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Security solutions and safeguarding protection to the legal cannabis industry

Citiguard is recognized as the premier security firm providing on-site security solutions and safeguarding protection to the legal cannabis industry. Citiguard offers security dynamics focusing on providing highly experienced armed and unarmed security officers for retail locations, grow operations, inventory and revenue transport and all manner of workplace protection. Citiguard operates within all  federal, state and local laws and regulations that address the medical and recreational use of  marijuana and other cannabis derived products.

• Armed and Unarmed Security
• Uniformed Security Officers 
• Risk Deterrence & Safeguarding
• Asset Protection    
• Transportation Services  
• Revenue Protection  
• Security Consultations  
• Licensed & Insured Officers

If you are ready to protect your business with the best armed or unarmed security guards in the business, contact Citiguard today. Our security specialists will help you determine the best, most affordable security solutions for your needs. 

Contact: 800-613-5903 

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Armed vs. Unarmed Security: Which Type of Security Guard Do You Need?

If you’re looking to upgrade security at your commercial facility, you may be considering adding guards to your security plan. One of the first choices to consider is whether you need armed or unarmed security.  The primary function of both types of guards is to observe and report the crimes and the threat of crimes to local law enforcement. Even if the armed guard is an off-duty law enforcement officer, he or she will get involved at that level only in an extreme situation.

However, they bring different skill sets and approaches, which means that one of the two may be better suited for your business. Examining the benefits of both, along with how they match up with your company’s culture and threat assessment will determine which type of guard can meet your needs.

Armed vs. Unarmed Security

Other than weapons, what’s the main difference between the two types of guards? The goal of using uniformed armed security guards is deterrence. You want to make it evident that your property, employees, and any visitors are monitored and protected by licensed professionals who have the ability to use extreme force. Some facilities use plainclothes armed guards, but in most cases, the goal is to provide obvious visual clues that armed guards are on scene and vigilant.

The goal of using unarmed guards is deterrence and apprehension. The unarmed guards remove the risk of extreme force but provide substantially the same level of services. They can observe and report issues to local law enforcement and property managers as necessary.

For some facilities and public settings, unarmed guards may offer a higher level of comfort or peace of mind. The public may be more intimidated by an armed guard and may be less likely to interact in a casual fashion. In these instances, unarmed guards can serve as brand ambassadors and provide customer service duties like access control and providing directions in addition to their guard duties .

When to Hire an Armed Guard

An armed guard is warranted when your facility needs highly-trained personnel who can respond to a threat. They can serve as a deterrent and also provide an active response when necessary. You’ll have the benefit of experienced personnel on-site who can supplement surveillance systems and alarms. The guard can determine when to escalate a situation or defuse it, with safety and minimizing possible disruptions to your business always kept top of mind.

Some questions to consider:

Is deterrence your primary goal?

Is your business is high risk?

Is the safety of your staff and visitors a concern?

Do you have high-value assets?

Does your business operate on private property?

Armed guards don’t have to be used 24×7. Perhaps you only need them after hours when the site is empty, or during busy times of the day when more people are around? You can use unarmed guards or your security system to accommodate lower risk periods.

When to Hire an Unarmed Guard

A properly trained unarmed guard can de-escalate disputes, reducing tensions and resolving conflicts of all types. The unarmed guard can coordinate with the security system, checking up on situations spotted by cameras for example.

The mere presence of the unarmed guard can stop many criminal activities such as burglary and theft before they happen. The guard’s visible patrol activities will make criminals think it’s too risky.

Some questions to consider:

Is prevention your primary goal?

Is your business is low risk?

Is your business open to the public?

The value of the property will also play a role in selecting the type of guard that’s best for your site.

Hire Highly-Trained Security Guards

Ultimately, the choice between armed or unarmed security depends on the risks that you’re trying to mitigate. If you would not want an armed guard to respond with extreme force, then it doesn’t make sense to have that level of protection for your property or event.

If you are ready to protect your business with the best armed or unarmed security guards in the business, contact Citiguard today. Our security specialists will help you determine the best, most affordable security solutions for your needs. 

Contact: 800-613-5903 

WWW.CITIGUARDINC.COM   

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15 Smart Reasons to Hire Security Guard Services for Your Business or Event

Security guards aren’t just for celebrities. A security professional, trained to provide safety and support at your small business or special event, just might save the day. The front-end investment of event security provides priceless peace of mind, while small business security can save you money by deterring crime and shoplifting. From your business operations to your fancy soirees, here are the 15 reasons it’s wise to hire security.

Perks for Your Business

A security guard at your business might bring to mind high-drama action movies rife with shattered glass and stolen jewels. While exciting, it’s more likely that there will be no fight scenes or weapons deployed. The mere presence of a uniformed security guard provides safety in itself. Here are the ways it will benefit your small business:

• Less stress for you as the owner—when someone has your financial and physical back, you can focus on running your company
• Shoplifting, crime, and employee theft take a nosedive with an on-site security presence
• Someone will actually be watching your security cameras, stopping trouble as it starts
• By investing in your employee safety, you boost morale and dedication
• Trained guards take witness statements and collect evidence in case of a crime or accident
• Escort employees and customers after dark

Perks for your Special Event

From private parties to corporate affairs, a security guard adds a stabilizing presence to any event. Hire them as crowd control for large neighborhood gatherings, to ensure safety at a sorority party, or to manage the front door if you’re hosting a concert. Many venues now require a security guard if alcohol is being served, so check the agreement. If you’re shy about a uniform, request they dress in plainclothes to match the occasion. They’ll be there if you need them, but no one else will notice. Here are the ways a security guard will safeguard your special event:

• Monitor guest list, ensuring you’re not put in the awkward position asking someone to leave
• Handle crowd control if it’s a large event such as a concert
• Meet venue requirements if alcohol is being served
• Deter rowdy behavior
• Keep guests safe
• Escort guests to cars and transportation after dark
• Deter crime or theft
• Have a professional on hand in case of accident or crime
• Keep cars safe by avoiding parking lot break-ins

Things to Consider When Hiring

Feel safe with the person hired to keep you safe. Ask some questions before hiring someone to make sure you get the best in the business. Research the security company to learn if they:

• Do background and security tests of employees
• Perform regular drug testing
• Offer employee training and have standards in place of who works for them
• Offer armed guards—often armed is unnecessary unless you have high-risk situations. You want only the highest trained guards if they’re armed, as there is more risk of liability involved
• Offer ‘observe and report’ guards—a more practical option for most small businesses and special events, wherein guards are trained to take statements and collect evidence in the case of a crime or accident. Their main job is deterring crime via their presence

A security guard gives you peace of mind to make sure all you do at your wedding reception, charity event, or day-to-day work life is enjoy the moment at hand.

If you are ready to protect your business with the best armed or unarmed security guards in the business, contact Citiguard today. Our security specialists will help you determine the best, most affordable security solutions for your needs. 

Contact: 800-613-5903 

WWW.CITIGUARDINC.COM   

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Why You Should Hire a Security Guard to Patrol Your Apartment Complex

With many tenants living in close proximity—and sharing any range of common spaces such as lobbies, hallways, parking garages, laundry facilities, workout rooms, swimming pools, etc.—the security of an entire apartment complex can pose unique challenges.

In order to ensure a safe and secure environment for all residents, a property manager must have a system in place that deters crime and flags suspicious activity of all kinds. These activities can range from trespassing to loitering, parking problems to noise violations, and drug activity to domestic violence.

To answer these needs, there is no substitute for having a qualified security professional on patrol. A security officer functions as a key deterrent to criminal activity, a real-time responder in any situation, and a customizable solution for property owners and managers.

The following are just some of the benefits of hiring a security guard to patrol your apartment complex.

A security officer deters crime and unauthorized activity.

The most effective way to deter criminal activity is to make a building unattractive to potential criminals and burglars. This means heightening the real and perceived risk of committing a crime. The presence of a uniformed guard—armed or unarmed—is a simple way to send the message that the property is being watched and protected.  

Criminologist Philip Cook of Duke University asserts that private security efforts are playing an important role in reducing crime, with an emphasis on security guards. He notes that as the number of private security guards employed nationwide has grown—now far outnumbering police—there has been a significant drop in crime rates.

Qualified security guards should have the training and communication skills necessary to diffuse conflict. They are also usually equipped with uniforms and patrol cars that resemble those of law enforcement officers. All of this—an officer’s physical presence, appearance and targeted skills—contributes to deterring crime and making residents and guests feel safe.    

A security officer reacts in real-time, with a professional, measured response to each scenario.

Every apartment manager should have a plan in the case that an actual situation or emergency arises. Emergency management is the building owner’s legal responsibility, and there should be someone on call to answer residents’ concerns and problems. Security officers meet these needs, as long as they are properly qualified and equipped.

Domestic violence is one example of a situation that calls for quick, measured response. Officers can step in to stop violence in the act, apprehend the perpetrator and properly document the situation for litigation. In a 2014 case of domestic violence in a Memphis apartment complex, the real-time response of a neighbor, security guard and police officers was credited with saving a victim’s life. In this case, it was the security professionals who provided details of criminal trespass and assault—evidence that was used in court.

An effective security professional is trained in observing, responding to and documenting a variety of issues. The most effective officers are also monitored, managed and supported remotely, in real-time, by supervisors.

Cutting-edge management technologies—through GPS and motion sensors—can ensure that security officers remain on patrol and safe. In addition, communication devices allow officers to make quick decisions with expert supervisory input. This also reduces any potential risk of deploying security guards, while also increasing their effectiveness.

Security guard surveillance can be customized to meet the unique needs of each property.

An apartment building’s security risks and needs will likely vary according to the time of day, week or season, and shifts can be adjusted accordingly. A building’s security needs may also vary with the presence of certain high-profile guests or tenants, such as government officials, corporate executives and diplomats.

Security professionals offer a flexible, customizable solution to a building’s security needs. Officers may be deployed 24/7, or just for one or two shifts. Guards may be armed or unarmed—again, according to need.

There also might be certain physical areas of the complex that call for extra attention. For example, security risks are usually higher in parking lots and garages, especially at night. A nighttime patrol may target these areas and even provide the added service of escorting residents from parking lot to building.

When it comes to the safety and security of an apartment complex, the stakes are high for property owners, managers and residents alike. It is, in fact, the legal responsibility of apartment complex owners and management companies “to protect all residents and guests legally on premises from any foreseeable harm.”

Call Citiguard today to set up your free apartment security protection assessment and consultation.

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