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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The Changing Role of the Security Guard during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Los Angeles

During the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, all over the world, security guards are seeing their roles change as they have been enlisted to assist the community and the government in combating the COVID-19 in what may once have been seen as non-traditional security roles.

During this unprecedented time, security firms in the Los Angeles are asking their teams to pivot. From planning the logistics and security for the world’s largest critical care units for treating patients with coronavirus, to performing free local patrols to client premises during the lockdown to volunteering to assist the elderly, vulnerable or ‘at risk’ individuals who are unable to leave their homes, security companies of all sizes are stepping up to the challenge. 

In a few short weeks, the sight of a security guard outside stores has become commonplace to ensure the safety of shoppers, limit the number of people who can enter a shop at any one time, and ensure social, or physical, distancing is maintained in stores. Prior to COVID-19, the retail guarding focus was traditionally aimed towards loss prevention and employee safety, although still an issue, it is no longer its sole focus. 

Citiguard  is now providing security personnel to hundreds of supermarkets across the country to assist with crowd management, ensuring social distancing is respected, and making sure the elderly, and key workers get access to their shopping hour. 

Patrolling, key-holding, incident assistance, high-risk product protection to prevent theft, and worker welfare checking are only a few of the roles security guards routinely fill. But with most high streets and retail parks now shuttered, there has also been an increase in the need for mobile patrols in the Los Angeles to ensure the security of empty and closed commercial, retail, or office premises  and additional security fire watch patrols.

Although drastic changes have been made to the market, such as removing all seating and changing to takeout options only to keep customers safe, the market will have security guards screening people before they go in and keeping track of numbers to control crowds. 

Fortunately, some security companies were already equipped to meet the new challenges posed by the COVID-19 coronavirus before its outbreak. Thanks to new and improving security software, clients can have clear visibility into what’s happening at a vacant site through their own client portals. If an incident should occur, instant notifications are also sent and received by the appropriate person. Finally, the head office can communicate up-to-date COVID-19 (or other) information directly with teams on sites via message boards. If instructions change, information can be sent through updated post orders, and verified if the new instructions are acknowledged. It is precisely this kind of future-proof technology that is helping keep security guards safe as they work to keep the world a safer place. By adopting readily-available technology such as cloud applications that are optimised via cellular networks, security firms can be more efficient and increase the value of the service that they provide. 

Citiguard security guards may not be recognized as often as front line heroes like the medical personnel, security guards are key workers, working behind the scenes to support critical infrastructure. Please don’t forget to recognize these outstanding women and men and the crucial work they are doing to keep everyone safe and secure on social media using front line security to show them we care.

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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Top 10 Valentine's Day Safety Tips

1. Don’t announce your plans on social media. 

First things first: don’t share your dinner reservation, movie plans, or anything else that could be used to identify your home as vacant. Sharing this information makes your home an easier target for burglars. More than 60% of burglars know their victims—even more reason to be mindful of what you post on social media.

2. Wait to post pictures

The temptation to post pictures of the great food, the beautiful restaurant, and the romantic scenery can be great, but resist it until after the date. Just like announcing your plans, the pictures will show that you’re not currently at home. 

3. Lock doors and windows

Avoiding social media does not guarantee that your home is safe. It may seem simple, but make sure that you’ve locked all the doors and windows, including those upstairs. Most burglars enter through the front door (34%), followed by a first-floor window (23%), and back door (22%).

4. Light up your home

A great, easy way to deter burglars is by making it appear that your home is occupied. That begins by turning the lights on.

5. Put your valuables away

Don’t leave electronics, bank statements, or jewelry on counters, tables, or nightstands. Put these items in a drawer or—even better—a safe. When possible, position large electronics, like TVs and stereos, so they are hidden when looking through your windows.

6. Limit cash on hand

Valentine’s Day is a busy and often chaotic evening. You could lose your wallet or purse, or even be the victim of a pickpocket! Protect yourself by limiting the amount of cash you bring, along with other items.

7. Keep valuables in front

Okay, you had to bring the purse to complete your outfit. That’s fine, just remember to always keep it in front of you at all times. Always zip it fully closed if you can. Guys: the same goes for you. Put your wallet in your front pocket. It's easier for someone to grab it without you noticing if it's your back pocket.

8. Walk in well-lit, trafficked areas

It’s undoubtedly romantic to end your date on a walk where it’s just you, your partner, and silence. We see it in movies all the time. However, it also leaves you vulnerable to a waiting burglar. We’re not suggesting you head to a crowded shopping mall; just make sure others around who could help.

9. Ask a trusted person to take care of your home. 

If one night out on the town isn’t enough and you’ve planned a romantic getaway, ask someone you trust—like a neighbor—to look after your home. Instruct them to pick up the mail/packages, shovel the snow, water the plants, or anything else to make it appear that you’re still there. We recommend rewarding them afterward for their efforts.

10. Turn off the oven, put out the candles and fires. 

If crowds are not your cup of tea and you have a lovely night-in planned, be careful. Don’t leave anything on—oven, lit candles, etc.—when you leave the room or go to bed for the night. Just to be extra safe, make sure that your smoke and heat sensor is properly functioning.

Our team works hard every day to assure the security and safety of our clients and their properties! Citiguard Security Guard Company hopes that you have a wonderful and safe Valentine's Day! 

Contact: 800-613-5903 

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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 

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10 Crucial Duties of a Security Guard or Bodyguard

What are the duties of a security guard? What are the responsibilities of a hired private guard? Do you want to hire security personnel, and want to know their role? Are you interested in becoming a security guard? If you are interested in the answer to any of the questions above, then read on.

Police officers and other law enforcement agents are trained to intervene or respond when crime and violence happens (or afterwards). Rather than this reactive approach to crime, security guards adopt a preventive approach.

In other words, security guards prevent risks and deter crime, watch out for looming danger, and report any crime they may encounter. All the duties performed by a security guard are aimed at this one objective (that is, prevention of crime). Now, let’s dig deeper into the duties performed by a security guard. Without wasting your time, below are ten of them:

Top 10 Duties of a Security Guard / Bodyguard

1.  To be clearly visible

One of the duties of a security guard is to make his or herself clearly visible, as this would deter criminals. Most burglars, shoplifters, muggers, and other criminals would think twice if they see a security guard on duty. So, being visible is one of the ways by which a security guard foils theft, damage, personal injury, and other dastardly acts.

2.  To be vigilant

A security guard watches out for any strange thing that may mean harm. For this reason, he must have very keen senses of sight, hearing, and smelling. He should be able to smell it when a cable is burning or when a chemical is leaking from its container.

He should be able to detect strange sounds, such as when someone is secretly trying to open a door. He should be able to sense it when someone is cleverly trying to divert his attention off his duty. And he should be able to interpret quickly whatever he sees. So based on these responsibilities, someone who is short-sighted or long-sighted won’t make a good security guard.

3.  To respond quickly and correctly during crisis

Not only does a security guard sense crisis; he acts fast to control the situation. So, a security guard must always be at alert to avoid being caught unawares. How a security guard responds to crisis varies depending on the threat. A security guard must know how best to respond to various dangerous situations.

4.  Observing and reporting

Even after a dangerous situation has been successfully averted, a security guard must not relax yet. He should keep observing until he is sure that there are no more problems. After a crisis, a security guard should report the incident to his supervisor, the police or the appropriate authorities (such as the fire services in the case of a fire outbreak). This way, further steps would be taken to avert a future recurrence.

5.  Getting help

During some very dangerous situations (such as armed robbery attacks or assaults with deadly weapons), a security guard may be unable to handle the situation. In that case, he would need some help, and he should waste no time in calling the police. By getting help this way, loss of lives or property would be averted.

Top 10 Duties, Responsibilities and Role of a Security Guard

6.  Checking and monitoring

Sometimes, a security guard would be required to maintain certain rules and policies as laid down by his employer. Individuals may require that visitors be searched before granted entry or that only visitors for which an appointment has been earlier fixed should be granted entry. Similarly, organizations may require their employees to show their ID cards before being granted entry into the work premises. In such cases, a security guard must check and ensure that all the rules and obeyed.

7.  Maintain order among people

Security guards are usually present in large gatherings, such as parties and political or religious assemblies. This is to ensure the safety of lives and property and also to prevent stampedes and breakdown of law and order.

8.  Receiving guests

If a security guard positions at an entrance, chances are, he will double as a receptionist because he is usually the first to receive guests and show them their way. This additional duty requires a security guard to be very friendly, approachable, and willing to help others.

9.  Offer safety warnings and tips

Among the responsibilities of the security guard is to give tips and precautions to his employers on how to prevent security-threatening situations. He should also explain the likely consequences of ignoring these tips, as a way of convincing his employers to adhere to his advice. In addition, a security guard should do his best to ensure that all safety precautions are adhered to.

10. Performing other special duties

Some security guards, especially those hired by individuals, do more than their primary duty most of the time. They may be saddled with additional responsibilities, such as receiving phone calls, responding to text and email messages, and running vital errands for their employer. If you are planning to take up a full-time or part-time security guard job, keep in mind that you will be required to perform these duties.

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