| August 11, 2005 • ISSUE 28 / VOLUME 1 |
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Star Protection adds new technology
High-tech gear providing new job capabilities
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| Today's Security Officers are relying on high-tech equipment systems - ranging from computers, e-mail and digital cameras - to increase their efficiency in the field. |
The job of being a Security Officer has historically been very "low-tech." These jobs have typically been entry-level with little training and virtually no professional development opportunities.
Recent technological advances in the security industry are expanding the roles and capabilities of Security Officers far beyond what they have been in the past. Advancements include the use of electronic Guard Tour systems, digital cameras and Internet-based reporting systems, GPS and advanced building management software, among others.
These technologies are creating the need for Security Officers with much more advanced training than ever before and are giving Build-ing Owners and Managers more value for their security dollars. Guard Tour Systems have been around for decades. Systems like the old Morse Watchclock and Detex Newman first gave Building Managers the ability to verify the patrols their Security Officers made. Current systems like Guard 1 Plus have the ability to digitally record patrols, compare actual patrols versus budgeted parameters and to issue exception reports to the Security Supervisor when patrol standards are not being met.
These reports can be e-mailed and posted to the Internet for reference by Building Managers.
One of the very latest developments Star Protection has made in security reporting is the use of Internet based Incident Reports in place of the tried-and-true paper form on a clipboard.
Utilizing the Internet, reports can be created electronically and shared instantly via a Web site and e-mail.
By creating and storing these reports electronically, they become part of a database which can be used to generate statistics and trends and can also be searched for historical data.
Polaroid cameras have been used for many years by Security Officers to photograph incidents and trespassed persons.
Digital cameras have replaced the Polaroid in many cases because of their ease of use and the ability to rapidly share the information via e-mail to Building Managers, Insurance Representatives, Property Owners and others.
These devices are inexpensive, user friendly and greatly enhance the reporting capabilities of the Security Officer.
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Digital cameras also work extremely well with Internet-based reporting as a way to share more detailed information with Building Managers.
The use of technology is adding tremendous value and capability to the security programs at many buildings.
In many cases, these technologies can help to reduce liability, share information easier and act as a "force multiplier" by maximizing the presence of a limited number of security employees.
Building Managers need to be aware of what is available on the market from guard companies.
There are more security options available to Building Managers than ever before.
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