What Are the Different Types of Security Patrols?

Written by Rafi Kalliny

Security patrol services are a cornerstone of maintaining safety and security across various environments, from residential areas to commercial properties. Whether it’s deterring criminal activities, ensuring the safety of employees, or safeguarding valuable assets, security patrols play a vital role in creating a secure environment. However, not all patrols are the same, and understanding the differences can help businesses and property owners make informed decisions about their security needs.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of security patrols offered by security patrol companies, their benefits, and how they can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of your property or business.

Mobile Patrol Security

Mobile patrol security is one of the most versatile and effective forms of security patrol. In this service, security guards conduct regular patrols using vehicles, allowing them to cover larger areas or multiple sites efficiently. Mobile patrols are particularly beneficial for expansive properties such as industrial parks, large commercial properties, and residential communities.

The visible presence of a patrol vehicle acts as a strong deterrent to potential criminals, sending a clear message that the area is under active surveillance. Mobile patrols can also respond quickly to incidents, providing a rapid security presence in case of emergencies or suspicious activities. This flexibility makes mobile patrol security a popular choice for businesses that require a high level of security across a wide area.

Mobile patrols are especially effective in industries where large areas need to be monitored regularly, such as warehouses, car dealerships, and manufacturing plants.

• Warehouses: These facilities often contain large inventories of valuable goods, making them prime targets for theft. Mobile patrols can cover the vast spaces typical of warehouses, checking for signs of break-ins, unauthorized access, or other suspicious activities. The ability to patrol both inside and outside the facility ensures comprehensive security coverage.
• Car Dealerships: Car dealerships usually have extensive lots filled with vehicles, many of which are parked outdoors, making them vulnerable to theft and vandalism. Mobile patrols can effectively monitor these large areas, especially after business hours, deterring potential thieves with their presence and responding swiftly to any incidents.
• Manufacturing Plants: In manufacturing environments, security isn’t just about preventing theft; it’s also about ensuring safety. Mobile patrols can monitor both the perimeter and the interior of manufacturing plants, checking for security breaches, safety hazards, or unauthorized personnel. This is especially crucial in plants that handle dangerous materials or complex machinery.

Foot Patrols

Foot patrols involve security guards walking through designated areas on foot. This type of patrol is particularly effective in environments that require close observation and interaction, such as shopping centers, office buildings, and residential complexes.

Foot patrols allow security guards to engage with the community, providing a visible security presence that can deter criminal activities. By walking through the area, guards can identify potential threats, address issues as they arise, and build relationships with the people they are protecting. This level of interaction is crucial in environments where the safety of employees, customers, or residents is a top priority.

Industries like apartment complexes and hotels benefit greatly from foot patrols:

• Apartment Complexes: In residential settings, the safety of residents is paramount. Foot patrols can monitor common areas, parking lots, and building entrances, ensuring that only authorized individuals are on the premises. The presence of foot patrols also fosters a sense of security among residents, as they see guards regularly walking through their community.
• Hotels: For hotels, maintaining a secure environment for guests is critical. Foot patrols can monitor guest floors, lobbies, and other public areas, ensuring that guests feel safe during their stay. Security guards can also assist with customer service tasks, such as helping lost guests or providing directions, further enhancing the guest experience.

Stationary Patrols

Stationary patrols involve security guards being positioned at specific locations, such as entry points, exits, or other critical areas that require constant monitoring. Unlike mobile or foot patrols, stationary guards do not move around much but play a crucial role in controlling access to secure areas.

These guards are often the first point of contact for anyone entering a building or facility. Their responsibilities may include checking credentials, verifying identities, and ensuring that only authorized personnel are allowed access. In high-security environments, such as government buildings, banks, or hospitals, stationary patrols are essential for maintaining strict access control and preventing unauthorized entry.

For industries like hospitals and manufacturing plants, where the security of sensitive areas is paramount, stationary patrols provide a reliable solution:

• Hospitals: Security in hospitals involves more than just protecting physical assets; it’s also about safeguarding patients, staff, and sensitive medical information. Stationary patrols can monitor key areas like emergency rooms, entrances, and restricted zones such as pharmacies or data centers, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access.
• Manufacturing Plants: In manufacturing facilities, certain areas might be restricted due to safety concerns or the presence of proprietary information. Stationary patrols can control access to these areas, ensuring that only employees with proper clearance can enter. This is especially important in plants that work with hazardous materials or sensitive technologies.

Random Patrols

Random patrols are an unpredictable and highly effective form of security patrol. In this approach, security guards conduct their rounds at different times and follow varying routes, making it difficult for potential criminals to predict their movements.

The unpredictability of random patrols is one of their greatest strengths. Criminals often rely on patterns and routines to exploit security weaknesses. By varying patrol times and routes, security personnel can disrupt these patterns, making it much harder for criminals to carry out their plans.

Random patrols are particularly effective in environments that are vulnerable to theft, vandalism, or other forms of criminal activity. For example:

• Car Dealerships: Where expensive vehicles are often displayed outside, random patrols can deter theft or vandalism by ensuring that security personnel are present at unpredictable times. This keeps potential criminals off-balance, reducing the likelihood of a security breach.
• Warehouses: With large inventories stored in vast spaces, warehouses can be targets for organized theft. Random patrols make it difficult for criminals to plan their activities, as they cannot predict when and where security guards will be patrolling.

Dedicated Patrols

Dedicated patrols are a focused form of security service, where guards are assigned to a specific area or site for continuous surveillance. This type of patrol provides a higher level of security by ensuring that the assigned area is under constant watch.

Dedicated patrols are often used in environments that require round-the-clock protection, such as data centers, corporate headquarters, or high-end residential areas. These patrols ensure that the area is continuously monitored, reducing the likelihood of security breaches or incidents.

In industries like hospitals and apartment complexes, where security needs are complex and ongoing, dedicated patrols provide a consistent security presence that can adapt to the specific needs of the environment:

• Hospitals: Given the round-the-clock nature of hospital operations, dedicated patrols ensure that there is always a security presence to respond to any incidents. Whether it’s handling a disruptive patient, preventing unauthorized access to restricted areas, or ensuring the safety of night-shift staff, dedicated patrols are essential.
• High-End Residential Areas: In luxury residential settings, residents expect a high level of security. Dedicated patrols can provide continuous monitoring, ensuring that only residents and authorized visitors have access to the premises. This is particularly important in areas where privacy and security are of utmost importance.

Security Patrols in Crisis Management

While security patrols are crucial for day-to-day operations, their role becomes even more vital during crises. Whether it’s a natural disaster, fire, or other emergency, security guards play a critical role in managing the situation and ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

• Emergency Response: In the event of an emergency, security guards are often the first to respond. They can assist in evacuating the premises, provide first aid if necessary, and coordinate with emergency services. Their knowledge of the facility and its occupants makes them invaluable during a crisis.
• Maintaining Order: During a crisis, panic can spread quickly. Security patrols help maintain order, directing people to safety and preventing chaos. Their presence alone can be calming, as employees and visitors know that trained professionals are handling the situation.
• Post-Crisis Security: After the immediate crisis has passed, security patrols continue to play a vital role. They can secure the premises to prevent unauthorized access, assist with damage assessments, and help in the recovery process. Their ongoing presence ensures that the site remains safe as normal operations resume.
• Specific Industry Needs: Different industries have unique crisis management needs. For example, in hospitals, security guards must be prepared to handle medical emergencies, protect sensitive areas, and assist in the evacuation of patients. In manufacturing plants, they might need to secure hazardous materials and ensure that production areas are safe.

Choosing the Right Security Patrol Company

Selecting the right security patrol company is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of your property. Whether you require mobile patrol security for large areas or stationary patrols for specific entry points, it’s essential to work with a company that understands your unique needs.

When choosing a security patrol company, consider factors such as experience, reputation, and the range of services offered. Reputable security patrol companies provide tailored services, experienced patrol security guards, and the latest technology to ensure comprehensive protection.

It’s also important to choose a company that values communication and transparency. A good security provider will work closely with you to understand your security concerns, develop a customized security plan, and keep you informed about any potential issues or incidents.

Finally, don’t overlook the importance of customer service. A security company that prioritizes client satisfaction and provides responsive support can make a significant difference in the overall effectiveness of your security strategy.

Understanding the different types of security patrols is essential for making informed decisions about the security measures that best suit your needs. Whether it’s mobile patrol security, foot patrols, or stationary monitoring, each type of patrol offers unique advantages. By choosing the right combination of patrol services and working with a reputable security patrol company, you can ensure that your property, employees, and assets are well-protected.

At ASAP Security, we offer a wide range of security patrol services tailored to meet the specific needs of your business or property. Our experienced security guards are trained to provide the highest level of protection, using best practices in the industry. Whether you operate a hospital, warehouse, car dealership, apartment complex, hotel, or manufacturing plant, we have the expertise to keep your environment secure. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create a safer, more secure environment.