Business settings, warehouses and private communities alike all require proper security systems in place. Protecting people and property is essential to ensuring consistent workplace efficiency and day-to-day comfort, whatever the setting. Workplace violence is still rampant, while simple traffic control is also essential to keeping a space properly operational. In short, any spaces that could be potential targets need to be guarded by proper perimeter security systems.
It’s important to consider whether to commit to staffing security positions or relying solely on an unstaffed barrier solution. This article will break down the reasons why one might choose to hire security staff when locking down the perimeter or why you might install unstaffed security solutions.
Why choose staffed perimeter security solutions?
Hiring security staff means getting trained guards to work on the premises. These roles can take a variety of forms, including static guards, mobile patrols and front desk security personnel.
Reasons to hire your own security team include:
- They act as a visible deterrent, with the presence of guards being a surefire way to put potential criminals off from attempting break-ins.
- Security teams can also respond to incidents immediately, confronting intruders, de-escalating situations or offering first aid as necessary.
- The intuition and dynamic nature of a human security guard will allow for more nuanced security decisions to be made. A trained individual will be able to make better judgment calls than a sensor or recognition camera.
- Staff members can also offer customer/visitor service and assistance, acting as a liaison limb for the business.
- The nature of regular patrols and moving security allows for more comprehensive and dynamic opinions on safety.
However, it’s also worth considering that there are some other considerations you need to keep in mind before hiring willy-nilly, such as:
- Security staff in the UK make around £13.41 an hour, which will cost you a lot over time, especially if you require a team to be on-site 24/7.
- Guards being human comes with some caveats, as they can become fatigued, distracted and make mistakes that could be crucial.
- A single guard can only be in one place at a time, meaning larger sites might need multiple operatives.
- Human security comes with liability risks, especially in higher-risk workplaces.
If you feel as if the pros outweigh the cons, then it might be worth getting in touch with a security staffing agency and figuring out what sort of team you’re going to need.
Why choose unstaffed perimeter security systems?
Unstaffed systems rely on technology such as alarms, sliding gates, CCTV cameras, intruder alarms, motion sensors and access control systems. The findings of the tech are then monitored, either by in-house or third-party remote staff.
Reasons to choose a tech-based security envelope include:
- The cost-effectiveness of using equipment can far eclipse hiring security guards, making it a lot more budget-friendly.
- Technology doesn’t need sleep, get sick or go on holiday, meaning you can rely on it for 24/7 monitoring and data collection.
- Cameras and perimeter security alarms can be set up all over a site for comprehensive coverage.
- Cameras are also great for capturing irrefutable evidence, vital for police investigations and insurance claims.
- Remote management can make verification easier, reducing the likelihood of false alarms.
However, again, there are some reasons that unstaffed tools might not be right, such as:
- Technology cannot react immediately, meaning intervention is less likely if crimes are captured or alarms are triggered.
- Unstaffed systems can be vulnerable to technical failures, such as power outages and internet crashes.
- Tech-savvy intruders might be able to override or bypass technological systems.
- Systems have little to no nuance, meaning decisions will be the result of pre-ordained operatives.
With all this in mind, it’s important to consider how you want to approach your own security envelope. Some sites, such as multi-office complexes, might benefit massively from security staff. On the other hand, an unmanned perimeter security system might be perfect for a gated community nestled in a fairly private area. If you’re unsure, contact the system provider and see what their recommendations are.
