Security Guard Models -"Observe and Report" or the "Intervention" Model
Introduction
In recent times, the traditional role of security guards as mere observers and reporters has come under scrutiny. With law enforcement agencies facing overwhelming challenges and unable to provide the same level of service as in the past, there is a growing need for security guard models to evolve. The shift from a passive observe-and-report approach to a more proactive intervention model is becoming increasingly essential. However, such a transition comes with its own set of challenges and raises questions about the need for government regulatory oversight.
The Changing Landscape of Law Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies worldwide are grappling with a myriad of challenges, ranging from budget constraints to personnel shortages and rising crime rates. This has led to a noticeable decrease in the quality and speed of response to security threats. As a result, private security firms and their guards are increasingly being called upon to fill the void left by the strained public sector.
The Intervention Model: A Necessity, Not a Luxury
The traditional observe-and-report model of security guards, while effective in some situations, falls short in the face of today's complex security landscape. Security guards are often the first line of defense, and their ability to not only observe but also intervene can be crucial in preventing or minimizing potential threats. The intervention model empowers security personnel to take immediate action when faced with a security breach, thereby enhancing the overall safety and security of the premises they protect.
Benefits of the Intervention Model
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Regulatory Oversight: A Crucial Component
As security guard models transition towards a more intervention-centric approach, there is a pressing need for robust government regulatory oversight. This oversight should ensure that security personnel are adequately trained, equipped, and adhere to ethical standards in their intervention activities.
Key aspects of regulatory oversight should include:
Conclusion
As law enforcement faces unprecedented challenges, the role of security guards is evolving to fill the gaps in public safety. The transition from the traditional observe-and-report model to a more proactive intervention model is a necessary step in adapting to the complexities of modern security threats. However, for this transition to be successful and ethical, robust government regulatory oversight is essential. Striking the right balance between empowering security guards to intervene and ensuring accountability through regulation is crucial for creating a safer and more secure society.
President @ Parrish Security Group | Security Management Expert
7 个月More government intrusion is a recipe for disaster. Perhaps a better solution would be for security contractors to actually be honest and tell their clients that there is no such a thing as cheap security. Until the compensation issue is addressed in a meaningful manner, the guarding industry will continue to suffer from the bad reputation that it has earned. Have you ever heard the large companies talk about elevating wages? No they are all the same check out their google reviews. Mediocrity at work
We've seen a number of effective interventions in the past few years. Just in the past few weeks, mall security prevented a successful robbery in a Brampton jewllery store. I also remember the disarming of a suspect with a machete outside a downtown office tower a few years ago. Many of these security professionals choose to move to become police officers, but I do beleive there is room for a more highly trained, professional security model to assist alongside law enforcement efforts. I just don't think there is the political will.
Vice President @ Regal Security | MBA Mini, Sales Chairman of the Board - Security Guard Association of Ontario (SGAO)
1 年Everyone, the elephant in the room is, that we are not a function of the government, we are an at profit industry, you have consultants and clients muddle to e water by say sure, they will do this and do that, we will just hold their feet to the fire through contract penalties. Its laughable to be honest, and these consultants who think they are doing a service to their clients need to look at the industry to see what they actually capable of. Some companies focus on conceirge services, which is perfectly acceptable and their are some that focus on “intervention capable” guards which should garner more from a pay perspective, but some bright spark says, if we pay more, we have to train less, wrong. You have to train even more and at the end of the day, just remember, your contracts cannot force a company into doing things that are unsafe and a guard has a right to refuse if they feel the work is unsafe. Just remember that!!! Sorry Brian, I know, I know, im long winded
Safety and Security Administrator|Risk and Compliance/ Certified First Aid CPR Instructor/First Responder/Licensed Security Professional and PI/Certified Investigative Security Specialist
1 年Observe and report, hmmmm- there is the expectation to not just sit back and watch. In malls, hospitals, shelters, we are there to interevene. Police have advised clients to stop calling them for repeat offenders because they have security- without realizing not all guards have use of force or are expereinced enough to intervene, do an ejection of aggressive persons , or restrain ( hospitals). The respect , cooperation compensation and training all need to be be raised much higher level to have guards willing and ABLE to intervene .
Vice President @ Regal Security | MBA Mini, Sales Chairman of the Board - Security Guard Association of Ontario (SGAO)
1 年Brian, et al, intervention capable has always been a thing, you know that, the client is not always someone that knows what they want, or if they do, they dont know how to articulate that in a fashion that is understandable to us lowly security geeks. Clients dont want to pay for, the training required, and when they place ridiculous requirements into an RFP document that cant possibly be done at the lowest price, consultants and clients alike need to push for and demand proper training with an eye to being the “best” trained organization out there. The paradigm needs to shift, lip service needs to end and health and safety needs to be the measure, not the lowest price is the law, we are not selling shirts and underwear here. I could continue, but i already know you find me long winded, so i will stop with the diatribe… lol…