Working in law enforcement usually means that you will be assisted in some capacity. Police officers and security guards work together to battle crime. To assist their security endeavours, they will be aided by a variety of essential equipment and tools.
Security guards have their respective toolkits to help them out in their day-to-day duties. Some may not be used as extensively as others, while other types of security guard equipment may be used daily. These tools all serve to assist the security guard in various ways.
Here are eight different types of security guard equipment and their uses:
Equipment #1: Mobile Communication
A security guard will not stay seated in one area for long periods. Their role may see them patrolling other areas of the building or venue. As a result, they need to stay in the loop regarding all avenues of communication with colleagues. The right mobile device will then be required.
Sometimes, this type of mobile communication can vary due to where they are located in general. A two-way radio may be used in some circumstances, while a walkie-talkie could be used in others. Whichever device is used, you can rest assured that a security guard will make the most out of it.
Equipment #2: Weapons
There are many ways police officers and security guards are alike and dissimilar. The weapons they may carry while patrolling an area bridge the two positions together. Concerning security guards, the type of weapons they carry with them may be less lethal in general.
You can expect a security guard to carry with them a baton for physical confrontations that become violent. Should the security guard maintain distance from a violent individual, pepper spray may be used to keep them at bay. It is not as common for these professionals to carry firearms, but they can in certain situations. Security guards must pass a specified set of qualifications, including a security guard license, to hold possession of weapons.
Equipment #3: Notepad
Another key aspect of the overall job is to ensure that notes are taken regularly. This helps ensure that higher-ups know what transpires each day or night. As a result, expect a security guard to carry a notepad, as well as the right utensils during each of their shifts. These types of security guard equipment helps to keep tasks and duties organized.
Equipment #4: Flashlight
For those working the late evenings, patrolling an area may be cumbersome. The main lights are generally shut off, leaving the security guard to increase visibility themselves. The best way to do this is to simply carry the right lighting source for proper navigation. Flashlights allow a security guard to do just that without interfering in their comfort.
Equipment #5: Belt
The toolkit is an important aspect of any security guard’s overall structure. Sometimes, it can be awkward to carry around many items each shift. To stay on the safer side of things, a belt can be used to safely house the most important pieces of equipment. These types of security guard equipment are not just a fashion statement. Belts are used to keep everything in one, accessible place!
Equipment #6: Laptop
Once a security guard is finished patrolling their usual pathways, they will sit down and prepare to do administrative work. The company will usually give the security guard a laptop to do the work. Or, a desktop computer may be provided as an alternative, depending on the nature of the work that the company provides.
Equipment #7: First Aid Tools
Should the security guard see someone in distress, they may need first aid administered. First aid goes a long way in ensuring that lives are not lost, no matter the severity of the situation. Sometimes, the types of medical equipment carried may be smaller in stature.
For example, the basics of medical responses could involve carrying gauze for bleeding patrons. Since security guards are not fully trained medical professionals, they are not expected to have everything. However, knowing the basics of responding to a potential emergency remains a key facet of their job.
Equipment #8: Clothing
Above all else, the standard security guard outfit must be worn when a shift is required. This, of course, will involve several different components, depending on where the company is located. For instance, bulletproof vests may be worn in highly-volatile areas to add an extra layer of protection. These items serve to shield the individual from a variety of threats!