Throughout the years we’ve started to see the role of the security officer transform. We’ve evolved from a traditionally silent figure manning an entrance, to a multi-skilled, multi-tasking front of house face to an organisation.
There are new roles and responsibilities for the security profession, and Covid has only escalated this shift. Security officers are now responsible for managing building reoccupation, staff and visitor health checks, track and trace, and space planning, making the importance of security officers and their blend into front of house essential in the return to work.
The First Face
Security officers are moving from keeping a building safe and secure to supporting people adapt to the new normal. As part of this merger between the two, security officers must be looking out for people displaying Covid-19 symptoms as well as supporting anyone who feels unsafe as they enter the building. Security officers may find themselves asking an individual who has breached social distancing rules to modify their behaviour, essentially mirroring what the Police are doing in the public domain. This could inevitably result in occasional disputes and dealing with sensitive issues. Therefore, security officers are in a new position where they need to adopt softer skill sets to play the role of both front of house and security personnel.
It’s vital we ensure all security officers are trained appropriately. They need to know how to use the new Covid-19 equipment and the best approach when refusing entry to those who fail tests. Most vitally, security officers need to be given direction on how to approach sensitive conversations with individuals.
Utilising Tech
There’s been so much change over the past year. However, security is agile and always ready to adapt to new risks and demands. If anything, there’s been a leap, not in what we are working on, but the way we work. With security officers in high demand to occupy front of house positions and enforce Covid precautions, security systems have played an important role for premises.
Remote monitoring gives security officers the freedom to perform more front of house responsibilities that demand the human touch. Having cameras signalling alerts to a monitoring centre rather than a security officer onsite, means security personnel have more time to focus on front of house service and Covid related accountabilities. With remote monitoring, there are always multiple eyes on the alarm boards so there is no chance of missing anything.
Moving forward, the skills of a security officer must continue reflecting those of FOH, with the wellbeing of people just as important as their safety. However, they’re not alone in this shift of responsibility. The blend of FOH and security is enveloped by upgraded technologies, freeing up time for security officers, and implementing cost savings that can be used to pay officers a fairer wage. Because we provide both manned guarding and remote monitoring, we’re ideally placed to offer advice on the best blend for any organisation and a cost effective solution that reduces spend, but doesn’t compromise on safety.
Talk to us today about creating a cost effective security model for your business or visit our security savings calculator to see how much you could save.
