What is physical security? How does it function and what is its purpose?

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Despite the fact that physical security is being replaced by video cameras and autonomous surveillance systems everywhere around us, the relevance of the presence of "reliable guys" who control order anywhere has not been lost. Pay attention to any institution - be it a bank, a store or a pawnshop: in addition to cameras, there are also security guards there who are ready to react at any moment. We will talk about such a business area as physical security services in this article.

Why do we need security services?

The question of why exactly the guards are needed is simple and complex at the same time. Its simplicity is to indicate that employees of a security agency or a person empowered by a security guard have a number of duties that include protecting a specific object or individual, screening people passing through a checkpoint, controlling a certain territory, or simply ensuring safety. at any events or establishments.

The difficulty of answering the question of why physical security is needed lies in the specifics of the work of representatives of this service sector. Let's put it simply: everyone understands that one guard standing in a bank is notable to stop a gang of armed robbers. However, he, firstly, can distract their attention with his presence; secondly, try to detain, delay a little time and call the police squad. This is the specificity of the work of physical security - their task is not just to “stand with a formidable look”, but to act clearly according to instructions in the event of a particular threat.

How does security work?

The way security functions depends on its type. If this is the physical protection of objects that are of particular importance or have a special regime, then specialists in this field work for prevention and control. This means that all links of such a security system (meaning not only personnel, but also protection and surveillance systems) are configured in such a way as to repel a threat that has arisen at any moment. Control is carried out in the form of constant patrols, inspections of the territory and verification of persons entering the territory or in close proximity to the object.

Another type of service in this area - the physical protection of legal entities - works on a slightly different principle. Here the representative of the service must steadily follow the man-object of protection and be ready to repel any threat as well. In the case of personal protection, the list of possible sources of danger is significantly less than when working with legal entities. However, this does not mean that the bodyguard should lose vigilance or treat his work more negligently - his reaction in the case of a threat to a private person should be definitelyfaster.

How is coordination done?

To fully ensure the protection of a person or object of particular importance, over a large area and from threats of a different nature, the participation of several employees is required. Physical security in this case is carried out by a group of professionals, whose actions, for greater efficiency, are coordinated. This happens either among themselves, or from a single control center. Communication is maintained with the help of special intercoms or other means of signal transmission, it all depends on the specific task. Only by being able to report how the situation at the place of work is changing, what potential threats are emerging, and where this or that guard is now, can the entire protection system function properly.

Who guards?

Of course, since security activities are associated with a number of risks and are aimed primarily at ensuring the safety of persons or objects, the personnel who are hired for such positions undergo a strict selection according to a number of criteria. First of all, this is a certain level of physical fitness, which indicates the readiness of an employee to be able to "bare-handedly" deal with an enemy who violates order. This is also the goal of such a criterion as mastery of martial arts or experience in sports (boxing, judo and other martial arts).

In addition to the physically strong, responsible and able to work together people are also involved in security activities. Often onpractice, one has to deal not with a single enemy, but with a group that plans its activities in such a way as to avoid direct contact with the guards. This is definitely something to consider.

Also, other conditions may be set for the position of a security guard, for example, the possession of a firearm, the possession of a permit for its use, the ability to drive in extreme conditions, and others. It all depends, first of all, on the specifics of the work. For a security guard in a supermarket, perhaps, these criteria are not necessary, unlike collectors or bodyguards.

How are threats countered?

The way security counters threats is the main mechanism that ensures its effective operation. Again, it all depends on the company providing the service. Large agencies have their own coordination center, which keeps in touch with all working units. In the event of, say, a threat signal from one of the employees, all groups in the same facility or territory change positions, preparing to confront the danger.

Sometimes security agencies, unable to repel the threat on their own, resort to the help of state companies or the police, sending relevant information to the duty post.