You can’t expect your security guards to keep you and your property safe if they don’t have the necessary tools to accomplish their jobs. Having the right gear offers security professionals the self-assurance and competence to deal with any circumstance.
They and the people they help depend on it.
While specific equipment needs for security staff may vary by assignment, there are a few things every guard should have on hand.
This manual will assist you with the 10 must-have security guard accessories list they need to perform their duties effectively.
We will also provide you with 4 defensive items and a few important reminders as well.
The Function of the Security Officer
There are several situations when security guards are necessary. They are employed in shopping malls to prevent theft by celebrities, private investigators, and those who have unexpectedly found themselves in the public eye, such as the winners or heirs of large sums of money or those involved in high-profile political or legal cases.
Concerts, festivals, schools, pubs, clubs, and private events often employ security guards to prevent theft, keep the peace, and keep the peacemakers safe. While any law enforcement officer’s presence will likely reduce the likelihood of criminal activity and other undesirable actions, this is not always the case.
Whereas most shifts will go without incident, security guards must be on high alert for signs of trouble and be prepared to respond appropriately to any threats. The greatest security personnel can anticipate trouble and diffuse it before it escalates out of control.
What Are The Security Guard Equipment?
Security guard equipment typically includes items such as a duty belt, handcuffs, pepper spray, a flashlight, and a baton.
Some guards may also carry a firearm, depending on the specific job requirements and local laws.
Additionally, many guards now use body cameras, radios, and other electronic devices to perform their duties.
Security Guard Essential Equipment Types
Security guards or officers keep an eye out for threats and unlawful activities, manage access to locations, uphold the law, and safeguard persons and property. They are employed by private, public, commercial, financial, healthcare, and other organizations.
There are different types of security guard equipment.
- Basic Security Guard tools
- Security Guard Uniform
- Surveillance Equipment
- Defensive Weapons
- Administrative Equipment
Top 10 Security Guard Equipment: The Essentials
Security guard equipment varies depending on the specific needs and requirements of the job. However, here is some common security guard equipment.
1. Security Flashlight
The flashlight is the most crucial tool for an unarmed security guard. Even if there isn’t any need for it, security staff should bring a flashlight during daytime patrol. Also, they may need to conduct nighttime patrols in certain places. In the case of a blackout, the flashlight will be the only illumination source if they are working inside.
Although guards don’t need particular skills for carrying a flashlight, they may consider enrolling in a program that teaches them how to utilize it in combat.
A flashlight is an effective weapon for self-defense. It’s possible to use a flashlight as a defensive weapon. It goes without saying that a guard shouldn’t try to use a flashlight as an arm unless he or she has specific training in doing so.
2. Weapon-mounted Flashlight
Tactical flashlights are often used by the military and are also carried by security personnel.
Due to their compact design and strong luminosity, they are ideal for nighttime usage during surveillance missions. They also let you better view the object you’re aiming at or pointing at.
3. Flashlight That Does Not Require Handling
Some torches have clips for easy, hands-free attachment to clothes. Security personnel can more easily patrol after dark without having to juggle a flashlight using one hand.
4. Penlight
A portable flashlight- or penlight may be used to see in low- or no-light conditions. Unlike a regular flashlight, this one emits white light, allowing the guard to watch out better for what he’s doing in low-light settings, such as when writing reports or looking for evidence.
5. Clothing Items
In reality, guards who present themselves professionally are more likely to be taken seriously. Dressing for success communicates that you take your work seriously. The general populace will give them greater deference, whereas criminals will likely be less willing to test their luck against you.
Typically, criminals would prefer to test someone who seems careless about their employment status.
A Security Guard needs highly visible clothing for two reasons: first, for his own protection, and second, to deter any would-be thieves from breaking into the area or property he is monitoring.
6. Gloves
The security personnel must have both heavy-duty gloves and Latex gloves. If there’s a chance you may need to provide first aid, use the included Latex gloves. The sturdy gloves will shield your hands from harm while also improving your hold on your baton and other equipment. The gloves will keep your hands warm if you have to work outdoors during the winter. Put on these kinds of gloves.
7. Boots
Boots of sufficient durability are an absolute need for every security officer. Most security officers spend most of their shifts on their feet doing patrols, so investing in a sturdy pair of boots may be the difference between a painful foot at the end of the day and a happy one. Invest in a pair of sturdy, well-cushioned boots. When shopping for boots, don’t cheap out.
A quality pair of boots may last a lifetime, whereas a poor pair will have you replacing them annually at the least. Although the vast majority of security firms stipulate that their guards wear black boots, you should still check with your company before splurging on a sturdy pair.
8. Belt
Also crucial to a security guard’s kit is a belt, which may be used to carry the vast majority of the tools and supplies the job requires. Heavy-duty black belts with sliding or clip-on attachments provide the user of security equipment with extra storage space for the goods they carry.
This facilitates the speedy retrieval of necessary supplies by security personnel. To make sure they can swiftly take the tools they need in an emergency, some security guards train by pulling several tools off their belts.
9. Any Kind of Heater
Some security guard duties require them to be outside, particularly during the winter in areas with colder temperatures. Guards may find it helpful to have warmers for their hands and feet as part of their uniforms.
These may be broken open to emit heat in frigid environments and are disposable for a low cost. A security guard may need to wear socks made of wool, long underwear, and even heated vests on really cold days and nights.
10. Sunglasses
Sunglasses have several functions for security officers. To shield one’s eyes from potentially damaging ultraviolet rays is one function. It may be useful for security personnel to have sunglasses covering their eyes so no one can tell where they are looking.
Furthermore, to these benefits, sunglasses may prevent security personnel from having anything physical like a rock or other item lodged in their eye. Sunglasses are advised, but not fashionable ones; go for a pair of practical or athletic glasses instead.
Communication Item
What about the communication method in an emergency? Let’s check the following.
Mobile Phone With Video Camera
One useful piece of safety equipment is a mobile phone that includes a recording device and footage-capturing features. Having a camera to record incidents is useful, and a mobile phone is essential in case the security guard has to contact other authorities like the fire department, police, or ambulance.
If a security guard is asked to testify about an occurrence, the court may use photographs or video recordings as evidence. Carrying a smartphone might be helpful to record an incident for having photographic evidence of any kind (of persons, vehicles, or crime sites).
Walkie Talkie
People may also carry walkie-talkies for the same reasons that people carry mobile phones. It’s not uncommon for security guards to require more than one phone, and it’s unlikely that their employers would foot the bill. Walkie-talkies are useful for communicating in these settings.
Let’s Talk About The Defensive Items
1. Security Guard Banton
Batons are another crucial tool for security personnel to have for self-defense. However, they are also a weapon that can protect a building without ever being fired. People will normally keep their cool only because they notice that security staff have one in the belt. The public is aware that if they brandish this weapon, it might do serious harm.
To carry a baton in most states, however, guards must first finish a training course designed specifically for that purpose. This training could be necessary to be recruited by certain employers.
2. Pepper Spray
If a security guard is not licensed to carry a firearm, pepper spray is an option for them to have on them at all times. In a life-or-death crisis, pepper spray may be an effective tactical tool for disabling an assailant (without doing any lasting harm to them).
While most states do not need permits or training for private citizens to carry pepper spray, some do mandate that those in positions of power (such as security personnel) get such training before they are allowed to do so as a component of their defense tactical gear.
3. Handgun
Some employers compel their security guards to carry guns, while others encourage their employees to receive licenses to do so. A person must undergo the appropriate training for security tactical gear for the opportunity to become an armed security guard.
Wearing protective body armor is a good idea regardless of whether or not you carry a weapon. The line of duty for security guards might bring them into contact with irate, sometimes armed, citizens. A bulletproof vest is an essential piece of tactical security equipment that might save the life of a security guard in a hostage situation.
Think about the quality of police tactical equipment or riot gear for the finest and safest alternatives.
4. A Band-Aid Kit
First aid supplies are useful not just while a security guard sustains an injury during on-duty but also if anybody inside the guard’s perimeter sustains a wound. Small, portable first-aid kits may be purchased and stored in a purse, bag, or pocket.
For obvious reasons, if you are helping someone who is bleeding, you should include a pair of disposable gloves in the safety gear first aid kit. You and them will be safer as a result of this.
Maintain The Log: Pen & Splash-Proof Notepad
Whilst on duty, security personnel are required to observe and report. So, all security personnel must always have a pen and paper handy.
Even if the job location uses electronic reporting, you should always bring a pen and paper just in case. Use the pen and paper to make notes on anything unusual that happens throughout your shift.
As a surveillance officer, you won’t have the luxury of stopping what you’re doing to make notes in the patrol log or input data into the computer as it happens.
Having a pen and paper handy can help you remember important information and ensure that it is correctly recorded in the patrol log. It is suggested that you make use of a watertight notepad.
Don’t Forget The Security License
Security licenses are required to be carried at all times while on duty. It is common practice for law enforcement to request proof of the security officer’s status whenever an incident is reported.
Whenever on the job, security guards must comply with the requirements of the great majority of countries by carrying their security licenses at all times. Many situations make it illegal not to. Without proper security credentials, companies might face legal action in certain places.
Additional: Emergency Keys
There is no other method for security guards to get access to their customers’ properties but with these keys.
For the officers to get entry to the premises they are guarding, some organizations provide their security personnel with an array of 5 or 6 keys.
In contrast, others provide them with massive iron key’ rings that enable them to control the locks for all of the clients they serve.
Last but not least: Logical and Sound Judgment
A security guard’s most valuable possessions aren’t something you can pick up at the store; they’re the intangible attributes you’ll need to cultivate to do the job well.
Common sense and the ability to recognize dangerous situations or individuals are two examples of these traits.
Ability to assess risk and respond appropriately to defuse potentially violent situations.
More Security System and Equipment
Here’s some of the equipment required for holistic security operations.
They are-
- E-tracking
- Vehicle monitoring system
- Visitor management system
- Security contact room and security sms
Conclusion
The 10 security guard accessories list consists of just some of the common security guard equipment. The particular essential equipment can vary depending on the categories of security assignment, the policies, environment, and regulations of the leading security guard company or organization. Also, the additional list will be helpful for you.