8 security tips for opening up post-lockdown

With Covid case numbers now trending in a positive direction following the recent delta spike, a relaxing of lockdown restrictions is imminent. As announced by the government yesterday, this means that Auckland will move to Alert Level 3 tonight at 11.59pm. This means that businesses will soon be joining the rest of the country in terms of a return to relative normality – or at least a ‘new normality’.

Whether you own commercial property or operate a business within one, it’s now a logical time to ensure your doors are ready to open and your physical distancing, hygiene and queuing arrangements are ready to go.

As part of your preparations, it’s worth considering the value of Security Officers in providing a consistent physical security and crowd control presence. They provide a visible presence and deterrent to antisocial and criminal behaviours, and they can also ensure effective monitoring of your premises and its surroundings for potential issues, and reporting of any incident requiring escalation.

Importantly, Security Officers provide a reassuring presence and a helpful resource to assist customers through store entry procedures, such as sanitiser and contract tracing kiosks, front-of-store queuing arrangements, and mask wearing and physical distancing requirements. Given the spate of incidents reported in the media recently involving aggression and violence against retail staff trying to enforce Covid arrangements, a security presence makes good health and safety sense.

Security patrols are also useful for lock-up/unlock services, which are especially important for businesses that have large volumes of staff and clients coming in and out of their premises. Many businesses also take the opportunity to use Security Officers to provide staff escorts, delivering a complete and reliable service.

1. Selecting the right provider

Physical security is a necessity when there is a need to protect people, assets and reputations. But in choosing the right provider there are a few factors to consider, and making the wrong decision can potentially add risk to your business, whether through malicious intent or human error. Read on to find out how you can engage with the right security guarding and patrol service.

2. Licenses and regulations

From the staff through to the company itself, you need to ensure the provider you choose complies with legislative requirements and engages properly licensed and trained staff. There's no loopholes or shortcuts when it comes to security, and a registered and accredited security provider will understand this and put it into practice.

3. Monitoring of activity

The provider you choose should have a regular communication with their Security Officers both for the assurance of your business and the safety of employees. Poor communication leaves your business and staff vulnerable, so make sure you check that your provider deploys staff who have regular communication back with a control room or monitoring station – including 24/7 tracking.

4. Reporting and recording methods

A good quality security provider will give you regular feedback and communication. Manual reporting means a longer process and the potential for things to go forgotten. Ensure the business you're engaging with has automated reporting and recording that prevents any human-error and keeps all your information easily accessible. 

5. Uniforms

Security Officers should look the part. This includes having branded uniforms to distinguish them from customers and staff. Combining a proper uniform with adequate visible identification (which is also a legislative requirement) will ensure security staff are appropriately identifiable.

6. Registered and marked patrol vehicles

Providers of mobile security patrols should have clear markings on their vehicles, ensuring they are registered and licensed. An unmarked vehicle could suggest that the business works independently and may not have the resources or the accreditation to enforce effective security. Marked patrols also work as an immediate deterrent to any would-be trespasser.

7. Finances, payments and taxes

Security personnel that work cash-in-hand may be untrustworthy and may lack insurance and other fundamentals. While it may seem obvious, you want your security to be trusted. Ensure your provider provides you with proper invoicing and is registered as a business. This will keep your company safe, even if there are unforeseen incidents.

8. Staff training

It's critical that Security Officers are provided with the appropriate training for their job, but it's just as important that they’re provided with ongoing training. A quality security provider knows that the security industry is constantly changing, be it through advances in technology, or simply due to updates to properties. This makes it imperative that ongoing and updated training is consistent, leading to skilled staff and improved staff engagement.

Are you considering your security options as your business opens its doors following lockdown? Speak to the team at FIRST Security today. We are highly experienced in providing security guards and mobile patrols and offer quality assurance when we select staff for your needs. Don't leave anything to luck, FIRST Security is happy to discuss a security plan with you.