Patrolling with Purpose

Acritical part of our role as security professionals is to conduct patrols. Depending on where we work, those patrols could be conducted on foot, by vehicle, with a bicycle, or even remotely through security cameras!

Each method is meant to achieve the same purpose – to keep us aware of what is happening at our sites, make us available for responses to incidents, and act as a deterrent to crime and disorder.

When we are doing patrols, it is important to apply our training, experience, and senses to meaningfully observe our environments. Some key things to consider include but are not limited to:

What Do You See?

• Flooding or spills
• Doors propped open
• Property damage
• Burnt out lights
• Trip and fall risks
• Trespassers
• Fire or fire hazards
• Suspicious activity
• Video recording in unauthorized areas
• Confidential information in plain sight

What Do You Smell?

• Smoke
• Chemicals
• Cigarettes or marijuana in non-smoking areas
• Gas leak
• Urine

What Do You Hear?

• Yelling
• Crying
• Activity in areas that are closed
• Hot work (construction) without a permit
• Alarms

What Do You Feel?

• Cold (heating failure)
• Air (broken window)
• Dampness (leak)
• Hot (air conditioning failure)

When we encounter these concerns while on patrol, we should report them promptly based on the escalation procedures at our assigned sites and respond according to our post orders. Reports should be accurate, timely, and include all relevant details. A great tip to remember is the 4 W’s – who, what, when, and where. Another helpful tip is to describe the problem and share what the resolution was.

The best tips will be included in the next issue of ASP’s quarterly newsletter with a special shout-out to the contributor. We look forward to receiving your submissions!

• Category: Aviation & RES/CIC News