At Wye Security we are always keen to help our clients improve their security and to answer any questions they have about our services as well as security guards and services in general.
Here are just a few we have answered in 2023
Are security guards in the UK armed?
No one except those authorised by the Government can carry guns in the UK. Even the Police can only deploy weapons in exceptional circumstances. Other non-fatal weapons are also banned. Therefore, a security guard cannot legally carry batons, pepper spray or tasers (as the Police can). They can carry handcuffs, but even here, they have to be careful when applying them.
Do security guards have additional legal powers?
Every security guard would love it to be different, but the fact is that they do not have any more powers than a member of the public. They can make a citizen’s arrest under certain conditions, just as anyone else can. But they cannot use unreasonable force, although they can apply physical strength if the suspect resists arrest, although only enough to restrain them until the Police arrive and can take over. The most important fact is that all security guards are trained to be able to exert force properly and minimise the risk of injury.
How can anyone improve their physical security?
The basic rule here is to protect the perimeter of your home or business premises. You can do this by keeping doors and windows locked and never leaving them open when no one is at home. Fitting bars or shutters to vulnerable windows or doors is also a great idea. CCTV is an excellent way of detering intruders as they do not like the fact that a record of their criminal activity could be made, besides which it gives you the ability to react and stop the intruders. As long as you have the ability to call in a security firm that provides a quick response (like Wye Security).
How do you implement physical security?
Implementing common physical security controls like door locks, additional lighting, safes, and secure storage cabinets will all enhance your security.
What are the 4 D’s of physical security?
The 4 D’s are Deter, Detect, Delay and Defend. There are many great ways to Deter criminal activity. A simple sign saying that the property is protected a security firm like Wye Security can be enough in some circumstances. Dectection methods include alarm systems (these being triggered in various ways, such as heat, movement or pressure pads) and CCTV cameras. Intruders can be delayed by the use of additional locks or even extra barriers inside the perimeter. Acting together this layered / zonal approach will Defend your property and keep any wrongdoers away.
What do security guards do?
Security guards, also called security officers, are there to protect property, deter criminal activity and make everyone feel that bit safer. Guards can either be placed in a stationary position where they can monitor alarms and surveillance cameras and/or control access to the premises, or be assigned to a mobile patrol, often in a highly visible vehicle.
What is an example of a physical security KPI?
One of the most important statistics is that of response time. Once an alarm is triggered or some suspicious activity is noticed, it is vital that a security team is quickly on the scene. That way, any damage or losses are minimised, as is the risk to employees and visitors. Wye Security have an exceptional record in this area, our mobile patrols apprehending a number of intruders in 2023.
What are the advantages of physical security?
Why is Physical Security important? The simple answer is that it ensures the safety of your employees, facilities, and assets. There are many real-world threats to protect against, and whilst some such as cyber attacks do not represent a physical threat, the damage that vandals and other wrong doers can reek means that they must be kept at bay at all times.
What is the difference between physical security and cyber security?
The key difference between the two is the nature of the assets being protected. Physical security is primarily focused on protecting ‘physical’ assets, like buildings and vehicles, whilst cybersecurity is focused on protecting intangible assets, such information and data storage systems.
What security guards cannot do?
Private security guards have to be very careful when dealing with any threats. They are simply not allowed to use what could be considered an excessive amount of force. In fact if they do, the ‘arrest’ that they made could in itself be deemed to be a criminal act, something that could result in action being taken against the guard and even perhaps their employer. Thus, all guards need to be trained to deal with a variety of circumstances in the proper manner.
What skills should security guards have?
One of the most important skills a security guard needs is that of communication. Effective communication is vital as only then can an otherwise dangerous situation be brought under control in a safe and timely manner. Other skills like Observation, Awareness, the ability to think quickly and being able to defuse any potential conflict are also needed. Proficiency with some forms of technology and first aid procedures can also be very useful too. Please do check out our accreditaions and training certificates