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

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

Why do we need security services?

The question of why security 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 endowed with the authority of a security guard have a number of duties that include the protection of a particular object or individual, the inspection of people passing through a checkpoint, the control of a certain territory or simply the preservation At any events or in institutions.

The complexity of the answer to the question of why physical security is needed, is the specifics of the work of representatives of this service sector. Let's just say it's easier: everyone understands that one guard standing in a bank can not stop a gang of armed robbers. However, he, first, can distract their attention by their presence; Second, to try to detain, delay a little time and call a police squad. In this and the specificity of the work of physical security - their task is not just to "stand with a formidable look", but act clearly on instructions in the event of a particular threat.

How does security work?

The way security functions depends on its type. If it is physical protection of objects of special importance or having a special regime, then specialists in such a sphere work for anticipation and control. This means that all links of such a security system (not only personnel, but also protection and surveillance systems) are configured in such a way that at any time to reflect the threat that has arisen. Control is carried out in the form of constant patrols, inspections of the territory and inspection of persons entering the territory or in direct proximity to the facility.

Another type of services in this sphere - physical protection of legal entities - works somewhat in a different way. Here the representative of the service must steadfastly follow the person-object of protection and be ready also to repel any threat. In the case of personal protection, the list of possible sources of danger is substantially less than when working with legal entities. However, this does not mean that the bodyguard must lose his vigilance or care for his work - his reaction in the case of a threat to an individual must be definitely faster.

How does coordination work?

To fully ensure the protection of a person or facility of special importance, in a large area and from threats of a different nature, several employees are required. Physical protection in this case is carried out by a group of professionals whose actions, for greater efficiency, are coordinated. It happens either between themselves, or from a single control center. The connection is maintained by means of special talkie walkie-talkies or other means of signal transmission, it all depends on the specific task in hand. Only having the opportunity to report how the situation changes on the job site, what potential threats arise, and where this or that guard is now, the entire protection system can function properly.

Who guards?

Of course, since security activities involve a number of risks and are aimed primarily at ensuring the safety of persons or objects, personnel who take such positions undergo rigorous selection on a number of criteria. First of all, this is a certain level of physical fitness, which indicates the willingness of the worker to be able to "barehand" deal with the enemy, violating the order. This is also aimed at such criteria as the possession 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 in practice, one has to deal not with a single adversary, but with a group that plans its activities in such a way as to avoid direct contact with security. This, of course, should be taken into account.

Also for the position of a security guard, other conditions may be imposed, for example, possession of firearms, the availability of a permit for its use, the ability to drive under extreme conditions, and others. Everything depends, first of all, on the specifics of the work. For a security guard in a supermarket, perhaps, these criteria are not necessary, in contrast to cash collectors or bodyguards.

How does the confrontation with threats occur?

The way in which security is countered by threats is the main mechanism that ensures its effective operation. Again, it all depends on the company that provides the services. Large agencies have their own focal point, which keeps in touch with all the working units. In the case, say, of receiving a signal about a threat from someone from the staff, all groups on the same site or territory are changing positions, preparing to face the danger.

Sometimes security agencies that are 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.