Security Guards vs. Automated Security Systems

• The Importance of Security Guards
• What are Automated Security Systems?
• Security Guards vs Automated Systems
• How to Choose Between the Two
• Hire Security Guards with The Guard Alliance

There are two main ways to protect people and properties — security personnel and automated security systems. Whether you are looking to add to your building’s physical security or are curious about the effectiveness of security guards compared to security systems, every property and situation is unique.

Today, automated security systems are becoming increasingly more common, allowing businesses to reduce manual security tasks, such as managing building access. However, they can’t completely take the place of a well-trained team of security guards.

Comparing security guards versus automated security systems can help you identify which security measures best fit your specific needs, vulnerabilities and circumstances. Learn more about the differences and benefits of the two options below.

The Importance of Security Guards

Security guards are trained professionals who monitor and patrol areas to prevent crime and respond to emergencies. They provide a human presence, which can deter potential criminals and offer immediate assistance in various situations.

Roles and Responsibilities 

Security guards play a vital role in maintaining safety and security across various environments, from commercial venues to residential areas and public events. Their responsibilities encompass a range of activities, including:

• Monitoring: Security guards are responsible for observing and monitoring their assigned areas. This aspect of the job includes watching for suspicious behavior, ensuring compliance with rules and regulations and maintaining a safe environment for everyone. Their job is to detect unusual activities to prevent potential security violations.
• Patrolling: Guards conduct regular patrols of their designated areas, which can include office buildings, shopping centers, gated communities and construction sites. This proactive approach helps deter criminal activity and provides a visible presence that enhances safety. Mobile or roving patrols, often conducted in patrol vehicles, allow guards to cover larger areas effectively.
• Responding to incidents: In the event of emergencies, security guards are trained to respond quickly. They are trained to handle various situations, such as fires, medical emergencies and security breaches. Security guards often need to assess situations and make informed decisions in dynamic and unpredictable environments.
• Access control: Security personnel manage access to properties and events, ensuring only authorized individuals enter restricted areas. This role is particularly important in commercial settings since guards serve as the first line of defense against potential threats.
• Public interaction: Security guards often interact with the public, providing assistance and information as needed. Their presence fosters a sense of security among employees and customers, which promotes productivity and satisfaction. In residential areas, guards help enforce community and safety guidelines, contributing to a harmonious atmosphere.

Different types of security guards each carry out their own set of responsibilities. Unarmed security officers provide a visible deterrent without the use of weapons, whereas armed security guards are trained on and carry firearms. Unarmed security guards are suitable for environments where a non-threatening presence is preferred, while those carrying firearms are deployed in high-risk situations where enhanced deterrence is necessary.

Fire-watch patrol is a specialized group of guards focused on fire protection. Their role is to monitor potential fire hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

The Benefits of Security Guards

Security guards provide a multitude of benefits that enhance safety and security. These benefits are thanks to their human element, combined with their training and experience. Their services can offer 24/7 coverage, so properties are monitored at all times.

Knowing trained professionals are always present to address any issues that may arise provides peace of mind for business owners and residents. Whether in commercial venues, residential communities or public events, security guards ensure everyone follows the rules.

Criminals are less likely to attempt theft, vandalism or trespassing when they see trained professionals on-site. Security guards are trained to respond to emergencies immediately when incidents occur. They can make quick, informed decisions in dynamic environments. 

On top of security breaches, trained security guards are also equipped to handle various emergencies, including fires and medical incidents. They can administer first aid, assist in evacuations and control volatile situations until additional help arrives. Their ability to act decisively in emergencies can save lives and prevent more injuries.

This makes human security experts a much more flexible solution than automated systems. If a property or security challenge is unique, an experienced guard will likely be the most appropriate and cost-effective solution. Additional team members can also be brought onto a property if its security challenges become harder for a single guard to address. Automated systems are not as easy to scale in this way.

What Are Automated Security Systems?

An automated security system is a technology-based solution that detects and responds to security issues autonomously. These systems use different technologies and advanced software to monitor properties and valuables.

These security systems have several applications across various industries and settings:

• Home security: Residential automated security systems monitor for intruders, smoke, fire and other hazards, providing homeowners with peace of mind.
• Business security: In commercial environments, automated systems help secure businesses by detecting intruders, supervising access control and overseeing employee activity.
• Public safety: Automated systems are deployed in public spaces, such as public transport stations, to survey activity and detect potential threats.
• Industrial security: In industrial settings, these systems monitor activity, detect safety hazards and prevent theft in factories and warehouses.
• Traffic monitoring: Automated systems are used to monitor traffic flow and detect accidents on highways or bridges.

Types of Automated Security Solutions

Automated security solutions encompass many surveillance technologies and systems designed to monitor and detect security threats. Surveillance technology, which mostly consists of cameras, is used for monitoring activities in specific areas. These systems capture video footage that can be reviewed later in case of incidents. Modern surveillance cameras often incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their capabilities, such as facial recognition and behavior detection.

Automated alarm systems are equally essential for notifying property owners and authorities of potential breaches or emergencies. These systems can detect intrusions that trigger alarms. Other systems detect fire and gas leaks, automatically activating alarms and initiating suppression measures like sprinklers to mitigate damage. Alarm systems can be integrated with other security measures to create a comprehensive approach to safety.

Other automated security systems include:

• Access control systems: These systems manage who can enter specific areas, ensuring only authorized individuals gain access. In commercial and industrial settings, they protect sensitive areas or confidential information. Access control systems use various methods, such as electronic locks or biometric scanners.
• Motion detectors: Motion detectors are sensors that pick up movement within specific areas. When someone approaches an area, these devices trigger alerts or alarms. These detectors provide additional protection by detecting movement around the exterior of a property or alerting security personnel to movement within buildings after hours.
• Intrusion detection systems: These systems use a combination of sensors and alarms to detect unauthorized entry or movement in a given area. They can be integrated with surveillance cameras and alarm systems to provide a comprehensive security solution.

Advantages of Security Systems With Automated Technology

How can businesses benefit from automated security systems? Some of their top advantages include:

1. Ability to operate continuously without breaks: Round-the-clock monitoring ensures properties are always under surveillance. When unusual activity is detected, automated security systems provide immediate alerts or notifications. It allows for swift responses to potential threats, minimizing the risk of damage or loss.
2. Data tracking and recording: AI-powered systems can analyze vast amounts of security footage, detecting patterns and potential threats faster than human operators. This data-driven approach helps with decision-making and response times, allowing organizations to address vulnerabilities proactively.
3. Cost-effectiveness: On a long enough timeframe, automated security solutions can be more cost-effective than traditional security methods. There is typically a substantial, initial investment in technology, followed by decreased operating costs over time. 
4. Criminal activity deterrence: The presence of automated security systems, along with physical security measures, can deter criminal activity. Surveillance cameras and alarm systems and signage indicating their presence on the property act as visible deterrents. In the event of a security breach, these systems provide valuable evidence that can aid in investigations and prosecutions.
5. Less need for human interference: Automated systems streamline processes such as data analysis and incident response, which minimizes human error and improves response times. This efficiency helps security teams allocate resources to more strategic initiatives and enhance the security posture of the organization. Employees can then concentrate on their work without the distraction or worry of security-related concerns, improving overall efficiency.

Which Is Better: Security Guards or Automated Security Systems? 

When comparing security guards versus security systems, it’s essential to evaluate the strengths and limitations of each option, as both have unique advantages.

Cost Comparison Between Security Guards and Systems

The upfront investment for automated systems generally covers equipment, installation and software. Regular maintenance is required to keep systems working properly. Overall, automated systems provide continuous monitoring with no breaks, potentially decreasing security breaches and associated costs over time.

Creating a qualified security team requires upfront costs involving recruiting, background checks, training and licensing. While ongoing costs are higher, the presence of security personnel can discourage crime, provide prompt incident response and offer a greater sense of security.

However, when you hire security guards from a security company, many of these costs and efforts fall under the security company’s responsibility. You will only pay for their services.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Automated systems operate based on preprogrammed algorithms and may struggle to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. While they can monitor large areas effectively, they cannot intervene or assess situations in real time, which limits their effectiveness in dynamic scenarios.

In contrast, security guards excel in their ability to adapt to changing situations. For instance, during a public event, guards can adjust their approach based on crowd behavior, manage access to restricted areas and respond to emergencies immediately. This flexibility is crucial in unpredictable environments where quick decision-making is essential.

Effectiveness of Security Guards Compared to Security Systems

Looking at the effectiveness of security guards versus alarm systems for business security intentions, there are several instances where security guards are the better choice:

• Judgment: Security guards bring critical thinking and adaptability to the table. They can assess complex situations, make informed decisions and respond appropriately to emergencies.
• Deterrence: Although surveillance cameras and alarms may deter criminal activity, criminals are less likely to target a location with visible security guards.
• Real-time action: Automated security systems provide immediate notifications of security breaches, allowing for swift responses. However, they can sometimes generate false alarms, which can be confirmed by security personnel before needing assistance from law enforcement.
• Intuition: Although some automated security systems have enhanced capabilities of facial recognition and behavior detection, they may still miss subtle signs of suspicious behavior that a trained security guard would notice. Additionally, automated systems are vulnerable to hacking and can be affected by weather conditions or power outages.

How to Choose Between Security Guards and Automated Systems

Identify vulnerabilities and potential threats specific to your situation. This assessment will help you understand what security measures are necessary.

Here are three tips to help you assess your security requirements and make an informed decision between security guards and automated systems:

1. Size and layout of premises: Larger areas may benefit from extensive coverage provided by automated systems like surveillance cameras and motion detectors. However, complex layouts with blind spots may require the adaptability and physical presence of security personnel to ensure comprehensive coverage. Mobile security patrol services are more than adequate to manage large commercial or residential properties.
2. Nature of assets being protected: High-value or sensitive assets may necessitate a layered security approach. Combining automated systems with security guards can provide both technological surveillance and the rapid response capabilities of trained personnel.
3. Risk profile: Consider the specific threats your organization or event faces. High-risk environments may benefit more from the immediate intervention capabilities of security guards.

After weighing the pros and cons of hiring security guards versus implementing security systems, the choice should be based on a careful assessment of specific security needs and the unique characteristics of the environment being secured.

The best security strategy integrates a hybrid approach, which incorporates both human and technological elements. Combining the efficiency of automated systems with the nuanced judgment of trained security guards can help you enhance your security measures, protect assets and ensure a safe environment for employees and customers.

Protect Your People and Property With The Guard Alliance

At The Guard Alliance, we can dispatch security guards and fire watch personnel to your site in just a few hours. We are fully licensed, bonded and insured to meet all your requirements.

Our security guards go through a stringent selection process and multiple levels of background checks. We also constantly update their skills through our extensive training programs to ensure they are prepared and ready to face any situation.

We use the latest security software to track the activities and location of our guards at all times while on duty at your site. All this data, including their daily activity reports and any incident reports, is automatically emailed to you every morning.

Reach out to us today for more information about our security guard services.