What is the Graveyard Security Shift?
The Graveyard Security Shift, also known as the overnight shift, typically spans from past midnight to around 8 a.m. in the morning. During this time, security guards are responsible for safeguarding properties and premises when most businesses are closed and employees have left for the day. Contrary to misconceptions, this shift is not inherently more dangerous, and security guards play a vital role in deterring break-ins and burglaries. They patrol parking garages, construction sites, and other vulnerable areas, while also monitoring fire panels and equipment to ensure a safe environment. Despite the late hours, many security guards prefer this shift, as it offers flexibility for those with different schedules or other daytime commitments.
Graveyard Shift Safety
Many believe that graveyard shifts are automatically the most unsafe because they are at night. According to 2022 Burglary stats, the most common time for a break-in to happen is between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and this is because these perpetrators are assuming there is a higher probability that someone is not home. The general shifts for guards, in general, are morning, swing, and graveyard shifts. Usually, each shift is around 8-12 hours, depending on the schedule and when the next guard will come to relieve duty.
Overnight Security Guards And Property Safety
One of the main reasons overnight security guards are hired to secure properties is because of safety. Not only are security guards hired at businesses at night to make sure the employees are safe when they leave, but also as a deterrent for car theft and break-ins. While most property break-ins occur during the day because of a higher probability that no one is home, the same applies to car break-ins at night, when they are more likely to not be in use. For example, San Francisco is experiencing an over 200% increase of break-ins the past couple of years, and 98% of the suspects are never caught or prosecuted. These thefts usually occur at night in the early morning hours. To avoid car theft as well, overnight security is hired as a physical deterrent, to provide safety, and to be a witness and obstacle if someone does try to break-in, vandalize, or steal.
Unique Requirements For Each Site
With all sites, each is unique and has different instructions, requirements, and preferences from the client. Many of our clients request for our guards to stay in their vehicle if they need to guard someone outside, to patrol on foot outside, or a mixture of both. Graveyard security guard sites can be vastly different, from sitting inside of an apartment building guarding the residents, to patrolling outside in a vehicle or on foot to protect a generator. Before we schedule any of our security guards for night shift, we inquire with the client details about the property so the guard/guards who are patrolling on site are aware of the important information and details of the site. It is important that as a graveyard security guard, you inquire with management or with the client about any details, keys, locking up, etc. for the property, as many guards are supplied with keys, instructions, etc. for each individual client.
Guard Job Safety
Being a guard is generally a very safe job, and should not be seen as a job that is dangerous. It is extremely rare that security should be fatally wounded or shot on any type of site they are guarding, and it is up to management to determine whether a site is good enough for our guards as well. Our night guards genuinely prefer night shift, as people may have different schedules or another job during the day. Many companies, including our own, provide waterproof outerwear for the guards to protect themselves from the elements. Most security companies, including The Guard Alliance Inc., require hourly reports for most sites whether the guard is guarding during the day or the night.
Standardized Information For All Security Guards
Whether working the day shift, swing shift, or graveyard shift, all security guards should be given standardized information about what to patrol, where to patrol, details of bathrooms, breaks, the client’s site, etc. to be as aware as they can be. Graveyard shift security guards are self-aware, and usually are the best deterrent from car thefts in apartment complexes, parking garages, construction sites, and more.
Trust The Guard Alliance for Overnight Security Services
Rely on The Guard Alliance for top-notch overnight security services you can trust. Our experienced team of security guards ensures your property remains safe and protected during the critical nighttime hours. Contact us or request a quote below to get started.