- What Are Security Patrol Services?
- Which Organizations Need Patrol Vehicles?
- Marked and Unmarked Security Vehicles
Most day-to-day requests for security personnel come from organizations seeking same-day coverage from armed and unarmed guards. The urgency of these requests is usually in response to immediate threats such as break-ins, shoplifting, or increased nighttime activity on company property. The same can be said of fire watch services, which many security guard companies provide. Fire watch guards must deploy within hours when fire safety systems go offline, and folks seeking coverage often scramble to find guards at the last minute.
Security patrols in marked or unmarked vehicles are usually a different story. These are most often long-term deployments that help secure construction sites, residential complexes, and sprawling business parks. Decision makers in charge of large properties know that it could take dozens of guards or sophisticated surveillance equipment to monitor their acreage 24/7. More guards and equipment mean higher costs, which may not be in the budget for burgeoning construction companies or startups.
Security patrol services include one or more guards in a marked or unmarked vehicle, depending on the job site’s needs. A single deployed vehicle is a cost-effective way to cover a large property or multiple properties. Recently, The Guard Alliance has seen an increase in demand for these services—we’ve put together this short read to explain the benefits of security patrol vehicles and the job sites that benefit most from this security service.
What Are Security Patrol Services?
In short, security patrol services are mobile guards. Security guards arrive in a specialized vehicle and begin patrolling immediately. Routes can be routine and regular—for example, circling a large parking lot every hour—or randomized to prevent wrongdoers from taking advantage of coverage gaps.
The guards behind the wheel observe all traffic laws but can execute irregular requests on the contracted property as instructed. These may include mounting curbs or parking in spaces inaccessible to the public. Patrol vehicles can serve any function while deployed on-site, depending on client needs.
Which Organizations Need Patrol Vehicles?
While almost any property can benefit from mobile patrols, security vehicles are frequently utilized by:
Construction Sites
Construction companies often work in open-air job sites that are left unattended outside of business hours. Most teams deploy guards on-site, but wrongdoers can take advantage of coverage gaps in foot patrols, especially at night. Randomized vehicle patrols are an excellent way to protect sprawling sites from theft, vandalism, and arson. Response times also improve when security guards are mobile. A single guard observing a break-in on CCTV may take minutes to confront an intruder, or even longer to wait for police assistance. With a vehicle at their disposal, guards can quickly be where they are needed.
HOA’s and Residential Complexes
Large residential complexes face many security challenges. Residents value privacy and quiet above all else, and decision-makers often seek low-profile security solutions. Vehicle patrols allow security guards to monitor the perimeter of residential properties without disturbing residents. This approach is cost-effective and especially useful for ensuring security at night.
Office Complexes
Whether it’s a single office with a small footprint, or a sprawling property with multiple buildings, vehicle patrols are an excellent way to secure perimeters and deter wrongdoing. Large complexes often grow over time, and hiring more guards on foot may increase costs. Guards in vehicles can expand their patrols to meet a scaling organization’s needs without adding more personnel.
Auto Dealers
Successful auto dealers often have dozens or even hundreds of vehicles on-premises, making them tempting targets for thieves. CCTV and insurance are ubiquitous, but deterrence is always preferred. A marked, conspicuous security vehicle patrolling 24/7 is an excellent way to ward off carjackers. It may also be a co-branding opportunity—using a make and model available for purchase at the dealership is a great way to promote the capabilities of vehicles for sale.
Farms and Agricultural Facilities
Even in idyllic rural settings, the safety of personnel and property is not guaranteed. During busy seasons, agricultural teams often leave equipment and assets vulnerable. Moreover, folks who manage agribusinesses may not deal with theft, arson, or vandalism regularly and can find themselves needing solutions in a hurry. Patrol vehicles can deploy to remote areas and provide 24/7 coverage for acreage as needed. This is often the most cost-effective solution for rural folks.
Marked and Unmarked Security Vehicles
Sometimes, discretion is key—other times, a bold and conspicuous presence is required to deter wrongdoing. Consider a property’s needs and the types of crime that must be prevented. Typically, a marked vehicle is the preferred method of deterring criminals. Most wrongdoers are opportunists and are unlikely to make bold moves when they know a security guard is making regular vehicle patrols.
That said, an unmarked vehicle is likelier to “catch them in the act.” When teams experience multiple break-ins despite security and CCTV, deploying an unmarked vehicle may be the best way to identify the offending parties. It should be noted that community-based organizations and those looking to build public trust are generally not advised to deploy inconspicuous security vehicles.
Contact The Guard Alliance
For over a decade, The Guard Alliance has proudly deployed marked and unmarked patrol vehicles as part of our core offerings. We work with multiple partner agencies to supplement our own fleet across the USA, allowing us to deploy mobile guards wherever they are needed, often within hours. Contact us if you need guards on foot, in patrol cars, or for emergency fire watch. We are also happy to provide additional personnel to complement your existing guard force.
