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

Despite the fact that everywhere around us physicalsecurity is being replaced by video cameras and autonomous observation systems, the relevance of the presence of “reliable guys” who control order anywhere has not been lost. Pay attention to any institution - whether it is a bank, a shop or a pawnshop: in addition to the cameras, there are also guards there who are ready to react at any moment. We will discuss this area of ​​business as physical security services in this article.

Why do we need security services?

The question of why guards are needed,is simple and complex at the same time. Its simplicity is to indicate that a security agency employee or a person with the authority of a security guard has a number of responsibilities, which include protecting a certain object or individual, inspecting people passing through a checkpoint, controlling a certain territory or just ensuring security at any events or places.

Сложность же ответа на вопрос о том, зачем нужна physical security, is the specifics of the work of representatives of this service sector. Let's just say: everyone understands that one guard standing in a bank is not able to stop a gang of armed robbers. However, he can, firstly, divert their attention with his presence; secondly, try to delay, delay a little time and call the police squad. This is the specificity of the physical protection work - their task is not just to “stand with a fearsome air”, but to act clearly according to instructions in the event of a particular threat.

How does the security function?

How security works depends on its type.If this is the physical protection of objects of particular importance or having a special mode, then specialists in this field work on pre-emption and control. This means that all links of such a security system (meaning not only personnel, but also protection and surveillance systems) are set up in such a way as to repel the threat at any time. The control is carried out in the form of regular patrols, inspections of the territory and verification of persons entering the territory or in close proximity to the object.

Another type of service in this area is physical security.legal entities - works somewhat differently. Here the service representative must consistently follow the object of protection and be ready to repel any threat as well. In the case of personal security, the list of possible sources of danger is significantly less than when working with legal entities. However, this does not mean that the bodyguard should be vigilant or careless about his work - his reaction in the case of a threat to an individual should be definitely faster.

How is the coordination going?

Для полноценного обеспечения охраны лица или a facility of particular importance, over a large area and from threats of a different nature are required the participation of several employees. Physical protection in this case is carried out by a group of professionals whose actions, for greater efficiency, are coordinated. This happens either among themselves or from a single center of control. Communication is maintained through special negotiation radios or other means of signal transmission, it all depends on the specific task. Only by being able to report how the situation at the workplace is changing, what potential threats arise, and where this or that guard is now, can the entire protection system function properly.

Who is guarding?

Of course, since security activitiesinvolves a number of risks and is aimed primarily at ensuring the safety of individuals or objects; personnel who take on such posts are subject to rigorous selection according to a number of criteria. First of all, this is a certain level of physical training, which indicates the employee’s readiness to be able to deal with the “bare hands” with an adversary who violates order. This is also aimed at such a criterion as the possession of martial arts or experience in sports (boxing, judo and other martial arts).

In addition to physically strong, in security activitiesresponsible and able to act together people are also involved. Often in practice we have 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 the guards. This should certainly be considered.

Также для должности охранника могут ставить и other conditions, such as possession of firearms, permission to use them, ability to drive in extreme conditions, and others. Everything depends primarily on the specifics of the work. For the security guard in the supermarket, perhaps, these criteria are not necessary, unlike collectors or bodyguards.

How is countering threats?

The way the guard confronts threats isthe main mechanism to ensure its effective operation. Again, it all depends on the company providing the service. Large agencies have their own focal point, which keeps in touch with all the working units. In the case of, say, a signal of a threat from someone from an employee, all groups on the same object or territory change positions, preparing to withstand danger.

Sometimes security agencies that can not repel a threat on their own, resort to the help of state-owned companies or the police, sending relevant information to the duty station.