- Commercial security solutions increasingly include a hybrid mix of AI-enabled technology and licensed security professionals.
- Choose your security model by your industry, inventory value, asset value, risk, location, layout, square footage, occupancy, and property layout.
- In some instances, guards double as customer service, playing a vital role in establishing or maintaining your brand and reputation.
Commercial security solutions have never been better, which can make your options overwhelming. Modern technology takes surveillance to the next level, but there’s still a time and place for dedicated guards. Many businesses layer the services below for cost-efficiency and improved coverage.
1. Dedicated Live Guards
These are traditional, high-visibility uniformed security officers. They perform a set range of tasks, which may include GPS-tracked patrols, visitor check-in, badge access, gate control, and emergency response. When conflict arises, they utilize deescalation techniques. During special events or in high-traffic settings they may monitor occupancy control. For lobbies and front desks, their professionalism and customer service is paramount.
This solution is best for:
- Corporate office lobbies
- Luxury multi-family communities
- Retail storefronts
- Hospitals
- Healthcare facilities
- Industrial gate entrances
- Special events
2. Mobile Patrol Services
These officers drive marked vehicles at either scheduled or random times. Scheduled patrols allow timed entry, exit, and escorts. For example, scheduled locking and unlocking business park gates. Randomized patrols deter intruders because they never know when to expect security.
This solution is best for:
- Commercial business parks
- Retail shopping plazas
- Residential HOA communities
- Sprawling warehouse perimeters
- Remote or expansive properties
3. Live Video Surveillance & Remote Monitoring
Live-remote video surveillance is a cost-effective commercial security service. CCTVs integrate with AI-enabled software that immediately detects intrusion. When potential threat is detected, a human guard is notified in real time. They visually confirm the threat and respond accordingly. They have access to 2-way audio, alarms, and strobe lights, and can dispatch first responders. These systems can be synced with heat and air quality sensors, and remote gate and entry controls.
This solution is best for:
- Active construction sites
- Auto dealerships
- Staging yards
- Logistics hubs
- Commercial parking structures
4. Parking Lot Security
Parking lot security officers’ primary roles include access control and theft prevention. Their presence minimizes vehicle theft and break-ins, catalytic converter theft, trespassing, and unauthorized parking. Their role can include dispatching tow trucks for unauthorized vehicles, and escorting tenants, guests, and staff to and from vehicles at night.
This solution is best for:
- Commercial parking garages
- Retail parking lots
- Transit hubs
- Residential apartment complexes
- Special event parking management
5. Hybrid or Layered
- Layered security solutions combine any of the options above. They may reduce the need for on-site officers.
- Hybrid security solutions utilize a combination of AI-enabled technology with remote and live officers.
We’ll Help You Decide
Scout Security analyzes your property and risks and advises on the best solutions for your budget and objectives. We may suggest heightened coverage during your peak season and special events.
Claim your free security assessment now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I staff on-site security or live video monitoring?
On-site security is ideal for high-volume occupancy, front desk management, employee verification, securing assets, and for high-risk settings. Live video monitoring is a cost-effective security layer on top of live security or CCTVs. It’s ideal for remote monitoring, warehouses, open yards, large perimeters, and construction sites. Although remote, guards can still verify incoming and outgoing traffic and remotely operate gates.
Your security solution may be a mix of both. You might staff live guards during the day, and live CCTV monitors at night. Or you may leverage CCTV monitoring to reduce the size of your on-site team.
What is the advantage of mobile security patrols?
Mobile patrols are a cost-effective option for minimal security needs. They can open and close gates, patrol multi-building or expansive properties, and randomly patrol properties of any kind. They’re highly visible, but their schedule is somewhat unpredictable. This deters crime because, other than locking and unlocking gates, you never know when they’ll be there.
While their patrols are randomized, they’re tracked via GPS for transparency.
How do hybrid security solutions reduce security costs?
Adding live-monitored CCTVs or randomized marked vehicle patrols to your security team may reduce your need for live guards. If not all day, after hours and during low-traffic times. For example, you might maintain live guards at the entrances or exits but reduce live patrolling and on-site video monitors. Or maybe you keep your team the same size, but staff more live guards during peak hours.
