What Is Manned Security Guarding?

The security industry is so often split into two distinct sections – manned security and security technology. However, while they have significant crossover, it’s crucial to understand how the two function independently and how they form part of any successful security services package.

In this guide, we’ll be exploring what manned security guarding services entail, the duties a security officer undertakes, and how they synergise with on-site security technology, such as CCTV, intruder alarms, and access control systems.

What Type Of Security Is Manned Security?

Manned guarding is a form of physical security that’s designed to provide suitably trained professionals who offer comprehensive protection for your property.  In the UK, these will be licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and have received specialist training to keep buildings, sites and assets safe.

While all forms of manned guarding require proper licensing and training before conducting professional security duties, security officers can be deployed in various ways. That includes:

• Static Security Guarding. One of the most recognisable forms of manned guarding, a static security officer will be stationed at a strategic location on your property. You’ll see this most commonly at industrial estates, hospitals and nighttime venues (like pubs and bars).
• Mobile Security Guarding. Usually viewed as mobile security patrols, these offer a more proactive approach to security at larger premises, like factories, warehouses, airports, or major public areas (like parks or tourist attractions).
• Gatehouse Security. Positioned at the entrance to sites that attract significant traffic (like logistics and distribution centres), gatehouse security officers are on hand to admit vehicles, approve paperwork, provide directions, and monitor on-site CCTV cameras.
• Retail Security Officers. A specialist function aimed at supermarkets and high-end retailers, a manned retail security presence seeks to deter and prevent shoplifting, reduce shrinkage, and conduct any lock-up processes. ProFM’s retail officer presence at a major high street retailer has meant significant reductions in shoplifting, as well as a reassuring presence for the store’s clientele.
• Concierge Security. Designed for higher-end or boutique premises (like hotels or corporate facilities), concierge security combines a customer-facing presence with the support offered by a trained security professional.
• Night Security. An overnight security presence, on hand to deliver protection during many businesses’ most at-risk hours. Discover more about the role of a night security guard in our complete guide.

While there are many different ways to ensure that your site is protected with manned security, they all share a common goal: providing a high level of protection and reassurance. That comes alongside a suite of varied advantages, too.

What Are The Benefits Of Manned Security?

Manned security offers support to guests and visitors, an immediate solution to issues or trespassing, an extension of your brand and premises, and an ideal solution to many of the common issues a busy business faces, such as shoplifting and criminal damage.

Of course, while electronic security solutions always have their place on a site (it still functions as both an exceptional deterrent, and a helpful tool in reporting and justice), manned security has numerous benefits  over a solely tech-based security package.

1. Manned Security Offers A Human Approach

While security technology has evolved substantially in recent years, it’s still a long way away from offering the “human” approach a security officer provides. That’s especially true for environments that might attract the elderly or vulnerable who need that additional reassurance, such as supermarkets, hospitals, schools, or public facilities like libraries or council premises.

It’s also important for guest guidance and support. As ProFM found with our support for the Clitheroe Food Festival, trained security officers play a pivotal role in not only protecting visitors and festival grounds, but also in acting as an extension of the festival itself, with their support around key areas providing physical security solutions.

2. A Security Officer Is On Hand Immediately

Although modern CCTV systems and intruder alarms have developed substantially to ensure a rapid response, there’s no substitute for a trained, licensed professional already on site to deal with any issues that arise. That’s a sentiment shared by our Head of Security Operations, Scott Russell:

“I’ve seen firsthand how important a rapid response is when there’s a burglary taking place, active trespassing, or illegal activities. That on-site presence means eyewitness testimony, support for the site’s recovery, and a streamlined Police investigation.”

3. No Automated Decision-Making

AI has seen a meteoric rise since the pandemic, and while it offers the chance to support manned security with new tools and work efficiencies, it’s still an emerging technology. Having a security officer at your premises means there are no systems that can be deceived – you’ll always have a professional on hand to investigate, even if it turns out to be a false alarm.

4. Manned Security Is Adaptable

With a manned security presence, you receive an adaptable, trained professional who can respond to incidents promptly and integrate with any technology to create a comprehensive security solution.

That can also help to keep costs low. A security officer’s training to perform multiple crucial on-site duties, including health and safety checks, logbook management, lock and unlock services, and monitoring on-site CCTV facilities, thereby offering complete site oversight.

How To Choose A Professional Manned Security Provider

Any company that provides manned guarding services should be fully licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). You should also consider the qualifications of your security officers, the level of service provided by your security supplier, and any additional accreditations your chosen provider holds (such as a position on the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS)).

All of these factors, coupled with taking the time to understand your unique demands, are what really help shape the decision you make for your manned security. That’s where ProFM truly excels, delivering expert-led solutions that have earned us the title of the UK’s #1 security company.

Be sure to contact us today to discover what the best in the business can offer for your manned security needs.