Armed Security Guard and his holster

The Important Role of the Armed Security Guard During a Pandemic

If the current pandemic has taught us anything, it is that different people react to a crisis in vastly different ways. While much of society has accepted the need for social distancing and business shutdowns, some people have taken it upon themselves to use the crisis as an opportunity to commit various crimes. Burglaries and break-ins have been on the rise, as criminals exploit the Covid-19 pandemic for their own nefarious purposes. In times like these, the role of the armed security guard is more important than ever before.

Of course, it is not just empty stores and commercial properties that need to be safeguarded. Many essential businesses are at increased risk as well, as the economy has been brought to a standstill by state government-ordered shutdowns. The reality is that many people panic in a crisis, and panicked people can pose a unique threat to societal order – and to your business operation.

The Armed Security Guard Protects What Matters

Panic is a defining characteristic in almost any pandemic situation. Scared people can act irrationally even in the best of times. During pandemics, that irrationality can be magnified many-fold. People stockpile goods. Some take it to an extreme, hoarding things that their neighbors may need and creating artificial shortages in stores. Still, others become so desperate that they may shoplift or loot. In short, society can hang on the precipice, as a fearful populace resorts to uncivil behavior in an attempt to survive.

The armed security guard is an important deterrent to societal deterioration. He or she can protect shuttered businesses to deter looting, burglaries, and vandalism – providing the added security business owners need to safeguard their investments. Guards can also provide important protection for active businesses like supermarkets and retail stores. Their presence offers a sense of calm and order for otherwise panicked patrons. In addition, they can help to prevent threatening situations and respond to conflict as needed.

Armed Security Guard Training Still Available

Because of their important role in New York City’s protection, armed security guard training has continued during the current pandemic. Those schools and training facilities were declared essential early in the crisis, ensuring that aspiring guards could continue to receive the training they need to meet the demand for private security protection. That’s great news for the city’s businesses, which have been forced to reevaluate their security needs to accommodate this new reality.

Looking to the Future

Whether you operate a business in need of armed security guard protection or are interested in a career as a licensed guard, International Security Services has the answers you need. As New York City’s dedicated security experts, we maintain a team of highly-trained, reliable security officers whose skills and experience can help to protect both life and property. In addition, our training facility provides state-approved guard training that gives students the tools they need to become effective armed security guards. To learn more about how we can help to meet your needs, contact us today.

 

Picture of George Kozhar

George Kozhar

George Kozhar is a respected security professional, licensed private investigator, and founder of International Security Services (ISS) - New York City’s dedicated security experts since 1999. Mr. Kozhar and his team provide a full array of private and business investigative services in the U.S. and overseas, VIP executive protection, armed and unarmed security guard services and training, and Fire and Life Safety Director training through the company’s Fire Science Institute.

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August 10th, 2022

Property Security Evaluation Report

Your Individualized Property Evaluation Report

Your site’s individualized property evaluation report contains information and analysis that you need to properly manage your site’s security needs. That information includes detailed analysis of the crime rate in your area, site access and parking protocols, and existing security infrastructure. Interior inspection includes analysis of emergency exits, fire suppression capabilities, and alarm infrastructure for emergencies. Exterior inspection includes analysis of structural defects, property lighting, and potential vulnerabilities in building access.

In addition to those inspections, our analysis also considered environmental factors, potential risks from older trees, outside property maintenance, and nearby crime that may overflow to the area. We also examined emergency response planning, including fire evacuation protocols and information supplied to residents about proper evacuation process.

 

Pressing Suggestions


We highly suggest a camera placement along this driveway, as the overhead cameras in the back parking lot may not capture all makes, models, and license plates of cars entering in and out based on the angle they are recording from. The best camera placement would be at the green circle closest to the sidewalk/street.
The common area is easily accessible, but based on the angle that cameras are set at the front lot, anyone can enter the basement common area concealing the side of their face that is facing the camera. This is not to say that the camera arrangement should be changed, but it is highly recommended to have coverage in this common area as the common area is on a lower floor not visible from the sidewalk.


However, a few fundamental problems exist when it comes to access control of the back parking (a big territory). Even though only two issues have ever occurred there, the wide-open access point to that lot may need to be corrected sooner than later as there is a significant uptick in crime in the 62nd precinct.

Furthermore, there are two fundamental surveillance blind spots along the driveway leading to the back parking lot and every common area.

Lastly, however unlikely it may seem, tenants should have resources and a physical guide for situations that may require an evacuation. Whether it be a flood or fire, each tenant should know how to use a fire extinguisher and where to evacuate to during a flood regardless of their proximity to a shoreline.


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