3 Ways Security Guard Roles Have Changed in 2020

Like many industries around the world, the security guard business has changed considerably since the beginning of the year. The role of a security guard has transformed to meet the changing needs of businesses and individuals. Instead of handling events like concerts, festivals and sports games, security guards have been utilized for other needs as many large events have been put on hold for the near future.

Instead, guards may be called to handle security for commercial buildings that are no longer in use, or restaurants and retail establishments that need additional staff to enforce health and safety protocols. Guards have also been called to support small businesses and governments in the face of riots, looting and political rallies. All in all, the job has gotten more dangerous, but it has also gotten more critical for the protection of people and property.

Just how have security guard companies been called upon to meet the ever-changing needs of 2020? Here are 3 of the top ways security guard companies have risen to the task during this unprecedented year.

Hospital Security Services

In the beginning of the pandemic, hospitals around the country were inundated with sick individuals needing immediate care. Due to the nature of the virus, friends and family members were restricted from entering the hospital in order to keep the rate of infection down.

Hospitals sought the services of security guards to manage access to the hospital building, perform temperature checks and request medical history information from those wishing to enter the premises. Without the proper handling of guests coming in and out of hospital buildings, the virus could have caused serious implications for the ill and hospital staff alike. 

Retail and Restaurant Security Services

Over time, retail establishments and restaurants began reopening, but with strict guidelines and precautions. Social distancing, masks, hand sanitizing and temperature checks became mandatory for some types of businesses in order for them to reopen. 

Many business owners realized that enforcing these health and safety protocols while operating their businesses was not an easy task. There have been frequent documented incidents in which irate customers refuse to abide by the safety protocols, taking out their frustrations on the employees. Security guards have stepped up to enforce these rules so that businesses can remain open and customers can have a safe and pleasant shopping experience.

Commercial and Business Park Security Services

While remote working wasn’t new pre-COVID, it certainly became the norm for many workers across the globe. Because of the need to maintain social distancing, employers sent their employees to work from home, closing up their office buildings for the foreseeable future.

However, these valuable assets still needed protection to keep them safe from threats such as theft, vandalism, loitering and other unseemly behavior. Commercial property owners and business park operators have sought the services of professional security guards to patrol their premises to identify suspicious behavior and to contact law enforcement in the event of a security issue.

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While we may not know when the country will return to “normal,” it should give you some peace of mind knowing that security guard companies are evolving to keep you safe no matter what threats emerge. And they will continue to do so as the needs of the country change. 

If you want to learn more about security guard services during the pandemic, call our security specialists at Off Duty Officers today. Our experienced team of security guards are ready to meet your needs, from hospital and retail security to commercial and business park mobile patrols. With over 25 years of experience in the security industry, Off Duty Officers knows how to pivot to adjust to the evolving needs of our customers.