Communication is critical between individual security guards, between teams and in larger cases between the security control center and guards. This is the nature of patrolling a property – communicating effectively and promptly makes patrolling work. Communication is critical for clarity of situation reports and for the speed that situations can be best responded to. In some cases, talking is perfect. In other cases where there is distance between guards or teams, then communication technology is relied on.
There are now two ways of remote talking among security officers and their commanders (if applicable): cell phones and two-way radios. Two-way radios have been in use since before WWII for communication between remote parties. The technology has grown into miniaturized into powerful and compact devices. They’re easy to use, reliable, affordable, no monthly fees and there are multiple accessories specific to security.
Security companies such as ours feel that two-way radios are safer. You can immediately contact another officer or team while having hands free to access a weapon or manually defend themselves.
Cell phones have a much larger range, of course, and calls can be received and placed along with text messages and emails. Cell phones are harder to eavesdrop on. On the downside, they’re less reliable than radio, hard to use in noisy areas, only allow one-to-one communication.