We’ve identified three businesses that require special security approaches, two of which are “essential” in our pandemic world, and a third business type that will be back in business sometime next year. Crime is decreasing overall across the U.S., and part of that is because security guards on duty serve as effective deterrents to would-be criminals or vandals.
The three businesses are hospitals, car parking lots, and event centers.
Hospitals are at the heart of our frontline response to the coronavirus. The doctors, nurses, orderlies, care givers are, of course, our contemporary heros now. We’re seeing the mid-Western and southern states enter into greater hospital stress as more covid-19 cases go acute and need hospital care. Before the coronavirus outbreak hospitals required special security needs. Among them were having to deal with patients and families who are distressed and may lash out when given disturbing news. This can certainly happen in covid-19 cases too. Theft of prescription drugs is prevented by security officer presence. Even infant abduction is a specific concern. Guards should be posted at entry and exit points to handle immediate incidents.
Commercial Park Lots are in use during the pandemic, and as airlines set up procedures for safer flights, more people are heading to airports. So the uptick of parking lot usage means more security personnel needed to be on duty. Commercial parking lots are considered a high security area. Over 10% of property crimes take place in parking lots. Which is why we’re all very careful about locking our cars and not leaving items in the car when we leave the car to travel. Nevertheless, theft often occurs, cars stolen, altercations break out, or illegal transactions are undertaken. Lots are often very large in size, which presents ripe opportunities for crime – even with camera coverage. Lighting at night contributes to safety, and insufficient lighting is a serious problem. In-person security mitigates both size and lighting challenges.
Event Centers with their hosting of thousands of people present the problems of high density crowds. From concerts to conventions, the herd size of people is particularly problematic for good security. CCTV can’t cover everything, so security personnel on the move can spot and deter any untoward events. Security officers can handle people entering unauthorized areas. And they can spot potential terrorist activity.