Chapter 16
Patrols
Abstract
Patrols assist in preventing/deterring loss and positively add to any organization's security program. This chapter discusses the two types of patrols: internal and external. Observation is the key element on every patrol that a security officer conducts during his or her shift.
Keywords
External patrol; First patrol; Internal patrol; Pattern variations; Sixth sensePatrol procedures
The primary purpose of security is to prevent and deter loss. A key element in this strategy is the use of patrols conducted by security officers. Patrolling is defined as the act of moving about an area to provide protection and to conduct observation.
Patrols have existed since security measures were first implemented. In Hospital Security, Russell Colling (1976) [1] stated, “Patrols are necessary to insure the integrity of the overall security program. Frequent and total coverage of the protected area is needed to provide the most timely discovery and correction of security, safety and fire hazards.”
Fire prevention
Patrols can be very effective in the overall role of fire prevention provided the security officer is attentive to equipment that may have been unintentionally left on by an employee. Examples include coffee pots, copier equipment, and certain machinery or equipment that a security officer can turn off, provided they have received instructions to do so. Equipment such as personal computers should never be turned off by a security officer unless instructed to do so by a supervisor.
While patrolling, a security officer should be observant of fire hazards, such as the improper storage of combustible or flammable material, blocked fire exits, exposed wiring, fire extinguishers that are inoperable or inaccessible, and equipment that may be malfunctioning. It is essential that prior to any patrols, a security officer has been instructed as to what to look for when patrolling; how to determine when an abnormal situation exists; and what to do and who is to be notified to report an abnormal situation.
Theft prevention
While patrolling, a security officer must know what doors and windows are normally open or closed, locked or unlocked. Again, if a door or window is open when it should be closed and locked, what action should the security officer take? Should you merely close and lock the door and note the same on the shift report, or should someone be immediately notified? There are many situations when, depending upon the circumstances, the police are to be notified if a certain door or window is found unsecured.
Often, while patrolling a security officer will notice that there are several other persons in the facility. How does the security officer know that these persons are authorized to be in the facility? Do employees and visitors wear identification badges? Are certain areas restricted from access for certain employees? It is essential that prior to patrolling a security officer obtain as much information as possible as to what employees/visitors are in the facility. When are these persons scheduled to depart? After they depart, which areas are to be secured? Once all of this information has been obtained, a security officer should not be startled to find other persons in the facility, assuming these persons are authorized. Much of this information should be known by the security officer who is going off duty.
A final part of theft prevention when patrolling will occasionally require a security officer to inspect equipment being removed from the facility. The security officer must know what material can be removed from the facility with proper paperwork and authorization. Are shipping documents or material removal passes provided to the security officer before removal? If no paperwork is required, the security officer should note in their shift log the identity and description of the person removing the material and what material was being removed.
System failures and accident prevention
A security officer conducting a patrol in an industrial or manufacturing environment may note a potential safety hazard (leaking pipe, water on the floor, etc.) nearly every time a patrol is conducted. This is due in large part to the vastness and age of many facilities. Even though potential safety hazards may have been previously reported and not corrected, a security officer cannot take for granted that he or she can simply ignore the hazard and not document what has not been corrected. Security officers must be certain that a condition previously reported is known to the proper management officials before deciding to not document the hazard again, believing that “Nothing ever gets fixed around this place!” Failure to document safety hazards may cause the security officer and their employer to be liable for damages that result from a hazard.
External patrols
“External patrol covers the grounds, parking areas and streets surrounding the facility buildings. The basic purpose of the external patrol is to protect vehicles and persons entering or leaving the grounds, to provide surveillance of persons attempting to use unauthorized exits, to prevent the carrying of unauthorized property from the facility, and to prohibit or discourage unwanted persons from entering the facility.” (Colling, 1976).
A security officer conducting an external patrol will greatly enhance the overall level of protection provided to a facility. By constantly observing and noting any changes or discrepancies with doors, windows, lights, etc., a security officer can determine unusual situations, which if reported can be properly investigated.
Vehicle patrols
Vehicle patrols can support external patrols either by supplementing foot patrols or in place of them. A prerequisite for each security officer prior to operating a motorized vehicle is to possess the necessary state driver’s license. Additionally, some security personnel may be required to show proof of insurability prior to their operation of the vehicle.
A vehicle offers a security officer mobility while providing protection from the elements. Additionally, a vehicle permits a security officer to carry more equipment, which can be readily used when needed.
Security vehicles are of all types, shapes, and sizes. Some are battery powered (golf carts, Segways), whereas many are automobiles, trucks, and vans that are used as the security department’s vehicles. No matter what type of vehicle is used, appropriate maintenance and care must be given to the vehicle to ensure it is functional when needed. Daily and shift vehicle logs should be used to document levels of fuel, oil, water, tire pressure, etc. Mileage has to be documented and verified according to Internal Revenue Service regulations. If any problems develop with the security vehicle, they should immediately be noted in the vehicle log. All damage to a security vehicle must be noted immediately. Unfortunately, because several persons usually drive a security vehicle, wear and tear of the vehicle is often accelerated. Some security managers restrict driving of a vehicle to only two or three persons.
Bicycle patrols
Recently, many security departments, especially those that serve a multifacility or campus-type setting (e.g., a college or university) have incorporated the use of bicycles and tricycles as part of their vehicle patrols. The advantages of a bicycle include dramatically reduced maintenance costs as well as the fact that the purchase of a bicycle is a fraction of any type of motorized vehicle. Additionally, many individuals who use bicycles enjoy the physical exercise that occurs when conducting patrols. Disadvantages of bicycles include their restricted use during inclement weather and during hours of darkness. Some resistance toward required bicycle use may also exist initially, but this resistance is usually only for a short time. Industrial-type tricycles have become popular with many departments because they are usually easier to operate.
No matter what type of vehicle is used when conducting external patrols, the purpose is the same—observation. A security officer must put forth an effort while patrolling that increases the likelihood that he or she would notice the event if something abnormal or unusual were to occur on the exterior of the facility. Far too often, external patrols become very routine, tedious, and boring. The security officer finds himself daydreaming, listening to the vehicle’s radio, smoking a cigarette, and/or generally just waiting for time to pass. Usually, it is during these times that an unexpected event occurs in the parking lot and the security department is then reacting to the event rather than actually preventing or deterring an incident.
While conducting an external patrol, security personnel must be aware of the normal routine and behavior of all individuals who enter and exit the facility. A security officer must know that the behavior of an observed individual appears normal (e.g., when walking to their vehicle they do not appear frightened or in a hurry) or unusual (e.g., a person continues to sit in a vehicle 10 minutes after leaving the facility). It is often difficult to distinguish between the behavior of an individual preparing to commit a crime and the innocent employee or visitor who may be having a problem of some kind. The key point is that as security personnel, we remain alert and make responsible inquiries such as, “May I help you?” to individuals whose behavior appears unusual. By taking an active interest in learning what is routine or unusual and by investigating suspicions, hunches, or observations, security personnel will greatly increase their probability of success in providing effective loss prevention.
Internal patrol
Internal patrols are a key element of an overall loss prevention program and an integral part of the daily duties of security personnel. Generally, internal controls are conducted for the same reason as external patrols: to observe, act, and report on abnormal or unusual conditions. As part of internal patrols, security personnel should include the following:
• Checking doors and windows, correcting and reporting abnormal conditions (e.g., open, closed, locked, unlocked)
• Checking machinery and/or maintenance instruments
• Observing fire protection equipment (sprinklers, risers, fire exit, etc.) for proper conditions
• General observations: look for anything unusual or out of the ordinary, such as suspicious packages
Assigned areas
Usually, internal patrols are arranged in some sort of systematic manner that includes the times and routes of patrols. Often, a facility of considerable size will have various internal patrols that may be conducted simultaneously by two or more officers or may be alternately patrolled at prearranged times. Whatever the situation, it is essential that security personnel remain in their assigned patrol area unless requested to aid or assist someone. If the security officer is required to leave his assigned patrol area, a supervisor or other officer (if practical and possible) should be notified. This absence from the assigned area should also be noted in the appropriate logs. Unfortunately, incidents will occur in an area that is patrolled by a security officer. Without fail, if security did not observe the incident in any manner, questions will be asked by management as to where the security officer was and what he or she was doing during the time of the incident.
First patrol
Whenever one security officer is relieving another at the change of shifts, after the normal discussion of events on the proceeding shift, the relieving officer will often conduct a patrol of the facility. This patrol is the most important one because it is at the beginning of a shift. At this time, a security officer should note and correct any unusual occurrences. By documenting and correcting any problems during the first patrol, a basis of comparison will be established, which may prove invaluable at a later time.
During this first patrol, the professional security officer will note the doors and windows that are opened or unlocked but should be closed and locked. Lights that are left on should also be noted. Particular attention should be given to those areas where problems have occurred in the past, such as vending machines, cafeterias, restrooms, conference rooms, and executive offices.
During subsequent patrols, the professional security officer will be able to quickly determine if something is out of place because of the diligence paid during his or her first patrol.
Pattern variations
Many security textbooks stress the importance of varying the route and time of patrols. No two security officers conduct their patrols in the exact same manner. One officer may pay close attention to open doors and windows while another walks through out-of-the-way places. The point to be made is that even patrols made in a reliable yet systematic routine diminish the effectiveness of patrols. Employees of the protected facility will often joke that they can set their watch to the patrols of a security officer.
In an effort to break monotonous, routine patrols, security officers should be encouraged to be creative during their patrols, staggering the time and route of patrols. When a security officer conducts a patrol while simply “going through the motions,” it serves little use to the overall security of the facility.
Entrance and exit points
The easiest and simplest way to enter a facility is through an entrance or exit. Usually, these points of ingress and egress are controlled either by a receptionist, security officer, lock, camera, or some other access control mechanism. However, some entrance ways are not controlled adequately, especially visitor and employee entrances. Even with sophisticated electronic security devices, compromises occur. That is why, as part of an internal or external patrol, the security officer should review activity at entrance and exit points.
Persons who intend to steal from a facility or commit some other sort of act that would damage an organization will usually enter or exit the building the easiest and quickest way possible. An observant security officer, visible at entrance and exit points, may never apprehend a criminal but will no doubt prevent some losses from occurring.
Tour rounds
When the author began his industrial security career in 1979, the security officers he supervised used a Detex Guard Tour Clock to document their patrols. This rather rudimentary (by today’s standards) device was worn around the shoulder and neck by the security officer. Upon coming to a station, which was simply a small metal box with a key and number on a chain (Figure 16.1), the key was inserted into the clock and gently turned. The key would leave an impression on a roll of tape that was synchronized with the time. To monitor these patrols was tedious and time-consuming. The use of a watchclock (Figure 16.2) to record the time at which a security officer was at a particular location is still around today, but usually only in old factories and warehouses. They have become somewhat of a novelty.
Many companies have changed to a computerized version of the watchclock, which serves the same purpose—to provide supervision with a tool to document and evaluate the patrols of a security officer. A record is produced, which allows for a proper evaluation to be conducted on the time and route of patrol.
Smartphones equipped with global positioning systems serve the same purpose as the old tour system, but now a security officer’s exact movements can be monitored in real time.
Keys
Keys are usually carried by a security officer during patrols. Many departments have restricted the number and type of keys a security officer possesses while on patrol. A good rule of thumb is for the officer to carry only those keys required to effectively conduct a patrol and respond to requests for doors be unlocked. Some persons may argue that a security officer should carry an entire set of keys so that in any situation, at any time, access to a particular area could be gained. However, a greater likelihood exists that keys will be lost or misplaced, thereby compromising the entire key system, as opposed to a devastating fire that went uncontrolled because a key to unlock an area was not at immediate disposal.
It is important for security personnel to know the key systems so that undue delay and embarrassment does not occur because the officer must struggle to find the right key to unlock an area. In addition, serious credibility problems may exist for the security department when a security officer misplaces the keys or accidentally takes the keys home. Many departments place a large key ring around all of the security keys to decrease the likelihood of loss or misplacement.
Radio communication
Two-way radio communication is also essential and commonplace in most security departments. Radio communication provides quicker response to a problem and affords added protection for a security officer should an injury occur or other problems develop.
It is essential that security personnel be properly trained in the use of two-way radio equipment. Additionally, proper radio etiquette must be practiced by security personnel while using two-way radios. Persons who are unfamiliar with radio etiquette tend to verbalize and babble. This impoliteness appears as unprofessional and creates embarrassment to both the security officer and the entire department. Two-way radio communication may be a shared process with other departments. One must always remember you never know for certain how many other people are listening to the conversation. When speaking on the radio, a person should assume he or she is speaking in public. Items of a sensitive or confidential nature should be discussed on a restricted channel or, better yet, over the telephone or in person.
Notebook
All security personnel should always carry a small notebook and pen with them at all times while on patrol. Anything of significance should be noted in this notebook as a patrol is conducted.
Flashlight
In order to properly view all areas when patrolling, at least a minimal amount of lighting is required. A security officer needs to know what lights are to be turned on or off during shifts. If lighting is extremely poor, a handheld flashlight will be required. Some departments require security officers to provide their own flashlights. Officers must know if they are permitted to carry large flashlights that may double as nightsticks.
Problems in patrol
When patrolling, a security officer may come upon a variety of problems that are not encountered on a daily basis. These include traffic accidents, suspicious packages, and involvement with unruly persons. At these times, it is extremely important for the security officer to maintain composure and to handle and control the situation in a professional manner. At all times, a security officer must consider his or her own safety and the safety of others before rushing into a situation.
Rarely, a security officer may come upon a crime in progress. Again, safety is of prime consideration. Information should be gathered as quickly as possible and this information must be forwarded to the appropriate emergency response units at once. Be certain to be in a position to communicate to arriving emergency units about the situation at hand.
A security officer must remember that normally he or she will not come into contact with these special problems. However, on occasion, an emergency will occur that will require the officer to rely on previous training in order to safely and professionally handle the incident.
Use of senses
Security officers, when patrolling, will rely upon their natural senses to determine if conditions are normal or abnormal.
A security officer will use his or her sense of vision to recognize familiar objects in familiar places. Additionally, vision will inform the security officer if an obvious change in the surroundings has occurred since the last patrol.
The sense of hearing will enable a security officer to distinguish glass breakage and malfunctioning equipment from normal operations.
The sense of touch will allow the security officer to determine if a possible fire in is progress by touching a door prior to entering an area. Malfunctioning equipment may also be hot to touch. Finally, the sense of touch will allow a security officer to come to the aid of an injured person.
The sense of smell allows an officer to distinguish normal aromas from acidic, chemical, or burning fumes.
The sixth sense
Many times, a person is said to have a “sixth sense.” This is normally meant as a compliment to the person. What is often meant is that the person always seems to know what is going on around them. Certain teachers, particularly those in the elementary grades, are credited with having this ability. This sixth sense—whether referring to a teacher, coach, parent, or supervisor—is the ability of someone to know what is about to occur, or the ability to know who is being truthful, or what appears out of the ordinary and does not seem “just right.” Another term for this sixth sense is intuition or insight. Usually, intuition or insight is developed from experience. Experience permits an individual to sense what is abnormal or unusual. As security officers, it is vital to learn as much about the facility as possible. Then, when confronted with a situation that does not appear normal, the security officer should investigate further in order to determine if the situation requires further attention or action.
Summary
• The primary purpose of security is to prevent and deter loss. Patrols, both internal and external, are necessary to ensure the integrity of the overall security program. When doing a patrol, the security officer should be aware of the following problems: possible fire hazards (through the improper storage of combustible materials, exposed wiring, inoperable fire equipment, or employee carelessness), unlocked doors and windows, unauthorized personnel on the premises, and potential safety hazards. As a final part of theft prevention, equipment being removed from the facility should be inspected.
• All security officers should be trained in proper radio etiquette and always assume they are talking to the public. Officers should maintain their composure and consider their own safety and the safety of others.
• External patrols are either done on foot or with the support of a vehicle. No matter what vehicle is used, appropriate maintenance and care must be given to the vehicle to ensure it is functional when needed. The most important aspect of an external patrol is observation. You must become attuned to what is normal and abnormal.
• Internal patrols should be arranged in some sort of systematic order with added significance placed upon the first patrol. Sometimes, staggering the time and route of patrols will break up the monotony and take away a “going through the motions” attitude.
• When encountering a problem, it is wise to call upon one’s senses, and above all use the one sense that separates a good security officer from an incompetent security officer: common sense.
Exercises
1. When making patrols, of what should a security officer be aware?
2. What are external patrols and what do they include?
3. What is the value of the first patrol?
4. What is the importance of a notebook when patrolling?
5. What is the importance of documenting a safety hazard even if it has been reported on numerous occasions and not addressed?
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