If you fall under any of the following categories – professional landlord, construction site manager, high-profile homeowner or corporate event planner – you may have encountered the term “manned security” without quite knowing what it entails.
At X9 Security, we have overseen countless projects to tackle and deter criminal activity with our responsive and scalable stationary security guard offering, with 45 years of combined knowledge in the field. In our experience, many professionals across the spectrum of industries have a vague idea of the service and how it relates to security guards, but – trust us – there are more nuances than one might initially expect.
So, what is manned security and what does static guarding actually mean?
Manned security explained
In a nutshell, manned or static guarding refers to services that offer static or stationary security personnel who monitor or secure designated zones as directed by the client. Often such areas will be, in nature, high-traffic, remote or located in crime “hotspots”.
Deploying licensed manned guarding officers is a highly visible and effective means of safeguarding personnel, property, and assets. This security approach is now ubiquitous across industries worldwide, with manned security officers deployed in diverse settings, including but not limited to, shopping centres, manufacturing sites, stadiums, government buildings, warehouses, vacant property, and private premises.
While not affiliated with the police, manned security guards prioritise the interests of their clients and are equipped to alert the authorities in the event of any criminal activity.
What criteria distinguishes manned guards from close protection?
That manned guards and close protection bodyguards are synonymous is an easy assumption to make. As such, you might be surprised to learn that the two are disparate services often deployed separately and by different providers.
While a bodyguard is typically in the form of a security guard, security guards might not necessarily be a bodyguard.
Unlike manned guarding, close protection relates to the provision of physical security personnel who are trained as bodyguards in order to keep an individual, or group of individuals, safe from a number of threats from harassment and intimidation to physical attacks.
Manned guards are more concerned with the general protection of property and people, with personal “body cover” falling outside their remit. They will often be stationed at a static location – such as the entry point to a premise – or patrol specific routes in order to deter burglars and intruders from crossing property lines.
What is the purpose of manned guarding?
As we collectively live through the proliferation of artificial intelligence, and particularly in the security sector, it’s sometimes difficult to see the point in traditional methods. It’s understandable that those witnessing the surge of investment going towards AI-led security projects such as the Ministry of Defence’s recent operations with outsourcing giant, Mitie, might assume that manned guarding may have had its day. But you would be wrong.
When it comes to protecting your valuable property and ensuring the safety of those you love, nothing can fully replace the human touch. Manned security remains popular with both high-income individuals seeking to safeguard their private property and managers who require a physical presence for their business sites, events or other premises.
While there are many types of CCTV cameras and smart surveillance systems that excel at capturing high-definition footage of intrusions, traditional security is far more effective at discouraging crime and anti-social behaviour. Once an incident has been identified, it can be rapidly reported, while guards make an assessment and respond appropriately. This response might include SIA-licenced guards delivering First Aid, diffusing volatile situations or removing unauthorised people from the site.
Understanding the nuanced role of manned security
So far, this article has briefly outlined the duties of manned guards, but here is a more in-depth analysis. For those wondering about the specifics of what static guards actually do, it is useful to summarise the key aspects of their role.
Manned guards are essential in a variety of settings, providing a human presence that can adapt and respond to a multitude of security needs. Their primary responsibilities encompass three main areas: preventing damage or disorder, guarding properties and assets against theft, and then protecting individuals from assault or injury.
Preventing damage and/or disorder
Manned guards are trained to identify potential risks and mitigate them before they escalate. This involves routine patrols, monitoring security systems, and maintaining a visible presence to deter vandalism, unlawful entry, and other disruptive behaviours.
Guarding properties and assets against theft
Security personnel are vigilant in protecting valuable assets and sensitive areas. This includes controlling access to buildings, performing regular inspections, and ensuring that all security protocols are followed meticulously. By doing so, they significantly reduce the likelihood of theft and damage to property.
Protecting individuals from assault or injury
The safety of staff, visitors, and service users is paramount – particularly in high-traffic settings such as events. Manned guards are equipped to handle emergencies, guide individuals to safety during incidents, and provide first-line response to potential threats. Their presence alone can be a powerful deterrent against potential aggressors.
Who can benefit from manned guarding?
In short, anyone with property, assets and people to protect.
We recommend seeking out a security provider that can supply highly experienced and well-trained guards capable of handling a diverse range of situations. They should be proficient in monitoring access points, conducting regular patrols, and knowing how to respond effectively to any potential issues.
There’s also the possibility of combining various security measures as part of a wider, more comprehensive plan. For instance, to achieve optimal security, many affluent homeowners choose to employ both manned guards and state-of-the-art CCTV towers to cover all possible scenarios. See our guide to hiring security guards for a more detailed look.
Looking to the future of manned security
The future of private security and the necessity of manned guards are firmly linked. In uncertain times, during which police numbers are in decline, the physical presence of static security personnel can make all the difference. By embracing an astute combination of traditional manned security and data-led technology, and exploring the best deterrents for intruders on the market you can cover all bases.
The right support is crucial – for advice on what hired security could mean for you or your associate’s unique circumstances, get in touch with an X9 Security expert today via the contact form.