HOW MOBILE SECURITY SYSTEMS MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCIES

While emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence, immersive reality, and always-on communications, grab headlines and pique business leaders’ interests, replacing humans with machines isn’t the only answer.

More often, the answer to many challenges business leaders face is how technology can augment—and ultimately transform—how people work. For asset protection professionals, it’s not about increasing staff, rather they need solutions that reflect today’s issues and also look toward the future.

While the job description for security guards largely has remained consistent—keeping watch, monitoring CCTV feeds, making rounds, and evicting trespassers, deploying mobile security systems can change their roles and responsibilities. Depending on the needs of the business, integrating a portable security system may eliminate the need for human intelligence, or it may free up a guard’s time to address other overarching gaps in a security plan.

Either way, mobile security systems contribute to a business’s bottom line while deterring crime, defending property, and reducing crime.

MOBILE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS AUGMENT SECURITY GUARDS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

Many people discovered augmented reality with the debut of Pokemon Go in 2016. For security experts, it’s not searching for a Snorlox, but rather how security guards can see a true, physical view of the world while acquiring critical information and alerts in their fields of view.

This is how mobile security systems provide features and benefits that augment a security guard’s role—while making their job safer by minimizing many risks. Security leaders who implement mobile camera security towers and/or portable surveillance systems ensure their organization’s security guards are better informed and more efficient.

WHY EMPLOY ON-SITE SECURITY GUARDS

Security guards are trained professionals, who learn a company’s “blind spots” because they work in specific areas and pay close attention to spot potential problems. In areas that are busy and crowded, security guards make a demonstrable impact. One recent study of increasing patrols at mass transit stations found that when security guards increased their visits by 41% in one area, in addition to spending 29% more time there, led to a considerable 16% decrease in crimes against transit riders.

Security guards’ responsibilities also include conducting random checks to assess irregularities, including signs of water damage, smoke, or fire, as well as misplaced equipment, in addition to potential security breaches.

Employing a team of professional security guards 24/7 can be expensive. Mean hourly wages for unarmed security guards, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, vary between $15.07 to $29.24 per hour. This adds up; Respective salaries total from $31,350 to $60,820, plus benefits, for every guard. Adding armed security is more expensive. Salary.com reports that the median hourly wage for an armed security guard is $23 an hour, totaling $47,840 per year, plus benefits.

Watch the LVT Unit in action: After video surveillance caught a thief entering a car, a security guard was able to respond in moments.

WHY MOBILE SECURITY CAMERA TOWERS CAN PROVIDE A MORE STRATEGIC, COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION

Hiring security guards may be the best option if businesses require 24/7 security—and have the budget. A more affordable option that provides comprehensive security coverage is monitored video surveillance. This strategy can work in tandem with guards or reduce a business’s reliance on them as the first line of defense.

While security guards can be an important part of an overall security plan, they do have limitations. There are pressing challenges to overcome with a team of security guards, including:

• In many cases, guards don’t have the authority to make arrests or take real action in a crisis. They are limited to try and deter the intruder or call the police.
• When guards do call the police, many departments that investigate intrusions are overworked and short-staffed.
• False alarms compound the issue. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 95% of alarm system activations are false alarms, placing a huge burden on already overworked departments. This results in many municipal governments charging citizens and businesses for excessive false alarm calls. Major cities like Seattle require enhanced call verification prior to requesting police assistance. And in extreme cases, have stopped responding to all non verified alarms.

Portable surveillance systems offer a great return on investment by delivering:

• Provides a constant line of sight: Mobile security camera towers multitask better than humans can and enhance operational flexibility.
• Features remote monitoring: No matter the weather, time of day, or possible scheduling issues, users can tap into a portable surveillance system from anywhere.
• Collects evidence: Mobile security systems serve as active deterrents demonstrating that businesses are prepared to answer threats and pursue prosecution against any illegal activity if necessary. Active deterrence conveys two very important messages. First, that you are prepared for threats and confident in your ability to protect your property and assets. Second, that you will defend against crime and prosecute any illegal activity.
• Can reduce insurance premiums: Depending on the industry or insurance provider, lowering premiums—and protecting businesses from potential litigation—is easier when a mobile security system is onsite.

“Manpower is expensive—when you think of the cost of bringing someone in, training them and supplying them with equipment and a vehicle,” said Utah County Emergency Manager Lieutenant Peter Quittner. “But if you have an extra set of eyes, you can fill those gaps and do it 24 hours a day, without a break.”

LVT PROVIDES STATE-OF-THE-ART DETECTION WITH SEAMLESS INTEGRATION

LVT combines high-tech security equipment with world-class surveillance software delivering a new industry standard in mobile security systems. From innovative hardware to an intuitive security platform, integrating our mobile security camera tower—complete with live monitoring—can address the budgetary constraints that an in-house security team presents.

When comparing camera monitoring systems, LVT Units provide businesses with state-of-the-art detection, deterrence, and alerts in an easy-to-set-up-and-use system. Its features include:

• ‍Accessibility: Mobile units can be placed almost anywhere and provide real-time footage, with live-streaming video capabilities via cellular and satellite
• Adaptability: These systems work in any environment, in all weather conditions.‍
• Fast Setup: Mobile systems require little infrastructure and can be set up quickly.‍
• Reliability: Mobile video units monitor sites all day, every day, providing a thorough vantage point throughout the property, with onsite response
• Technological Advances: High-definition video, night vision, Wi-Fi, and cellular connectivity, as well as motion sensors, automated alerts, and dedicated iOS and Android apps, allow multiple users to check in as necessary 

With more than 4,500 users, over 363 million images, and 1.4 million video streams, LVT Units work around the clock and cost considerably less than a full-time team of security guards.

An LVT Unit provides reliable security at about $4 per hour. Much less than the $15 to $100+ per hour to hire guards. That makes a significant impact on a company’s overall operations and expenditures. 

“LVT fills the monitoring gap that we had for significantly less than 24/7 human surveillance,” Lt. Peter Quittner said. 

Our clients know the LVT difference and choose to deploy the most advanced security system on the market. Ready to learn more? Contact our team today for a demo.