Mobile Surveillance Units vs Security Guards for Outdoor Security

Summary:

• Security guards and mobile surveillance units both protect businesses, but differ in cost, coverage, consistency, and response.
• Guards provide on-the-spot intervention and deterrence through presence, but they are costly, limited in coverage, and prone to human error or risk.
• Mobile security units offer cost-effective, flexible, and consistent monitoring with strong deterrent power, but they cannot physically respond to threats.

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At first glance, security guards and mobile surveillance units couldn’t be more different:

One is a person in a uniform.

One is a small trailer with solar panels and a towering camera mount.

One can think, move, and act completely autonomously.

One never blinks, never gets bored, and can store recordings in the cloud instantaneously. 

But their core purpose is the same: To protect your business from the outside in.

Outdoor security—particularly parking lot security—can be difficult to nail down. The area is typically large, unfenced, unsecured, and sets the tone for the security at every other level at your business. It’s crucial, then, to select the security measures that most closely match your needs. 

With 1.2 million security guards and more than 85 million security cameras employed across the United States, there’s no question that guards and surveillance cameras are popular ways to defend property. Both security guards and mobile surveillance units can provide a strong layer of protection, but they offer distinct approaches and advantages.

Read on for eight key questions to consider when deciding which solution is the right fit for your business’s outdoor security.

How Easy are They to Set Up?

Easy installation is what makes mobile security units exceptionally convenient for parking lot security. Instead of the costly infrastructure associated with a traditional CCTV system for parking lot security, these self-contained units require no permanent construction work to have them up and running. Even better, this flexibility means you can reposition them as needed with no added expense or hassle.

Mobile surveillance units like the ones offered by LiveView Technologies® are designed to integrate easily into existing security setups.

When it comes to security guards, the ease of adding them depends primarily on whether you decide to hire a third-party security guard company or an in-house security guard. With third-party companies, you simply outline your needs and let them handle the rest. With in-house security guards, the process is much more involved as you’re responsible for finding, vetting, and training quality candidates. 

What is the Cost?

With the understanding that outdoor security needs can shift and technology rapidly evolves, mobile security units are typically set up as rentals with subscription services. This allows you ongoing technical support and access to the most current upgrades available, such as AI-enhanced features. Pricing varies depending on factors like camera types, unit features, and cloud storage needs. 

Security guards are significantly more expensive than their camera counterparts. Each guard requires a salary, benefits, and training. (Even going low on the salary still comes out to high dollar amounts, and the best guards need competitive wages to get on board.) Unlike mobile units, which stay on duty 24 hours a day 7 days a week rain or shine, full-time guards only work 40 hours per week, meaning you would need to hire multiple guards on rotating shifts to cover each 24-hour window. With each guard hired, costs increase exponentially. That isn’t even to mention the need for PTO and sick time, plus the cost of replacement temp guards, which can be extra expensive when it comes to last-minute requests.

What Are Their Response Times and Capabilities?

The ability to physically respond to a security situation is one of a guard’s greatest advantages. As they are already on the property, they can respond to a scene within minutes to stop or mitigate crimes. With the proper training, guards can be a valuable resource when it comes to deescalating dicey situations and can act as strong witnesses in criminal trials. While they do not have the authority to arrest wrongdoers, they can detain them until law enforcement arrives on the scene. Guards can carry weapons and use appropriate force in dangerous situations.

The response capabilities of mobile security units depend on how the unit is equipped and connected. Remote monitoring capabilities and advanced detection allow you to know when something goes wrong, but can’t actually respond for you. AI-enhanced features, on the other hand, immediately respond to the situation with custom loudspeaker messages and targeted floodlights. This customized response gives the impression wrongdoers are actively being watched, effectively scaring many away. Unlike security guards, however, mobile units are unable to physically detain or intervene.

Can They Deter Crime?

Effective deterrence takes place when would-be criminals see a security measure, get its purpose, and fear the consequence. (This is known as the See-Get-Fear model.)

Thanks to their large size and flashing lights, LVT® Units fit neatly into this deterrence model and have the results to prove it. In a 2023 study, 49 LVT Units were placed across two cities for a period of six months. By the end of that period, Opelika, Alabama, saw a 40% decrease in shoplifting and Paducah, Kentucky, had a 43% decrease in trespassing. Both cities saw overall crime rates decrease by at least 10%.

While there are fewer studies directly backing the deterrence effect of security guards, the general consensus is that uniformed guards serve as powerful deterrents. This is particularly impactful because of a security guard’s ability to intervene physically in situations (emphasizing the “fear the consequence” element of the See-Get-Fear model). The drawback with security guards, however, is the “see” element. Unlike 20-foot-tall camera mounts with flashing lights, guards can be difficult to spot, making them less effective deterrents—especially after the sun goes down.

How Large of an Area Can They Cover?

Security guards are limited to what they can see and physically walk to (unless, of course, they have alternate transportation like a segway). Even while out patrolling the area, they can’t be or see everywhere at once. (To achieve that effect on a larger property with security guards would basically require a small army.) Because of this, guards are better suited to smaller quarters or working in conjunction with cameras.

Mobile security cameras are perfectly suited to large, sprawling areas. Each mobile unit can have up to three cameras with varying capabilities, giving range and versatility. Several units can work together to comprehensively cover large properties, coming together seamlessly with video management software systems like the LVT® Platform. It is worth noting that solar-powered mobile systems do require sunshine to operate, so if your parking lot security needs include parking garages, it makes sense to pair mobile units with additional measures.

How Consistent Are They?

Consistency is perhaps one of the biggest differences between security guards and mobile security units. Under the uniforms, security guards are people. They experience moods, emotions, sickness, exhaustion, boredom, and lives outside of work. This easily translates into off days and distracted moments—which sometimes leads to disastrous outcomes.

Under the flashing lights, mobile surveillance units are just bits of metal (even if the agentic AI’s custom audio warning had you wondering otherwise). While they can experience downtime due to glitches or system failures, this is typically an infrequent occurrence. With no emotions, unlimited attention spans, and only programming to guide them, mobile units are the epitome of consistency in security.

What Risk is Involved?

Risk may seem like just another four-letter word, but it’s an incredibly important factor to consider. (It can even go so far as to dictate your insurance premiums.)

Since they cannot physically intervene, mobile surveillance units can’t actually cause any accidental physical harm to visitors. This isn’t the case for security guards. While security guards are allowed to use appropriate force when detaining wrongdoers, that very fine line can lead to trouble quickly. If they use even slightly more force than needed, you can end up with an expensive lawsuit and a damaged reputation. This is why armed security guards require significantly more training hours than unarmed guards, and why some companies refuse to issue even handcuffs.

There’s also the element of risk to the guard or unit to consider. If a mobile security unit is damaged, it’s just an inconvenience that’s only as expensive as the cost of repairs. If a security guard is injured on the job, it can lead to a lifetime of costly workers' compensation, expensive lawsuits, and, in the worst-case scenario, the loss of a life.

Which is Better for My Business?

Different situations call for different solutions. To determine which security solutions best fit your unique business’s needs, start by conducting a thorough risk assessment. 

Security guards are ideal for situations where:

• The area is busy with a lot of people moving around
• There is a high probability physical intervention will be needed
• Specific areas or assignments need special attention

Mobile security units are ideal for:

• Large, outdoor properties, including parking areas
• Remote locations
• Construction sites

In many cases, a combination of the two elements leads to the most effective solution. The differences in perspective and ability can take your security to the next level, thoroughly protecting your product, people, and property.

Interested in a mobile surveillance unit for your business? Contact LVT for a demonstration today.