Successful security companies adapted and transitioned their personnel successfully to meet the changing security needs in 2022. As more people spent less time behind closed doors, the volume of people out and about, including returning to the workplace, affected the entire system. As a result, the security industry experienced some significant shifts that changed the face of security guard coverage. Although 2021 marked the most significant changes seen in this industry in years, the trends are strongly pushing ahead. Here are the top trends expected to continue to prevail.
Filling In the Gaps
Security guard placement providers faced labor shortages that impacted many industries, and security was no exception. Before March 2020, security guards mostly worked behind the scenes without much notice unless there was an emergency. Then, security guards became frontline employees of those companies they served. This need on the frontlines made security guard workers essential employees. Security is one position that can't be done remotely, so security guards dealt with many people daily, monitoring crowds and foot traffic while ensuring safety guidelines are followed. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 strains did cause some security guards to get sick, and some chose not to return after healing from the virus. This, in turn, led to a continued shortage that will likely trend through at least 2022.
Incorporation of Technology in Security Guard Roles
Organizations realize that combining technology and in-person presence provides the best security coverage. No longer are cybersecurity and security guards considered separate. Often, companies with security systems wish to add private security guards for a higher level of protection.
Building and event access can be incorporated into most devices, allowing the elimination of badges and hard-to-remember codes. As technology becomes more mainstream in security measures, the normal in 2022 will likely be access to restricted areas using smartphones and personal devices.
Risk Assessment and Analysis
No company wants to wait until after an incident to take measures to improve safety. A trend for 2022 is a more proactive approach to safety and security. For example, allowing highly trained security guards to perform pre-assessment at the job site reveals vulnerabilities that may put property or people at risk. If these risks can be mitigated before they become an issue, corporations save time, and money and keep people safer.
Extended Security Guard Training
Due to the likelihood of security guards having law enforcement or military background, they are already well prepared and experienced in dealing calmly with emergencies. However, successful security companies recognize that the world is changing, as are clients' needs. Standard training is part of any reputable security guard provider. Still, the best placement firms will insist on extended training that is both industry-specific and addresses current threats. The ultimate goal of security is to provide safety and protection of both people, assets, and property. Any training that better prepares guards for new threats offers clients a better safety net and ensures the best coverage. To ensure guards receive the knowledge they need from extended training, additional testing may happen before guards are placed on essential assignments.
Here, Hikvision would like to share some of our ideas and expectations about key trends that will likely affect the security industry in 2022 and perhaps even further into the future.
Biometric access control will bring higher security and efficiency
In the past decades, authorized access control has moved a long way away from keys, pin codes and ID cards. We now find ourselves stepping into the era of biometrics. The access control market is rapidly becoming occupied by biometric authentications, from fingerprint and palmprint recognition to facial and iris recognition.
Extra Low Voltage Security Systems
ELV Security systems include systems that help detect fire, raise fire alarms, use the public address system, watch over access controls, detect intrusions, CCTV, and more.
The concept of the Smart City is primarily concerned with looking at how technology and intelligent connectivity can generate actionable data to help improve city services and ensure a greater quality of life for all citizens. As increasingly IoT devices are being adopted to realize the Smart City vision, attention must turn to the cybersecurity of such devices.
By all appearances, the security industry is in a stage of redefining itself. It is moving from mere security and safety protections to encompass a broader scope of activity that will expand safety while bringing new levels of intelligence and sustainability to communities, companies, and societies.
Stark has been recognized for its commitment, earning the best security organization award for securing the Formula One last year, and is striving to be the state’s partner in achieving the smart city vision that has been incorporated into Qatar 2030 vision.
