Security Guarding During a Pandemic
April, 2020
Digital Security Guarding
Today’s COVID-19 pandemic will, unfortunately, be with us for a long while and it will forever transform the way we live, work and shop. While the government CARES Act and other programs offer some financial relief to businesses forced to shut down, billions of dollars of assets are left unattended with few security guards available to manage the situation.
The impact of 6.6 million dollars in additional filings for unemployment further increases the likelihood that once the pandemic is over, the economic risk will result in a higher need for asset protection for the foreseeable future. It is critical that all businesses immediately evaluate their risk profiles and security protocols because a delayed recovery
may prove to be a costly vulnerability.
So what can the decision maker do during these troubling times of controlled and unavailable
work force? The answer is Remote Guarding. By infusing the latest Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) and Machine Learning algorithms with state-of-the-art camera and audio systems, our technology for surveillance will be the global driving force to keep people and property safe.
Remote Guarding resolves many security issues usually addressed by law enforcement. When an unauthorized “bad guy” enters a property, we see them, we describe them, we announce our presence to them, we notify them that the Police are on the way - and very often, that alone is enough to send the “bad-guys” running before damaging or stealing property.
We are always on and always watching.
As many local and federal government entities use systems complete with facial recognition and infrared technology to support first responders in preventing crime, the private sector typically relies on staffed security guards to protect assets. As the pandemic continues to require citizens to shelter in place, the availability and affordability of security guards decreases, leaving many businesses vulnerable to criminal activity. Furthermore, the staffed security guard solution is less effective than our technology and surveillance capabilities. The operations of Elite’s security systems prevent huge financial losses for businesses and their insurers.
The traditional staffed security guard is tasked with one purpose: to observe and report a crime.
It is not within the guard’s job description to coordinate with law enforcement or get involved in direct confrontation with a potential suspect. Guards can be injured, can sometimes overreact and harm others, and are bound to specific areas of a property. A savvy criminal can ambush or even conspire with a guard to achieve their objectives. This is not to imply that all guards are ineffective; they are often given specific tasks and are limited in response options should the need arise. But Remote Guarding security solutions take ownership of many issues that currently require law enforcement involvement and revolutionize the approach to preventing crime and protecting assets. Instead of just observing, reporting, and passing the buck to law enforcement, Remote Guarding security solutions takes a proactive approach to prevent crime before it has the chance to happen.
How does Remote Guarding offer greater protection against thieves, vagrants, trespassers and active shooters? The Digital Guard is the bridge between the law enforcement community and the public. When an intruder activates a camera system on a prospective site, security agents in a secured command center will view and monitor the intruder’s activity. The advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithm alerts the security agents who can then communicate with the intruder via a strategically positioned speaker system on site and alert law enforcement of a crime in progress. These highly trained agents keep their full attention on the scene until officers arrive.
Law enforcement embraces the Remote Guarding solution because it dramatically improves officer safety. Security agents guide police officers using the digital guards (cameras) as well as audio as they approach suspects. This ensures that officers never walk into the unknown. In addition, responding officers know a call from Elite Interactive Solutions will likely generate a safe arrest attempt. The company’s ability to support officer safety and efficiency enhance relationships with local law enforcement. This also benefits the businesses they protect.
Michael Zatulov is Chief Operating Officer or Elite Interactive Solutions, LLC. He can be reached at mzatulov@eliteisi.com.
