In two recent articles the authors penned for Pl Magazine: "The Checklist:A Simple Yet Essential Guide"

(Issue 194, pp. 12-13: July/August 2024) and "The General Security Checklist" (Issue 195, pp. 20-22: September/October 2024), we discussed the genesis of the checklist and how it is applied in the security and investigative sector. This article discusses the keys to preparing a security guard checklist. An excellent article "The History of Security Guards -A Hankering for History" 1 traces back the evolution

Excerpt from the article:

Today’s more enlightened security executives instinctively know that the primary job of a security guard is to provide a vigilant security force to protect life and property. Whether preparing a scope of services for a small in-house guard contract or a large complex contractual assignment, the checklist will carefully guide you through the process from start to finish. Now that the table is set, let’s plan the checklist menu. Both authors were proprietors of guard companies and certified state training centers in the greater New York area. We have crafted policies, procedures, training, and checklists to support successful operations.

A hypothetical general security guard services checklist for both in-house and contractual security might include the following bullet points:

SITE BRIEFING SCHEMATIC

• Arrival time and clock-in specifics

• Previous shift briefings

• Incident report summaries

• Uniform and equipment requirements, including ID tags

PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND CONDUCT

• Always maintain a neat and professional appearance

• Always adhere to all code of conduct policies

• Always carry required equipment: radio, flashlight, notepad, pen, etc.

Click the article to learn more about a security guard checklist, and what should be on yours.