In today’s world, we often see headlines and new stories regarding businesses of all sizes becoming victims of theft, with thieves taking bags of stolen goods. Because of this shift in the dynamic between companies and the public, business owners must take extra steps to provide a safe and secure environment. One-way businesses have achieved this is through the addition of security officers. These team members can be third-party or hired internally with their primary goal to mitigate risks while being a strong deterrent. By adopting a proactive approach, security officers provide a valuable layer of protection and instill peace of mind for business owners and stakeholders alike.
You may be asking yourself, what does a security officer do? The short answer is it depends. However, there are primary tasks that the majority of security officers perform. In this article, we will discuss the functions security officers perform and how they can benefit your business.
Customer Service
In many cases, security officers are often positioned by business entrances and exits, serving as customers’ first point of contact. This makes them vital as a positive interaction can set the tone and environment for shoppers. By fostering a safe and welcoming environment, officers enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, positively impacting the reputation and success of the business. You can learn more about how security officers can boost customer service here.
Emergency Response
One of the most appealing benefits of security officers is their ability to provide an effective emergency response. Security officers can quickly aid employees and customers in evacuating the store in case of a fire or threat. In addition, to assisting in coordinating evacuations, they can communicate effectively with emergency services. By swiftly managing crises, security officers help minimize the potential harm caused by these events, reducing panic among employees and customers. This function is critical in ensuring individuals’ safety and business operations’ continuity during challenging circumstances.
Deterrence
The best approach to maintaining a safe environment is a proactive one. Officers deter criminal activities by maintaining a visible presence and enforcing security protocols. This is where security officers step in, as one of their primary functions is to observe and engage with customers. This function benefits businesses by minimizing the risk of financial losses from shopping. As we will further discuss in the next section, many crimes are that of opportunity in which the likelihood of being caught is relatively low. Having a visible deterrence immediately reduces the chances of businesses being targeted, as the risk of being caught is much higher when compared to stores that do not have a security officer present.
Continues Monitoring
In many cases, petty theft is a crime of opportunity where the perpetrator believes no one is looking. Businesses of any size are at risk if the circumstances are in the thieves’ favor. For example, a busy holiday rush leaves employees stretched thin allowing criminals to take advantage of the situation. This is not uncommon as Fox Business reports an increase in retailers reporting thefts during the holiday season.
Security officers can observe the store from critical viewpoints and through surveillance systems. This allows security officers to effectively flag suspicious activity while still being able to maintain a watchful eye.
These are just a few essential functions security officers perform to create a safe business environment. The presence of security officers is a strategic investment that brings numerous benefits to businesses. If you’re interested in exploring the various types of security officers and discovering how they can specifically benefit your business, you can learn more here. Take the next step towards enhancing your business’s security and reach out to our team today to learn more about how security officers can benefit your company.