The right safety improvements in the workplace make all the difference when protecting the people and assets that make your operations possible. This is your guide to building a better workplace safety culture.

Building a Business Safety Culture

Setting standards for workplace safety starts with growing your business’s safety culture. Your company’s safety culture must consider your team’s values, mission, capabilities and resources.

Use the ideas below to influence workplace safety plans for your brand.

1. Prioritize Worker Training

Your employees rely on training to understand their roles and learn the correct ways to complete tasks, handle equipment and power machines. Emphasizing worker training is pivotal in maximizing safety and preventing injuries.

Develop a job-specific safety training program. Only allow employees with the right knowledge and skillsets to operate special tools and equipment.

2. Encourage Open Communication

Safety in the workplace is a two-way street. State safety measures and make sure you have a platform to convey updates to your employees. Use routine safety meetings, email reminders or one-on-one check-ins.

Ensure your workforce is aware of your expectations and how to act in certain situations. Leave opportunities for your workers to ask questions about recent policies for transparency.

3. Keep Workstations Organized

Having tools, supplies and technology in designated spaces lessens the likelihood of employee accidents. Go the extra mile to inspect workstations, storage rooms, fulfillment areas and other locations where your workers report. Hazards to look for include tangled cables, liquid spills and out-of-place tools.

4. Create Safety-Related Rewards

One of the best safety improvement ideas on our list involves rewarding good behavior. Your workplace requires department leaders to set a positive example. Rewards encourage your team to follow safety guidelines more closely. Think about what your employees might be motivated by to build out a reward-based system.

Additional time off, gift cards, complimentary lunches and free company merchandise are excellent places to start.

5. Leave Time for Breaks

Productivity is an important business measurement. However, overworking employees and forgetting to leave time for breaks make workers less aware.

Assign break times based on staffing levels and remain flexible throughout the day to accommodate employee needs. Allowing your team to leave workstations for breaks is a good way to verify employees are refreshed and can continue paying attention to fine details.

6. Incorporate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

It’s possible there are PPE items recommended for the safe operation of industry equipment and tools. When job roles demand PPE, make this safety gear easily accessible.

You might assign someone to check all employees are following protocols and that no one on the floor forgot earplugs, face masks, hard hats or proper footwear.

7. Identify Dangerous Items and Zones With Signage

Placing signs close to hazardous chemicals, materials and machines is essential for adequate safety in the workplace. Make an effort to point out dangerous areas for workers and post instructions on how to proceed with tasks in these areas correctly.

8. Arrange Security Services

Security teams are outstanding resources for corporations, government buildings, schools, retail stores and events. Whether you feel original products could be targeted for theft or you have employees walking throughout your facility during the night, hiring security guards gives you peace of mind there are extra eyes looking after your workplace.

The right security service company allows you to assign security guards to cover specific zones or travel with individuals for heightened awareness.

Choose Brick Lanes Security for Elite Service in Colorado

Brick Lanes Security is a leading private security company operating in Colorado. We bring you trained security guards who provide assistance in high-threat environments. Our staff is made up of former military and Special Forces professionals, which improves your security operations and leaves you less vulnerable to incidents.

Contact Us for Service Details and a Quote

At Brick Lanes Security, we provide local, reasonable and effective protection for all of your security needs in Colorado.

Learn more about our security offerings and receive a pricing quote when you submit our contact form today.

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Understanding the Importance of Outsourcing Security in Corporate Offices

Outsourced security can be invaluable in corporate settings, offering advantages over in-house security.

The Significance of Security in Corporate Settings

The people, merchandise, equipment, data servers and other assets inside your walls could become a target or collateral damage in high-risk situations. The consequences of security breaches range from financial loss to prolonged emotional distress.

On-premises security outfits establish protection and solidify peace of mind. Security guards oversee your property and mobilize a swift response to any incident. Your business can avoid the costs associated with a security incident. Meanwhile, your staff will feel content and secure at work, helping them focus on their responsibilities.

Comparing Outsourcing and In-House Security

In-house security is an internal security team employed by your organization. Your business is responsible for hiring, training and scheduling security guards. You will also provide the equipment they need to perform their duties and pay them an hourly wage or salary plus benefits.

Outsourced security is a service from a third-party company. Your business will pay the company or its guards an hourly rate for their security services. Under this structure, you enter an agreement for the number of guards, the amount of time you have them on duty and how much you’ll pay them. The security firm hires the guards, trains them, plans their schedules and provides their resources.

How Outsourcing Security Can Save Your Business Money

The financial impact of hiring security is a common reason businesses outsource security needs.

Cost-Effectiveness of Outsourced Security Services

Internal security officers cost tens of thousands of dollars. The average wage for a security guard is $16.74 per hour in the United States. The cost per guard increases in larger cities and when hiring personnel with more experience.

Beyond their base salary, internal guards earn benefits like insurance, retirement plan contributions, sick leave and vacation. Census data from 2023 shows that employment benefits cost companies an average of $12.06 per hour in the United States. Companies also finance expenses like security uniforms, equipment, training, recruitment costs and liability insurance premiums.

Outsourced security consolidates costs. The cost of an individual security guard may be higher when outsourcing security — $20-$30 per hour for unarmed guards and $25-$35 per hour for armed guards. However, your company will only pay an hourly rate for the guards when hiring an outside firm. Other expenses are the firm’s responsibility.

The Financial Impact of Inadequate Security

Security is a considerable investment whether your company outsources security or hires an internal staff, but the outcome is worth the cost. A security incident’s financial toll can far surpass what a business spends on its security detail.

A single physical security incident can cost a business thousands or even millions of dollars. A recent World Security Report shows that companies worldwide lost a combined $1 trillion in revenue during 2022 from physical security incidents. Meanwhile, businesses in the U.S. alone lose a combined $50 billion annually to workplace crimes like employee theft.

The Role of Professional Security Services in Corporate Office Settings

Professional security guards are there to protect your business while you focus on core activities. They bring experience and a valuable skillset.

The Expertise of Professional Security Firms

Outsourced guards from a professional security firm come with a level of expertise that allows them to provide the highest level of security and surveillance. Security firms have a larger budget for training and can provide specialized learning opportunities.

Guards from established security firms are also very often some of the most experienced from the start. Job candidates with experience in the armed forces or as policemen often go to dedicated security companies where they know they will fit well.

Additionally, outsourced companies can dedicate more resources to security equipment and technology. Professional firms have access to the latest and greatest security solutions, and they make it a priority to stay up-to-date.

How Brick Lanes Security Can Improve the Safety of Your Corporate Office

Brick Lanes Security is a premier security firm providing expert security services with a personal touch. Our mission is to protect and serve your needs by deploying experienced personnel backed with groundbreaking security resources. We take time to get to know you and earn your trust so that our guards are more than faces you see on your way in the door. The result is a personalized security detail that reduces risk.

Security Services and Solutions Provided by Brick Lanes Security

Work with us for comfort in knowing our personable guards have the training and experience to respond to any security risk. We offer numerous security capabilities as part of our mission to protect corporate settings:

• Entry and access control
• Video monitoring
• Executive protection
• Employee termination
• Security assessment and consultation
• Corporate event security

Partnering With Brick Lanes Security

Partnering with a dependable security firm for corporate offices will provide the safety and peace of mind you need to run an effective business. The team at Brick Lanes Security is ready to mobilize armed or unarmed forces for your building. Our property protection and surveillance capabilities have earned the trust of professionals across industries, including many notable corporate leaders.

We encourage you to contact us online for more information about our corporate security services.

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Apartment security guards are incredibly beneficial. Experienced guards provide residential security services to prevent crime, maintain safety, provide tenants with peace of mind, help landlords manage their buildings and increase apartment marketability.

On-site apartment security helps provide a safe home for tenants, and it can increase tenant retention. Experienced personnel can patrol, guard and monitor your premises to ensure it is safe at all times, and they can respond rapidly to emergencies if they occur. Learn more about these services to understand how security guards can significantly enhance your apartment building.

What Do Apartment Security Guards Do?

Security guards benefit apartment complexes in several ways. To understand how quality security can benefit your apartment complex, consider these possible security guard services for apartment buildings:

• Stand guard: Security guards ensure only tenants, their guests and building personnel enter an apartment complex.
• Verify tenant identities: A security guard can verify tenant identities to control building access.
• Patrol the apartment complex: Security guards patrol buildings to ensure the surrounding area is safe and free of suspicious activity.
• Monitor alarms and respond to emergencies: On-site security is especially helpful during emergencies. Guards can monitor alarms to ensure these systems operate effectively, and personnel can respond to alarms if an emergency occurs.
• Watch for hazards such as fires: In addition to watching alarms, security guards monitor buildings and complexes for signs of fires and can respond quickly to help mitigate risk.
• Deter crime and theft: On-site security helps deter crime. Individuals are less likely to attempt theft or violent crimes when security guards are present.
• Lock buildings and set alarms: Security guards ensure they lock apartment buildings and set the appropriate alarms.
• Enforce policies: Security guards can help landlords enforce lease terms and conditions such as pet, guest, rent and safety policies.
• Record and report daily logs: A security guard can also record and report daily logs so you know who enters and exits the building at what times.
• Monitor parking lots: Security guards monitor parking lots to ensure areas are safe, respond to suspicious activity and prevent crime.
• Assist with conflict resolutions and evictions: While a security guard’s main duty is to maintain safety on the premises, they can also help resolve conflicts between tenants, respond to domestic disputes and assist with tenant evictions when necessary or appropriate.

Why Is Apartment Security Important?

Apartment security is important because it addresses potential crime. While many neighborhoods are typically safe, crime is a possibility. Criminal activity can occur at any time, so it’s important to remain prepared and have precautions in place to address suspicious activity before it becomes a crime.

7 Benefits of Apartment Security Services

Protecting an apartment complex with reliable on-site security personnel can provide the following benefits:

1. Decreased Theft

A security guard’s presence at an apartment building or complex helps reduce theft. A security guard can prevent theft by controlling who enters a building, allowing only tenants and their guests to enter. A security guard’s presence also deters potential burglars from attempting theft because security guards present a more visible challenge than other security measures, like cameras alone.

2. Increased Tenant Safety

Tenants are often safer when a security guard is present. A tenant can return home late at night and feel safe knowing a security guard is available to help in the event of an emergency. Security guards can keep apartment buildings and complexes free of suspicious activity at any time during the day and night. On-site security also helps prevent and deter criminal activities, providing tenants with peace of mind.

3. Minimized Liabilities

Since security helps prevent theft, violent activities, fires and emergencies, it can minimize your liabilities. Security guards can prevent undesirable events from occurring, and providing on-site security helps reduce your risk of liability in the event an emergency or crime does occur on your premises.

4. Improved Marketability

High-quality security improves your apartment complex’s marketability. Potential tenants are often more likely to choose a building that has security over one that does not. Some individuals prioritize safety when searching for an apartment and may value safety over cost, allowing you to attract tenants without lowering your rent and fees. On-site security can help you attract tenants such as families, helping you build a safe, positive apartment community.

5. Increased Tenant Retention

While apartment security guards can help you attract tenants, they can also help you retain tenants. Individuals are typically more likely to remain at a residence and in a community when they feel safe. Maintaining safety and security can help you keep your building full and encourage your responsible tenants to remain longer.

6. Improved Community Environment

Building security also improves the surrounding community. Since guards patrol your building, parking lots and the property’s perimeter, they can deter and prevent unwanted activity. This type of prevention helps reduce criminal activity in the neighborhood and create a positive environment, which is more welcoming to families, solo renters and responsible tenants.

7. Access to Knowledgeable Eye Witnesses in the Event of a Crime

Security guards also provide assistance if an emergency, theft or crime occurs. Guards are reliable eyewitnesses and can provide event details to police and other emergency personnel when necessary.

While security camera footage is useful in some situations, it is not always reliable or thorough. Security guards can witness and address unusual activity before it becomes a larger challenge or causes an undesirable event.

On-site apartment security also provides landlords and building managers with important information about tenant activities. Security guards can observe and ensure tenants follow lease terms, rules and conditions. They can notify landlords if any tenants bring prohibited pets into the building, don’t clean up after pets on property grounds or allow unapproved guests to stay in their apartments long-term.

Protect Your Apartment Complex With Brick Lanes Security

Security guard services for apartment complexes are essential. On-site security helps deter and prevent crime, protect tenants, increase tenant peace of mind and improve your building’s marketability. You and your tenants can rest assured that the building and its surrounding areas are safer when a trained security guard is present.

Brick Lanes Security offers private residential security services in Colorado Springs to keep local communities and neighborhoods safe. Our highly trained staff is experienced and reliable, and many of our security guards have military and police training. Brick Lanes Security is a veteran-owned and operated business dedicated to keeping communities safe. Contact us to learn more or schedule a consultation to request security services for your apartment complex.

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Security guards are a recognizable force within society. At a mall, outside a nightclub, in a jewelry store or at some other location, they are there to protect and defend. Security guards focus on safeguarding property, products or even human beings from a variety of threats. When extra protection is necessary, people turn to security guards.

If you need assurance and extra safety for yourself, your business or your family, you may want to hire security guards. Armed and unarmed guards can both supply protective services, but which is the right choice for your needs? You should consider the difference between armed and unarmed security guards before making your decision.

What Is Armed Security?

Armed security includes one or more professional guards who have completed training in safe weapon handling and carrying. They offer defense and protection for your specific needs, and they can use lethal force if the situation demands it. Some businesses, such as banks and jewelry stores, have highly valuable products and services. In these instances, the evident presence of lethal force can be a deterrent against criminals. Armed security is not always subtle, and criminals notice weapons right away.

Many people wonder, “Can you hire armed security?” The answer is yes, and sometimes it is necessary. Many situations demand the powerful deterrent trained weapons handlers can provide. The Constitution guarantees Americans the right to bear arms. However, you might not be comfortable with the idea of doing so, especially if you’re dealing with customers or trying to travel lightly. In some situations, having armed guards nearby can offer peace of mind and protection against possible threats. You can focus less on self-defense with your weapon and more on your current task.

With armed security, the guards themselves are a force you can trust to defend your livelihood. The presence of weapons is a major deterrent to criminals in itself. Seeing a gun at a guard’s hip could be enough to convince a criminal that their plan is not worth risking their life or well-being. If criminals attempt violence to get what they want, you can trust that your armed guard can apprehend them and gain control of the situation, thanks to the additional implication of their weapon.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ARMED SECURITY SERVICES

What Is Unarmed Security?

Unarmed security includes one or more professionals protecting you, your family or your business without carrying weapons. While unarmed security guards might carry pepper spray or batons, they will not use guns or other high-impact weapons. You may wonder why you would choose an unarmed security guard for your protection when an armed guard provides an added element of carrying a gun. While some situations have armed security requirements, unarmed guards could be the better choice for many of your protection needs.

Unarmed security guards provide a more discreet element of protection. They can blend right in with the crowd at your event or patrons of your business. Armed security can cause your regular customers to feel tense or like they are in an unsafe environment. Unarmed guards, on the other hand, can increase your clients’ sense of safety. They might feel like you value their business and want to ensure their protection.

The presence of weapons might also agitate a criminal or escalate a situation. In these situations, the sight of a gun does more harm than good. An unarmed guard can keep things under control without getting weapons involved.

Using unarmed security keeps your customers at ease while still providing protection. Plus, they are usually more affordable than armed guards. Armed guards receive extra training and cost more to employ because of insurance liability, and you’ll see that additional cost on your bill. Unarmed guards could be the perfect choice for many situations and budgets.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR UNARMED GUARDS SERVICES

Choosing the Right Type of Security

Which type of security is right for your needs? The last thing you want to do is hire an armed security guard and accidentally scare away customers. You also want to make sure unarmed guards provide enough protection and deterrence against criminals for your unique situation. Both types of security guards can protect you, but specific environments and moments call for one or the other. When choosing between armed and unarmed security officers, you have to know which would benefit your needs more.

When to Use Armed Security Services

Ask yourself the following questions to determine if armed security services are right for you.

• Are you in an area with high rates of violence? If you are in a high-crime area, using an armed guard could be the better choice. They could deter criminals who might otherwise try their luck with an unarmed guard.
• Do you sell valuables? You might prefer the added protection armed guards can provide if you sell items that make tempting targets for thieves.
• Is your business on private property? Some public spaces, such as malls, will not allow you to have armed guards, even in your store.
• Will your guard be in client view? You may be worried about accidentally deterring customers instead of criminals. Can you keep your armed security guards hidden from sight?
• Is deterrence your goal? Armed guards could be the answer to keep you, your family, your employees or your customers safe from harm.
• Do you need them 24 hours per day? Use armed security after hours to protect your assets after you close shop for the day.

When to Use Unarmed Security Services

While armed security guards offer a high level of deterrence, sometimes unarmed guards are the better choice. Ask yourself these questions.

• What’s your budget? Armed guards can be expensive. Unarmed guards could provide the protection you need at a more affordable price.
• Is there a police presence nearby? Your unarmed guards can contact local authorities at a moment’s notice. If police can respond quickly to a call, unarmed guards might suffice for your needs.
• What will your clients think? Armed guards could make your loyal customers feel uncomfortable. Unarmed security guards can provide protection while keeping your clients at ease.
• Are you at low or high risk? If you or your business are in a safer area, unarmed guards could be the better option.
• What will your insurance cover? Some insurance policies will not allow armed guards because of the added risk related to weapons. In contrast, insurance policies often allow unarmed guards.

Contact Vigilant Tiger for Armed and Unarmed Security Services

Brick Lanes Security is here to meet your security needs. Whether you require armed or unarmed security for personal use or for your business, your safety is our top priority. Our highly trained and qualified guards operate with integrity, expertise, reliability and responsiveness. We want you to feel safe and protected, and our armed and unarmed guards can get the job done. Each guard has military or law enforcement experience, so they are knowledgeable and ready for any situation.

We offer the highest-quality security at rates you can afford. Contact us today to learn more about the services we provide. We look forward to protecting and serving you.

CONTACT US FOR SECURITY GUARD SERVICES TODAY

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One such risk is the potential for high-risk and violent employees. Identifying and managing those employees can help you ensure they have an ideal working environment and that the workplace is safe for everyone else as well. Read on to learn more about how to prevent hiring high-risk employees and how to fire a violent employee.

How to Identify High-Risk Employees

What is a high-risk employee? They are those workers who are more likely to harm themselves, their co-workers and your business. Most employees do not set out with malicious intentions, but circumstances in their lives may push them to a breaking point, and their aggressions may be taken out at work. One key to identifying employees who are a high-risk for violence in the workplace is to get to know them as well as you can.

As an employer, you need to maintain a connection to the people on your team. Getting to know your employees and understanding their personalities is an important part of being a good boss. When you pay attention to your employees, you can sense when they are having a bad day. You may also learn that there is something serious going on in their personal lives that could be putting extra pressure on them.

Personal tragedies like divorce or a death in the family can push people to their breaking point. The issue does not have to be work-related to spark violence on the job, either. Everyone deals with stress a little differently. If one of your employees is prone to act out when they’re frustrated, and they’re facing a personal crisis, you may need to keep a closer eye on them for a while.

However, not all stressed employees are dangerous. If you want to know how to spot a potentially violent employee, here are some warning signs to watch for:

• A drastic, negative change in behavior
• Intense disruptions to the work environment
• Threats to others or the company
• Alarming social media posts
• Difficulty getting along with team members
• Control/power issues
• Constant anger

It is important to note that bad things happen to good employees. One of the biggest warning signs is when a good employee suddenly adopts one of these behaviors. A negative change in performance or behavior could indicate trouble is coming.

Learn More About Our Employee Termination Services

The other type of high-risk employee is the quiet one who does not make any trouble. Social interaction is an important sign of a well-adjusted individual. Not everyone is outgoing, but in a work environment, most people form interpersonal bonds. The employee who does not connect with anyone may be brooding.

Getting to know your employees and staying connected with them is one of the best ways to identify potential problems. It is also a good way to keep your team’s morale up and their work performance high. Direct communication with your employees will solve a lot of problems before they even get started.

How to Determine the Risk Level of an Employee

As in any potential crisis situation, risk assessment is important. When you have an employee displaying warning signs of potential violent behavior, you need to figure out how serious the threat is. Not everyone will behave violently, and some problem behaviors can be corrected with proper training and follow-up.

Where there is a potential for violence, though, you want to err on the side of caution. You need to be sure you don’t do anything to escalate a potentially negative situation.

Determining the level of risk comes down to documenting past behavior to predict the future. Take a look at the number of incidents an employee has been involved in. How many times do customers complain about an employee’s attitude or co-workers report a problem? How severe were those incidents? If you can determine a pattern of behavior with an escalation in severity, you can better predict how much at-risk an employee may be.

What to Do About a High-Risk Employee

Hiring an employee is a large upfront expenditure of time and money. When you have to fire someone, you do not get a return on that investment. Starting over with a new employee requires another investment in wages and training, so unless an employee is stealing from you or posing an immediate threat to your team, firing is not usually financially advantageous. You’ll likely want to look at other options first.

One method is to create a rehabilitation plan to address the problems you see with a high-risk employee. Ideally, you want to work with that employee to improve their performance on the job, including their attitude. That might require talking with the employee about what is going on outside of work and helping them realize how it’s affecting their job. These conversations are delicate, and rehabilitating a high-risk employee requires patience.

In the meantime, you still have a responsibility to the rest of your team to maintain a safe work environment. If there is possible violence involved, the security of your business is also at stake. You will need to work with your whole staff to re-enforce your expectations and strengthen their loyalty to you and the business.

While these changes are taking place, be sure to also secure the work environment. Additional security can help you get through this transition without incident. If you are concerned about appearances, incognito security personnel can be hired to blend in around the office. They can gather information about the risk level while serving to protect your employees and your business in the event of any potential violence.

How to Safely Terminate High-Risk Employees

Terminating a dangerous employee can be a delicate situation, but when handled right, the risk ends as the employee walks out the door.

The steps to firing a high-risk employee include:

• Setting up a private meeting with a witness
• Locking the employee out of the network and the building
• Taking any threats seriously
• Engaging security to escort the employee out
• Increasing security for the next several days

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If you have to fire someone, even if they are not considered a violence risk, it is a good idea to make the break quickly and thoroughly. Plan the termination for later in the day when your former employee can leave the building inconspicuously. You do not want to shame an employee or give them a pulpit, especially if they might be prone to violence.

Always fire an employee in a private meeting with at least one other person in the room. If you do not have an HR manager, include some other confidential person from your company, so there is a non-threatening witness to the conversation. Have the employee’s access to your computer network shut off and any security codes they have canceled when they enter the meeting. Be prepared to allow the fired employee to collect their personal things under supervision and escort them from the building.

It is a good idea to involve security personnel when terminating a high-risk employee. A security guard can escort your fired employee through the building to get their personal items and then lead them out the door. This measure may seem extreme, but it will protect everyone who is still working, you and your business. Being fired is the ultimate humiliation for some people, and they may react with violence. It is not unheard of for fired employees to steal or damage company property on the way out the door.

You should also increase security around your business for several days after you fire a high-risk employee. If that person is angry and prone to violence, they might try to retaliate against you or the company. Now, while the rest of your team is working, this individual has free time. Getting them out of the organization was the first step in protecting your team, but you need to be sure they are going to stay away.

Preventive Measures — How to Avoid Hiring a High-Risk Employee

No one wants to deal with violence in the workplace. Firing high-risk employees is stressful and can be avoided if you do not hire these people in the first place. Of course, during the hiring process, you can’t predict the future, but there are some things you can do to weed out potentially violent employees.

Look for these signs of a high-risk employee in the interview:

• Angry — The applicant expresses dislike or distrust for former co-workers, bosses, family members or everyone in their lives.
• Blaming — When an applicant ascribes all of their failures to someone else on the team or the boss, they may be a high risk for violence.
• Controlling — In the interview, the applicant expresses a need to change other people’s opinions to match their own. They do not seem open to change and has an attitude of superiority.
• Trouble Connecting with Others — An applicant who has trouble getting along with others might be prone to violence and disruption in the work environment. Someone who describes their interactions with former co-workers in inappropriate terms or has unreasonable expectations of others could be high risk.
• Litigious — If the applicant has filed numerous grievances against former co-workers or bosses, that could be an indication they are high risk.
• Verbally violent — An applicant who expresses their opinions in violent terms or shows sympathy for the perpetrator of violence rather than the victim may be a high-risk hire.
• Vindictive — Expressing a desire for vindication against anyone is a sign of potential violent behavior. You may recognize this attitude when an applicant talks about a former boss.
• Paranoid — An applicant who thinks everyone is out to get them can be a high-risk hire. Listen for stories about former bosses or co-workers who wanted to get them in trouble or fired. This person is often in the center of upheaval at work.

Any of these signs could be cause for concern. A combination of several should tell you this person would be a high-risk hire. Use the interview to get to know as much as you can about the applicant. Ask open-ended questions to keep the applicant talking. The more they talk in the interview, the more you will learn about them. Do not discount your gut feelings about someone, either. If you feel uncomfortable around the person, your team members will probably feel the same way.

Even after you hire a new employee, continue to evaluate them. Be sure the training the new employee receives is thorough and covers expected conduct as well as job tasks.

Additionally, try to make your new hire feel welcome. If you integrate them with the rest of the team, the sense of involvement and camaraderie may help to diffuse potential negative situations. Your company culture should eventually subsume a new employee as well. If they continue to stand out in a negative way, though, you may want to keep an eye on them.

Always run a thorough background check before hiring a new employee. Past acts of violence can predict future problems. Generally, people who are prone to violence as a means of solving problems or working out their frustrations will continue to use those means. Do not assume that the job you offer will be so pleasant that this individual will not have anything negative to react to. People who are prone to violence always find something to be frustrated about.

What Action Should You Take If You Suspect a Person Is a Security Risk?

If you suspect there is a problem with an employee, taking the proper precautions can mean the difference between a positive outcome and a tragedy. Always rely on your security professionals to handle risks in your organization. That is what they are trained for. Your job is to identify potential risks based on your observations and interactions with your employees. As the boss, you are privy to information that others do not have.

Do not hesitate to discuss a possible security risk with your security team. You don’t have to make the judgment about taking action or not. The security guards will assess the information you give them, gather additional information if necessary, and come to you with their professional recommendation.

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Running a business can be overwhelming, especially when you have to worry about high-risk employees and the safety and security of your staff. This is why you hire contractors to assist you with operations. A legal expert handles your liability issues. An accountant keeps track of your finances. Be sure you have a security expert to protect your staff and your business from the threat of violence.

The post How to Identify and Manage High-Risk and Violent Employees appeared first on Brick Lanes Security.

No business, regardless of the size or scope of the organization, is immune to the threat of crime or dangerous behavior. If you’re a business owner, you have to make critical decisions regarding the safety of your employees, customers and facilities — implementing no security measures at all will leave you vulnerable to threats such as theft, robbery, vandalism and even workplace violence.

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Hiring guards is one business security option that deserves consideration. Professional, well-trained security guards can effectively deter and prevent crimes as well as intervene quickly when an incident occurs. Evaluating the following criteria can help you determine if you need a security guard to protect your premises:

• Your facilities are in a high-crime area: If your business is in a neighborhood where crime is rampant or an isolated or rural area, surveillance cameras and strong padlocks probably won’t be enough in the way of protection. A visible security guard can deter would-be criminals and take action if necessary. They can also patrol the property to look for signs of trouble, which is especially important after hours when no employees are present.
• You’ve experienced retail theft: According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, U.S. retailers lose approximately $13 billion in stolen goods each year. Shoplifting isn’t the only source — store employees account for about one-third of the theft. While surveillance cameras will deter some thieves, the pros know how to target the areas that don’t have camera coverage. If stealing is a problem in your store, a security guard can provide a solid return on your investment by detecting and preventing customer and employee theft.
• You’re concerned about liability issues: Liability protection is a primary concern in today’s litigious society. A patrolling security guard can spot and report on situations within and around your facility that pose a safety hazard with the potential to ultimately lead to a liability claim. If you’ve already experienced an excessive number of claims, hiring a security guard may also fulfill the compliance requirements of your workers’ compensation or general liability insurance carrier.
• You have safety concerns: If you have any safety concerns about preventing workplace violence, protecting your customers, prohibiting unauthorized access or anything else, security guards can alleviate the issues and give you additional peace of mind.
• You serve alcohol on the premises: Wherever there’s alcohol, there’s always the risk of inappropriate or even violent behavior. Security guards are essential for businesses that host or promote sporting events, concerts, festivals and other large gatherings where alcohol is readily available. These trained guards can spot inebriated patrons and remove them from the premises before they cause trouble. They can also handle crowd control if an incident gets out of hand.

Brick Lanes Security: The Security Company to Call in Colorado Springs, CO

Brick Lanes Security is a veteran owned and operated company offering first-rate security services to businesses throughout the Colorado Springs, CO, area. Our well-trained, professional security guards can keep people and property safe in any business environment. Contact us to learn more today.

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The post How to Know If Your Business Needs a Security Guard appeared first on Brick Lanes Security.

What Is Mobile Patrol?

Mobile security services feature highly trained, uniformed personnel who patrol your property in clearly marked vehicles. This service provides a strong security presence for your business, which can effectively deter criminals.

The use of vehicles allows officers to respond quickly to alarms and disturbances on your property. They can also conduct routine checks of equipment and assets on the premises and even assist you with opening and closing your facility each day if needed.

Where Is Mobile Patrol Useful?

Mobile business security services typically make sense for any organization that must protect a sprawling area that is vulnerable to intrusion. Examples include car dealerships, college campuses, shopping malls, manufacturing plants with outdoor storage areas, construction sites and apartment complexes. Small businesses that are traditional targets of criminals, such as liquor stores, hotels and jewelry stores, can also benefit from a mobile patrol.

Benefits of Visible, Trained Security Guards

Mobile security services can provide a host of benefits for organizations, including:

• Flexibility: You can schedule your mobile patrols whenever it works best for your business. While some companies may want protection on an around-the-clock basis, others may only need it after business hours when no one is on the premises.
• Access to skilled security professionals: Security personnel is trained to identify and respond to various threats to your business. Mobile patrol vehicles include equipment such as GPS tracking and navigation, fire extinguishers, light bars and first aid kits, allowing them to perform with maximum efficiency.
• Physical presence: A visible security force makes would-be criminals think twice about targeting your property — they can never know for sure when the next patrol vehicle will come by and spot them.
• Fast detection of troublesome activity: A well-trained mobile patrol can quickly determine if something is amiss — such as an unlocked door, the smell of smoke or a suspicious vehicle — and address the situation before it becomes a serious issue.
• Peace of mind: As a business owner, you’ll sleep better at night knowing that trained security officers are monitoring your property and will respond promptly if the need arises.

Contact Brick Lanes Security for Your Mobile Security Needs in Colorado Springs, CO

As a leading provider of corporate security services in the Colorado Springs area, you can trust the experienced professionals at Brick Lanes Security for your organization’s mobile patrol needs. Our team consists of ex-military personnel who deliver high-quality security services with empathy and respect. We’re always ready to assist our clients, so don’t hesitate to contact us whenever you need us.

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Each year, thousands of businesses become victims of robberies. Unlike burglars, who typically attempt to break in and steal cash or property when no one is around, armed robbers pose a significant threat to the safety of your employees and customers. Consequently, you must take special precautions to protect your business against these potentially dangerous criminals. The following robbery prevention tips can minimize your risk of a violent attack — and give you greater peace of mind.

1. Watch for Suspicious Activity

Many robbers are apprehensive about their activity. They’ll often lurk outside the building and work up the nerve while waiting for the right opportunity. If you see someone who appears to be loitering outside your establishment or perhaps sitting in a parked car for an extended period, call 911 so the police can investigate the situation.

2. Increase Visibility

Robbers obviously don’t want to be seen. Do everything possible to improve the sight lines into and out of your establishment. For example, consider removing shrubs or signage that obscure the view from windows. If your business is open at night, make sure you have adequate lighting outside your building and in high-risk areas such as parking lots and back or side exits.

3. Work With Law Enforcement

Your local police department is an invaluable resource when it comes to robbery prevention and business security. Arrange to send an officer to your facility to assess your security risks and provide guidance regarding what to do if a robbery occurs. Law enforcement officials can also alert you about crime trends that could impact your area and possibly place your company at a higher risk.

4. Implement Business Security Measures

You can take several steps to safeguard your physical property against robbery attempts. If you have a cash register, place it in plain view of the outside of your building and keep a minimal amount of cash in it at all times. Install visible security cameras to deter robbers and record any suspicious activity. If you install an alarm system, choose one that instantly notifies the police when a robbery attempt occurs.

5. Consider Hiring Security Guards

Security guards provide a physical presence that makes robbers think twice about holding up your establishment. Guards also know how to react if a robbery attempt occurs. They’re an especially valuable business security asset if you operate in a high-crime area, sell or store valuable equipment or merchandise or handle large amounts of cash.

Contact Brick Lanes Security for All Your Business Security Needs in Colorado Springs

If you operate a business in the Colorado Springs, you can count on the professionals at Brick Lanes Security to handle your corporate security requirements. Our well-trained security guards know how to recognize threats and keep your property safe.

As a veteran-owned company that understands the unique security needs of the Colorado Springs business community, we’re experts at robbery prevention. Contact us to learn more today.

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