working the night shift: Security officers

Depending on your post as a security officer, night shifts create unique challenges. When patrolling a property, it is critical to maintain high visibility, create a patrol plan, and remain vigilant. 

• High visibility - Making your presence obvious is easy. Make a point to conduct frequent patrols in areas when and where people may be present. While patrolling in a vehicle, make sure you have your lights on, use your spotlight and/or flashlight to check doors, and fence lines. 
• Patrol plan - Establishing a patrol plan will ensure that you cover the property in an efficient and effective manner. From your post orders, and information received from fellow officers, identify the vulnerable areas and make a plan that will ensure you frequently check them. Utilize multiple techniques to increase your effectiveness such as doubling back to an area; spotlighting to increase your visibility; door markings - marking a door or entry point to see if it is disturbed upon your return. 
• Vigilant - Being vigilant to activity on and near the property ensures your safety and will keep you alert to potential criminal activity. If something appears to be out of place, or just slightly different, investigate carefully. Document it in your patrol log and alert fellow officers. 

The goal is for your night patrols is for them to be uneventful. Prevention is the goal for any officer. These tips will increase your preventative patrol measures, keep you and the property you are protecting safe.