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  We sometimes overlook the heroic acts by school security guards that happen daily around the country.   One example   occurred in a middle school in White Oaks, Maryland involving Freddie Davis, a security guard at the school for five years. During a recent lunch hour, students alerted him that one of their friends was choking. He raced over and performed the Heimlich maneuver. The seventh grader coughed up a piece of chicken that had been lodged in his throat. Davis says that saving a life was just part of his job. He noted that he had just been recently recertified in first aid training. Davis’ security and safety skills enable him to perform numerous duties that go beyond first aid. Campus security guards keep bad guys from entering the school grounds. They help coordinate safety drills, and build bonds with students. Students feel safe going to a school security guard if they are being bullied, in danger or hear or see something that puts students or the school at r...

  Family members who must place a loved one an assisted living facility should have the peace of mind of knowing that their relative is safe. Unfortunately, acts of   theft   and   violence   can occur if security is lax. That’s where a strong assisted living security guard staff can make the difference. Basic Safety .  There are more than 28,000 assisted living facilities in the U.S. An easily accessible alert system to summon help, safety handrails in bathrooms and public hallways, properly managed medication administration and staff monitoring of the individual’s general well-being are a must, as well as properly lit hallways, well maintained flooring and furniture (to avoid falls and injury) and clean living spaces. Video Security.  A common security concern in an assisted living facility is elderly residents  leaving the premises  without supervision or employees noticing. Maintain a 24-hour video surveillance of all common areas to aler...

  Hate crimes are on the rise. In the last 3 years alone, over 50 people in the U.S. have been killed inside their church, synagogue or mosque. These tragedies remind us that we need to do much more to secure the very places where we seek peace and protection. Congregations are easy targets for theft, vandalism, threats and shootings.  Doors are open to all and, for the most part, there are no security measures in place. Why? Because most houses of worship see a security strategy as contradictory to their message of peace. As uncomfortable as it may be, congregation leaders must address security issues head on. A house of worship security guard company can design a security strategy within the comfort zone of your congregation and your resources. Simple measures can make a big difference.  During services, security guards can be your first line of protection. They are trained to respond to any threat or suspicious behavior, and are in direct contact with the local police....

  According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were almost 100,000 nonresidential building fires in 2016. The leading causes were cooking, carelessness, arson and electrical and heating malfunction. The dollar loss was over $2 billion. An important role of business security guard staff is to be on the lookout for potential fire hazards and to alert authorities when a fire breaks out. Fire Prevention.  Business security guards, especially where combustible items are located near heat sources, play an important role as they patrol the facility and monitor security camera feeds, always on watch for potential fire hazards. These fire and security guards are often responsible for making sure all fire extinguishers are up to date and other fire prevention measures are working properly. When Fire Occurs.  If a fire starts in an office or manufacturing business, your fire security guard team take on numerous tasks. Their first job is to confirm where the fire is located and ...

  According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were almost 100,000 nonresidential building fires in 2016. The leading causes were cooking, carelessness, arson and electrical and heating malfunction. The dollar loss was over $2 billion. An important role of business security guard staff is to be on the lookout for potential fire hazards and to alert authorities when a fire breaks out. Fire Prevention.  Business security guards, especially where combustible items are located near heat sources, play an important role as they patrol the facility and monitor security camera feeds, always on watch for potential fire hazards. These fire and security guards are often responsible for making sure all fire extinguishers are up to date and other fire prevention measures are working properly. When Fire Occurs.  If a fire starts in an office or manufacturing business, your fire security guard team take on numerous tasks. Their first job is to confirm where the fire is located and t...

  Retailers tend to enlist the services of a security guard company after an incident or a string of incidents occur—an armed robbery, an increase in shoplifting or suspected employee theft. Instead of waiting until a negative event happens and the financial loss it brings, retailers should consider incorporating security guards as part of a store’s regular security safeguards. Not Just Temporary Add-Ons .  Retail store security guard services shouldn’t be added after the fact—a temporary fix to security issues. A retail store security guard company works with an outlet, discusses security concerns and then devises a security plan that incorporates not only security guards, but also store employees, physical store layout and electronic monitoring. The guards are just one element of an overall security strategy. Loss Prevention.  Retail store employees are an important ingredient to help identify shoplifting and other retail crimes, but it shouldn’t be their job to confron...

  We all watched in horror as rioters entered and then defaced the Capitol building last week.  State and local governments in California and Arizona are making sure that similar disturbances do not happen at state owned properties. State capitols are boosting security protection measures as threats of unrest increase heading towards inauguration day on January 20. In addition to police and National Guard, private security guards are being hired and deployed around capitol buildings in case protestors turn violent. The show of force is designed to keep lawful protests peaceful and stop those intent on causing harm and vandalism. Private security guards from  Access Control Security  (ACS) are part of the security efforts. Our guards are being stationed at city, county and state office buildings. If a disturbance arises—either by a large group or a few individuals—guards will respond and will detain lawbreakers. Protecting Public Property.  State capitols are not...

  We live in uncertain times, no question about it. With breaking news of mass shootings throughout the year, people feel vulnerable in public places. One of those places was the luxurious Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas—the base of operations for one of the deadliest shootings ever by an individual. From a security standpoint, we all asked these questions: how did the gunman sneak 23 weapons and hundreds of rounds of ammunition into a hotel room on the 32 nd  floor? And how could this go completely unnoticed? Times Have Changed.  When it comes to securing leisure facilities with heavy foot traffic, we’ve clearly entered a new era. Gone are the days when hotel security guards were trained mostly to stop petty theft and take care of drunk patrons. Hotels now need to have serious security measures in place to respond, in the blink of an eye, to bomb threats and mass shootings. At the same time, hotels are places where people want to enjoy themselves. Who wants a r...

  The recent mass murder of 12 people in a municipal building in Virginia Beach sheds light on building access security. If an individual intent on creating mayhem, whether employee or visitor, is forced to walk through an entrance checkpoint, complete with a metal detector, would that person have second thoughts? It’s a tough question to answer, but secure entrances, manned by workplace security guards, can make a difference in stopping would-be intruders and possibly mass shooters. Checkpoint Security .  Trained security officers at entry points wear several hats. They must make sure all those who enter a building go through the checkpoint. In more and more cases, that means going through a metal screening process—where they pass through a metal detection devise. The safety and security of employees and visitors must be top of mind even as guards welcome those entering the building. Keeping the proper balance between the two functions are critical. Weeks, months or even year...

  Energy plants and solar installations play an important role in our country’s infrastructure by providing uninterrupted power to local communities. Because of this, security of these energy sources is critical. Energy companies must address the possibility of cyber attacks to their operations as well as onsite incidents. For onsite safety and security, energy companies turn to security guard companies for power plants experienced in plant protection. 24-Hour Security Camera Monitoring .  Around the clock surveillance cameras at entry points, along the perimeter and at interior locations can spot individuals intending to disrupt operations. Security companies monitor these feeds either onsite or remotely and contact authorities if there is a breech. Onsite Security Guards.  Cameras can’t capture everything. Solar installation and energy plant security guard services are typically on duty 24/7. Advanced technology used by some security firms, including  Access Contro...

  Our 1 st  Amendment right includes the right to peacefully assemble. But as we know, protests and strikes can be emotionally charged and don’t always remain peaceful. Preparation Is Key.  In these troubled times, companies need to prepare for the unexpected. Remember the Occupy Wall Street movement? Protesters occupied banks and corporate headquarters for two months. What if you found a crowd of protesters on your property or your own workers went on strike? Access Control Security provides civil unrest security guard services in California and Arizona. Our guards are trained to protect your employees, property and assets during strikes, and emergency disturbances. ACS’ comprehensive security plan includes monitoring and preventive measures and emergency procedures. When a situation gets out of hand, our security guards are your first line of defense. They are trained to de-escalate conflict and to be a trustworthy link between you and local authorities. Don’t Wait...

  Hotel guests are entitled to have a good time during their stay, but some behavior crosses the line—especially when alcohol is involved. The hotel pool is an area where extra policing should take place since poor behavior can lead to serious accidents. Making Sure Posted Rules Are Followed .  Most pool rules include no glass containers or alcohol (although in many cases alcohol is served by hotel bars at poolside), no minors left unattended, no pets, no running or horseplay and no diving. Hotel security guard services can ensure that these rules are followed. Anyone disobeying the rules or putting others in danger would be asked to leave. Keeping Trespassers Out.  Many hotel pool areas require a room key to enter through a locked gate. To assure that no one tries to sneak in without a room key, hotel pool security guards can be posted at the gate to check in guests. Patrolling After Hours.  For some guests and pool crashers, pool hours are meant to be ignored. It’s...

  A simple trip to the grocery store turned deadly last week when a   young man was shot and killed   after an argument in a Stater Brothers Market checkout line. While the killing is under investigation, it leaves the uneasy reality that tempers seem to be getting shorter these days and violence can happen even in what are considered safe places. One way to stop violence from escalating in these stores is by deploying the help of grocery store security guard services. Security Guards As A Deterrent .  When short-tempered individuals think their inappropriate actions or comments won’t have consequences, they are more likely to act out. The mere presence of store security guards can keep people’s emotions in check. If they see that a security guard is watching, they are likely to think twice before behaving badly. Calming A Situation.  Negative behavior can quickly escalate into something more dangerous if left unchecked. A store security guard can step in immedi...

  We all love to indulge at our local shopping center, but the luxury of having so much under one roof in a free-flowing space comes with serious security challenges. In fact, retail theft and shoplifting are on the rise, and so is vandalism and even  gun violence . Still, no one wants to go through security lines and metal detectors just to shop. For over 25 years, Access Control Security has provided state-of-the-art security guard services for large leisure venues. A Security Guard Presence .  ACS shopping center security guards will be the eyes and ears of your shopping center 24/7. They are highly trained in retail crime prevention, fire safety, and disaster response. At ACS, we use advanced GPS tracking and live video monitoring technology so we can be on the watch without deploying a large number of security guards. Contact  Access Control Security  today and we will ensure that your customers’ shopping experience is both fun and safe...

  A recent   robbery attempt   at a gas station was thwarted by the presence of a security guard. It’s just one true-life example of how security guards can keep gas station employees and patrons safe. Gas station security guard companies offer a number of different security options Choose Level Of Security.  Depending on the gas station’s history of criminal activity, gas station security guards can be present during set times or around the clock. –Periodic Visits – station owners can select certain times of the day when a security guard is needed. Security may be most effective during the evening, overnight and high traffic periods. The gas station guard patrols the pumps, around the station perimeter and inside where food items and drinks are sold. –Security During Station Hours – a security guard is present whenever the gas station is open for business. The guard watches for shoplifters, deters would-be robbers and discourages loitering. –24/7 Security – crimin...

  Retailers increase security guard protection at their locations as large, organized groups enter stores to protest COVID-19 restrictions. Most recently, a crowd of  protesters entered  a shopping center and a  grocery store   in Los Angeles and  a mall in Phoenix . These types of demonstrations are happening  around the country . In almost all cases, pushing, shoving and shouting occurred. This appears to be a growing trend that puts shoppers and retail workers at risk. When emotions are high, anything can happen. Store employees are usually not equipped with the proper training to handle unruly crowds. It shouldn’t be part of their job description. Instead, retailers are adding security guards and stationing them inside and outside stores and shopping centers. Our guards monitor who enters a store or center. It doesn’t matter if it’s one person or a large group, if they aren’t complying with local health and safety protocols they aren’t not all...

  Summer is the time when families head to campsites to relax, reconnect with each other and enjoy the outdoors. The vacation can be ruined if your neighboring campers party late into the night or worse, items from your campsite are stolen. Here are basic campsite security tips. Don’t Leave Valuables In Plain Sight.  Lock valuables out of sight in your vehicle cab or trunk. If you have large items such as bicycles or lake toys, buy a chain and padlock and lock them up around a tree or other immobile object. Leave Valuables You Can Do Without At Home.  Expensive jewelry and electronics are usually not part of the camping experience. Leave those and other unnecessary valuables at home. Know Your Neighbors .  Get to know your campsite neighbors. Campers are generally friendly and are usually more than willing to look out for one another. Public and private campgrounds offer another layer of protection by enlisting the help of a security guard company to patrol the prope...

  Prom season is almost upon us. It’s a time for students to put on their finest attire and celebrate the approaching end of the school year. While teachers, staff and parents often act as chaperones, these celebrations, like any large events, need security personnel in place to ensure they are safe for all. A lot can happen on prom night. Here are just a few examples of what can go wrong and how security guards can help. Underage Drinking and Drugs.   Inevitably, some students will try to bring alcohol or drugs to the venue. Guards can be assigned to check purses, coats and other items to make sure nothing slips by. Rowdy Students.  Teens are an emotional bunch. When tempers flare (or alcohol or drugs make it past the checkpoint), fists can start to fly. Guards can quickly defuse the situation by breaking up fights and bringing the instigators to school staff. An Emergency Occurs.  Whether it’s as mundane as a teen setting off a fire alarm or something more sinister...

  We wish you all a healthy, prosperous 2021.  Many businesses will be facing continuing challenges at least for a portion of the New Year. For businesses that can remain open, the soaring COVID cases means making sure customers follow all safety and health protocols. Our guards are trained to keep your business orderly and safe for all employees and customers. As with all of you, ACS is hoping for a return to “normal” as quickly as possible. Until then, we’re here to help with all your COVID-related security needs. Access Control Security