What Are The Duties of A Campus Security Guard?

Back-to-school season is here again! More schools than ever are investing in their students' and faculty’s safety through security measures, including on-site security guards. Campus security guards play a critical role in maintaining the safety and security of school property, students, and faculty members. In this blog, we’ll explore the key duties of a campus security guard and why their presence is important to maintaining a safe and secure learning and working environment.

Blackbird Security provides campus security to Douglas College in BC

1. Patrolling Campus Property

Campus security guards maintain a secure environment through the use of patrols, both outside and inside high-traffic buildings such as lecture buildings, dorms, libraries, parking lots, and rec centres. Active patrols help prevent incidents before they escalate and the visible presence of uniformed security guards helps proactively deter criminal activities such as theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access. While on patrol, security guards monitor for suspicious behaviour, maintenance issues, and safety concerns, responding to each situation swiftly and professionally.

Some campuses may opt for mobile security patrols. Mobile security guards patrol campuses in a marked security vehicle, performing checks at key locations along their route. Mobile patrols are a cost-effective solution for securing buildings that may not need a constant static security presence.

2. Alarm Response

In the event of a triggered alarm, campus security guards will respond promptly and assess the situation. Common alarms triggered on campuses include fire, access points, and car alarms. A trained security guard should always be the one to respond to a triggered alarm, as they have the knowledge and experience needed to handle security or safety threats.

Mobile security guards are one way that campuses can incorporate alarm response into their overnight security strategy. Blackbird Security mobile guards will be promptly deployed to investigate a triggered alarm by our 24/7 Control Centre team, ensuring peace of mind for campus residents, staff, and management.

Blackbird Security provides mobile campus security in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, BC, and across Canada

3. Access Control and Monitoring

For residential or dorm buildings on campus, as well as other buildings where check-in or identification needs to be confirmed at entry, campus security guards will perform access control duties. This may include checking valid IDs, maintaining visitor logs, and monitoring entry points to ensure that only authorized individuals are allowed access. Concierge security guards may be stationed at lobby counters to facilitate visitor check-in and monitor CCTV cameras.

4. Emergency Response and Crisis Support

In the event of an emergency, such as a fire, medical incident, serious safety threat, or natural disaster, campus security guards are the first responders on the scene. They’re trained to handle a wide range of emergency scenarios and are responsible for coordinating with local law enforcement, fire departments, and medical services. Depending on the situation, security guards will act quickly to evacuate affected buildings, provide first aid, manage crowds, and secure the area. Quick and effective emergency response is critical to minimizing injuries and ensuring the safety of individuals on campus.

At Blackbird Security, our security guards receive in-house first aid training through Blackbird Academy. Our guards learn life-saving procedures including CPR, as well as learn protocols for how best to manage emergency situations. Learn more about how Blackbird Security guards have acted fast and saved lives during emergency situations in our previous blog, Canadian Security Heroes: Saving Lives In All Industries.

5. Ensuring Campus Rules Are Followed

An important job of campus security guards is enforcing campus rules and regulations. This includes monitoring adherence to rules concerning parking, smoking, alcohol consumption, and more. Security guards ensure that students and visitors comply with these policies to maintain a safe campus environment.

Should a security guard spot or be alerted to an instance of rule-breaking, such as an unauthorized outdoor party, they will calmly but firmly ensure the activity stops, professionally informing participating individuals of potential consequences.

6. Reporting and Documentation

Detailed reporting and documentation are essential pieces of a campus security guard’s job. Security guards maintain accurate and up-to-date records of their patrols, incidents, and any suspicious activities. Proper documentation helps ensure accountability and transparency while providing a record of events for future reference.

Blackbird Security guards report through a tool called TrackTik, the industry-standard security reporting software. Through TrackTik, our guards can upload real-time reports and supporting evidence such as photographs, which can be accessed by both the Blackbird Security 24/7 Control Centre and our clients through their client portal.

7. Assisting with Conflict Resolution

Campus security guards are often called upon to mediate disputes and de-escalate tense situations between individuals on campus. Through in-house training in conflict resolution, Blackbird Security guards work to resolve issues peacefully and ensure that conflicts do not escalate into violence. Their presence provides an environment of safety, helping to maintain a peaceful and respectful campus environment.

8. Providing Support and Assistance to the Campus Community

Campus security guards often serve as a source of support and assistance to the school community. They may provide directions, escort students and staff to their vehicles at night, or help with other non-emergency needs. Security guards are a helpful and approachable presence on campus, and guards often build rapport with the campus community to contribute to a safe and welcoming atmosphere.

Blackbird Security provides campus security in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, BC, and across Canada

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Campus security is critical to maintaining a safe learning environment within schools. At Blackbird Security, we’re proud to secure Douglas College, UBC, Delta School District, Surrey Schools, BCNET, and the Quad residence at York.

Partner with us to secure your college or university campus or residence by getting in touch with us through the form below.

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