Security executives and guarding providers discuss the state of security guarding, including hiring, retention and new technology, such as robots & artificial intelligence.

The continued pandemic, labor shortages, a shift in the hybrid and remote workforce, and other factors have led to an increased threat landscape, hiring challenges and changing roles for security officers. Security leaders across many sectors share industry knowledge on how to adapt to these shifts, including interdepartmental communication, continued training efforts and more.

Typically, guarding companies are focused on threats like active shooter, potential terrorism and natural disasters. Though those concerns remained in 2020, security officers and guarding companies have weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, an economic shutdown, social and civil unrest, and an election. How did these concerns impact the guarding world?

Corporations, universities and other institutions have faced the question of whether to outsource or not to outsource for decades when it comes to physical security and more recently on the cybersecurity side. What is the correct answer to this question?

In the wake of the May 2018 mass shooting that resulted in 10 deaths at Santa Fe (Texas) High School, the Santa Fe Independent School District looked at all possible options to improve school safety within reasonable financial constraints.

Rapid transit agencies across the U.S. are installing information management systems, video analytics and more to deter and combat crime and terror attacks that can impact millions of riders each day. 

How can we ensure lone workers go home to their families by using event management platforms and training sessions?

Healthcare institutions lock down access through proper ID management and employee training.

Traditional guarding is getting shaken up by new skills, services and technology. How are guarding firms and security officers shifting their priorities and offerings to keep pace and continue to add value to enterprises and security departments? It’s time to go beyond basic patrol, observe and report functions.