What is a vehicle patrol service.

When it comes to selecting a security option for a business, community, or for any type of venue or facility, the two most common options are a standing officer or the option for vehicular patrol. Both can be very good options, or they can be used in conjunction with each other, but there are differences between the security and protection offered by the two different services.

Standing Officer Security 
Think of the standing office security as an ideal option to protect and patrol the interior of a building or to work in a gatehouse or guardhouse that is located at an entrance to the property.

The statuary guard schedule may include movement around a limited area to allow for optimal coverage while also keeping any possible response times as low as possible. The typically standing guard has a fixed schedule or route to patrol, and he or she does not extend their security services beyond that area.

While effective, there are limitations as to the amount of ground a security guard can monitor and secure when on foot. Additionally, they follow a pre-set patrol path or route, which may be known or easily detected to anyone planning on entering the area or causing any type of damage, vandalism, or theft.

A Security Vehicle Patrol Service 
Used for larger or more complex outdoor locations, a security vehicle patrol provides the mobility needed for larger spaces or bigger grounds and facilities yards.

These security officers are highly mobile, and typically cover different routes throughout the property in the vehicle. The addition of the vehicle makes it easier for one security guard to cover a more significant area, while also being able to provide quick response times to calls for assistance, alarms, or even to follow up on areas where visibility may be a challenge.

The vehicle itself is equipped for this type of patrol. The vehicles, which can be cars, trucks, or SUVs, have additional lights and communications, allowing the security professional to clearly see into areas around buildings or on the grounds. The top fleets of these vehicles also offer electronic tracking, on-board computers, dash cameras, public address systems, and sirens. Some vehicles also include LED spotlights and restraint systems. 

It is not uncommon for vehicle patrol services to provide a significant deterrent in the areas they patrol. The security guard in the vehicle has the ability to track and follow any suspicious individuals, something that can be very difficult for a security guard who is on foot. The ability of the vehicle to provide complete coverage over the entire outdoor area makes it more difficult for would-be robbers or thieves to plan to break in or enter the area by learning the location and path of the stationary security guard.

The technology that is immediately available to the security officer is also an advantage to the business. Recording of any suspicious activity by camera, reporting through computerized systems directly from the vehicle, as well as the use of GPS tracking to provide specific location information for law enforcement, are all benefits to consider with vehicle patrols.