Security Service Styles

Observe and Report vs. Active Role Approach

When it comes to the security industry, there are basically two types of officers. There is the Private Security Officer and the "in-house" Security Officer. A private security officer is someone who works for a private security company and can work for a variety of clients. The "in-house" security officer works for a one company who provides their own security. If the security industry is broken down even further you will find that there are two different types of security. These two methods are the active method and "the observe and report" method.

The observe and report method is the least paying and is no longer as effective as it once was. With this method the security officer's sole responsibility is to observe all activities on the clients business and report anything suspicious to his superiors, and, if necessary, to local law enforcement. These some of these officers are to deter crime by their presence alone. The only time they are to take an active approach to deterring crime is if their life is in danger. These officers typically do not carry weapons such as guns, batons, and pepper products (i.e. foam or spray). This type of security is also the cheapest to run. They have less to pay for insurance and workman's comp, largely because fewer injuries occur. These officers generally go to court less often due to lack of arrests.

The active role of a security officer is different from the observe and report method role in almost every aspect. JBM Patrol & Protection Corp. employs the active role of the security officer approach as our clients expect a higher level of competency from the security officer we assign to them. Typically these security officers are referred to as uniformed patrol officers and may carry weapons such as firearms, police batons and foam spray. The use of such weapons is regulated by the state, the company, and our client. In order to be able to carry any weapons the uniformed patrol officer must have authorization from all three entities in the form of permits, written policy, and with accredited training. Without such authorization, a Use of Force violation can occur just by defending yourself. At JBM Patrol & Protection Corp. our uniformed patrol (vehicle or foot patrol) officers will defend themselves, our clients, our client’s visitors and in some cases their property. The uniformed patrol officer in this role will go out on the client’s property and watch out for any trouble or suspicious activity. If trouble is found they will conduct a full investigation. If the suspect is found on the premises he or she will be arrested or sent off the site with a warning against trespassing and/or loitering. Since these uniformed patrol officers will make more apprehensions they will encounter a higher level of risk in the performance of their daily duties. They will also have to use more force to make a detention and/or neutralize the threat, up to and including deadly force. These uniformed patrol officers will have more interaction with citizens, law enforcement and our clients. Companies, like JBM Patrol & Protection Corp. who use this method have to pay more for insurance and workman's comp due to the extra duties the officer must perform to be effective. JBM Patrol & Protection Corp. has always employed the active role of a security as we are willing to invest our profits in training, squad cars, two-way radios, professional uniforms and basic equipment used by law enforcement agencies. Our clients expect a high level security professional. We deliver what we promise as service and trust is all we have to offer which has been the key to our success.