Last Updated on November 9, 2024

If you’re wondering, What is patrolling in security? you’re in the right place. Patrolling refers to a tour a security guard conducts to monitor and observe the surrounding area.

It plays a crucial role in security duties, helping guards detect any unusual or suspicious activity and ensuring the safety and security of the premises.

Patrolling follows specific principles including what security guards should and shouldn’t do during their rounds. A post-order clearly defines the patrol route, areas to check, items to inspect, and guidelines for reporting any unusual activities or persons encountered.

A security guard typically performs two main types of duties:

• Static Duty: This involves staying at a designated post, observing the surrounding area, and handling security tasks from a fixed position.
• Patrolling Duty: Staying in one spot doesn’t give you a full view of what might be happening behind the building or in areas beyond immediate sight. To stay informed about activities across the entire area, a guard needs to conduct rounds—this is patrolling duty.

How Many Types of Patrol Are There?

There are various ways to conduct a patrol, but the standard types generally categorized into five

1. Proactive Patrol: The security guard conducts this type of patrol to prevent unusual activities by staying vigilant and taking a forward-thinking approach.
2. Reactive Patrol: This patrol is conducted in response to an incident. After something happens, the guard patrols the area to gather information or assess the situation.
3. Control Patrol: A scheduled patrol outlined in the post order, requiring the guard to go on rounds at set intervals—hourly or half-hourly—and then return to their post.
4. Random Patrol: The guard conducts this patrol at unpredictable times and along different routes, helping to catch criminals off guard.
5. Directed Patrol: A patrol assigned by a supervisor or security control room focusing on a specific area as directed.

Method of patrol;

• Foot Patrol: Security guards conduct their rounds on foot, which is the most common method required for most duties.
• Bicycle Patrol: For larger areas where foot patrols would be too time-consuming, guards use bicycles to cover the ground more efficiently.
• Vehicle Patrol: When the area is too vast for foot or bicycle patrols, security guards use vehicles. Vehicle patrols are especially useful in large areas.
• CCTV or Surveillance Patrol:  The control room conducts surveillance through CCTV cameras in areas that require remote monitoring for guard safety. The control room continuously observes specific areas to ensure security.

Patrolling is a key responsibility in security, enabling professionals to monitor the surrounding area to detect and deter any unauthorized activities.

While most sites have set patrol methods, types, and routes, these routines can become predictable to criminals.

As a security professional, it’s important to use your judgment and stay alert, adjusting your patrol approach as needed to maintain effective security.