Let’s talk about mobile patrol security.

It’s a service worth taking seriously if you’re running a security company — yet it’s not just about adding another service to your list.

It's about improving your capability to protect client assets efficiently and effectively. Mobile patrols give you a flexible and highly visible security solution that static guards simply can't match.

Mobile patrols can be a growth engine for your business. Read on to learn more about what it is and how it can benefit both your business and your clients.

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What is mobile patrol security?

Mobile patrol security involves trained security personnel who use vehicles to conduct regular surveillance of specific areas. These guards monitor locations like business premises, residential neighborhoods, and construction sites. 

The patrols are scheduled at random or specific intervals to deter criminal activity, provide a visible security presence, and respond quickly to incidents.

Key features that make mobile patrol security effective:

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• Mobility: Unlike static guards, patrol units can cover a wider area, responding quickly to emergencies across multiple client locations.

• Visibility: Marked patrol vehicles act as a constant, visible reminder that your company is on the job. This deters crime by letting would-be criminals know a watchful eye is on their potential target.

• Flexibility: Mobile patrols adapt to your client's needs. Whether it's random checks throughout the night or scheduled patrols at opening and closing times, you can create a plan that fits their unique situation.

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What your mobile patrol officers will handle:

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• Regular property checks: They'll be the extra set of eyes ensuring everything is secure, from doors and windows to fire exits and security equipment.

• Alarm response: In the case of a triggered alarm, your mobile patrol will be the first to investigate. This saves valuable time and potentially prevents further damage.

• Reporting irregularities: From suspicious activity to broken fences, mobile officers are available to document everything and keep you and your clients informed.

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How mobile patrol security works

Mobile security patrols offer a dynamic security solution for businesses of all sizes. They combine constant vigilance with rapid response times, creating a powerful deterrent against crime and a reassuring presence for your clients.

• Smartly equipped vehicles: Marked or unmarked vehicles cater to client preference, offering deterrence or discretion. GPS ensures optimized routes, while real-time reporting software keeps everyone informed.

• Strategic patrol plans: Unpredictable schedules keep criminals on their toes, while scheduled checks guarantee coverage during critical times. High-risk periods receive prioritized attention for maximum security.

• Flexible staffing: The number of guards and shift schedules are tailored to client needs. Overlapping shifts ensure no gaps in coverage, and flexible scheduling caters to 24/7 requirements.

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Benefits of mobile patrol security

Security patrol services are about more than flashy cars — it's about real-world benefits for both your clients and your company. Here's a closer look at how mobile patrols can give your business an extra edge:

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• Better visibility = Lower crime

Criminals are less likely to target locations with a visible security presence. One study showed that increasing security patrols at train stations led to a 16% reduction in victim-reported crimes.

This study highlights the effectiveness of security guards in public spaces as active deterrents, rather than passive measures like CCTV cameras​.

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• Cost-effective security measures

Static guards at every client location can be expensive and impractical, especially for clients with multiple properties spread out over a large area.

Mobile patrols offer a more efficient solution. Multiple locations are covered by fewer officers, conducting thorough checks and responding quickly to threats. This eliminates the need for multiple fixed guard posts, saving you and your client money on manpower and resource allocation.

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• ‍Enhanced security coverage

Mobile patrols extend your security reach beyond the limitations of static guards. They can cover larger areas, respond to incidents across multiple client locations, and provide a more comprehensive security presence. This translates to a more proactive and preventative approach to security, deterring crime and protecting your clients' assets more effectively.

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Implementing mobile patrol for your business

Mobile patrols can be a game-changer for your security business with the right setup. Here's a breakdown to help you implement a successful mobile patrol program:

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Assessment of needs

Before deploying mobile patrols, conduct a thorough risk assessment for each client. Here are some key factors to consider:

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• Property type and size: Retail stores, warehouses, construction sites — each has unique security needs. Larger properties require more extensive patrols, while smaller locations might benefit from targeted checks.

• Hours of operation: Focus patrols during high-risk periods. A bar might need more frequent patrols late night and early morning, while an office building might benefit from checks during opening/closing hours and overnight.

• Valuable assets: Properties with high-value inventory or equipment might require more frequent patrols and a higher level of officer response.

• Crime statistics: Research local crime trends in the client's area. If vandalism is a common issue, prioritize exterior checks. If property theft is prevalent, focus on securing entry points.

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Choosing the right vehicles and equipment

Choose the right patrol vehicles: The decision of a marked vs. an unmarked vehicle usually depends on your client’s needs.

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• Marked vehicles with your company logo offer high visibility as a deterrent, ideal for high-risk areas or clients seeking maximum security presence (warehouses, construction sites).

• Unmarked vehicles provide a more discreet approach, useful for clients concerned about aesthetics (upscale neighborhoods, office buildings with strict building management guidelines). 

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You can cater to both preferences by offering a choice.

Keep your patrol operation fuel efficient: It may not be the first thing you think of, but fuel efficiency matters!

Track gas mileage for your fleet and prioritize fuel-efficient models for new vehicles. Electric or hybrid options might be a good fit for eco-conscious clients or urban environments with stricter emission regulations.

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Get your tech equipment in order: The right equipment can make mobile patrol security much more effective and efficient. Here are some of the essentials:

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• GPS tracking: Monitor patrol movements in real-time, ensuring efficient route coverage and faster response times to emergencies.

• Real-time reporting software: Invest in software like Belfry that allows officers to submit instant reports on their mobile devices. This streamlines communication between you and the officer, and keeps clients informed of any security issues.

• Regular communication: Equip officers with two-way radios or cell phones for clear communication and faster response coordination.

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Training and compliance

Security patrol services may rely on vehicles, but it’s the patrol officers that are crucial to its success. This means that compliance and safety go hand-in-hand when it comes to running a tight ship.

Here's how to ensure they're well-equipped to handle any situation:

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• Comprehensive training: Invest in training programs that cover essential security protocols, including:

• Emergency response procedures: Responding to fires, medical emergencies, and active threats.

• Security patrol techniques: Conducting thorough property checks, access control procedures, and de-escalation tactics.

• Report writing: Documenting observations, incidents, and security activities clearly and concisely.

• Licensing and compliance: Ensure all officers possess any necessary security guard licenses or permits mandated by your state or local regulations. Stay updated on any changes to legal requirements.

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Route and workforce optimization

One of the biggest challenges in mobile patrol is ensuring profitability. Paying for full 8-hour shifts can be expensive, especially if you don't have enough client visits to fill them. Geographically dispersed clients can further complicate this issue.

Implementing route and workforce optimization strategies can significantly improve your bottom line. Here's how:

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• Dynamic route planning: Instead of relying on static routes, use technology to create dynamic patrol plans that adapt to real-time needs. You can tailor patrol frequencies and visit times to each client's individual needs and risk factors.
  
  You could also prioritize high-risk areas and urgent situations to ensure timely response and maximize the impact of your patrols.

• Smart workforce management: Use a security management software like Belfry to create efficient shift schedules that match patrol demand and avoid unnecessary overlap.
  
  You can adjust the number of officers on patrol based on client needs and workload fluctuations, and use part-time or on-call personnel to fill gaps during peak periods.

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Why mobile patrol security is good for your security business

Looking to enhance your security service offerings and improve your bottom line? Mobile patrols can be a powerful asset for your security company. Here's a breakdown of the key benefits:

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• Keep your clients happy: Clients want more than just someone watching a screen. Mobile patrols give them a sense of real security with regular check-ins, faster response times if trouble hits, and a visible presence that discourages crime in the first place.
  
  Communicating these benefits to your clients won’t take much selling!

• Expand your business: Not every client needs a guard sitting in one spot all day. Mobile patrols let you offer security to businesses with multiple locations or those who want something more flexible.
  
  This means reaching new clients and growing your business.

• Spend less to do more: Mobile patrols give you more bang for your buck — they cover a lot of ground with fewer people, which means less money spent on manpower and the ability to handle all sorts of clients, big or small.

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Next steps — Manage your security firm with Belfry

Belfry empowers security companies like yours to manage their mobile patrol operations with greater efficiency and profitability.

We built an all-in-one solution designed to help you handle everything from automated scheduling and payroll, to real-time officer tracking and compliance.

Here’s how Belfry helps you grow your mobile patrol efforts:

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Manage schedules and routes efficiently:

Create and manage patrol routes with specific start and end points, site visit schedules, and task assignments. Use run sheet templates to define recurring tasks and reports for each day of the week, ensuring consistent and efficient coverage.

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Real-time visibility and control:

Track officer activity with GPS location updates and task completion status, and access live incident reports and site visit details through a user-friendly dashboard. Geofencing ensures officers are within designated areas before starting patrols, providing an extra layer of control.

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Enhanced efficiency and profitability:

Automate scheduling and dispatch to free up your back office for strategic tasks. Empower officers with a mobile app for timesheets, reports, and task completion, boosting productivity and streamlining workflows. 

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Smart cost management: Effortless billing and labor cost forecasting help you identify areas for improvement and maximize billable hours by ensuring officers are efficiently deployed across sites.

‍Schedule a Free Demo Today.