Night vs. Day: How Security Guard Duties Differ Based on Shifts

There is great importance of the role played by a security guard in ensuring safety and security. However, the conditions under which a security guard performs his or her duties vary in terms of shift; whether the person works day shift or night shift.

In this paper, main differences between day and night guard duties will be outlined while highlighting some issues that guard members specifically experience.

Core Responsibilities: A foundation for both shifts:

In spite of the different nature of the activities, day and night security guards, in general, share core responsibilities. These are:

1. Access Control: Checking identification, monitoring entry and exit points as well as keeping people authorized on site.

2. Patrols: Periodical walking or driving around the premises for detecting suspicious activities. This includes looking for open doors, broken windows as well as other potential security breaches.

3. Fire Watch: Depending on the location, security guards could be tasked with fire drills and monitoring the fire alarms to ensure the implementation of safety evacuation procedures in times of emergencies.

4. Reporting: Record observations, incidents, and activities in a security log. This is vital in keeping a record of security while profiling trends that might point to future problems.

5. Customer Service: Public-space security guards typically involve the provision of customer services, such as responding to inquiries, guiding visitors and de-escalating stressful situations.

Spotlight on Daytime Security

Daytime security guards deal with increased volumes in footfalls and activity. Their work may include:

1. Delivery Management: Confirming when deliveries are expected to arrive and ensuring safe receipt of parcels.

2. Public Interaction: The response to questions and requests from visitors, employees, and customers.

3. Crowd Management: Controlling queues, directing to a particular area, and keeping order in crowded places.

4. Shoplifting Prevention: The monitoring of possible shoplifting, theft, etc. at retail stores.

5. Security Inspection at Buildings: Check doors and windows before opening business hours.

At Night: A Watch of a Different Breed

The low-visibility night security guards have to face a significantly different set of challenges, also owing to low activity levels. Their priority will be focused mostly on:

1. Increased Patrols: With fewer people around, patrolling becomes an issue to deter trespassers and identify possible break-ins.

2. Alarm Response: Night guards are often among the first-point-of-contact security personnel for responding to security alarms. They have to analyze the given situation, call for emergency services when required-duly provisioned, such as by Sentry Security Services-and act responsibly to provide a secure environment until support arrives on the site.

3. Monitoring Security Systems: A security guard should look for any anomaly in security cameras, access control systems, and fire alarms.

4. A Safe Working Environment: The quiet and safe environment for employees or residents who still work or sleep onsite.

Why Situational Awareness Matters

Whether on day shift, afternoon shift, or night shift, situational awareness must always be at its highest level for every security guard. That means:

1: Always on the lookout and observant of surroundings.

2: We should be vigilant enough to know the dangers and take proper preventive measures against them.

3: We should be prepared in time of emergency and tackle the situation with cool minds and effective measures.

4: We should communicate effectively in reporting incidents and co-ordinate things with the law enforcement agency.

We Can Help

Sentry Security understands the pressure of appropriate responses to your alarm at night and in daytime, so as to safeguard your valuables. Our experienced personnel are empowered with diverse challenges that occur in different shifts.

Learn more about our alarm response services or ask about your specific needs by contacting Sentry Security today at 314-867-1125 or through our contact page.