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You will always need a security officer

Many advocates want to do away with a physical guard. The supporters of these views state many compelling reasons and will try to convince you that cameras and analytics etc. are enough of a deterrent by themselves.

That will also say their control rooms are efficient, staffed with highly trained personnel and this, linked with armed response, is enough to ensure safety. This is a good selling point and can sound very convincing. However, to execute this effectively is extremely costly and the final solution is not always what should be in place to provide complete coverage, but what the company perceives you can afford.

The fact of the matter is that guarding relies on the ‘human factor’, which can be unpredictable and frustrating at times. We have the exact same number of problems with equipment-only systems, which can be affected by power failures, equipment failures or the ‘human factor’ on the other end of the equipment.

Taking into consideration that we live in South Africa and the big ‘Eskom problem’, our first problem to consider is electricity, to keep your system running and in good order. There will be an argument for inverters and generators, all of which comes with its own price tag and continued maintenance costs.

In a non-guarding system, where you only have cameras and analytics and electric fencing, beams Wi-Fi etc., if any of these technological systems incurs a problem (electricity, no data etc.) it affects your whole system and will render either one and in many times all your failsafes obsolete. This is because of one outstanding component, human participation and intervention at site level.

The best and most complete method of protection for your home, complex or business premises is to make use of an integrated security solution where all the above-mentioned electronic measures are actively involved in protecting your site, with the human presence as well.

Why is a well-trained security officer important?

1. First line of active monitoring (already on site, not 5-10 minutes away as per armed response time, if traffic is good).

2. Immediate client and control room contact and service.

3. A physical and visible human deterrent.

4. An additional point of contact to control room/armed response when other sources are not available.

5. Not stationed in one place but actively patrolling (depending on site), which gives the element of surprise and unpredictability.

6. You do not need to plug in, reboot or recharge the officer.

7. Is able to do those little jobs which go unnoticed until they are not available, such as receiving parcels/post, checking that the bins have been placed, etc.

8. Placing a guard completes your ‘total’ security complement and makes for an integrated security solution.

Mantis Security uses a smarter security vision where guarding, CCTV, videofied, analytics and electronics are integrated to bring you a total security solution. The company’s solution gives clients a ‘full circle’ option:

• CCTV cameras around your premises/home/facility. Your CCTV system (linked to the control room) can be linked to a data analytics device (Mantis e-guarding and off-site monitoring).

• Data analytics linked to your system provides accurate feedback on events and movement, which in turn gives you accurate data on trends in and around your facility. These analytics are shared with the client frequently.

• ATG (at the gate) scanner and verifications system at the entrance and exit (biometric systems optional depending on the risk profile assessment)

• Videofied alarm systems do not need electricity and provide an additional system/alarm, with immediate activation on intrusion via a 30-second video clip to the control room or your phone. These images can immediately be identified and cut out most false alarms, because the occurrence can be identified in real-time and be reacted on if required.

• The completion of this circle is your actual security officer on site and the 24/7 control room with highly trained personnel.

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