Foot Patrol

Foot Patrol

Foot patrol is the most common method of patrol in the security industry. It is normally utilized when it is not possible to provide the same protective coverage through other methods such as motorized patrol or electronic surveillance. Virtually, all the senses of the security guard (sight, hearing, smell, and touch) may conceivably be used during foot patrol.

Advantages:

• High visibility
• Knowledge of patterns and characteristics of an area (which helps in anticipating an incident before it becomes more difficult to control)
• Use of all senses
• Ability to access smaller spaces such as stairwell

Disadvantages:

• Restricted mobility and area of coverage
• Length of time to patrol
• Inclement weather (which could prevent or curtail some activities)
• Difficulty in carrying equipment such as reports, forms, and first-aid kits
• Communication may present a problem, unless portable radio or telephone equipment is used
• Supervision of foot patrols is difficult