Effective communication is the backbone of any successful security operation, and 2-way radios remain the most essential tool for security guards.
Radios are the primary method of communication for most security companies for so many reasons: They provide instant communication to everyone on the team, including coordination of numerous roles in large areas, they can withstand the elements and are durable enough for different environmental conditions, they are simple to use and provide hands-free operation.
Whether working in retail, corporate settings, or large-scale events, security personnel must be proficient in using these communication devices to support personal and public safety, and to effectively do their job. Let's dive into this in more detail.
Here are the top 10 reasons why security guards need to master 2-way radio communication:
Radio usage is a basic transferrable skill
Since most security employers use radios, once you know how to use them, either by learning on the job or by taking our Radio Ready course, you can add this skill to your resume, or apply this skill when you change roles (such as move into a supervisory position) or change jobs in the industry.
Avoid fines for you or your company for improper or unprofessional use
If you are using a radio-frequency radio system that has a radio licence, you are bound by the rules set out in the ISED Radiocommunications Act. If you do not follow these rules, you and your company could face serious penalties such as large fines, tickets, seizing radios and even revoking security services licences.
Get clarification from your supervisor on your post orders or role, and the company's policies and procedures
Radios enable you to get instant answers. Supervisors monitor team members' activities, provide real-time instructions and answers to questions, and ensure everyone remains accountable for their assigned duties.
You can get help when you or others are in danger
If you are at risk of physical harm, or you witness an altercation with a team member or other members of the public, you can send a message for help. This typically means that Dispatch would send the closest team to you to assist you as back-up. It may also include Dispatch calling for police or ambulance on your behalf depending on the situation.
Emergency services can respond immediately
If you witness an emergency situation such as fire, flood, medical or any criminal activity, you can quickly relay this information to Dispatch. Dispatch can then call 911 and coordinate the response for police, fire or ambulance.
Warn other team members of hazards or potential risks
Perhaps you have encountered an environmental hazard, such as broken glass or blood in a washroom, and you know other team members may not see it, you can let everyone on the team know at the same time and initiate a response for cleanup. Or perhaps you see some people that don't quite fit the environment and you are suspecting that something may happen, you can call Dispatch to watch the surveillance cameras to get a second set of eyes on the situation and plan for a response if something does happen. This provides proactive threat assessment to help keep the public safe.
You and your team can confidently communicate what you need clearly and quickly and therefore assist each other.
Working together on operational tasks is crucial. This may include: clarification on who's doing what, determining (by Dispatch) who is available to respond, getting approval from other team members before allowing access by public (such as if a parking lot or lineup is full), coordinating facility checks (such as asking if a particular team has ensured doors in Hall B have been locked), ensuring patrols are effectively conducted within the team.
Keep information confidential or sensitive
Radio users can maintain confidentiality in situations such as bomb threat, by using 10-codes or colour codes, so that any public that overhears does not panic. Sensitive information may include name or identification of minors or medical information. If you were issued an earpiece, this ensures information that is transmitted by your team is only heard by the team, rather than on speaker that the public can hear. Some radio messages can be encrypted depending on the system to prevent those listening in to the channel. If a message is extremely sensitive or confidential, it is recommended to use a cellphone instead.
Conclusion
A security guard’s effectiveness is only as strong as their ability to communicate. By mastering 2-way radio usage, security personnel can enhance coordination, improve response times, and contribute to a safer working environment. Investing in proper training and regular practice ensures security teams remain prepared and effective for any situation that arises. To learn how to operate and communicate over a radio, take our 1-hour micro-learning online course: Radio Ready.