The Evolving Role of Manned Guarding: Challenges and Opportunities
By Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services
The manned guarding sector continues to evolve, with private and in-house security officers increasingly being tasked with responsibilities that resemble those traditionally handled by police. In many areas, security guards—whether contracted through private firms or directly employed by local councils—are seen directing traffic, securing crime scenes, and preserving forensic evidence with professionalism and discipline on par with police officers.
This convergence of roles raises important questions: Why aren’t security officers, especially those licensed under the SIA (Security Industry Authority), more fully integrated into the public safety ecosystem? Why are they not routinely deployed in a more official capacity to relieve pressure on overstretched police forces?
One reason lies in institutional hesitation. Some police leaders remain reluctant to relinquish public-facing duties, seeing them as core to their mission and identity. This cultural resistance, combined with bureaucratic and operational hurdles, prevents a deeper partnership between the police and the private security sector.
Despite this, the work performed by security officers in public spaces is, in many cases, remarkably similar to that of sworn officers—and often just as courageous. Whether patrolling urban districts, responding to incidents, or maintaining order during large events, private security professionals are demonstrating the capability and commitment needed to support public safety efforts.
However, two persistent barriers continue to impede closer collaboration: vetting and communications. Unlike police officers, private security personnel often lack access to national vetting systems or secure communication networks (such as police radio channels). This gap undermines operational trust and coordination. At its core, it’s an issue of trust—between the state, the police, and the private security industry.
Until these structural issues are addressed, the full potential of security officers as an extended arm of public policing will remain unrealized. Nonetheless, the increasing reliance on private guards for frontline duties signals a shift in how public safety is being delivered —and it calls for a fresh conversation about the roles, recognition, and responsibilities of all uniformed protectors in society.
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Source:
Rowe, M. State of guarding: part one.(July2025) Professional Security Magazine
Deploying Security Entrances to Enhance Guard Services in Healthcare Facilities
By Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services
Maintaining secure and welcoming access points is a critical component of any healthcare facility’s safety strategy. Hospitals, clinics, and medical campuses are high-traffic environments that require constant vigilance—balancing open access for patients, staff, and visitors with the need to protect people, property, and sensitive information. To manage this balance, many healthcare organizations employ trained security officers to oversee entrances and exits, direct foot traffic, and serve as both protectors and ambassadors for the facility.
These officers play a vital dual role. On one hand, they provide a strong physical presence that deters unwanted behavior, theft, or potential violence. On the other, they offer peace of mind and a helpful presence to patients and visitors who may already be experiencing stress or anxiety. In emergency situations—whether medical, environmental, or security-related—security officers often act as the facility’s first responders, working in coordination with internal teams and public emergency services.
However, the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of healthcare settings means security personnel are frequently called upon to perform a wide range of duties simultaneously: assisting lost visitors, checking in vendors, monitoring patient access areas, and supporting clinical staff. These everyday interactions, while essential to providing a compassionate and efficient experience, can unintentionally distract officers from potential threats or emerging incidents.
To strengthen frontline defenses without compromising the welcoming nature of care environments, many healthcare institutions are deploying intelligent security entrance solutions. Tools such as optical turnstiles, secured vestibules, and badge-activated access lanes allow for automated identity verification and controlled entry. These systems reduce the manual burden on security staff and help ensure that only authorized individuals access restricted or sensitive areas—including emergency departments, pharmacies, and patient wards.
By integrating advanced security entrances with professional guard services, healthcare organizations can create a safer, more responsive environment for patients, staff, and visitors alike. The result is a comprehensive, layered security approach that supports both clinical care and operational resilience—without sacrificing accessibility or compassion.
Source:
Thomas, T. Can Deploying Security Entrances Enhance Guard Services? (April 10, 2018). Security Magazine.
#HealthcareSecurity #HospitalSafety #PhysicalSecurity #HealthcareFacilities #SecurityTechnology #AccessControl #SecurityEntrances #HospitalSecurity #HealthcareOperations #PatientSafety #GuardServices #VisitorManagement #EmergencyPreparedness #SecureHealthcare #HealthTech #FacilityManagement
Artificial Intelligence: A Game Changer in Reducing Shrink and Increasing ROI
By Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services
In an era where retail faces unprecedented challenges, Whole Foods has turned to artificial intelligence (AI) to combat inventory shrinkage and enhance return on investment (ROI). This innovative technology is set to revolutionize the loss prevention industry, providing new tools to tackle the issues of theft and loss more effectively.
Amid political upheaval and rising crime rates, Whole Foods has proactively partnered with local organizations and community members to mitigate these challenges, aiming to create a safer shopping environment while boosting profitability.
AI technology has the remarkable capability to forecast theft events by identifying potential hotspots and at-risk products, effectively connecting the dots within the vast data landscape. This powerful tool allows retailers to aggregate information and pinpoint the individuals responsible for significant losses.
However, as we embrace these technological advancements, it is crucial to establish robust privacy frameworks and laws governing the use of AI in loss prevention. The potential of this technology is immense, but it must be wielded responsibly to protect individual privacy rights.
Despite the advancements brought by AI, the importance of human involvement in the loss prevention process cannot be overstated. Employees play a vital role in executing strategies and maintaining a secure retail environment, ensuring that technology and human intuition work hand in hand for optimal results.
As we navigate this new frontier, the collaboration between AI and human efforts will be key to achieving sustainable growth and security in the retail landscape.
Source: Boykin, S. The AI Revolution: Taking Case Management to the Next Level (May 19, 2025). InsuranceNeighbor.com.
#AI #LossPrevention #ShrinkReduction #ROI #ArtificialIntelligence #RetailInnovation #PrivacyFrameworks #WholeFoods #CrimePrevention #DataAnalytics #HumanElement #NexgenProtectionServices #TechnologyInRetail #TheftPrevention
