As the economy begins to show signs of a slow recovery, activity in the commercial and residential real estate market remains sluggish. As property managers look for ways to curb expenses related to security, Murdoch Security Group's mobile patrol and inspect service (P/I) can provide a significant cost-saving alternative to full-time contract or in-house guard coverage.
Murdoch's mobile P/I service provides uniformed security guards who travel between properties in a marked vehicle and inspect the exterior and interior areas of a building at random times during a designated shift, usually nights and weekends.
The high-profile presence of Murdoch's P/I guards not only serve as a deterrent to vandalism, theft and violence at commercial, residential and industrial locations, but also to help detect possible security threats before they happen.
As an added value to clients, local managers of Murdoch partner firms coordinate the P/I schedules and serve as a single contact for property managers and owners.
Customers employing in-house or contract guards realize reduced pay for overtime, weekend and holidays by using the mobile P/I service, and for customers who need a security presence but currently lack the budget to pay for on-site coverage, P/I can serve as the ideal solution.
Customized Options for Clients
Murdoch can also adapt mobile P/I services to meet specific client needs through add-on capabilities. Options include:
* Assigning a dedicated guard and patrol vehicle to a group of buildings
* Customizing the types of patrol and inspections required, such as responding when a company's alarm activates after-hours and remaining on-site until the situation is resolved
* Scheduling tours of multiple buildings at multiple locations
* Integrating reports with a company's existing security services
* Providing multiple security permissions, such as opening or closing service, turning on equipment, and after-hour mail and delivery reception
Advantages and Disadvantages
While mobile P/I provides excellent value for the money and is a preferred alternative to having no night or weekend security, the service does come with limitations.
This type of security service is less effective when commercial or residential properties are open, primarily because the officer has not consistently observed routine business activity enough to know who are staff, customers or executives and is less likely to spot suspicious individuals or groups.
Also, possible intruders may watch and learn how often patrols are made each night, increasing the risk of trespassers gaining access to a building.
Still, mobile P/I services are an efficient way to enhance security, especially at locations where 24/7 protection is not a cost-effective option.
The officers can also manage a wide variety of support services and perform routine property inspections, such as checking gates, doors, locks and windows, along with rapid response to fire and other alarms.

Before deciding if mobile patrol and inspect security is the best solution for your property needs, contact a professional security provider like Murdoch Security Group for a comprehensive evaluation of your property's protection needs.

William Vassell is chairman and CEO of Murdoch Security Group, New York, N.Y. Tags: