GRADE B — SECURITY SUPERVISION

Lesson: Security Supervision

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

• Define security supervision.
• Explain the role of a Grade B security supervisor.
• Identify the duties of a security supervisor.
• Explain the importance of briefings and handovers.
• Conduct basic supervisory inspections.
• Identify and correct security problems.
• Demonstrate effective communication and leadership.

1. Definition of Security Supervision

Security supervision is the process of directing, monitoring and controlling security officers to ensure that they perform their duties correctly and according to security procedures.

A Grade B officer assists in ensuring that security personnel, equipment and procedures are properly managed during a shift.

2. Role of a Grade B Security Supervisor

A Grade B security officer may be responsible for:

• Supervising security officers.
• Allocating officers to posts.
• Conducting inspections.
• Checking attendance and punctuality.
• Conducting shift briefings.
• Monitoring patrols.
• Checking security equipment.
• Checking occurrence book entries.
• Reporting incidents.
• Ensuring officers follow post orders.

3. Duties of a Security Supervisor

Before the Shift

The supervisor should:

1. Check that officers report for duty.
2. Check uniforms and identification.
3. Allocate officers to their posts.
4. Check equipment.
5. Conduct a briefing.
6. Communicate special instructions.

During the Shift

The supervisor should:

• Visit and inspect security posts.
• Check that officers remain alert.
• Monitor access control.
• Check patrol activities.
• Ensure security procedures are followed.
• Deal with problems and incidents.
• Keep accurate records.

At the End of the Shift

The supervisor should:

• Conduct or monitor the handover.
• Check outstanding incidents.
• Ensure records are completed.
• Report important matters to the next shift.
• Return or account for equipment where required.

4. Security Briefing

A security briefing is a meeting where the supervisor gives officers instructions and important information before or during a shift.

A briefing may include:

• Post assignments.
• Security threats.
• Recent incidents.
• Visitors and contractors.
• Special instructions.
• Emergency procedures.
• Equipment requirements.
• Changes to security procedures.

5. Shift Handover

A shift handover is the process of transferring duties and important information from one security shift to another.

Information may include:

• Incidents that occurred.
• Unusual activities.
• Equipment problems.
• Visitors still on site.
• Keys and access cards.
• Areas requiring attention.
• Outstanding instructions.

A good handover must be clear, accurate and complete.

6. Supervisory Inspection

During an inspection, the Grade B supervisor should check:

• Uniform and appearance.
• Identification.
• Alertness.
• Attendance.
• Knowledge of post duties.
• Security equipment.
• Access-control procedures.
• Patrol records.
• Occurrence book.
• General condition of the post.

Any problem found should be dealt with according to company and site procedures.

7. Qualities of a Good Security Supervisor

A good supervisor should have:

• Leadership
• Discipline
• Honesty
• Fairness
• Good communication
• Responsibility
• Alertness
• Decision-making skills
• Professionalism

8. Handling Poor Performance

If a security officer is not performing their duties correctly, the supervisor should:

1. Establish the facts.
2. Speak to the officer professionally.
3. Explain the correct procedure.
4. Give appropriate instructions.
5. Record the matter when required.
6. Monitor the officer’s performance.
7. Report serious or repeated problems through the correct channels.

9. Supervisor During an Emergency

During an emergency, the supervisor should:

• Remain calm.
• Assess the situation.
• Give clear instructions.
• Protect people and property.
• Follow emergency procedures.
• Contact the appropriate emergency services when required.
• Control access to the affected area.
• Inform management.
• Record the incident.