- Owner
- Security Manager
- Effective date
- September 15, 2026
- Review cycle
- Every 12 months
1.Purpose
To make sure guards complete every assigned checkpoint on schedule, observe and log conditions accurately, and report anomalies promptly to the control room.
2.Scope
Applies to all foot and vehicle patrols conducted by security guards on the property, including interior rounds, perimeter checks and after-hours patrols.
Definitions
- Checkpoint
- A designated location on the patrol route that a guard must physically visit and log during a round.
- Guard tour system
- An electronic or manual system used to record the time and location a guard checks in at each checkpoint.
- Patrol log
- The written or electronic record of a completed patrol, including times, checkpoints and observations.
3.Responsibilities
- Security Guard
- Completes the patrol route, checks equipment before starting, logs observations and reports anomalies immediately.
- Control Room Operator
- Monitors guard tour check-ins, receives radio reports and dispatches additional guards to any anomaly.
- Shift Supervisor
- Reviews patrol logs, follows up on reported issues and adjusts patrol routes when needed.
RACI matrix
| Activity | Security Guard | Control Room Operator | Shift Supervisor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check patrol equipment before starting | R/A | I | I |
| Complete checkpoint rounds | R/A | I | I |
| Log observations at each checkpoint | R/A | C | I |
| Respond to a reported anomaly | R | A | C |
| Review completed patrol logs | I | C | R/A |
R = Responsible, A = Accountable, C = Consulted, I = Informed
4.Materials and PPE
Materials, tools and systems
- →Two-way radio
- →Flashlight
- →Guard tour scanner or mobile patrol app
- →Patrol route map and checkpoint list
- →Patrol log book or electronic logging system
- →Master or access keys for assigned areas
Personal protective equipment
- →Uniform and identification badge
- →High-visibility vest for outdoor or vehicle patrols
- →Weather-appropriate outerwear
5.Procedure
- 5.1
Review the patrol schedule
Security GuardAt the start of the shift, review the assigned patrol route, checkpoint list and any special instructions left by the previous shift or control room.
- 5.2
Check patrol equipment
Security GuardTest the radio, flashlight and guard tour scanner before leaving the post, and confirm keys and access cards needed for the route are on hand.
Checkpoint: The radio and guard tour scanner are both confirmed working before the guard leaves the post.
- 5.3
Begin the patrol route
Security GuardWalk or drive the assigned route in the planned order, visiting each checkpoint at the interval set by the patrol schedule.
- 5.4
Scan or log each checkpoint
Security GuardAt each checkpoint, scan the guard tour tag or manually log the time and location, so the round can be verified afterward.
- 5.5
Inspect doors, windows and fences
Security GuardCheck that doors, windows and fence lines along the route are secure and undamaged, and note any sign of forced entry or tampering.
- 5.6
Check fire exits and extinguishers
Security GuardConfirm fire exits are unlocked from the inside and unobstructed, and that visible extinguishers are in place and not damaged or missing.
- 5.7
Observe for suspicious activity
Security GuardWatch for unfamiliar people, vehicles or activity along the route, and note descriptions, locations and times for anything unusual.
- 5.8
Report anomalies immediately
Security GuardRadio the control room right away if a door is forced, an alarm is heard, or a person or vehicle looks suspicious, giving your location and a clear description.
Warning: Do not approach or confront an intruder alone. Report the location and description and wait for instructions.
- 5.9
Respond to alarms during the patrol
Security GuardIf an alarm is triggered while on patrol, proceed to the alarm zone following the alarm response procedure and coordinate with the control room operator.
- 5.10
Complete the patrol log
Security GuardAt the end of the round, complete the patrol log with the time finished, checkpoints visited and any observations, even if nothing unusual occurred.
Checkpoint: Every checkpoint on the route shows a logged visit before the round is marked complete.
- 5.11
Hand over the log at shift end
Security GuardPass the completed patrol log to the incoming guard or shift supervisor at shift change, along with a verbal summary of anything noteworthy.
- 5.12
Follow up on reported issues
Shift SupervisorReview reported anomalies from the shift's patrol logs and confirm each one was closed out or escalated appropriately.
6.Quality checks
- →Every checkpoint on the route shows a logged visit for each scheduled round.
- →Anomalies reported during patrol have a documented response and outcome.
- →Patrol logs are completed and handed over at every shift change.
- →Missed checkpoints are followed up with the guard the same shift.
7.Records
- →Patrol logs and guard tour system reports
- →Anomaly and incident notes from patrols
- →Shift handover notes
8.KPIs
- →Percentage of scheduled checkpoints completed on time
- →Number of anomalies detected and reported during patrols
- →Average time to respond to a reported anomaly
9.Common mistakes
- →Skipping a checkpoint and logging it anyway to save time.
- →Approaching a suspicious person alone instead of reporting and waiting for backup.
- →Not logging routine observations because nothing unusual happened.
- →Forgetting to test the radio and scanner before leaving the post.
10.Revision history
| Revision | Date | Description | Reviewed by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | September 15, 2026 | Initial release | Ilia Pirozhenko |
This is a template. Adapt it to your organization, equipment and local regulations before use.
