More than 1.3 billion guests stay in American hotels each year, according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Whether they are traveling for business or leisure, security is among the top concerns of many guests when choosing where to stay. So, why is safety and security important in hotel industry?
Why Safety And Security Are Important In The Hotel Industry
Hotels are part of the hospitality industry, where providing good customer service is essential. A hotel’s reputation is staked largely on the guest experience, and investing in proper security services plays a central role in ensuring guests feel safe and protected. It also protects owners from the damages and costs that may arise from criminal activity such as theft.
Hotel security involves the overall security of the hotel’s building and grounds as well as its guests, employees, visitors and day users. Outlined below are some of the most important aspects of hotel security that properly trained officers can address.
Monitoring Entrances and Exits
The presence of security officers at a hotel deters crime. Security officers stationed at the hotel’s entrances and exits monitor the steady stream of people coming into and out of the hotel at all hours. Officers can identify suspicious individuals or activities and prevent situations from escalating. They can also monitor surveillance equipment and respond quickly to any suspicious behavior that is detected.
Physical Surveillance
Security officers patrolling the hotel’s grounds can look out for suspicious activity. Hotels should have security officers regularly patrol the hallways, stairwells, lobbies, parking lots, restaurants and bars.
Preventing Property Damage
Security officers can prevent hotels from incurring property damage, particularly if officers are patrolling the hotel’s grounds. They can also assist in incidents involving guests damaging their rooms.
Protecting Guests And Providing A Sense Of Security
Security officers can handle unruly guests or visitors and prevent negative situations from spiraling out of control. Officers can also provide additional protection to VIP or controversial guests of the hotel that might attract public attention or protests.
In addition, the presence of security officers at a hotel can make guests and employees feel safer and more at ease. Many hotel guests are in an unfamiliar location, and this sense of security can increase their satisfaction with the hotel.
Security officers carry radios or phones, allowing them to respond quickly to calls requesting assistance. They may carry batons, tasers, guns or other tools that help them control potentially dangerous situations.
Responding Quickly And Effectively To Emergencies
Security officers on the premises of a hotel can react appropriately and rapidly when emergencies occur. In the case of a fire, they can help evacuate guests and maintain order. In a shooting or other act of violence, they can stop the perpetrator and protect guests and staff from danger. They can also provide valuable assistance and information to law enforcement when they arrive on the scene.
Some security officers are trained in administering first aid and carrying out life-saving procedures such as CPR to help guests and employees until medical assistance can reach the site.
Protecting Assets
Hotels are rich in assets that need protection, from expensive furnishings and computer equipment, to guests’ personal belongings and vehicles. Hotel security officers can protect these assets, deter potential thieves and assist in investigating and recovering stolen items.
Escorting Guests And Staff
Hotel guests may occasionally become unruly or intoxicated, particularly in hotels with bars. Security officers follow hotel policy for dealing with these guests by escorting them either off of the premises or to a taxi, or detaining them for the police as appropriate. They can also escort trespassers and loiterers off the premises. In addition, security officers can safely help staff and guests to their vehicles upon request if they feel unsafe.
What To Look For In Hotel Security Officers
Many security companies offer their services to a broad range of businesses, but it is important to choose experienced and qualified officers who can handle the specific concerns of hotels.
Customer Service
Security officers are hired to protect the hotel, but there will be times when they must interact with guests. Officers who can interact professionally and politely with guests will enhance the reputation of a hotel and increase customer satisfaction.
Licensing And Training
Hotels must contend with unique threats, so a security agency with experience in the hotel industry can be a valuable asset. These agencies can assess the property and create tailored security services with properly trained staff to ensure the highest level of security. It is also important to ensure the security company has the proper licensing for the state in which the hotel operates.
Specialized Services
Some hotels may need security officers who have special skills, such as speaking additional languages.
Reach Out To The Hotel Security Professionals For More Info On Why Safety And Security Is Important In Hotel Industry
American Protection Group is an experienced provider of security services to hotels of all sizes. Contact the hotel security professionals at APG to find out how their services can protect your guests, staff and hotel property. APG can carry out a risk assessment and recommend physical and technology-based security solutions that will ensure maximum protection for your hotel.