As an unarmed guard the best “weapon” you can have on your person is your cell phone. They are easy to carry with a wide assortment of useful features such as built in cameras, recorders, and internet access. So why is a simple cell phone a weapon? To a criminal intent on invading a commercial business or stealing assets, fast detection and communication greatly enhances their chances of getting caught, something they go to great lengths to avoid. When you begin a shift, insure that it is fully charged; more importantly, pre-programming the numbers of both police and fire is a good idea within your contacts list. You should have your immediate supervisor’s contact number in case an emergency does occur so all important numbers for immediate communication are on speed dial when you need it. If a crime is committed, anything that might have been damaged, moved, or noticeable evidence left relating to the person(s) that performed it, can be freshly captured by your phone’s camera. When the police arrive and you make your report, you can process those photos from your camera and help authorities with their investigation as well as pictorially document the event for your company and client. This will give valuable information about flaws the client may have with their security implementations, helping them make adjustments and having you as the acting guard, stand out as a productive asset to not only your company but also keeping the client’s confidence in your abilities.
Even if it is not required, and company policy allows it, you should get yourself a duty belt to allow holsters to be equipped to it. You’ll want to purchase a reliable flash light that is no less than 20 inches in length or shorter than 15, that is rechargeable. A rechargeable flashlight will not need the six D-cell batteries found in regular models, making the flashlight easier for use without taking away its protective qualities. You can always plug it in an outlet within a building or in a motor vehicle insuring you’ll have a fully operational tool at your disposal. The flashlight can serve a dual purpose, the first to illuminate dark areas that can be hiding hazards or unwanted persons attempting to avoid detection and if need be, a defensive weapon to defend yourself, whether its by a physical attack from an assailant or even aggressive animals that may wander onto your security site. Depending on what model you choose to have, other additions that come with flashlights can include strobe effects to confuse or disorient someone in order for you to escape a dangerous confrontation or an edged outer ring serving as a glass cutter. You can use your flashlight to break glass or perform a forced entry if an emergency situation requires you to do so. The belt is to insure you can have your flashlight at all times, with easy access from what ever place you’re most comfortable keeping it, whether it is on either side of your hip or connected to a easy-release ring holder.
Hopefully you’ll never be faced with a threatening situation where it is imperative that you either leave the area or fight off an attack, but if all else fails; your own dress belt can also be used. If you do not have a duty belt, most companies require you to at least wear a presentable dress belt along with your uniform. The belt is comprised of a measured leather strap (according to waist size) and a buckle attachment. If you are assaulted, train your self to undo the belt release and thus you’ll have a make shift whip at your disposal. You can also loop the belt through and have your self a quick noose, where you can catch someone’s foot off guard to trip him/her, or even hook their neck and throw them down to the ground to disorient them. If you’re quick enough, you can use it to bind their hands together if you are able to control the individual while waiting for police to arrive.
These tools do not require a license for you to have, unlike firearms, protective sprays, or impact batons, being perfectly legal to possess and considered for everyday professional use. They can be used to protect yourself and provide ways to insure others’ safety in many situations that can occur. It is a good idea to go ahead and get yourself an upgraded security license, not only will it open you to better paying jobs and skills, it will allow you to carry protective equipment to maximize your personal safety. This was to demonstrate what you can use legally without an "armed" license, because in the end, the objective of your shift is to come home with what you came with.
