NORTHRIDGE, Calif. - Jan. 6, 2021 - Retailers are adding security guard protection at their locations as large, organized groups enter stores to protest COVID-19 restrictions, says Access Control Security (ACS), a security guard company serving California and Arizona.
Most recently, a crowd of protesters entered a shopping center and a grocery store in Los Angeles and a mall in Phoenix. These types of demonstrations are happening around the country. In almost all cases, pushing, shoving and shouting occurred.
"This appears to be a growing trend that puts shoppers and retail workers at risk," says Reza Jalala, ACS director of security and operations. "When emotions are high, anything can happen. Store employees are usually not equipped with the proper training to handle unruly crowds. It shouldn't be part of their job description."
Instead, Jalala says retailers are adding security guards and stationing them inside and outside stores and shopping centers. "Our guards monitor who enters a store or center. It doesn't matter if it's one person or a large group, if they aren't complying with local health and safety protocols they aren't not allowed in," he explains. "If people disobey restrictions once inside, guards escort them out. When necessary, law enforcement is called."
Typically, retailers enlist the help of security guards (https://accesscontrolsecurity.com/the-importance-of-only-using-licensed-security-guards/) to protect against shoplifting and vandalism. "We are currently in a unique security situation," says Jalala. "Security guard training focuses heavily on communication skills to keep volatile situations from getting out of control. In a majority of cases, talking with individuals is all that's needed to calm emotions. We've found that people mostly want to be heard. They don't want to cause trouble."
ACS has over 25 years of experience protecting property and people. It maintains $10 million in liability coverage and has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
To request a quote for store and business protection and other security guard services in California and Arizona, give Access Control Security (https://accesscontrolsecurity.com/) a call at 877-482-7324 or go to http://accesscontrolsecurity.com/quote-request to get a quote.
About Access Control Security (ACS)
Based in Northridge, California, Access Control Security (ACS) has been providing security guard services to individuals, businesses and events in California and Arizona for over 25 years. It uses the latest technology and surveillance monitoring systems, Clients include shopping centers, medical and commercial buildings, warehouses, hotels, government complexes, schools and construction sites. Security services are provided to apartment complexes, HOAs, gated and retirement communities and assisted living facilities. ACS also provides security for weddings, conventions, concerts, tournaments, festivals and other special events. https://accesscontrolsecurity.com, 877-482-7324
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