Which Security Equipment? | Security Accessories

What equipment does security staff need, and what is allowed?

Which equipment a security employee needs depends on the assignment. Person screening at the airport calls for different equipment than property protection. No kit replaces attention and training, but the right tools, defensive means, accessories and clothing make the work safer. A hand-held metal detector plays a dual role here.

1. Defensive means

As a rule, private security staff do not carry weapons. What is permitted is set by the company's security concept, and the legal position differs by item.

Batons

Batons count legally as a weapon, the telescopic baton included. Adults may buy a telescopic baton without a weapons licence. Carrying it on duty, however, is tied to conditions, and its handling has to be learned. Blackjacks, steel whips and electric stun devices may not be sold in Germany.

Defence sprays

There are two kinds, CS gas and pepper spray. CS spray is freely available and permitted for the security service, but it can stay ineffective on people under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pepper spray may only be sold as animal-defence spray and, except in self-defence, may only be used as such. The place of use, the distance and indoor or outdoor conditions have to be taken into account.

Tactical pen and kubotan

Both are permitted. With its end cap, the tactical pen serves as a glass breaker. The kubotan acts as a pressure amplifier, a 13 to 15 cm rod of wood, metal or plastic on the keyring.

Hand-held metal detector

The hand-held metal detector has a double benefit. It tracks down weapons, ammunition and even the smallest metal objects. At the same time it can be used as a sturdy control baton. The Garrett THD is compact and light, designed for long shifts, with a 360-degree scan field, a 10 cm scan surface and an LED light for night and baggage checks. It is ready to use immediately after switching on and permitted for the security service.

To the Garrett THD

2. Accessories

Flashlight

Shifts often run into the night. A sturdy, ideally water-repellent flashlight is part of the equipment. For ID checks a small model is enough, while large areas need luminous power. Through flashing codes it also serves for communication.

Communication

Security staff have to be in contact at all times, to call for backup or support colleagues. Radios are the cost-effective standard solution for this, and in conflict situations quick coordination is what decides.

Documenting incidents

After every conflict, mutual accusations loom, and memory deceives. A notepad and pen, carried on the belt, record the incident while it is fresh. Photos with the smartphone complement the documentation.

The proven hand detector

The Garrett Super Scanner V is large, robust and impact-resistant and leaves an impression. It has been in professional use for more than 20 years. It detects even the smallest metal objects, signals finds acoustically and visually and is ready to use after switching on without any further setting.

To the Garrett Super Scanner V

The slim alternative is the Garrett SuperWand with a 360-degree scan field and automatic basic setting. The ergonomic grip causes little fatigue even over a long shift, and the three-position switch selects between sound, silent vibration and LED signal.

To the Garrett SuperWand

3. Clothing

• The clothing should mark the staff clearly as a security service and set them clearly apart from a police uniform. At access-controlled major events the guard has to wear a visible badge with a name or ID number and the name of the company.
• It is plain and uniform, mostly black, and a uniform appearance strengthens the team inwardly and outwardly.
• It is functional and hard-wearing, that is tear-resistant and durable, adapted to the weather and with enough room for the equipment, ideally with cut protection.

Good footwear with puncture protection belongs to this, holding up even when running, lined for cold weather. Stab- and cut-resistant vests, reinforceable with protective plates, protect on the appropriate assignment, and cut-resistant gloves protect the hands during a bag search. A duty belt carries the holsters, while pouches and a chest pouch carry the rest of the operational material.

Conclusion. For security services, event organisers, public authorities, warehouses, correctional facilities, the police or airports, well-thought-out equipment counts. Alongside clothing and defensive and communication means, hand-held metal detectors are a versatile tool that noticeably raises security standards.

Our references show a selection of the deployments we have supported with our security technology.