Stores are reopening. As they do, many states and counties are requiring that patrons wear masks in retail stores. Not every customer wants to follow these rules, however, which can lead to angry words, heated arguments and in some cases physical altercations. That’s why stores, from small outlets to big-box operations, are hiring security guards to maintain a safe environment for employees and customers.

Security Guards On The Front Lines. As a recent CNN article pointed out, store owners don’t want to ask store employees to enforce health rules. Doing so runs the risk of a negative customer response that could hurt business. Instead, they place the responsibility on security guards, often hired from security guard service companies.

Previously, retail security guards’ primary duties were to prevent shoplifters and after-hours crime. Their responsibilities have increased considerably since the beginning of March.

Now, besides preventing theft and protecting property, their new tasks include keeping track of customers entering and exiting the store, conducting temperature checks and if required, ensuring that customers are wearing masks before entering.

If a customer becomes agitated over a safety rule (i.e., mask wearing, long lines) or two customers become upset with one another, security guards are trained to politely and at a safe distance, defuse the situation. If talking doesn’t help, the customer is asked to leave. Police are called only if the customer refuses to comply with the guard’s requests.

The public remains on edge when venturing out. Normally well-behaved people are acting out. Security guards have always played an important role in maintaining order in public places. That role has taken on a whole new level of importance.

To request a security quote for security guard services in California and Arizona, give Access Control Security a call at 877-482-7324  or go to https://accesscontrolsecurity.com/quote-request to get a quote.