By Stewart McClintic, Owner of HQ98.com
Communication in the security industry remains one of the most important tools for the safety of security guards, their clients, and their client’s property. Risky situations can occur at any time, so it is important that security teams have the tools to communicate that issue instantly. Two-way radios remain one of the best ways for security teams to instantly and effectively communicate a potential threat. Push-to-talk features of both digital and analog radios mean they are the best communication tool for security teams.
Two-way radios have been considered a safety device by security teams, and that remains the case in 2022.
Bill Herzog, CEO of Lionheart Security Services, said two-way radios remain a necessity for security guards to conduct their job safely.
“You should not be sending anyone out on a job without the tools to quickly communicate an emergency. Two-way radios are the best way for my teams to speak with each other while also keeping one of their hands free to deal with a potential threat,” Herzog said. “In the mind of most security teams they are a non-negotiable safety device.”
Herzog said the reason security and public safety officials continue to use two-way radios over cell phones is due to the fact that dialing dispatch in case of an emergency is an inefficient form of communication.
Herzog said it is impossible to actively deal with a dangerous situation while simultaneously dialing a phone number and dealing with the threat. You need to be able to push a button and get in contact with someone.
Security teams want a two-way radio that creates clear communication, reaches long distances, and allows for private security channels.
As technology has advanced, security companies have embraced a model of two-way radio that has the long distance and infrastructure of a cellular network with the two-way radio’s classic push-to-talk features.
Push-to-talk cellular radios have become the new radio trend in the security industry.
Cellular two-way radios allow teams to speak to each other from very long distances, and the cost of using the cellular network is less than that of a typical cellphone plan.
These types of two-way radios due require a subscription service to use monthly, and they may not be necessary if your teams only cover smaller areas.
Digital radios remain a more popular choice for security teams since they give the clearest communication and longest range.
Kenwood and Motorola are the most popular radio brands, and these companies continue to make high-quality long-lasting radios that security companies can depend on.
Selecting the correct two-way radio is extremely important. Security companies might consider looking at high-powered UHF radios over VHF radios, newer digital/UHF or VHF, or even a purely digital radio in the 900mhz range.
A UHF generally tends to get better coverage in a more localized area than VHF does — although a VHF signal can technically travel further over open spaces. A UHF tends to get through structures better.
Digital/UHF radios will get better coverage than traditional analog radio and will make signals more reliable.
Two-way radios continue to be the best form of communication for security teams. Their ability to create instant communication quickly and over long distances ensures security guards can respond to potential threats quickly and efficiently.
Stewart McClintic is the Owner of HQ98.com, a two-way radio retailer in Scottsdale, Arizona.
.
.
.
Follow Brilliance Security Magazine on Twitter and LinkedIn to ensure you receive alerts for the most up-to-date security and cybersecurity news and information.