While in a perfect world every security officer would be completely dedicated to his or her job, in reality there are those who drop the proverbial ball or take shortcuts, leaving holes in the security net and putting the institution's safety at risk. Because of this, the guard tour system was developed to effectively and efficiently document and supervise mobile security patrols.
Manual Systems
In older guard tour systems, supervision of these mobile patrols was largely maintained by the guard logging his or her physical location at strategic spots spread throughout the facility, essentially creating a map of the security route. When security personnel entered a location, the day, time and location was stored by the watch clock.
Security guards inserted keys into wind-up watch clocks, to log in at locations positioned strategically throughout the site. As the key turns, it automates a time stamp impression on a roll of time-calibrated paper. The paper is removed at the end of a security cycle to be stored for later review.
Problems arise with this antiquated technology when security personnel attempt to shirk their duties and circumvent the system. By buying keys that match his or her security set, the guard patrol can perform the entire shift's worth of check-ins in one round by using a master key to open the watch clock and manually wind the paper by punching in the keys at the appropriate times.
Early Electronic Systems
Thankfully, electronic systems are more difficult to manipulate. With electronic technologies, dishonest personnel have a much more difficult time faking their rounds. These systems use a computerized clock, and security guards must be physically present at each station in the established order to properly submit information.
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