Two-way radios for property security

What security communication needs that other sectors do not

Priority. Emergency notices must take precedence over ongoing conversations. Digital radio does this through priority interruption: the operator presses and takes the channel.

Discretion. Much of the work is done without others noticing. An earpiece with microphone and lapel PTT lets the user listen and respond without raising the radio.

Evidence. During an intervention, incident or damage, the record protects the guard and the company. A body camera records images and audio of what happened.

Long battery life. A 12 h shift is common in the sector. A battery that does not cover the shift means a radio switching off at the wrong moment.

Patrol, gatehouse and monitoring

The patrol moves around and needs range: yard, basement, stairs, roof. The gatehouse is fixed and decides who enters. The monitoring sees what nobody else sees and needs to direct field staff.

All three in the same group, with a dedicated emergency channel, is the most common setup. In large complexes or plants, a repeater ensures patrols do not lose communication at the farthest point.

About the emergency button

The most important feature and the least tested. Test periodically: press the emergency button on each team radio and confirm the notice reaches its destination. A button nobody has tested is one nobody knows works.

Rent or buy?

Purchasing is standard for permanent operations. Rental covers events, construction with temporary guards or seasonal staffing increases. ABC offers rental of models DEP250 and BP516.

Suggested property security models

Frequently asked questions