A mobile patrol report is more than just a summary of guard activity — it’s a vital document that offers transparency, accountability, and insight into how your property is being protected. Whether you manage a warehouse, retail centre, construction site, or office building in Australia, knowing how to read and assess a mobile patrol report can help you ensure your security service is delivering on its promises.

So, what should a good mobile patrol report include?

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1. Time-Stamped Checkpoints and Patrol Logs

Every entry in the report should include clear time stamps showing exactly when a guard was on-site and when they completed each part of their patrol. Look for:

• Arrival and departure times

• Time intervals between checkpoints

• Frequency of patrols (randomised or scheduled)

This helps verify that patrols were completed as agreed and ensures coverage during vulnerable hours.

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2. GPS-Verified Patrol Routes

Modern patrol reports often integrate GPS tracking, showing the exact route taken by the guard. This feature helps confirm:

• The guard physically visited all required areas

• No shortcuts or skipped locations

• Coverage of high-risk zones or blind spots

GPS-backed routes offer peace of mind and can serve as evidence during security audits or disputes.

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3. Incident Reports and Observations

Any unusual activity — whether minor or serious — should be documented clearly. A good patrol report will include:

• Description of the incident (e.g., trespasser spotted, lights left on, gate left open)

• Time and location of the event

• Actions taken by the guard (e.g., secured door, notified client, contacted police)

• Severity or risk level (low, medium, high)

Incident reports are critical in identifying recurring issues and adjusting your security strategy.

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4. Photos or Video Evidence

Many mobile patrol apps allow guards to attach photos or short videos to their reports. These visuals can:

• Confirm completion of tasks (e.g., lock checks, door secured)

• Document damage, vandalism, or safety hazards

• Support insurance claims or investigations

If your reports don’t currently include photo evidence, consider asking your provider to enable it.

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5. Completed Task Checklist

Your report should clearly show what tasks were completed during the patrol. This might include:

• Perimeter checks

• Gate/lock inspections

• Alarm system status

• Lighting and hazard inspections

• Interaction with on-site staff

Ticked checklists help you track service consistency and identify missed responsibilities.

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6. Guard Notes and Professional Conduct

Professionalism matters. Look for guard notes that are:

• Written clearly and without spelling errors

• Objective and non-emotional

• Factual and focused on observations

Overly vague or sloppy notes could signal poor training or lack of attention to detail.

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7. Alerts or Follow-Up Recommendations

A good mobile patrol report won’t just tell you what happened — it will also recommend actions. For example:

• “Request electrician to check security light near loading bay.”

• “Consider adding CCTV near east gate due to frequent loitering.”

• “Alarm panel triggered at 02:13 — recommend review by technician.”

This proactive input shows that your security provider is engaged in long-term risk reduction.

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Conclusion: Quality Reports Reflect Quality Service

Mobile patrol reports are your window into the performance of your security team. When detailed, accurate, and transparent, they empower you to:

• Make informed security decisions

• Monitor service value

• Maintain compliance and documentation

• Improve on-site safety

If your current reports lack any of the key elements above, it may be time to have a conversation with your security provider — or explore other companies offering more advanced reporting tools.