Manned Guarding vs Remote Monitoring: Which Is Right for Your Site?
Both manned guarding and remote monitoring are widely used on UK construction sites. Each has distinct advantages and cost implications. Here's how to choose — and whether you might need both.
Manned Guarding
A uniformed security officer physically present on your site.
Advantages:
- Immediate physical response to any incident
- Strongest deterrent — criminals who see a guard present are very unlikely to enter
- Can conduct tasks beyond security — lock-up, welfare checks, visitor management
- Can liaise directly with emergency services on arrival
- Legally required on some sites (e.g. high-security or public-facing infrastructure)
- Higher cost — typically £12.00–£18.00/hr depending on location and spec
- A single officer cannot cover a large site perimeter alone
- May require multiple guards for larger sites, multiplying cost
Remote Monitoring
CCTV cameras, PIR sensors, or PID systems monitored by a remote security operations centre (SOC).
Advantages:
- Lower cost than manned guarding
- Covers a wider area simultaneously (multiple cameras, multiple zones)
- Can deploy a mobile response officer on verification (faster than waiting for police)
- Evidence captured digitally, cloud-stored, legally admissible
- Works 24/7 without fatigue
- No immediate physical presence
- Response time depends on proximity of contracted response officer
- Less effective as sole solution on high-value sites without physical backup
When to Use Both
For most medium-to-large construction sites (£5m+ contract value), the industry best practice is a layered approach:
- Remote monitoring as the base layer — 24/7 coverage, low cost, broad area
- Manned guarding for high-risk periods — overnight on weekdays, all weekend
- Mobile patrols as a cost-effective supplement — 2–4 visits per night rather than static presence
This combination reduces cost compared to 24/7 static guarding while maintaining strong deterrence.
SitePatrol Can Help You Compare
SitePatrol lists verified construction security providers across the UK offering manned guarding, remote monitoring, CCTV hire, and combined packages. Use the search to find accredited companies in your county and request quotes directly.