Completing a Patrol Tour

Patrol tours are structured routes that ensure you visit all designated checkpoints at your site. Each checkpoint is marked with an NFC tag or QR code that you scan with your phone to prove you were there. Completing patrols on time and in full is one of the most important parts of your role.

Before You Start

Before beginning a patrol, make sure:

• You are clocked in to your shift.
• Your phone has NFC enabled (Android: Settings > Connected Devices > NFC) or your camera is working (for QR scanning).
• Location permissions are set to "Always" or "While Using App."
• Your phone has sufficient battery — patrol tracking uses GPS continuously.

Starting a Patrol

1. Tap the More tab (grid icon) at the bottom of the screen.
2. Tap "Patrol" (Map icon, blue).
3. The Select Patrol Route screen shows all available tours for your site:
   • Standard Site Patrol — the default route covering all scan points at your location.
   • Custom tours — if your admin has created specialized routes (e.g., perimeter patrol, parking garage patrol).
4. Each route card shows the number of checkpoints and estimated completion time.
5. Tap a route to begin your patrol.

Scanning Checkpoints

Once your patrol starts, you'll visit each checkpoint in sequence and scan the tag or code posted there.

NFC Scanning

1. Navigate to the checkpoint location.
2. Open the Scan screen (from the More menu or from within the patrol view).
3. Hold the back of your phone directly against the NFC tag — keep it within 1–2 cm.
4. Wait for the confirmation vibration or sound.
5. The scan result shows:
   • Checkpoint name and location.
   • Time of scan.
   • An option to add notes (e.g., "door unlocked" or "light out in hallway").
6. Tap "Confirm Scan" to record it.

QR Code Scanning

1. Navigate to the checkpoint.
2. Open the Scan screen and point your phone's camera at the QR code.
3. Hold steady about 15–30 cm away — the scanner detects the code automatically.
4. The checkpoint is confirmed with the same details as an NFC scan.
5. Add notes if needed and tap "Confirm."

Manual Entry (Fallback)

If the NFC tag is damaged or the QR code is unreadable:

1. Tap "Manual Entry" on the scan screen.
2. Type the checkpoint code printed near the tag.
3. Submit the entry.
4. Report the damaged tag to your supervisor so it can be replaced.

Viewing All Checkpoints

To see every checkpoint at your site (not just the ones on your current patrol):

1. Tap "Checkpoints" from the More menu (Map Pin icon, blue).
2. The Site Checkpoints screen shows:
   • Scans Today — total scans completed.
   • Total Points — total checkpoints at the site.
   • A list of all checkpoints with:
     • Checkpoint name and location description.
     • "MANDATORY" badge on checkpoints that must be scanned.
     • Whether you've scanned it today.
3. Tap "Open Scanner" at the bottom to jump directly into scanning.

Tracking Your Patrol Progress

While on a guided patrol tour, the app helps you stay on track:

• Progress indicator — shows how many checkpoints you've scanned vs. the total (e.g., "5 of 12 scanned").
• Next checkpoint — the app tells you which checkpoint to visit next.
• Map view — see checkpoint locations plotted on a map with your current position.
• Distance estimates — approximate distance to your next stop.

On the Home screen, the Scans Today card updates in real-time as you complete scans.

What Happens After You Scan

Every scan records the following data:

• Checkpoint ID — which checkpoint was visited.
• GPS coordinates — your exact location at the time of the scan.
• Timestamp — when the scan occurred.
• Scan method — NFC, QR, or Manual.
• Notes — anything you added during the scan.

Your supervisor can see all of this on the admin dashboard in real-time.

Mandatory vs. Optional Checkpoints

• Mandatory checkpoints must be scanned to complete the patrol tour. Missing them generates an alert to your supervisor.
• Optional checkpoints are good to scan but won't trigger alerts if skipped.

Your admin decides which checkpoints are mandatory based on site requirements.

Tips

• Scan all mandatory checkpoints — missing even one may trigger supervisor alerts and affect your patrol compliance score.
• Add notes when something is unusual — if a door is unlocked, a light is out, or you notice anything suspicious, add a note during the scan. This creates a documented record.
• Keep NFC tags accessible — report damaged, missing, or blocked tags to your supervisor immediately so they can be replaced.
• Follow the patrol route order — some routes have a specific sequence that must be followed. Check with your supervisor if you're unsure.
• Don't rush through patrols — take time to actually observe each area. The point of a patrol is security, not just scanning.
• If it's raining or dark, take extra care at outdoor checkpoints. A flashlight and protective phone case go a long way.

Troubleshooting

NFC not scanning

• Make sure NFC is enabled: go to your phone's Settings > Connected Devices (or NFC & Payment) > toggle NFC on.
• Hold your phone within 1–2 cm of the tag. The NFC reader on most phones is located on the upper back.
• Remove your phone case if it's thick, metallic, or has a built-in cardholder — these can block NFC signals.
• If the tag still won't scan, it may be damaged. Use Manual Entry and report the issue.

QR code won't scan

• Make sure there's enough light. Use your phone's flashlight if the area is dark.
• Clean the QR code surface if it's dirty or wet.
• Hold your phone steady about 15–30 cm away.
• If the code is torn or faded, use Manual Entry and report it.

"Checkpoint not found" error

• Double-check you're scanning the correct tag at the correct location.
• The checkpoint may have been deactivated by your admin — confirm with your supervisor.
• If you entered the code manually, make sure you typed it correctly.

Location not recording with scans

• Make sure Location permissions are set to "Always" or "While Using App."
• Step outside or away from thick walls if GPS signal is weak.
• Wait a few seconds for the location to lock in before scanning.

Related Articles

• Scanning Checkpoints (NFC & QR)
• Getting Started with the Guard Mobile App
• Clocking In and Out of Shifts
• Submitting an Incident Report
• Completing Shift Tasks and Checklists