How To Choose the Right Mobile Security Trailer

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, cases of motor vehicle theft increased from 199.4 incidents per 100,000 people to 283.5 between 2019 and 2023. 

Further, with copper prices rising this year, construction and utility sites are increasingly susceptible to trespassing and theft. 

To combat these threats, some commercial security leaders are turning to mobile security trailers from providers like Flock Safety. These trailers fill gaps left by security patrols and fixed infrastructure options by providing flexible coverage wherever (and whenever) needed. 

In addition to sending real-time alerts in case of credible threats, they can also collect video evidence to support case building. However, the specific capabilities (and ultimate value) will depend on your chosen system. 

This guide from Flock Safety, a trusted partner that’s helped thousands of communities respond proactively, will help you confidently select the right option based on your security needs and deployment goals.

What mobile security trailers offer today

Mobile security trailers are more than just passive camera towers. They’re proactive solutions that offer scalable security coverage across a wide range of locations, including construction sites, job sites, retail lots, and events. 

Mobile trailer use cases have expanded over the years because the technology has become:

• Cost-effective: Trailers don’t need trenching, wiring, permits, or even long-term commitments (some vendors lease them), making them more affordable than permanent solutions. 
• Quick to deploy: Trailers don’t need permanent installations, so they’ve become a top option for businesses that can’t wait weeks for permanent solutions, often because of sudden spikes in criminal activities. 
• Flexible: Unlike fixed solutions, trailers can move to areas with the highest need. You can use them to safeguard soft targets during events like festivals, then transfer them back to your property with minimal hassle. 

Mobile trailers also help fill patrol gaps, as you can work with a smaller security team and still get around-the-clock visibility and awareness. Thanks to features like flashing lights, speakers, and video cameras, your team can remotely deter crime, warn would-be offenders, and monitor your environment. 

Flock Safety’s mobile security trailers are a leading solution for commercial property security teams and law enforcement because they go beyond standard features. With Flock’s system, you can also:

• Monitor all your trailer feeds  from a single dashboard.
• Share evidence with law enforcement agencies across the country. 
• Use alongside license plate reader (LPR) cameras to collect vehicle information. 
• Search for and link suspect information to support case building. 

The most important security features to look for

Your chosen mobile trailers’ features will determine just how valuable they are in your overall security strategy. To fill gaps in your current system, here are some must-have features to look for.

Automated alerts and AI-backed detection

AI-powered detection and alerts can be huge resource savers for your organization. They eliminate the need for security teams to watch live feeds, allowing them to focus on other tasks like patrolling high-risk areas. They also enable you to work with smaller on-site teams and promote quick responses, which can help minimize losses from criminal activity. 

Flock Safety’s trailers have a wide range of AI features designed to enhance your security, including:

• People Detection Alerts: Sends your team automatic alerts when people try to access restricted areas at unauthorized times. 
• Alert-Based Talk Down: System automatically plays a pre-recorded message when a People Detection Alert is triggered. 
• Loiter Alerts: Notifies your team when people have been within a video frame for a preset amount of time. 
• Guardian Mode: Cameras automatically follow visitor and vehicle movements and collect identifying details. 
• Scheduled Guardian Mode: Lets you set when Guardian Mode comes on. 
• Scheduled Patrol: Allows you to configure when and how your trailer’s PTZ cameras change their view. 
• Cadenced Talk Down: Allows you to record a talk-down message and set it to play at a predefined timeframe. 
• Live Talk Down: Lets you send a warning message in real time when an alert occurs. 
• Two-way Talk Down: Enables back-and-forth conversations when alerts come in. 

Solar power and weather resistance

A solar power feature is essential, as it reduces your reliance on the grid, allowing for uninterrupted monitoring even during outages. Weather resistance is also non-negotiable, since your system will be operating outdoors for extended periods. It should be resistant to rain, wind, dust, and extreme temperatures for year-round, reliable performance. 

Flock Safety’s trailers are all-season and self-sustaining. They feature solar panels and battery backups for 24/7 coverage and are specially designed to operate outdoors continuously while maintaining their durability. 

Integrated software and dashboard visibility

The last thing you want is to have to switch between multiple platforms to view different camera feeds, monitor trailers in various locations, or send warnings to trespassers. So find a solution with integrated software that provides central visibility. 

Flock Safety’s platform unifies footage across all your trailers and lets you manage alerts  from a single interface. 

Understanding your security site’s unique needs

No two locations face the same security challenges: some have more risk points, while others are more susceptible to criminal activity. So evaluate your site’s unique needs to determine the number of trailers needed, whether to buy or lease them, and how to place them. 

Some key factors to consider include:

• Site size: Large sites, like healthcare campuses, may need multiple trailers for complete coverage. 
• Site layout: Irregularly shaped lots may also need multiple trailers. 
• Short-term vs. long-term needs: Leasing trailers may be more practical than buying for short-term events like festivals. If you have long-term needs, however, buying may be more suitable.  
• High-risk areas: Position your trailers in the most vulnerable locations, like entry points or areas not covered by existing security systems or traditional surveillance solutions.  
• Hours of vulnerability: Assess when you’re the most vulnerable and use your trailers’ features at those times. For example, if you use Flock Safety’s trailers and have a retail parking lot with after-hours activity, you could set the Guardian Mode to come on after closing hours. 

How Flock Safety mobile security trailers help deter and solve crime

Flock Safety’s mobile security trailers include visible features like video cameras and flashing blue lights, which can discourage incidents. They also feature talk-down speakers, allowing security teams to issue warnings to potential offenders. 

But they don’t just deter crime. They also support case building and offender apprehension, especially when paired with LPR cameras. 

LPR cameras collect offenders’ vehicle information, which you can then share with law enforcement to aid investigations. They also send real-time notifications when known offenders’ vehicles access your property, allowing for quick responses from your security team and law enforcement. 

Want to streamline collaboration with law enforcement? Learn how Flock Safety connects private businesses and public agencies nationwide. 

Security trailers vs. traditional guard patrols

Traditional guard patrols are invaluable in property protection because they can respond physically to potential threats. However, they have limitations that can leave you exposed. Teams must change shifts, fatigue can set in, and guards can’t be everywhere all at once. 

That’s where security trailers come in, filling these gaps by offering 24/7 crime deterrence and property monitoring. They can also streamline evidence sharing with law enforcement to help with offender apprehension.

This isn’t to say that they should replace security guards—the two work best when used together. Use trailers to monitor your property (and send alerts) and guards to respond to suspected incidents.

Key considerations before deployment

Your chosen trailer provider can impact whether your system strengthens your security or leaves you with gaps. So don’t rush purchase and deployment. First, confirm a potential vendor can provide the kind of technology and services you need. 

Consider asking key questions such as:

• How quickly can I deploy the trailer?
• Can I relocate it as my needs change? If so, how quickly?
• Can I customize my trailer and include add-on features?
• Will my team be able to share the evidence collected directly with law enforcement?
• Can I expect consistent, dependable pricing over time? 

Flock Safety is a leading option for both commercial property owners and law enforcement because its technology is quick to deploy and relocate. 

Flock doesn’t just focus on crime deterrence. It supports crime solving by offering an LPR functionality and a collaboration platform that streamlines evidence sharing. Flock Safety also provides transparent pricing and an all-inclusive subscription to promote effective budgeting. 

Service, maintenance, and post-deployment support

As with any technology, mobile security trailers can break down after extended use. Without proper support from your provider, this could leave your property exposed to security threats. 

To minimize this risk, look for a provider that offers physical maintenance services and hands-on operational support, like Flock Safety. Flock provides device  maintenance and support for issues like environmental damage and vandalism to promote hassle-free coverage—all included in your subscription model. 

Flock also offers an all-in-one price for all devices, LTE data connectivity, and data storage, as well as a lifetime of hardware, software, and security upgrades.

Real-world use cases across industries

Mobile security trailers have a wide range of use cases across multiple industries, including:

• Retail: They provide real-time footage of parking lots during peak hours and collect information to support case building in the event of shoplifting, robbery, or vandalism. 
• Construction: They serve as a visual deterrent during off-hours, protecting construction equipment and materials. 
• Utilities: They provide around-the-clock coverage in remote locations and alert security teams when people try to access critical infrastructure points at restricted times. 
• Events: They monitor entry points and deter activities like theft and illegal substance use.
• Logistics: They deter vehicle theft via flashing lights and talk-down speakers while alerting to after-hours perimeter breaches or unauthorized access. 

What sets Flock Safety mobile security trailers apart in the field

Flock Safety mobile security trailers stand out from others in the field thanks to their thoughtful design, comprehensive features, and proven real-world capabilities.

All of Flock’s trailers are:

• Equipped with two high-resolution PTZ cameras and one panoramic camera to promote dynamic, real-time monitoring. 
• Solar-powered for uninterrupted operation. 
• Cellular-connected for remote operation and AI-powered, real-time alerts.
• Integratable with LPRs to support case building. 
• Complete with hardware, software, and professional support, including an option for a third-party Alert Response Service to help you verify and respond to alerts if you don’t have an on-site security team.

See how Flock Safety’s mobile security trailer can help protect your business. 

Why you should work with a trusted provider like Flock Safety for mobile security

Flock Safety is a best-in-class provider with years of experience and numerous proven successes in the security field. Flock doesn’t leave its customers on their own after system delivery — it offers ongoing support and can help you scale as needed. 

Flock Safety customers can attest to its:

Proven success in high-risk environments

Flock Safety has successfully deployed systems in numerous high-risk industries, including retail, healthcare, construction, hospitality, property management, logistics, manufacturing, and banking. Flock also caters to communities like residential HOAs and public organizations like schools and law enforcement.

Flock’s technology has registered many successes, including helping a Pacific Ridge HOA eliminate organized crime (OC) in their area within a year and saving a global logistics company from eight-figure losses stemming from OC groups. 

Expert guidance from deployment to escalation

The Flock Safety team offers end-to-end support, working with customers’ security teams to customize solutions, integrate them with law enforcement workflows, and deploy them strategically for complete, reliable coverage.

After deployment, Flock offers expert maintenance services and ongoing support. If you don’t have your own security team, Flock can handle deployment and provide access to trained professionals to help monitor your system and respond to alerts. 

Scalable solutions for growing security needs

Flock Safety recognizes that security needs are constantly evolving and works continuously with its customers to help them scale their systems and services as needed. 

Choose smarter security with Flock Safety

Mobile security trailers have become indispensable solutions for both private and public sector organizations. They offer unmatched flexibility, rapid deployment, and can fill security gaps left by traditional security solutions like guard patrols and video surveillance cameras. 

However, the benefits are contingent on choosing the right systems and provider. For optimal protection, find a trailer with deterrence features like flashing lights, AI-powered alerts, weather resistance capabilities, and integrated software solutions. 

You want a vendor that offers tried-and-tested technology and end-to-end support—like Flock Safety. Flock Safety has given numerous high-risk businesses peace of mind by optimizing their coverage, and can bring the same level of commitment to your organization.

Optimize your security: See what Flock Safety’s technology can do for you.