When it comes to ensuring safety and order, a security guard’s role goes far beyond just following protocols. While training covers the basics, there are many unspoken rules that seasoned professionals know can make all the difference. These unwritten guidelines help security guards maintain control, earn respect, and handle situations with finesse. In this guide, we’ll explore the key unspoken rules that every security guard should follow to excel in their role and protect those around them effectively.
12 Rules Every Security Guard Should Follow
Every security guard should follow the specific state and city laws in which they’re employed, as well as the policies and procedures of their employer. However, there are a few unspoken rules every security guard should know in order to excel in their careers. Here they are, in no particular order.
1. Work on Your Communication Skills
One of the most essential skills for a security guard to have is good communication. Strong verbal communication skills help guards give directions, provide assistance, de-escalate situations, and collaborate with other guards and law enforcement. Strong written communication skills are crucial in report writing, where clear details and straightforward accounts are incredibly important.
View course: Effective Communication Course for Security
2. Stay Visible and Accessible
Security guards should stay visible for multiple reasons. First, a visible security presence is one of the best deterrents to threats and other illegal activity. Criminals and other wrongdoers are much less likely to break rules when a security guard is present.
Second, a visible and accessible security guard provides reassurance to clients and customers. For example, residents of a high-rise apartment building feel much safer knowing a security guard is stationed on the ground floor of their building. They’ll also know exactly where to find you if your help is needed.
3. Stay Vigilant
One of a security guard’s primary roles is to observe and monitor an area for potential threats. While your presence will go a long way in discouraging any wrongdoing, situations can still occur. Constant vigilance is crucial to ensure you don’t miss small details that might indicate criminal activity. This means, of course, that you can’t let yourself be distracted by things like your phone or idle chatter.
4. Always Conduct Yourself Professionally
In any situation, a security guard should conduct themselves with professionalism. Whether you’re speaking with clients or trying to handle a potential issue, professionalism is key. Regardless of a person’s behavior, it’s important for security guards to remain courteous and respectful. Aggressive or condescending attitudes can escalate conflicts unnecessarily.
5. Deescalation Over Confrontation
Whenever possible, a security guard should aim to de-escalate tense situations without resorting to force for the safety of themselves and others. This is where strong communication skills and a professional demeanor really come into play–these skills can prevent minor conflicts from escalating into serious incidents.
6. Respect Privacy and Confidentiality
Security guards often overhear or observe sensitive information and witness things not meant for the public eye. It’s both an official and unspoken rule to respect people’s privacy and maintain confidentiality about personal or corporate matters. Always act with discretion and avoid gossiping or sharing unnecessary details with others.
7. Never Underestimate a Situation
Situations that appear calm or minor can change rapidly. A small argument can turn violent, or a harmless individual could pose a hidden threat. By underestimating a situation, you might not be adequately prepared to respond when things escalate.
Not all threats are immediately obvious. For example, a person loitering could be scouting for criminal activity, or a minor disturbance could be part of a larger distraction. Security guards need to treat every situation seriously to avoid overlooking these hidden dangers.
8. Maintain Physical and Mental Fitness
As a security guard, it’s important to keep your body and mind in good condition. Whether it's reacting quickly in an emergency or staying focused during long, uneventful shifts, mental and physical readiness are key. Regular exercise like strength training and cardio can help you build strength and endurance and can help keep you healthy in the long term. A good diet and mental stimulation (puzzles, games, reading) can keep your mind sharp and alert.
Learn more: Physical Requirements of a Security Guard
9. Stay Calm Under Pressure
In high-stress or dangerous situations, staying calm can help keep things from intensifying. Panic can lead to mistakes, so security guards must keep their composure to manage situations effectively. Practice deep breathing and meditation regularly to learn how to control your emotions, especially in tense circumstances.
10. Know When to Call for Backup
Some situations require more assistance than a single guard can provide, especially if you are an unarmed security guard. Don’t try to be a hero. Recognizing when to call for backup or involve law enforcement is critical for the safety of yourself and others. Most employers will have specific policies and procedures in place for guards to follow to eliminate the ambiguity in these situations, but internalizing this knowledge is also helpful as a security guard.
Learn more: Class D & Class G Security Guard Licensing Explained
11. Always Document Incidents
Even if it seems minor, documenting every incident is incredibly important to track incidents and patterns. Doing so not only protects you but also the organization from liability issues later on. Written documentation holds security personnel accountable for their actions and decisions. A detailed report reflects your professionalism and shows that you followed all protocols correctly.
Accurate report writing can also help identify gaps in security team training and room for improvement. Proper documentation doubles as a continuous feedback loop that helps improve an organization’s overall security practices and response strategies.
12. Adaptability is Key
Flexibility is essential for minimizing harm and maintaining control as a security guard. In high-stress situations, like emergencies, big events, or potential confrontations, an adaptable security guard can think on their feet, remain calm, and implement alternative solutions when needed.
Adaptability in the long term is also crucial. Threats evolve over time, whether it's new criminal tactics, changes in building infrastructure, or technological advancements in security. An adaptable security guard stays up to date with these changes and adjusts their practices to remain effective.
Furthermore, adaptability fosters a mindset of learning and growth. Security guards who are open to feedback and willing to improve can refine their skills and stay prepared for new challenges, enhancing their overall performance.
Learn more: 11 Crowd Control Tips for Security Professionals
The Unspoken Rules Make Exceptional Security Guards
In the world of security, it's often the unspoken rules that define a truly exceptional guard. By mastering the balance between vigilance and discretion, maintaining professionalism, and knowing how to handle delicate situations with care, security guards can ensure the safety of others while upholding the highest standards of their profession. These unwritten guidelines not only enhance their effectiveness on the job but also foster trust and respect from those they protect. Remember, it’s the combination of both the spoken and unspoken rules that set great security professionals apart from the rest.
If you want to hone your skills and become the best security professional you can possibly be, trust NITA for all your pre-licensing and professional development needs. Our courses are 100% online and 100% on demand, which means you can invest in your career on your time. What are you waiting for? Browse our available classes now and jumpstart your career.
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