You’ve probably seen them at events, in front of high-dollar businesses, or in any number of public settings – security guards. Maybe you’ve considered becoming a security guard yourself and have been curious about the scope of work involved in this job. In this article, we will dig deeper into what a security guard actually does, and what some of the duties and responsibilities are that come along with this important and exciting career.
What do Security Guards Do?
In short, a security guard is responsible for mitigating risks and keeping people safe in the jurisdiction that they have been hired to protect. Security guards might either be hired by private businesses and work full time at one company, or they may work for a security agency that contracts security guards out to different places, events, or businesses.
Learn more: Proprietary Security vs. Contract Security: Which is Right for Your Business?
Let’s take a closer look at some of the important duties and responsibilities that security guards have that allows them to keep the peace and ensure safety for those around them.
Security Guard Duties and Responsibilities
Be Visible
One of the most important things that a good security guard can do is be visible. For many, the presence of authority is enough to deter any unsavory behavior from potential criminals. Security guards need to be obvious in high-traffic areas, but they must also be discrete enough so as not to be disruptive themselves.
Be Observant
In order to mitigate risks for a given situation, security guards must be acutely aware of their surroundings. Taking constant surveillance of the actions of others allows security guards to be alert in case they must take action in a worst-case scenario. This observation also helps security guards to clearly recall events and report them to the proper authorities. It is important that they know what exactly to report and to whom.
Take Quick Action
Staying alert and being observant is important in case a security guard needs to take quick action in an emergency situation to make sure that events do not go awry. Additionally, fitness is crucial, as security guards may need to physically subdue a criminal if they are trying to harm others. Being in shape assists in taking necessary, quick action in situations that require mitigation.
Identify Suspicious Behavior
Preventing the escalation of a potential emergency often involves identifying suspicious behavior in individuals. Businesses, events, and private individuals can all benefit from having a dedicated set of trained eyes to watch for potential criminals.
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Maintain Order
If situations become too chaotic or verge of becoming out of control, security guards need to mitigate the risk of danger for innocent people that may be negatively impacted. They are responsible for preventing large-scale pandemonium that could result in injury or damage.
Adhere to Policy
Security guards likely have policies that they need to follow from their employer about the area they’re protecting, and adhering to these policies is crucial to doing their job properly. Some of these policies may include basics that are always beneficial to keep in mind, including what a security guard legally can and cannot do, as well as where their exact jurisdiction is. Other policies might involve searching for concealed weapons, preventing access to restricted areas, and verifying who can and cannot be on the property.
Get Help
Security guards do not have the same legal authority as law enforcement officers, so knowing when to get help for a situation that is beyond their control is incredibly important. It is also crucial that they know when to contact paramedics in the case of a medical emergency. Relaying the proper information to the right people is an important part in the duties of a security guard.
Security guards play a crucial role in keeping innocent people safe in a variety of situations. A good security guard needs the proper training to be able to fulfill the above duties in an effective and professional way.
Interested in becoming a security guard? Check out our security guard training courses to begin your security guard career path!
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