A Security Guard is an individual who is contracted to protect and serve individuals and businesses located in high-risk areas. They generally patrol the premises in a given area, acting as a deterrent and enforcer of the law, particularly in protecting against illegal activities and acts of violence.
Although similar to an actual police officer, a security guard is usually equipped with less authority and jurisdiction. They are not usually permitted to make arrests or serve warrants, but they can engage in verbal confrontations and restrain individuals when necessary.
Security guards generally operate on a shift basis, performing their duties 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In large cities, there may also be several different security guard companies, each with their own patrol cars and officers, allowing for round-the-clock coverage should the need arise.
Security guards are often tasked with deterring and preventing petty crimes such as:
- Theft (including pickpocketing)
- Property damage (including arson)
- Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (driving under the influence — DUI)
- Escapism (including video gaming and internet surfing)
- Violence
- Sexually suggestive or lewd behavior
- Defacing public property (including graffiti and tagging)
- Animal harassment
In some instances, security guards are also responsible for protecting the business interests of corporate clients, especially during events and activities that attract large crowds (such as sporting events and concerts).
Why Security Guard?
One of the primary requirements for a security guard is a clean criminal record. Having a background check performed before offering your services as a guard is a smart move, as it ensures that you have not been convicted of a crime in the past. Having a criminal record will almost certainly come up during the background check, so you want to be sure that it does not interfere with your ability to pass a background check. Also, as previously noted, security guards are often responsible for preventing and controlling certain types of crimes that occur in or around their designated area. If you are able to prevent a crime from taking place, it is often considered a successful day for the guard hired to prevent that occurrence. Finally, it is sometimes the case that guards are specifically hired to prevent certain types of crimes from occurring, especially those that are repeat or dangerous in nature. If you can prevent one of these crimes from occurring, you can rest assured that you will be compensated handsomely for your efforts.
Skills Required
Beyond a clean record and the ability to perform menial tasks, a guard needs to possess certain skills and capabilities. First, they need to be able to perform tasks competently and with sufficient intensity to be considered adequate. For example, the guard needs to be able to quickly and accurately identify potential threats, suspicious activities, and criminal behaviors. Additionally, they need to be able to apprehend suspects without injury to themselves. Last but not least, guards should be able to maintain an appropriate level of vigilance throughout the entire day, protecting themselves and others, as well as their employer from potentially dangerous situations. Being tired or overwhelmed is often the reason for human errors leading to injuries or accidents, so staying alert is an important aspect of the job.
Education/Training
For someone to be considered eligible to be a security guard, they need to have graduated from high school or obtained a GED. Depending on the jurisdiction, individuals without a high school diploma may be eligible to be a security guard with additional training. In most cases, the training is minimal and includes things such as patrolling, keeping records, and performing basic tasks such as standing post or controlling access to areas.
For those who want to continue their education and gain more knowledge about guns, self-defense, and legalities of various types, there are often police academies that offer specific training programs for aspiring security guards. At the end of the program, the trainee will be required to complete a certification exam, which if passed, officially makes them a “police officer lite” or “security guard”. Enrolling in a police academy is not the only way to gain the skills necessary for the job, however; there are also numerous private security guard academies that offer similar training programs. The decision to pursue further education should not be taken lightly and is generally only made by those who are confident that they possess the skills necessary for the job. In some instances, a combination of both formal training and on-the-job experience is required for the guard to be considered “well-rounded” and sufficiently prepared for the job.
License & Registration
In most areas, a license is not required to be a security guard; however, in order to work in certain public places, particularly during events, parades, or other special activities that attract large crowds, security guards are frequently required to be licensed. Additionally, in some jurisdictions (mostly in large cities), guards are also required to have a Class B license, which allows them to carry a firearm. Finally, in some cases, guards are also required to have a photo ID card, which requires them to present their license whenever asked.
Off-Duty Activities
In the event that a guard is not needed during an on-duty assignment, they are generally free to leave work and pursue other activities. An important consideration is whether or not the guard works for the same employer during both on- and off-duty hours. In most cases, employers are not willing to accept the risks of having a guard who is also liable for off-duty accidents or misconduct. If the guard is considered “on-call” at all times, they may be subject to increased disciplinary measures if they fail to respond to a call during their free time. In some instances, guards who work for 24-hour businesses are required to stay awake and active during off-duty hours in order to maintain employment. Those who do not wish to work within the system are free to apply for a job as a security guard, but will have to take on-call status and be available to work at a moments notice.
Industrial-Grade Equipment
A security guard will most likely be required to carry out their duties in a physically demanding manner. Standing all day at a post or walking along a street is tiresome work, and it is not uncommon for guards to suffer from arthritis or other joint-related ailments as a result. In order to stay alert and agile, security guards are therefore frequently required to wear helmets, carry night-vision goggles, and utilize specialized equipment such as:
- Body cameras
- Taser guns
- Pepper spray
- Citation guns
- Permit to carry a firearm
Ensuring that this equipment is maintained in good working order is also necessary in order to perform your duties efficiently. A poorly-maintained or broken piece of equipment can affect your ability to do your job, so it is important to invest in quality devices that will last a long time and perform precisely as expected.
Specialized Training
Apart from the previous requirements, security guards frequently need to undergo specialized training in order to do their job effectively. First of all, they need to learn to be observant, always on the lookout for suspicious activities and criminal behavior. Additionally, guards need to be trained in how to respond appropriately to various situations that may arise during their day-to-day duties. Furthermore, due to the nature of their work, security guards frequently need to learn how to protect themselves from potentially dangerous situations, both mentally and physically. In some instances, guards are additionally trained in preventing and disarming various types of traps and ambushes that may be set up by criminals or terrorists. Finally, it is often the case that guards are required to undergo additional training in order to work with specific communities or groups, such as the disabled, elderly, or children. In most cases, this occurs because businesses and others in positions of power (such as the police) do not want to come off too strong or forceful with members of these groups, as it may put them at a disadvantage when dealing with others of similar circumstances (e.g., children might not respond well to an authoritative figure). In these types of situations, guards are often taught specific de-escalation tactics and techniques that will assist them in avoiding conflict with the members of these communities while also performing their duties safely and effectively.