In the United States and other parts of the world, security guards are usually employed by private businesses to patrol buildings and grounds.
They also work in government agencies where they perform similar duties. Security guards often have a duty to act in emergencies while on patrol.
To accomplish their duties, guards usually carry certain equipment and tools to protect themselves, perform tasks efficiently, prevent crimes and accidents, etc.
Below is a list of common items that security guards employ in their work:
Flashlight
Guards use flashlights whenever it gets too dark to see or there are insufficient lighting sources. A flashlight is an essential piece of equipment to have when patrolling dark areas or investigating suspicious activity.
It’s also good for looking into dark corners or under vehicles without having to get too close. You can shine it over the area and see what’s there before approaching it and the light emitted from these devices can be seen up to 2 miles away.
Tactical flashlight
Tactical flashlights can be mounted on rifles for military use, but security guards sometimes carry them as well.
Their small size and high brightness make them convenient to use at night when patrolling dark areas. They also make it easier to see the particular target you are trying to hit or point to.
Hands-Free Flashlight
Some flashlights have clips so they can be attached to clothing for hands-free operation. This makes it easier for guards to patrol dark areas with both hands-free so they don’t need to hold a flashlight in one hand.
Penlight
A penlight is a small flashlight that can be used to provide visibility in unlit areas. It is different from the standard flashlight because it uses a white light which makes it easier to see what he is doing when writing reports or searching dark areas for evidence.
Related: Security Guard vs. Security Officer – What’s The Difference?
Cell Phones & Walkie-Talkies
Security guards are required to have mobile phones on them so they can report incidents to their managers or other superiors.
They can also carry walkie-talkies for the same reason as cell phones. In many cases, employers may not be able to cover the cost of mobile phones or there is a need to provide security personnel with more than one phone. In such situations, walkie-talkies can be used for communication instead.
Pepper Spray
Pepper spray is a piece of non-lethal self-defense equipment that can help guard against threats without inflicting serious bodily harm.
When faced with difficult or dangerous situations, it’s often difficult to make a proper decision. Security guards can use pepper spray instead and this will allow them to incapacitate their assailants without posing a threat to innocent bystanders.
Security Baton
Guards may carry batons for quick access if the need arises. These devices are more effective than pepper spray in subduing unruly or dangerous people.
In some cases, batons may be the only security equipment required by law. They can also be used as a defense measure if needed to fend off attackers or criminals.
Keys, Radio & Earpiece
Security guards often need to open doors or gates during their patrols. For this reason, they carry keys and radio devices with them.
The radio is good for communicating with other security guards assigned in the same area while the walkie-talkies are useful when the distance between personnel is too great or to keep multiple people throughout the building updated on any incidents.
The earpiece can be used to communicate privately with someone without talking loudly or making it obvious that communication is taking place. This is useful for directing other guards or assistants to do something discreetly or take certain actions without attracting the attention of others.
Clothing & Apparel
Security guards wear uniforms complete with their company’s logo so they can be identified at a glance. The uniform also helps security personnel adhere to the dress code requirements of their employers.
Keys
Security guards often have to open and close doors on their clients’ property and these keys are the only way they can do so.
Some companies supply their security guards with large iron rings of keys that allow them to manage all of the doors for all of their clients while others supply them with a chain of 5 or 6 keys to access the property they are on.
Pen and Paper
A pen and paper may seem like an odd item to include here but it comes in handy for many reasons and one of them is to take notes during the course of a day at work.
If there is anything that occurs that should be reported to a supervisor or written down for future reference, then it can be documented.
Related: How Much Does A Security Guard Make Hourly?
Summary
Security guards may need to carry a variety of tools and equipment with them for their job. These items, such as pepper spray or batons, help security personnel stay safe by neutralizing threats quickly and effectively.
Other necessary gear includes keys, radios, uniforms, and identification so that they can be easily recognized when on the job.
When it comes to safeguarding objectives, security guards always need to be ready and equipped with the right tools. It is their responsibility to maintain order in the premises they are protecting.
That’s why a well-prepared security guard will always have a complete list of tools and equipment so they know what to bring to the job.
Building Security Services provides contract security personnel for all kinds of businesses and organizations.
We have over 38 years of experience providing clients with the most reliable security guard services available. Contact us at 973-414-1111 for more information or request more information about our services here.