What Is A Security Guard?

Security guards are very important to the overall security of a person, place, or thing. They provide a visible presence acting as a deterrent to potential criminals, and they are trained to respond to a wide range of emergency situations. This ensures a level of safety and security for individuals, buildings, and other properties.

Security guards also provide peace of mind to those they are protecting. Whether at a shopping mall, an office building, or a residential property, having security guards present can help people feel more secure and less vulnerable to crime.

Often, security guards are also the first responders in emergency situations, such as fires or medical emergencies. They can use their training and expertise in these situations to provide crucial assistance and minimize potential damage or harm until emergency services arrive on the scene.

Overall, the importance of security guards in the protection of people, places, and things cannot be overstated. They play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and security of our communities; their presence is essential in helping prevent crime and keeping us all safe.

Duties

Security guards’ duties vary depending on their specific job and work location. However, there are some typical duties that are associated with this profession.

A few of these are:

• Doing Patrols
• Responding to emergencies
• Diffusing bad situations

Related: What Are Duties & Responsibilities Of Security Officers?

Patrols

One primary duty of a security guard is patrolling buildings and other properties to ensure their safety and security.

This can involve walking around the premises, checking doors and windows, and looking for any potential security threats. Security guards often also use surveillance equipment, such as cameras and monitors, to watch the premises for any unusual activity.

Read more: What Security Guards Check For When On Patrol

Emergency Response

In addition to patrolling the premises, security guards may also be responsible for responding to emergencies such as fires, medical situations, or other types of incidents that require immediate attention.

Typically, security guards are trained in emergency response procedures, and often, they are the first responders responsible for controlling the scene until emergency services arrive.

Diffusing Situations

Security guards are also often responsible for diffusing potentially volatile situations and using conflict resolution techniques to prevent things from escalating. They may also be required to detain individuals who are suspected of criminal activity until the police arrive.

In summary, the duties of a security guard vary and may include patrolling, responding to emergencies, providing surveillance, and resolving conflicts. These duties are vital to keeping our communities safe by helping to protect people, places, and things.

Training

Security guard training varies according to the specific job and the location.

However, there are some typical skills and qualifications that are required for this profession like:

• How to properly observe & monitor
• Knowing what to do in emergency situations
• Going through state specific training (like the NYC security guard training) to obtain a license to work as a security guard

Lets take a look at these below.

One of the most important skills a security guard must have is the ability to observe and monitor their surroundings. This involves using surveillance equipment like cameras and monitors to keep track of activity on the premises they are protecting.

Security guards should also be able to use their eyes and ears to identify potential security threats, such as suspicious individuals or unusual behavior.

In addition to surveillance skills, emergency response procedures, such as training in first aid, CPR, fire procedures, and others, are often also required. Security guards may also be trained in conflict resolution techniques, helping them to diffuse potentially volatile situations and prevent them from escalating.

In some cases, security guards are also required to have specific qualifications or licenses to carry out their duties. These may include obtaining security guard licenses from the state in which they will be working and undergoing background checks to ensure they are suitable for the job.

For instance, this is how you obtain a security guard license in the state of New York.

In summary, the training required to be a security guard includes a combination of surveillance skills, emergency response training, and, potentially, qualifications and licenses.

These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring that security guards can effectively protect the people, places, and things they are responsible for.

Crime Prevention

Security guards play an important role in crime prevention. Their presence on the premises acts as a deterrent to potential criminals, as they are trained to identify and respond to potential security threats.

“…security guards are capable of materializing some of the manifestations of state policing. As measured by the official records collated by the police—both victim-generated and police-generated—security guards prevent a wide range of criminal activities from taking place…” Source

Preventing Crime Through Visibility

The sight of a security guard patrolling premises can make potential criminals think twice before attempting to commit a crime. This is especially effective in high-crime areas, as the presence of a security guard can help create a feeling of safety and security.

Observe And Monitor

In addition to their visibility, security guards are trained to observe and monitor their surroundings for potential security threats by using surveillance equipment such as cameras and monitors to keep watch over the premises they are protecting.

Learn more: Security Guard Tools & Equipment List

Looking For Unusual Or Suspicious Behavior

Security guards are also trained to look for specific signs of criminal activity such as unusual behavior or individuals acting suspiciously.

When a security guard identifies a potential security threat, they are trained to respond in a way that helps prevent the crime. This can involve contacting the police, detaining an individual suspected of criminal activity, or using conflict resolution techniques to de-escalate the situation.

Security guards play a crucial role in preventing crime. They do this by acting as a deterrent, observing and monitoring their surroundings, and respond to potential threats.

Their presence and training help keep people, places, and things safe, and they are an essential component of the overall security of our communities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, security guards serve an invaluable role in keeping people, places, and things safe. Their presence serves as a deterrent for potential criminals and they are prepared to handle various emergency situations.

The training and qualifications required of security guards are crucial for effectively protecting those under their charge. Additionally, security guards are key in preventing crime and ensuring the safety of our communities.

Security guards are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to keep us safe. Their expertise and presence are vital to maintaining overall security in our society.