Working as a security guard can provide individuals with a dynamic workplace, attractive benefits and opportunities for career advancement. The market for security guards in the U.S. is robust as asset protection becomes increasingly important. Security guards perform a vital role in many aspects of modern life, protecting many businesses including schools and banks, to shops and construction sites.
Security guards can expect a fulfilling career that involves carrying out a range of security-related tasks professionally and with great precision. People will turn to security guards in a crisis for guidance and reassurance making it a rewarding career for those with a genuine desire to help others.
Security Work Is Part Of A Dynamic Career
Security work is a broad category that can be suited to many different personalities. Individuals who enjoy the challenges that come from a constantly changing environment may wish to work as private security for VIPs, while those who appreciate predictability might thrive in a fixed role at a specific location.
Outgoing security guards may enjoy a more customer-facing role, such as patrolling a shopping mall or working at the door of an office or apartment building. These roles may require screening and greeting visitors, as well as ensuring all who enter a building are authorized to do so. Many officers in these roles cite the opportunity to develop a cordial rapport with regular visitors as one of the most enjoyable aspects of the role.
Officers who are less interested in public interaction might feel more comfortable carrying out remote surveillance, such as monitoring security cameras from the headquarters of the security company. Some officers enjoy working the night shift, where there is less need to interact with people, and more focus is placed on patrolling the vicinity, protecting it against threats to the property, such as vandalism and theft.
Security guards working at parks or sports stadiums carry out tasks such as supervising parking and seating, directing traffic and crowd control.
Officers working in museums or art galleries may be tasked with protecting valuable paintings and exhibits by supervising guests and inspecting packages that enter and leave the building.
Officers who work in government buildings, factories and military bases will protect the employees, visitors and information and products at the site. They may also check the credentials of those who enter and leave the premises.
Typical Tasks Carried Out By Security Guards
The responsibilities of a security guard vary depending on the setting. Some officers may remain static, staying in the same location and monitoring closed-circuit security feeds. Others have more mobile work that may involve patrolling on foot or by car.
Outlined below are some of the tasks carried out by most security guard positions.
- Ensuring that doors, windows and alarm systems are secure and working properly
- Patrolling and inspecting a property to protect it from vandalism, theft and other criminal activities, as well as disasters such as fires and flooding
- Enforcing the rules of their employer’s property
- Detaining criminal violators
- Documenting daily activities such as disturbances that may have occurred during their shift
- Communicating with law enforcement, emergency medical personnel and fire departments
The Skills Used While Performing Security Duties
In addition to the required education and training, security guards often draw upon the following skills while carrying out their work:
Communication Skills
Communication plays an essential role in security work. Officers in public-facing roles will be required to follow protocols and communicate orders to individuals and crowds. In addition, security guards are typically required to write reports about any incidents that took place on their shift. This requires strong written communication skills as these reports may be used in investigations by law enforcement agencies and insurance companies making accuracy and attention to detail vital.
Adaptability
Security guards do more than patrolling their surroundings; they need to be able to adapt to varying conditions and demands to perform their job successfully. While some officers may perform the same duties day after day, others may be asked to take on different functions as needed. This is particularly true of officers working for security companies. For example, they may be called upon to protect educational institutions, banks, government buildings, religious centers, transportation centers, warehouses, event venues, office buildings, shopping malls and construction sites.
The Ability To Think On The Spot
Security guards may encounter incidents in which they need to think quickly and use common sense to prevent the escalation of a situation. They need to be able to assess situations swiftly and determine the most appropriate course of action. This skill is particularly essential for armed security guards.
A Desire For Ongoing Learning
A security guard is a highly trained role that requires staying current with the ever-changing technology used to complete their daily duties. Continuous professional training is required for many security guard positions.
Reach Out To American Protection Group
When starting your career as a security guard, it is critical to work with the right security company that will assist in the development and advancement of your security career. For more information about a career as a security guard, reach out to our professional team at American Protection Group.