Security guards typically do the following:
- Protect and enforce laws on an employer’s property
- Monitor alarms and closed-circuit TV cameras
- Control access for employees, visitors, and outside contractors
- Conduct security checks over a specified area
- Write comprehensive reports outlining what they observed while on patrol
- Interview witnesses for later court testimony
- Detain criminal violators
What are the duties and responsibilities of a security guard?
The security guard duties and responsibilities may include the following:
- being a visible authoritarian figure capable of deterrence
- enforcing laws and regulations related to trespassing
- guarding high-traffic areas and monitoring all visitors
- checking the identification or passes of visitors or issuing them passes
- taking charge of metal detector and bag-checking security procedures
What is the job description of a security guard?
The Duties of a Security Guard (With Job Description Example)
- Duties of a security guard. A security guard patrols a building to ensure safety and protection for the property and personnel. ...
- Top 6 skills for security guards. Skills for security guards at different locations may vary. ...
- Qualifications to become a security guard. ...
- Security guard work environment. ...
- Example of a security guard job description. ...
What to expect working as a security guard?
Thinking on the spot. In some incidents, the need for security guards to use common sense and quick thinking is imperative, before a situation gets out of control. Adaptability. Being a security guard is more than just patrolling your surroundings.
What is security guard duty and responsibility?
The security guard duties and responsibilities may include the following: being a visible authoritarian figure capable of deterrence checking the identification or passes of visitors or issuing them passes taking charge of metal detector and bag-checking security procedures performing routine inspections in the areas they are guarding
Why are security guards needed?
Qualified security guards are in demand across different sectors to protect people, animals, things and properties from assaults, vandalism, disturbances, robberies and other criminal activities. To provide their vital services, security guards work individually or with a security team and often in long shifts, and the work can sometimes be hectic and dangerous. By understanding what a security guard does, you can decide if a career in the security industry is suitable for you. In this article, we can learn what is a security guard's duty and responsibility and discover the requirements to become a security guard.
What is the security guard work environment?
The security guard's work environment can vary depending on their place of employment. Some security guards may work for security firms and get work assignments in different locations daily, weekly or monthly. Some may be on duty in the same place throughout the year, such as the security guards in banks, department stores, hotels, restaurants, museums, art galleries, companies, private and government offices, schools, colleges, airports, train stations and parks.
What is a security guard's duty and responsibility?
A security guard watches over their clients and clients' assets and protects them from threats of violence, assault attempts and other risks. They may guard over a specified area for the entirety of their shift, or they may try to improve their clients' security by patrolling their properties and monitoring these for potential criminal activities. A security guard may provide security for events and during the transportation of people and assets. They may or may not carry weapons for protection and may install surveillance devices, alarms and controlled access equipment on the premises to enhance overall safety and security.
What are the educational qualifications for a security guard?
The basic education qualifications for a security guard can include formal schooling up to Class 8, Class 10 or higher from a recognised board and the ability to read, write and speak in the local language. The security guard must have undergone training from a vocational training institute, a security training institute or an armed forces training camp. Some security guards may need to know martial arts and how to handle weapons.
What certifications does a security guard need?
A security guard can get professional training certifications from agencies like the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the National Institute of Security and Safety Management (NISSM). The training programmes are as per the standards set by the Private Security Agencies Regulation Act, 2005 (PSARA), and can range in duration from three to 20 days.
What are the training requirements for a security guard?
As per the PSARA standards, security training courses must offer training in security guard basics such as security law, criminal law, public conduct, physical security, physical access, IED handling, crowd control, defensive driving, theft prevention and first aid and CPR. Trainees may also learn about surveillance and use of CCTV and other security equipment, firefighting, the practical use of different types of fire extinguishers and hydrants and undertaking evacuation and rescue operations. The study topics may include police working, firearms training and leadership and management.
How long is a security guard license valid?
The license is valid for five years, after which you must renew it. The Controlling Authority may cancel or revoke it if they discover that the submitted details are fake or misrepresented or if the license holder does not provide proper security services or has done anything illegal.
What does a security guard do?
Learning the answer to 'what does a security guard do?' can help you determine if you want to become one. A security guard is a professional who enforces safety and order within a facility or organisation. Security guards can work in large teams to enforce security protocols, or they can work individually in smaller areas.
Important skills for security guards
Security guards may require a variety of skills. They can develop some of them through training while gaining others through on-the-job experience. To be a suitable security guard job candidate, you can build the following skills:
How to become a security guard
The path you take to become a security guard can vary depending on your situation and professional goals. Some employers may prefer a bachelor's degree, while others may make secondary education essential. If you're interested in becoming a security guard, you can follow these steps:
Frequently asked questions about security guards
Learning more about the security guard work environment and earnings can help you determine if you want to become one. These are the answers to some common questions about security guards:
What does a Security Guard do?
A Security Guard is responsible for ensuring the security of a building and the things and people in it. They use surveillance equipment, alarms and access control applications to keep the people and items under their watch secure. If there’s a problem related to the damaged property, criminal activity or other disturbances, the Security Guards will deal with the problem and contact authorities.
How do security guards work?
Security Guards work in a range of settings. Some work for large companies and are sent out to various locations on a daily or weekly basis. Others work at the same business, office building or school everyday. To excel at their job, Security Guards will need to fulfill the following important duties and responsibilities: 1 Carrying out security checks on visitors, on arrival and exit using security scanners and other equipment 2 Performing luggage checks as required 3 Keeping a record of all visitors including the time of arrival and departure 4 Monitoring surveillance cameras 5 Responding to alarms within the premises 6 Patrolling the premises regularly to ensure nothing is out of place 7 Liaising with law enforcement in the case of suspected or reported criminal activity 8 Performing scheduled and random checks of designated areas throughout the facility to check for any security breaches 9 Assisting the maintenance staff in securing an area during a maintenance emergency
What education do security guards need?
Security Guard education and training requirements. Security Guards must have the minimum General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) in English and maths. A Bachelor’s Degree is typically not required, but may improve their employability.
What are the skills required to be a security guard?
These skills include: Knowledge of standard security and safety protocols. Excellent verbal communication skills.
What are the different types of security guards?
These include Static Guards, who work at the entrance or exit points of a building to control access and screen visitors; Patrol Guards, who move around the building’s premises, looking out for threats; and Undercover Guards, who handle security issues in a discreet manner.
How long does it take to become a security specialist?
6 months experience in security or a security related field.
Why do police patrol the premises?
Patrolling the premises regularly to ensure nothing is out of place
What are the responsibilities of a security guard?
They may be saddled with additional responsibilities, such as receiving phone calls, responding to text and email messages, and running vital errands for their employer.
Why are security guards important?
This is to ensure the safety of lives and property and also to prevent stampedes and breakdown of law and order.
Why is it important to be visible to a security guard?
One of the duties of a security guard is to make his or herself clearly visible, as this would deter criminals. Most burglars, shoplifters, muggers, and other criminals would think twice if they see a security guard on duty. So, being visible is one of the ways by which a security guard foils theft, damage, personal injury, and other dastardly acts.
Why do security guards double as receptionists?
If a security guard positions at an entrance, chances are, he will double as a receptionist because he is usually the first to receive guests and show them their way. This additional duty requires a security guard to be very friendly, approachable, and willing to help others.
What senses do security guards have?
A security guard watches out for any strange thing that may mean harm. For this reason, he must have very keen senses of sight, hearing, and smelling. He should be able to smell it when a cable is burning or when a chemical is leaking from its container.
How do security guards respond to crisis situations?
A security guard must know how best to respond to various dangerous situations. 4. Observing and reporting. Even after a dangerous situation has been successfully averted, a security guard must not relax yet.
What is the role of police officers in a crime scene?
Police officers and other law enforcement agents are trained to intervene or respond when crime and violence happens (or afterwards). Rather than this reactive approach to crime, security guards adopt a preventive approach.
What is the job of a security guard?
This is their primary duty, to act to prevent danger and alleviate the damage if a crisis does occur. How do they achieve this?
What is the primary function of a security guard?
The primary function of a security guard is to ensure the protection of a person and/or building. Their duty is to keep the property safe by identifying potential threats and eliminating them. This means taking a range of steps to eliminate danger and protect the client.
What is a security professional?
A security professional performs a range of tasks to protect the client. Not all security guards have the same tasks as this depends on the security needs of a client. Typically, a security guard tasks include the following:
Why do security guards work at an office?
Many times, a security guard will be stationed at an office or apartment building to act as a concierge or guest services. This will entail providing important information on important people’s whereabouts, and the whereabouts of businesses. Having a good memory will allow you to recall this information accurately.
Why is it important to be a security guard?
With proper training and execution of that training, a security guard can prevent very bad things from occurring in a lot of situations. It’s dangerous and hectic work, but also exciting and rewarding. A security guard must take their duties seriously. Security guard duties can range from being present to maintaining order ...
What should be taken into account when selecting a security officer?
Another thing that should be taken into account is the security officer’s physical fitness level. If a security guard is out of shape or has previous injuries preventing him or her from moving quickly, any number of things can happen from thieves getting away, to physical altercations elevating.
What is the best way to be a security guard?
A security guard should always be aware of their surroundings. Doing a simple “ocular patdown” of the people in your sight line should be standard practice. Just having a keen sense of smell, sight, and hearing will aide in your vigilance. Your senses are so important.
How did the security officer save the man's life?
He then contacted authorities and gave the man a life ring. By being alert and notifying authorities , the security officer saved this man’s life.
Why is it important to stay alert?
Staying alert will allow you to act in an efficient manner to promptly take care of different situations, thus minimizing any further harm. If the security officer is preoccupied, an event could go by undetected.
Is it a responsibility to advise a security guard?
Advising people about necessary safety precautions is a responsibility that should be taken very seriously. Taking the security guard’s advice is not required of the employer, but by providing the advice, the security guard is covering his or her bases.
How do security guards work?
Security guards often walk routes or patrol large areas, which requires them to spend much of their time on their feet. This can be a great career choice for someone who opposes traditional office settings where they might spend hours sitting in a chair, or for someone who likes to work outdoors. You can stay active while earning a living and even get into better physical shape while performing your job. Typically, a security guards spend a large portion of their shift walking or moving, but some guards sit at a desk or monitor watching cameras and controlling building entryways.
Why do companies need security guards?
They can guard anything from money to property and help protect a business' assets and prevent loss. Security guards can prevent intruders from entering a workplace and even guard trade secrets for the company. You may find immense satisfaction in knowing that you stand between criminals and the company's assets. Companies typically show their appreciation for such services through unique benefits packages and competitive wages, so you might also earn more in certain security roles.
How much does a security guard make?
The average national salary for a security guard is around $32,111 per year. While this salary is slightly lower than other jobs, you can still increase your earnings through overtime opportunities, holiday work or in-demand working hours. For example, you might work for a security company that pays more for night-shift employees. You also might find work guarding high-profile assets or people that offer higher pay for higher risks. It's important to explore any opportunities that present themselves to ensure you're earning the highest possible salary.
Do security guards face crime?
Security guards act as an onsite deterrent against crime, but that doesn't always mean that no crimes occur while they're on duty. As a security guard, you may face potentially dangerous situations with criminals. These situations require good training, patience and problem-solving skills to navigate. While most security guards never experience an incident in their careers, it's still important to prepare yourself to be ready in case of an emergency. The more prepared you are, the better you can respond to any situation.
Do security guards and officers have the same duties?
A security guard and security officer do have similar duties, but security officers tend to hold more managerial-focused positions. For example, a security officer might oversee a team of 10 security guards. They schedule shifts, allocate training resources, evaluate performance and provide support and experience for the team. This important role distinction can help ensure you're choosing the right career path. Managerial positions may require several years of experience or specific educational credentials.
Can security guards work weekends?
Security guards often have the option to work flexible hours, such as night shifts, weekends or even normal working hours. Depending on the tasks of the job, you might work a full day shift or several smaller shifts throughout your day. Many guards work holidays, which can offer more opportunities to earn extra money and experience. Consider seeking a job as a security guard if you want a more flexible schedule to create more personal time.