Security guards are responsible for monitoring and upholding safety and security standards. They perform regular patrols, inspect building systems like alarms and access control equipment, and operate detecting devices to deter criminal behavior.
They are also able to search people if they have reasonable suspicion of a crime. However, this is only permitted if the individual consents to the search. Click Security Guard Companies In Baltimore Maryland to learn more.
Security guards protect people and property from unauthorized access, theft, vandalism, and other potential threats in commercial properties, residential complexes, events, and public spaces. They do this by patrolling the premises, monitoring surveillance systems, and taking preventive action to identify potential security risks and stop them from occurring.
When an incident does occur, security guards quickly assess the situation to determine its nature and severity—be it a fire, medical emergency, or potential crime. They then promptly alert emergency services and communicate precise details to help resolve the issue and keep everyone safe.
In addition to their role as first responders, security guards are also often the bridge between the community and law enforcement. Regularly reporting incidents to local authorities encourages cooperation and trust while advancing security efforts in the area.
As part of their duties, security personnel verify the identity of individuals entering a secure area, such as checking IDs at an event or managing the guest list for a facility. These verification procedures are crucial for upholding safety and security standards, mitigating risks, and enforcing regulations. Security personnel also perform customer service tasks, such as offering information and directions, helping guests, and addressing phone inquiries.
Depending on a business or organization’s security needs, armed or unarmed guards may be deployed. Those who carry weapons have additional training in using firearms and other offensive tools to deter and control security-related situations. Unarmed security guards still focus on observation, patrolling, and preventing criminal activity through their visible presence alone.
While security guards’ responsibilities are varied, they must adhere to strict legal and ethical guidelines to ensure that their work is conducted fairly and in accordance with the law. For example, security guards can only conduct searches with consent or in certain circumstances, such as when they have reasonable suspicion of a crime being committed. This restriction helps to balance safety and privacy and promotes fairness for all.
Before engaging a security service, it is important to understand and articulate a company’s specific security needs. This will enable the security provider to provide the appropriate level of protection and meet its client’s expectations.
Responding to Emergency Situations
Security guards must be ready to react to a wide variety of situations. They may be called to assess damage caused by vandalism, monitor alarm systems for issues like fire or break-ins, and respond to medical emergencies with first aid. In addition to this, security guards patrol their assigned areas regularly and monitor surveillance equipment. They also perform access control at building entrances, requiring all visitors to present proper credentials or passes before entering.
When a situation occurs, security guards follow protocols established by their employer and contact law enforcement or other authorities as needed. In some cases, armed security officers act as the first responders until police arrive on scene. This enables them to de-escalate conflicts, protect individuals, and direct traffic around dangerous areas.
Security personnel must be able to remain calm and focused in stressful emergency situations. This can be challenging because there is often a lot going on: adrenaline is pumping, people are shouting, sirens are blaring, and you might feel out of your element. This is where having good interpersonal skills and the ability to think quickly come into play.
Performing detailed reporting is another important aspect of the job. Security guards must keep records of daily activities, observations, and any security-related occurrences. This helps them identify patterns and prevent future incidents.
Customer service is also a part of security guard duties, as they often serve as liaisons between public safety officials and management teams. They also offer information, directions, and assistance to visitors and staff. They may also manage the telephone system and answer and screen calls when asked.
Security guards have strong Realistic interests, meaning they prefer tasks that involve hands-on problems and solutions. They often enjoy work that involves physical activities and working with plants, animals, and real-world materials. They also tend to prefer occupations that involve following set procedures and routines, allowing them to focus on details and data. They have moderately strong Conventional interests, meaning they prefer traditional and familiar methods of working. This can include following established protocols and using tools that are common in their industry.
Maintaining Order
Security guards are often the first responders to incidents, evaluating risk and taking action to protect people or secure property. They patrol the premises, observe suspicious activity, and communicate with local law enforcement to report any concerns they encounter. Their job duties also include liaising between public safety officials and community members to foster trust and cooperation.
Training security officers in conflict de-escalation techniques is an important part of their role, as it can help them diffuse tense situations without the need for physical intervention. They also work to identify potential precursors of violence, allowing them to take preventative measures and intervene before a situation escalates into a crisis.
Enforcing security protocols and procedures is another major part of a security guard’s role. This may involve securing restricted areas or conducting ID checks to ensure that only authorized personnel enter certain areas. Security guards are also responsible for documenting incidents, ensuring reports are thorough and accurate. They can use this information for future investigations or legal proceedings.
Creating post orders that clearly communicate expectations is an essential step in building strong security programs. Whether the focus is access control protocols, command center dispatch policies, or visitor policies, clear guidelines empower security staff to deliver high quality service. Weekly supervisor visits safeguard that written post orders are always available, up-to-date, and clearly understood by security officers.
Deterring Crime
Security guards are well-trained to identify suspicious behavior and act quickly to prevent crime from occurring. They have a level of intuition and experience that cannot be replicated by surveillance systems or automated alarms. Their presence also provides reassurance to employees, residents, and visitors, making them feel safer and more secure. In addition, a security guard’s personal interaction with visitors and customers can help build trust and foster a positive relationship that will benefit the business or community.
Unlike police officers, regular security guards are not licensed to carry firearms and have limited arresting powers, so they are not the best choice for high-risk situations where they may need to detain suspects or use force. However, they can still play a vital role in deterring crime by being visible and imposing a sense of authority and legitimacy. They can deter criminal activity by patrolling the premises, inspecting bags or packages at entry points, and escorting people to their destination. They can also monitor unauthorized activity on property by checking alarms, cameras and sensors to keep track of who is coming and going.
Another important security guard duty is to respond to any incidents, whether it’s a break-in, fire, or other emergency. They have the training to assess the situation and follow established protocols to contact law enforcement or medical services as needed. If they have to detain a suspect, their training in conflict de-escalation techniques can be used to diffuse tensions and ensure that everyone’s safety is preserved.
A study conducted by researchers at University of Toronto found that the mere presence of a uniformed security guard can effectively deter crime. The research team employed a team of uniformed civilian security guards without weapons or detaining powers who were tasked to be highly visible and to patrol specific locations that were identified in official crime data as prone to anti-social behaviour. These guards were tracked using GPS devices, and the frequency and duration of their patrols were compared to the frequency and duration of patrols by a control group that did not receive the treatment.