Unlocking Opportunities: Exploring Careers in Security Guard Services Pearl Olson, April 18, 2024 Security guards are responsible for monitoring property and acting as a deterrent to criminal activity. They can work in a variety of settings, including commercial properties, hospitals, and educational institutions. If you are currently working as a security guard and would like to update your registration status, please contact the training school that submitted your course completion roster. Read on Security Guard Jobs Atlanta for more details. Security guards have the skills and training to recognize suspicious behavior, which helps them deter criminals from committing crimes on your property. Guards perform patrols and monitor entrances and exits to ensure that only authorized personnel are entering or leaving a location. They can also operate x-ray and metal detector equipment to check visitors for weapons or illegal substances. Many people choose to become security professionals because of their interest in preventing crime, which requires a great deal of attention and awareness. Guards observe and report on security-related events, which help store managers and police authorities identify and prosecute thieves and other perpetrators of crime. Guards can also prevent internal theft by monitoring employees and identifying any unusual activity or behavior. They can work with management to develop training programs and other measures that reinforce the importance of ethical conduct in a business environment. Retail businesses have a particularly challenging problem with shoplifting, which is on the rise in part because of high prices and desperation by consumers. To prevent this type of crime, some stores have hired security guards to monitor surveillance cameras and engage with customers, which can deter theft by reminding shoppers that stealing items can result in arrest. Another way security guards can prevent shoplifting is by limiting the number of customers in a retail space at one time. Guards can communicate with store managers and escort customers to their cars to make sure that the number of people in the store stays below a predetermined limit. Some security guards are trained to confront shoplifters, which may require them to use a variety of skills, including conflict resolution and body language. If a security guard feels that a customer is attempting to steal something, they can detain the person until law enforcement arrives. Security guards must be able to keep up with any changes in security procedures. For example, they may need to learn about new alarms that have been installed or additional security measures like steel cables placed on shelves to prevent merchandise from being lifted off the floor. They must also be aware of any new reporting procedures that have been implemented to meet fire and law enforcement requirements. Monitoring Entrances and Exits Whether they’re protecting a shipping dock, a corporate headquarters, a private residence or a parking lot, security guards patrol assigned areas and strictly control access points to reduce crime and mitigate dangers. They also collaborate with law enforcement officers and participate in drills to ensure they’re prepared for various scenarios. For example, if someone walks through an entrance that doesn’t normally have a guard and no one is monitoring it, the security officer may alert the supervisor. This allows the company to respond quickly to any potential emergency situation. Additionally, security personnel inspect vehicles and individuals as they enter and exit a facility. They’re trained to spot anything that looks suspicious, such as a weapon, incendiary materials or other illegal items. This is especially important in higher threat locations, such as airports or government facilities. Security personnel can also perform screenings using a magnetometer or other equipment designed to detect weapons, explosives, drugs and other contraband items. In addition to securing entrances and exits, security guards can help control the crowd in crowded settings like events or public venues. They might physically eject people who don’t obey rules, direct patrons or provide basic first aid until medical professionals arrive. They can also search individuals to prevent theft or trespassing, collaborate with undercover store detectives in retail settings and detain shoplifting suspects in a variety of settings. Those who work in this field must be highly motivated to complete their duties and tasks. They must constantly monitor their surroundings and have the ability to detect any unusual behavior, such as a sudden change in someone’s demeanor or the use of inappropriate language. They also need to be able to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts calmly and professionally, as they’re often put in high-pressure situations that require them to take quick action. This is why many employers provide conflict resolution training to their security guards as part of their hiring process. They also participate in regular safety meetings and are required to sign injury and incident reports. This helps them document any incidents that occur on their shifts so they can report them to management for immediate attention. Communicating With Law Enforcement Most of the time, you probably don’t give security guards much thought. They’re there, manning the reception desk at your office building or shopping mall, patrolling your neighborhood, and standing by the entrance to your grocery store day in and out. But when there is an emergency or crime, it’s often security personnel who are the first to know and the first to act. That’s why it’s critical for security guards to have excellent communication skills. Whether they’re dealing with customers, visitors, and clients, or law enforcement and fire officials, good communication is an important component of security jobs. Guards often have to relay information, such as a suspect description or a fire alarm activation to these individuals. Moreover, they have to be able to clearly explain the procedures of their job. This ensures everyone is on the same page and can collaborate effectively in times of crisis. Another aspect of security guard jobs is their outdoor environments. In some instances, such as transportation and event security, guards might be stationed outdoors to manage crowds or monitor entrances and exits of a public space. As such, they must be able to communicate effectively with the general public to inform them of safety measures, provide directions, and offer assistance, contributing to a positive environment for all to enjoy. Finally, security guards also must be able to communicate with each other to coordinate their activities. This is especially important when guards are on patrol in vehicles or a mobile security unit. They can’t always be at their desk or in a control room, so having the ability to interact with one another and share information on an as-needed basis is essential. While there are some challenges associated with security guard jobs, like low pay and sometimes stressful situations, they can be an excellent choice for those who have great communication skills and want to make a difference in their communities. Those who decide to pursue a career in security can expect to receive extensive training and experience that will help them thrive in this exciting field. Responding to Emergency Situations Many security guard jobs require the ability to assess and react quickly to emergency situations. Depending on the specific role, this might involve providing first aid, managing evacuations and alerting authorities to incidents that may need their attention. Some security guards also monitor the condition of buildings and equipment, performing safety checks, monitoring security cameras and alarm systems and ensuring access control protocols are followed. The mere presence of a security guard is often enough to deter crime, as criminals are less likely to attempt theft, vandalism or even physical assault when they know there’s someone watching them. This is why security guards are commonly hired to patrol properties, as the regular presence of security personnel is often seen as a deterrent against criminal activity. Security guards can be employed in a variety of settings, including retail establishments, airports, construction sites and hospitals. They can also be contracted to provide protection and surveillance for VIPs, celebrities or high-profile executives. Security guards can be armed or unarmed, with the use of firearms being a privilege granted to those who receive additional training and licensing. Guards can be contracted by businesses to manage security for their properties or events, logging all their activities in detailed reports. In some cases, they can also be a visible presence in public spaces to deter crime and act as a community resource for information. In addition to their monitoring and patrolling duties, security guards often perform customer service roles by interacting with employees, visitors and the general public. This can include checking IDs, escorting guests to their rooms or addressing any concerns that may arise during an event. Many communities leverage the services of armed security guards to assist with conducting neighborhood watch programs, assessing potential threats and responding to any security incidents that occur. Additionally, residential complexes and apartment buildings often employ security guards to patrol the property at night and ensure fire exits and emergency equipment are working properly. Finally, corporate sites also contract security guards to manage access, function as an on-site liaison to fire and police services, implement security best practices and conduct ongoing surveillance. Security Guard Jobs armed security guardsbusiness security servicesconcierge securityevent security guardsexecutive protection security