PNK Media: Security Guard

What is a Security Guard?

A security guard is someone who patrols and inspects property against fire, theft, vandalism, terrorism, and illegal activity. They monitor people and buildings in an effort to prevent crime.

A security guard, security officer, or protective agent is a private person who is paid to protect an organization's assets from various hazards (such as waste, damaged property, unsafe worker behavior, criminal activity, etc.) by utilizing preventative measures. They do this by maintaining a high-visibility presence to deter illegal and inappropriate actions, observing (either directly, through patrols, or by watching alarm system or video) for signs of crime, fire or disorder; then taking action to minimize damage (example: warning and escorting trespassers off property) and reporting any incidents to their client and emergency services as appropriate. Their international (at least in the United States of America and Canada) symbol of brotherhood is The Thin Green Line.Security officers are generally uniformed to represent their lawful authority on private property.

What does a Security Guard do?

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
Guards must remain alert, looking for anything out of the ordinary throughout their shift. In an emergency, guards may call for assistance from police, fire, or ambulance services. Some security guards may be armed.
A security guard’s job responsibilities vary from one employer to another:

· In retail stores, guards protect people, records, merchandise, money, and equipment. They may work with undercover store detectives to prevent theft by customers or employees, detain shoplifting suspects until the police arrive, or patrol parking lots.

· In office buildings, banks, hotels, and hospitals, guards maintain order and protect the organization’s customers, staff, and property.

· In museums or art galleries, guards protect paintings and exhibits by watching people and inspecting packages entering and leaving the building.

· In factories, government buildings, and military bases, security guards protect information and products and check the credentials of people and vehicles entering and leaving the premises.

· At universities, in parks, and at sports stadiums, guards do crowd control; supervise parking and seating, and direct traffic.

· At bars and nightclubs, guards (or bouncers) keep under-age people from entering, collect cover charges at the door, and maintain order among customers.

· Guards who work as transportation security screeners protect people, transportation equipment, and freight at airports, train stations, and other transportation facilities.

What is the workplace of a Security Guard like?

Security guards work in a wide variety of environments, including public buildings, retail stores, and office buildings. Guards who serve as transportation security screeners work in air, sea, and rail terminals and other transportation facilities, and are employed by the federal government. Gaming surveillance officers do most of their work in casino observation rooms, using audio and video equipment.
Most security guards spend considerable time on their feet, either assigned to a specific post or patrolling buildings and grounds. Some may sit for long hours behind a counter or in a guardhouse at the entrance to a gated facility or community. Some security guards provide surveillance around the clock by working shifts of eight hours or longer with rotating schedules.
Guards who work during the day may have a great deal of contact with other employees and the public. Although the work can be routine, it can also be hazardous, particularly when an altercation occurs.
Functions and duties:
Many security firms and proprietary security departments practice the "detect, deter, observe and report" methodology. A private security officer's primary duty is the prevention and deterrence of crime. Security personnel enforce company rules and can act to protect lives and property, and they often have a contractual obligation to provide these actions. In addition to basic deterrence, Security officers are often trained to perform specialized tasks such as arrest and control (including handcuffing and restraints), operate emergency equipment, perform First Aid, CPR take accurate notes, write detailed reports, and perform other tasks as required by the client they are serving. All security officers are also required to go through additional training mandated by the state for the carrying of weapons such as batons, firearms, and pepper spray (e.g. the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services in California has requirements that a license for each item listed must be carried while on duty).

The number of jobs is expected to grow in the U.S., with 175,000 new security jobs expected before 2016. In recent years, due to elevated threats of terrorism, most security officers are required to have bomb-threat training and/or emergency crisis training, especially those located in soft target areas such as shopping malls, schools, and any other area where the general public congregate.
Security personnel may also perform access control at building entrances and vehicle gates; meaning, they ensure that employees and visitors display proper passes or identification before entering the facility. Security officers are called upon to respond to potential hazards (such as broken lights or doors, disturbances, lost persons, minor injuries, etc.) and to assist in serious emergencies (medicals, fires, crime, etc.) by securing the scene to prevent further loss or damage, summoning emergency responders to the incident, helping to redirect foot traffic to safe locations, and by documenting what happened on an incident report to give their client an idea of how to prevent similar situations from occurring. Armed security officers are frequently contracted to respond as law enforcement until a given situation at a client location is under control and/or public authorities arrived on the scene.

Patrolling is usually a large part of a security officer's duties, as most incidents are prevented by being looked for instead of waiting for them to occur. Often these patrols are logged by use of a guard tour petrol system which requires regular patrols. Until recently the most commonly used form used to be mechanical clock systems that required a key for manual punching of a number to a strip of paper inside with the time pre-printed on it. But recently, electronic systems have risen in popularity due to their light weight, ease of use, and downloadable logging capabilities. Regular patrols are, however, becoming less accepted as an industry standard, as it provides predictability for the would-be criminal, as well as monotony for the security officer on duty. Random patrols are easily programmed into electronic systems, allowing greater freedom of movement and unpredictability. Global Positioning Systems are beginning to be used because they are a more effective means of tracking officers' movements and behavior.

Training:
Just as with the police profession, training requirements for the private security industry have evolved over time. For many years security guards were poorly chosen and poorly trained (if at all), partly because security guard companies who contracted with clients in private industry were paid very little for their security guard services. For the most part, contracts were awarded to security guard companies through a competition process and the final selection was often made based on cost rather than the experience or professionalism of the security guard company. That changed drastically on September 11, 2001 when radical terrorists attacked the United States. The event moved corporate threat concerns to the top of the priority list for most security guard contracts started being awarded based on professionalism. More money was invested in security so more money became available for training of security guards. The term 'security professional' began to surface and large private security companies like Backwater, USA began offering training services for the private security industry that approached the level of training provided by the military. Security guard companies began paying enough to attract people with significant backgrounds in law enforcement and the military, often in special operations.

How to Become a Security Guard

1. Find out about the educational requirements

In some states in the US, as well as in some countries, there are no minimum required educational qualifications for security guards. However, those with relevant certificates (such as a 2-year degree in a criminal justice program) are given preference during recruitment exercises. In most places, the minimum requirement is no more than a high school certificate. In fact, some employers may even hire security guards who don’t have this qualification. So, it’s all about the employer’s requirements.

2. Enroll for a security guard training program

· 10 Reasons why you need security education and training

Even if you think you have an innate guarding instinct, you will still need to fine-tune your skills so as to put yourself in the best shape for the role of a security guard. If you are in the US, the minimum training program you can enroll for is the obligatory 8-hour pre-assessment course by the state department. Taking this course qualifies you for a state-issued security guard registration card. However, this doesn’t stop you from honing your guarding skills by taking other courses. Most courses include training on property rights, emergency handling, self-defense, effective communication skill, and so on. On the average, a training course spans a few weeks.

3. Get a permit (if necessary)

While many states in the US do not require it, obtaining a permit boosts your credibility and gives you an edge over others during recruitment. Note that a permit is different from a license. While a permit gives you a blanket permission to work as a security guard, a license permits you to assume certain special duties, such as carrying firearms or gaining access to special place.

4. Get your license

If you will have to be an armed guard, you need to obtain a pistol license (Class G License) after you must have completed a firearms training program. Such a program entails training on handling and safety of weapons. As an armed security guard, you will work in highly technical or restricted areas, and you will get higher pay due to the higher risk involved in such duties. But if you are unwilling to work as an armed security guard, you can stick with a Class D License, which is issued to non-armed security guards.

5. Seek employment

The Recruitment Process for Hiring a Security Guard

Ä Announcement of the job position

Ä Application Process

Ä Verification of qualifications

Ä Interview

Ä Medical Check

Ä Final selection

Ä Orientation

After you have acquired the required certifications, training, and licenses, then you are ready to start work. To secure a job, you have two options:

· Firstly, you can contact a private security company, telling them that you want to take up a job. The company will link you up with an employer whose requirements match your qualifications.

· Secondly, you can approach a company directly and apply for a vacant job position. You can choose this option if you are unable to find a private security company.

As a security guard, you can work in casinos, museums, companies, private offices, banks and other financial institutions, as well as other places that are prone to cheating and robberies. In addition, you can work as a personal guard to a high profile individual. Depending on your qualifications, skills, and experience, you can earn between $4,000 and $120,000 per annum working as a security guard.