Security has become an inevitable part of today’s dynamic world. Here comes the role of security guards. A security guard, otherwise known as security officer, is of supreme importance in almost all such arenas as physical security of personnel, monitoring specialized events, and protecting invaluable properties by maintaining high visibility presence to detect illegal or inappropriate actions. In other words, security guards are usually employed by a company or an organization to monitor, patrol, preserve, and protect personnel as well as property, against theft, fire, terrorism, or vandalism. Security Guards’ services and duties also cover safeguarding their employer’s investment, detect criminal activity, and enforce laws on the property. At a glance, the motto of security guards is to ‘detect, deter, observe, and report.’
Al though, duties and functions of security guards are same in general, their specific duties may vary according to the nature of the job. For instance, a security guard working in a static security position serves the client at one location for a stipulated period of time. These types of security guards are required to be closely acquainted with the property as well as people associated with, apart from monitoring closed circuit TV cameras and alarms. On the other hand, security guards working on mobile patrol walk from location to location, and they conduct security checks within a particular geographical area. Such security guards’ duties cover arresting criminal violators, answering calls pertaining to criminal problems or activities, and issuing warnings on traffic violations.
The duties and responsibilities of security guards may also vary depending upon the location, size, and nature of employers. For example, security guard working in a department store is to safeguard people, money, merchandise, and equipment. Further, these security guards work with store detectives to monitor theft by employees as well as customers. Likewise, in the case of security guards working in banks, office buildings, and hospitals, their primary role is to safeguard the property, staff, and clients of the institution. Additionally, security guards assigned to transportation facilities protect people, property, freight, and equipment, by utilizing metal detectors and other sophisticated equipment, which in turn enable them to screen passengers and trace out whether they carry explosives, weapons, or any other illegal items.
There are also security guards working in such areas as museums and art galleries, and whose role is to protect paintings by monitoring people who enter and leave the premises. Similarly, security guards employed in laboratories, factories, and data processing units, are required to protect information, computer codes, and other prime secrets vital for the business. In addition, security guards found on the bar entrance and other adult entertainment places, prevent entry by minors, protect property, and collect cover charges. Different types of security guards also include security guards working in casinos and theme parks, and armed car security guards, who protect money and other precious items during transit.
A lot number of security companies are in the scenario to make you available bespoke security services. They mostly adopt high-end equipment, and utilize telephone or radio communication, in order to seek assistance from police or emergency medical services. Sometimes, security guards interview victims or witnesses, and even prepare a comprehensive report signifying their observations and activities during their assigned shift. Apart from carrying out regular duties, majority of them render such services as security risk and business analysis. However, while choosing a security service provider, it is important to check certain matters, such as whether it possesses license from the Security Industry Authority (SIA).