A Day in the Life of a Security Guard

Security guards are the first line of defence against theft. Carrying out several duties for their employers, such as the patrolling and inspection of premises, they guard against break-ins, fire, terrorism and other criminal activities. The security guard often the first on the scene, protecting the site, deterring criminals and ensuring that the law is enforced on the property. The correct training of security guards is essential.

A Standard Day

Using radio and telephone communications, security officers spend their shifts set to make a call for assistance in case of fire or an emergency medical issue. Any incident that occurs on each work shift is recorded inside a record book or printed in a proper document that highlights their observations plus the events that took place during their shift. At particular places, the security guard may need to interview witnesses and in many cases give evidence within a courtroom.

Although the profession can certainly be described in basic terms, the size and location of the establishment can determine what duties a security guard might be expected to undertake regularly. This assortment of responsibilities is commonly addressed through their initial security guard training. Numerous shopping centres and theatres have recently chosen to hire a security team to guard the parking areas and offer protection to customers from theft. In shopping centres, security guards may help with apprehending shoplifters and protecting cash register deposits.

Then there are the security officers trusted with guarding premises. These guards are sometimes needed to observe CCTV cameras or patrol the building at night. A security guard at sites like these will need to identify all the regular visitors to the property and restrain prohibited violators who are barred from the premises. Similar to the previous situation, security staff within a medical or court environment are commonly expected to check inbound people and prevent criminals from entering. Using technical devices and metal detectors, each of these security guards can inspect site visitors for explosives and guns.

Understanding the Job

All guards go through a period of security guard instruction before they can begin their very first day at the job. Many states mandate that security staff be licensed before they begin employment. Licensing consists of a criminal background check, in-class education, probable drug testing along with an age requirement of eighteen. The training done inside the school room will review the best way to attend to crisis circumstances, property rights as well as the correct method to maintain custody of a suspect.

In countries that do not insist on such broad security training measures, employers are responsible for ensuring that each security guard is kept on top of things. Many firms who appoint unarmed security staff do not have any precise instructional requirements. Armed guards in particular need to possess a driver’s license and substantial experience. Given that armed security staff need to have a gun throughout the work shift, they need to be licensed with the government and obtain special certification. Though these options call for extra accountability, they will also offer a higher wage to the guard.

Soon after commencing employment with a new company, almost all companies will give new guards specialized security guard training. This might incorporate crisis prevention, communications, first aid and logbook writing.

Occupational Health and Safety

Guards often work 8 to 13 hour shifts 4 to 5 days a week. Throughout their shift, most security officers will spend a substantial amount of time on their feet as they inspect the premises. Even though quite a lot of the duty is monotonous, a security guard has to be ready at all times to address any real threat that might occur. They may also spend their days stationed at a central post keeping an eye on video footage and checking the identity of persons entering the building.