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WORKING IN SECURITY

What do Security Personnel do?

Security personnel (also known as security guards) protect property and deter criminal activity such as theft, vandalism, terrorism and any other illegal activities.  Usually a security guard is assigned to monitor alarm systems and surveillance cameras from a stationary position. Other guards are assigned a patrol area where they carry out security checks physically.  However the tasks of guards will vary from employer to employer and this will include whether the security personnel are able to be assigned firearms.  However normally, it is the Security...

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WORKING IN SECURITY

What do Security Personnel do?

Security personnel (also known as security guards) protect property and deter criminal activity such as theft, vandalism, terrorism and any other illegal activities.  Usually a security guard is assigned to monitor alarm systems and surveillance cameras from a stationary position. Other guards are assigned a patrol area where they carry out security checks physically.  However the tasks of guards will vary from employer to employer and this will include whether the security personnel are able to be assigned firearms.  However normally, it is the Security Personnels job to alert the police, fire or rescue services as well as other law enforcement agencies in an emergency situation.

There are a variety of different types of security personnel roles:

• In retail stores, guards protect people, goods, money and appliances from criminal activity.  They can work with undercover shop detectives to prevent thefts from customers and staff and arrest suspected shoplifters before police arrive.

• Gaming supervisors and gambling investigators act as security guards for the casino. They monitor casino operations for suspicious activity such as fraud and theft, and monitor compliance with rules, regulations and laws by organizing, maintaining and monitoring surveillance cameras that are sometimes used as evidence in police investigations. Security guards, along with other casino employees, monitor the audio and video equipment used in observation rooms, surveillance cameras and other devices.

• In factories, government buildings and military bases, security forces protect workers and equipment and control people and vehicles entering and leaving the compound. 

• In office buildings, banks, hotels and hospitals, guards keep order and protect customers, employees and the property of the organization. 

• Security guards in museums and art galleries protect paintings and exhibits by observing people or checking the contents of their guests handbags. 

• Security guards in parks and sports stadiums monitor parking and seating.

• Security forces working at schools and universities patrol the site in search of suspicious activity. 

• Security guards stationed at the entrances of bars and nightclubs keep customers safe, prevent minors from entering, collect cover fees and monitor security arrangements.

How to work in Security

Most jobs as a security guard require a minimum of a high school diploma, there are also sometimes training requirements, for example game managers (in casinos) will sometimes need experience in security and video surveillance in addition to educational qualifications, but most of this training can be acquired ‘on the job’.  Most states require guards to be registered with the state, especially if they carry a firearm. 

In general most security guards learn their job within weeks, and most employers instruct newly hired guards to receive training at least once a week, if not more often.  After a few weeks, the employer training usually includes at least one hour of physical and mental training per week but many states recommend that guards receive at least two hours of training a week.  The training of armed guards is stricter, as they require weapons training and can be regularly tested for firearm use. 

Armed guards in most states require a rigorous recruitment and screening program, including background checks and physical examinations, as well as training in how to handle weapons. Armed guards must behave in a manner consistent with the requirements of their state's law enforcement and security services.  Drug testing may be required as a condition of employment or arbitrarily during employment. Most states require guards to be registered with the state in which they work, and guards carrying weapons must register with a competent government agency.

Some jobs also require a driver's license and, in some states, a license plate or other identification card.  Experience with video technology can be helpful when using surveillance systems and software. When monitoring gambling, some employers prefer the use of high-resolution video cameras, such as surveillance cameras.

Guardians can also move to organisations that require a higher level of security, which can lead to more prestige and higher pay. Armed security forces have great potential for increased revenue, and guards with management skills are opening their own businesses.

In general security guards need to be vigilant, aware of their surroundings and able to recognise something extraordinary quickly. Security guards must be determined to stand for long periods of time and observe their surroundings without distraction. They also need to be able to apprehend offenders, deal with emergency situations and deal with emergencies quickly and efficiently.

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