What Does a Security Guard Do – Roles and Responsibilities

Security guards play an essential role in safeguarding people and property. They are responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment by deterring criminal activities and responding to emergencies. The following are the main roles and responsibilities of a security guard.

Patrolling and Monitoring

One of the primary duties of a security guard is to patrol and monitor the premises they are assigned to. They must conduct regular patrols to detect any suspicious activities, potential security threats, and safety hazards. Security guards use various tools, such as CCTV cameras, alarms, and communication devices, to monitor the area they are responsible for. They must remain vigilant at all times to identify and prevent security breaches.

Access Control

Security guards are responsible for controlling access to the premises they are assigned to. They must ensure that only authorized personnel and visitors are allowed to enter the property. They must check the identification of visitors, verify their credentials, and issue visitor badges. Security guards must also monitor the entrances and exits to prevent unauthorized access and track the movement of people and vehicles.

Surveillance Operation

Security guards must operate and monitor surveillance equipment to detect and prevent criminal activities. They must keep a watchful eye on the CCTV cameras, identify any suspicious activities, and take appropriate action to prevent incidents from occurring. Security guards must also maintain accurate records of surveillance activities, incidents, and investigations.

 

Skills and Qualifications

To become a security guard, certain skills and qualifications are required. Some of the essential skills include communication, attention to detail, physical fitness, customer service, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. Indeed these skills as crucial for security guards.

Good communication skills are essential for security guards. They need to be able to communicate effectively with their team members, clients, and the public. Attention to detail is also crucial for security guards as they need to be vigilant and observant to identify potential threats.

Physical fitness is another important skill for security guards. They need to be in good physical condition to perform their duties, which can include standing for extended periods, patrolling, and responding to emergencies.

Customer service is also a vital skill for security guards. They need to be polite, courteous, and professional when dealing with clients and the public. Critical thinking is necessary for security guards to analyze situations and make informed decisions.

Teamwork is another essential skill for security guards. They often work in teams and need to be able to cooperate and coordinate with their colleagues effectively. Problem-solving is also crucial for security guards as they need to be able to identify and resolve issues quickly and efficiently.

In terms of qualifications, a certificate in Basic Security Training (BST) is required in most cases, although the number of hours required to complete the training may vary. Indeed emphasizes that qualified candidates must possess a BST certificate.

 

Emergency Response and Reporting

Security guards play a vital role in emergencies. They are trained to respond quickly and efficiently to various types of emergencies, including natural disasters, fires, medical emergencies, and security breaches. In this section, we will discuss the two main aspects of a security guard’s emergency response: incident management and first aid.

Incident Management

When an emergency occurs, security guards are responsible for assessing the situation quickly and accurately. They must remain calm and composed while gathering information about the incident. This includes identifying the type of emergency, the location, and the number of people involved.

Once the situation has been assessed, the security guard must take appropriate action. This may include calling for backup, evacuating the area, or providing first aid to those who are injured. The security guard must communicate effectively with other emergency responders, such as law enforcement and medical personnel.

Documentation and reporting are also critical components of incident management. Security guards must record incident details, actions taken, and any other pertinent information. This information is used to improve emergency response procedures and to provide documentation for legal and insurance purposes.

First Aid and CPR

Security guards are often trained in first aid and CPR. They must be able to provide basic medical assistance to those who are injured until medical personnel arrive on the scene. This may include administering CPR, applying bandages, or stabilizing broken bones.

Security guards are not medical professionals, and their training in first aid and CPR is usually limited. However, their quick response and ability to provide basic medical assistance can make a significant difference in emergencies.

 

Customer Service and Public Interaction

Security guards play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and security of a facility or an event. However, their duties are not limited to just that. They also have an important responsibility of providing excellent customer service and professionally interacting with the public.

When it comes to customer service, security guards act as the first point of contact for visitors and employees. They greet people with a smile and a friendly attitude, making them feel welcome and comfortable. They also assist anyone who needs it, such as directing them to the right location or answering their questions.

Security guards are also responsible for professionally interacting with the public. They must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with people from all walks of life, including those who may be agitated or upset. They must remain calm and composed in all situations, even in the face of adversity.

To ensure that security guards can provide excellent customer service and professionally interact with the public, they undergo extensive training. This training covers topics such as conflict resolution, effective communication, and customer service skills. By having well-trained security guards, facilities and events can ensure that their visitors and employees are safe and well taken care of.

 

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Security guards play a crucial role in ensuring safety and security in various settings. However, they must also adhere to legal and ethical considerations while performing their duties. This section will discuss some of the key legal and ethical considerations that security guards need to keep in mind.

Legal Considerations

Security guards must be aware of the laws and regulations that govern their work. They must understand the legal implications of their actions and ensure that they do not violate any laws. Some of the legal considerations that security guards must keep in mind include:

• Use of force: Security guards must use force only when necessary and by the law. They must avoid using excessive force, which could result in legal consequences.
• Privacy: Security guards must respect the privacy of individuals and avoid any actions that could violate their privacy rights. They must also ensure that any surveillance activities are carried out by the law.
• Reporting incidents: Security guards must promptly report any incidents, violations, or suspicious activities to their supervisors or the appropriate authorities.

Ethical Considerations

Security guards must also adhere to ethical standards while performing their duties. Some of the ethical considerations that security guards must keep in mind include:

• Honesty and integrity: Security guards must be honest and have high levels of integrity. They must not engage in any activities that could compromise their integrity or that of their employers.
• Respect for individuals: Security guards must respect the rights and dignity of individuals. They must not discriminate against anyone based on their race, gender, religion, or any other personal characteristic.
• Professionalism: Security guards must maintain a professional demeanor at all times. They must avoid any behavior that could be perceived as unprofessional or inappropriate.

By keeping these legal and ethical considerations in mind, security guards can perform their duties professionally and responsibly.