As a security guard, my primary role has always been to whatever environment I’m in as safe as possible. This may include observing and reporting suspicious neighborhood behaviors or patrolling the doorways at luxury stores to make sure no one walks out with products they somehow “forgot to pay for.”
While each security guard job might have its own unique set of rules or requirements, there are some aspects to being a security guard that remain consistently the same throughout the industry.
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Below are the top 5 most common responsibilities and duties of security guards:
Be Visible
Make sure you’re within constant and clear eyesight at all times. Your physical presence alone can help deter crime. This is similar to posting security alarm stickers on your doors and windows at home — many criminals will take this as a sign that messing with the people in that home is more trouble than it’s worth.
Be Alert
Continually scan the crowds or streets, or whatever domain you’re in, to identify and prepare yourself (mentally and physically) for potential dangers. This will get easier in time, as you learn to “read people.” Soon you will be able to predict certain common behaviors amongst guests, visitors, and shoppers.
React Quickly & Wisely
When you sense that something “exciting” is about to happen, or when you actually witness such an event, it’s important that you react to the situation quickly and wisely in a way that would diffuse the situation. It means having enough self-control to replace panic with protection. Learn the best ways to handle some common threatening situations so that if they ever happen you will know how to anticipate it and react properly.
Observe & Report
When I was a kid, I remember having these puzzle books where I would look at a picture for a minute, then look away and have to answer a bunch of questions about what was in the picture. I got pretty good at it! I think these observations have helped me as a security guard. Being able to “observe and report” while on duty is a lot like those puzzle books. You’re constantly observing, and once an incident occurs, you’re required to report about it (usually in written form). And it often involves remembering the early stages of the incident that led to the boiling point, as well as the aftermath.
Request Backup
Some situations are life-threating and require the help of local law enforcement or the fire department to resolve. For example, if the boutique you’re guarding is visited by a masked gunman, or there’s suddenly a fire at the political event you’re patrolling, it’s best to request backup rather than attempt to be the hero and risk your own life, as well as the lives of others.
Each job will have a different set of rules, but in a nutshell, your main goal is to maintain a safe environment. And if something bad happens, it’s your job to prevent it from getting worse or more dangerous, and then notify the proper authorities.
If you feel you have what it takes to handle the duties and responsibilities of a Security Guard in California, then now is the time to start your training. Start with an online training course from MySecurityTraining.com today! Related post:5 Characteristics of Effective Security Guards
