What do guards do

The security guard sector is an important element of the economy, and it has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. Despite its enormous scale, many individuals still believe that the services it offers are all the same. There are many different security guard services to choose from, and each one is better suited for specific needs. There are various types of security guards, and it is critical to have the appropriate security staff assigned to the appropriate security assignment.

Here are some of the numerous sorts of security guards and the services they provide. Security guards that are hired by the government are often highly trained and armed. These security guards will be deployed to protect, secure, and defend government employees and property. These types of security guards can work in a variety of settings.

Their primary responsibility is to secure a specific site or facility, such as courthouses or military command centres.

If a high-risk situation arises, they may be called upon to defend personnel and property. Those with criminal records are frequently ruled out as prospective candidates.

In house security guards are personally hired by companies to work for them. They are not contracted through a private security agency. Even though many countries prohibit internal security recruitment , certain firms continue to hire and are permitted to hire in-house security officers. These types of security guards have a wide range of opportunities for employing including.

This is the most common category of security guards. Private contract security guards are hired by private security agencies. When a company hires the services of a private security firm, they have various alternatives. At universities, in parks, and at sports stadiums, guards do crowd control, supervise parking and seating, and direct traffic. At bars and nightclubs, guards or bouncers keep under-age people from entering, collect cover charges at the door, and maintain order among customers.

Security guards have distinct personalities. They like tasks that are tactile, physical, athletic, or mechanical. Does this sound like you?

Take our free career test to find out if security guard is one of your top career matches. Security guards work in a wide variety of environments, including public buildings, retail stores, and office buildings. Guards who serve as transportation security screeners work in air, sea, and rail terminals and other transportation facilities, and are employed by the federal government.

Gaming surveillance officers do most of their work in casino observation rooms, using audio and video equipment. Most security guards spend considerable time on their feet, either assigned to a specific post or patrolling buildings and grounds. Some may sit for long hours behind a counter or in a guardhouse at the entrance to a gated facility or community.

Some security guards provide surveillance around the clock by working shifts of eight hours or longer with rotating schedules. Guards who work during the day may have a great deal of contact with other employees and the public. Security guards work wherever people and assets need to be protected. Responsibilities vary by employer.

In offices and factories, for example, security guards protect workers and equipment and check the credentials of people and vehicles entering and leaving the premises. In retail stores, guards protect people, merchandise, money, and equipment. They may work with undercover store detectives to prevent theft by customers and employees, detain shoplifting suspects until the police arrive, and patrol parking lots.

Gambling surveillance officers work in freestanding casinos and other facilities that have designated areas for gambling, such as hotels, video gaming terminals, and riverboats. They typically work from an observation room within the gaming facility.

Security guards , also called security officers, protect property, enforce rules on the property, and deter criminal activity. Some guards are assigned a stationary position from which they monitor alarms or surveillance cameras. Other guards are assigned a patrol area where they conduct security checks.

Gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators act as security agents for casinos. Using audio and video equipment, they watch casino operations for suspicious activities, such as cheating and theft, and monitor compliance with rules, regulations, and laws.

They maintain and organize recordings from security cameras, which are sometimes used as evidence in police investigations. Gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators held about 8, jobs in The largest employers of gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators were as follows:. Security guards held about 1. The largest employers of security guards were as follows:. Security guards work in a variety of places, including industrial settings, stores, and office buildings.

Gambling surveillance officers and investigators are employed in casinos and other gaming facilities only in locations where gambling is legal. Guards may spend considerable time on their feet patrolling buildings and grounds or may sit for long periods at a single post, such as in a guardhouse at the entrance to a gated facility or community. Others may spend periods of time in a vehicle, patrolling the property and grounds.

Both security guards and gambling surveillance officers may spend much of their shift sitting at a desk or counter in a dark room, observing customers on video surveillance equipment. They may have to monitor activity on multiple screens for long periods of time without distraction. Security guards and gambling surveillance officers usually work in shifts of about 8 hours, with rotating schedules.

Night shifts are common. Most security guards and gambling surveillance officers work full time. Seasonal work may be available during the holidays and during the warmer summer months in some states. Security guards and gambling surveillance officers typically require a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Gambling surveillance officers sometimes need experience with security and video surveillance. Most states require security guards to be licensed by the state, especially if they carry a firearm.

Security guards typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may not require formal educational credentials.

Gambling surveillance officers also need a high school diploma or equivalent. A bachelor's degree is not required to enter the occupation. However, some security guards and gambling surveillance officers study in degree fields such as security and protective service or social science.

Although most employers provide instruction for newly hired security guards and surveillance officers, the amount of training varies. Most security guards learn their job in a few weeks, but gambling surveillance officers and investigators may need several months. Employer-provided training typically covers emergency procedures, crime prevention, and proper communication. Think about how many jobs allow for individuals to take a 5-minute smoke break as they please, go for a walk to grab a coffee, or check social media.

They must be aware of their surroundings at ALL times, and perform ocular pat-downs of every single person in their area. At large gatherings, like religious assemblies or political rallies, security guards are responsible for maintaining order. This requires a lot of skill, excellent social skills, strong physical capabilities, and the ability to act fast.

Security work requires being able to act quickly and efficiently at ALL times. Most security guards are physically fit as they must be able to stop altercations and rush to catch criminals. If a security guard is ever preoccupied, a crime or an event could easily go undetected, which is why they must be able to act fast and smart at any given time. Being in charge of advising others concerning necessary safety precautions is a considerable responsibility.

Through experience and extensive training , the best security guards have notions and procedural knowledge of how to approach a myriad of situations to prevent harm.

Security guards must adhere to all policies provided by their employers. Every space a security guard is tasked with protecting requires a different set of rules and procedures. While any given security guard performs the same duties over long periods, the possibility of the unknown or dangerous always lingers.

When it comes to robbery or assaults with a weapon, a security guard must be able to act fast by calling for backup. What does a security officer do?