Security Guards observe and monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or other violations. They may also operate X-ray and metal detection equipment.

Security Guards work for private security companies that hire, train, and assign them to client facilities. Depending on contracts, they are often armed. They must always be on point and have a very high attention span. Contact DMAC Security now!

Security guards serve as the eyes and ears of a property, monitoring activity for signs of trouble. They can spot issues before they become an emergency and report their observations to police or other authorities. Security guards are also trained to defuse tense situations through verbal communication, active listening, and conflict resolution strategies. They can also help deter criminal activities by displaying a visible presence, which discourages perpetrators by signaling that the area is monitored and protected.

Physical security measures like tall fences, barbed wire and clear signs that a site is secured send a strong message to would-be intruders that it’s not worth the risk to try to enter the property. The simple presence of a security guard can act as an effective deterrent to prevent violence by reassuring staff and preventing them from acting on their own emotions.

Guards must be able to read body language and recognize when someone is in danger or approaching a potential threat. They can also check that corridors that can be used in an emergency evacuation are free of combustible materials, obstructions or other hazards and keep an eye out for signs that a fire may have started like an unusual amount of smoke or heat. Guards should also check that fire alarms are operating and if they’re not, report any issues immediately.

Security personnel are also tasked with checking IDs of people who want to enter a facility or access restricted areas. This can be done for a number of reasons, including to ensure that only those with the proper credentials are granted entry. They can also spot red flags and refuse entry to individuals who appear suspicious or aggressive, linger around restricted areas or have been banned from an event.

Keeping your security guards safe at work requires training, good hygiene and equipment maintenance. Providing your staff with a tool that can automatically confirm they’re on duty and alert you to any potential issues is a great way to make sure their safety is taken care of with very little manual effort from your side – like PARiM’s workforce management software.

Detection

A security guard’s ability to see what is going on around them and detect potential threats is essential to their job. This includes observing movement, paying attention to textures and surfaces of objects and spaces, and watching out for people who don’t fit the surroundings. They are also on the lookout for anyone taking photos or recording in restricted areas and may notice if someone is trying to create distractions or take advantage of any vulnerabilities.

A visible presence can deter criminal activity, which is why security guards are often visible and patrol the premises they are assigned to protect. Their visibility serves as a deterrent and enables them to quickly respond to alarms or disturbances by assessing the situation, calling police or fire services if needed, and following established protocols for dealing with a variety of incidents.

Whether they are monitoring an office building, apartment complex, event or another type of space, security guards monitor all entry points to prevent unauthorized access. This means checking credentials, ensuring all visitors are allowed on the premises, and logging the names of everyone entering and exiting. For high-profile locations like schools, hospitals, and airports, this is an essential part of ensuring safety for employees, guests, and visitors.

Security guards also conduct regular patrols of the premises and use surveillance systems to watch for any unusual activity. They may follow a set route or be tasked with monitoring specific areas of the property. In some cases, armed security guards will carry out patrols and have the ability to take action if they spot any suspicious activity.

In some settings, such as airports or public transportation, security guards may be able to search people and their belongings, which requires a security officer license. They also have the power to detain a person who is caught with a prohibited item, as long as the guard follows strict procedures.

A Security Officer has far more responsibility and independence than a security guard, which is why they need to be able to make quick decisions when necessary. They should be aware of the risks associated with a particular environment and keep up-to-date on the latest technology to ensure their team is well-equipped to handle any situation. They should also know what tools and equipment are available to them so they can determine which method is best suited for the scenario at hand.

Reporting

Writing security incident reports is a vital part of a guard’s duties. It serves multiple core purposes, such as providing documentation for legal disputes and enhancing future security protocols. The key to a well-crafted report is precision and accountability.

Whether they use pen and paper or the latest in security software, every report is an opportunity to showcase the professional abilities of security guards. This means accurately documenting everything that transpires while ensuring that the information is presented in an organized, clear and concise manner.

The first section outlines the details of the incident, including its location, time and date, as well as any possible causes or contributing factors. It also presents all available evidence in the form of photographs, documents or eyewitness testimony. Identifying witnesses is a crucial component of this section, as it allows security personnel to contact them if additional investigation or testimony is needed.

It’s important to include the name, title and contact number of any person who witnessed the incident. This will allow anyone who reads the report to identify the individual, which is helpful for ensuring that they receive proper compensation if applicable.

The next section outlines the actions taken by security guards after the incident occurs, including any communication with law enforcement or other relevant individuals. This can also include any measures taken to mitigate the situation or prevent it from occurring again, such as contacting management or calling for assistance. It’s critical to note all actions in detail so that other security guards can learn from the experience and implement preventive measures.

Finally, the final section identifies any injuries or damages that were caused during the incident. This includes any physical or mental trauma, as well as any property damage. This information is important to include, as it will enable others to determine if a person needs medical attention or other support.

It’s important to document all relevant information accurately and comprehensively and to write the report as soon as possible after the incident occurs. This will ensure that the details are fresh in everyone’s minds, and it will allow for any potential complications to be addressed quickly. It’s also essential to proofread the report and run it through a spell checker to eliminate any errors that could cause problems down the line.

Emergency Response

Security guards are trained to react quickly and efficiently in emergency situations. Their ability to remain calm under pressure and follow protocols ensures that the situation is handled appropriately and that individuals are protected throughout the event.

The first step is to assess the emergency to determine its severity and identify any potential risks. Security guards then communicate with authorities to inform them of the incident, relaying important information about the situation and location to help speed up the response time.

Next, they act as a liaison between emergency services and the people affected by the incident, providing reassurance and guidance. This helps reduce panic, maintain order and prevent injuries. Security guards also stay connected to management, communicating any changes in security needs resulting from the incident.

Finally, they take control of the scene to secure the area and provide necessary resources for responding personnel. They can block off access to certain areas, evacuate building occupants, and redirect traffic when needed to ensure that responders arrive on-site without delay.

Security guards also use their training to handle medical emergencies with empathy and compassion. They understand the stress and fear that people experience during these events, so they are well-versed in defusing tense situations by using non-verbal communication techniques and clear calm commands to keep crowds under control and safe.

In addition, security guards are equipped to offer basic first aid when needed. They are skilled in CPR and other life-saving methods, allowing them to assist injured individuals until a medical professional arrives on the scene.

Security guards also participate in regular drills and training sessions to prepare for disasters. They practice their roles in various scenarios, gaining familiarity with evacuation routes and locations, and learn how to use fire extinguishers and other equipment. They also discuss how to work harmoniously with other security personnel and emergency services for a unified approach during critical incidents. This allows them to better identify any gaps in their knowledge or response tactics and address them accordingly.