You might recall seeing security guards at locations like retail stores, hotels, universities, construction sites, and large corporations. Their job is to protect the site and the employees. But there’s more to being a security guard that you might not know about.
Licensing and Training
To apply for a security guard position, a person must have a license. First, the person must pass state and federal background checks and submit their fingerprints into the database. Next, they need to take the proper courses to learn about the profession. After passing the courses, they can apply to receive their security guard licensing.
Training isn’t always required beforehand, but it’s very rare that companies will hire an untrained security guard. It’s important to receive the right training before applying to ensure the individual is ready for the job.
Physical Fitness
High physical fitness isn’t a requirement for security guards, but it is important to be in good health and capable of frequent movement. Security guards need to do a lot of walking. They should also be prepared in case they need to run after a suspect. Having the right amount of strength and stamina will make for an excellent security guard.
No Fixed Schedule or Routine
No day is the same for security guards. Working hours vary from incredibly early to late at night. There might be slow days with very few dilemmas or incredibly stressful and threatening workdays.
Each security guard receives their schedule. Depending on the company, their working hours can easily change from a night shift to a morning shift. It’s always important to stay ready to work in any type of environment. There are different procedures during the morning and day shifts than night shifts.
Frequent Customer Interactions
Security guards don’t only diffuse a dangerous situation or sit in a guard booth until their shift ends. They are a resource of information for many customers. They might provide directions or answer various questions. It’s vital in this profession to have good communication skills among a diverse group of individuals.
Citizen’s Arrest
Another thing you might not know about security guards is that they can make a citizen’s arrest. In a threatening situation, a security guard can detain people physically who commit a felony or a misdemeanor. It’s important to remember that each state has different rules that security guards must know and follow.
Security guards then wait for local authorities to arrive on the scene and officially arrest the suspect.
Many different industries can benefit from guard shacks and security guards on location. They play a vital role in keeping the company and its employees safe at all hours of the day.
