Security guards are employed in various settings, including retail establishments, hospitals, and construction sites. They often patrol their assigned areas and collaborate with law enforcement during emergencies.

Security guard jobs also have a customer service role, interacting with employees, clients, and the public. They provide information and directions and offer assistance when needed.

Security guards use surveillance systems to monitor property and people, alerting their supervisors of any suspicious activity. They also collaborate with law enforcement officials on investigation efforts. They may operate x-ray and metal detector equipment. Depending on their level of training, they can be unarmed or armed. Security guards typically work indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions. They spend long hours on their feet both day and night, patrolling premises to prevent theft, violence, and other security violations.

Interviewing is a key component in selecting security guards who have the necessary skills and qualifications for their roles. In order to avoid bias and ensure the fair evaluation of candidates, HR professionals should follow best practices for conducting security guard interviews. These best practices include assessing candidates with behavioral questions, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations, and documenting all interview activities. This approach will help HR professionals select security guards who are well-qualified, reliable, and effective in the performance of their duties.

During the security guard interview, it is important to provide clear and transparent information about the role’s responsibilities, work schedule, and compensation. This will manage candidate expectations and mitigate any potential miscommunication or misunderstandings. In addition, it is important to maintain open communication throughout the interview process and encourage candidates to ask questions.

It is also a good idea to include a diversity and inclusion statement in your job postings and interview processes. This will signal your commitment to fostering a diverse applicant pool and reduce unconscious bias. It is also helpful to train interviewers on inclusive interviewing techniques, which can help mitigate the impact of bias during the assessment process. Finally, it is a good idea to conduct interviews with a range of candidates from various demographic groups so that you can get an accurate picture of the talent pool. This will help you select security guards who are able to effectively perform their duties in different environments and under a variety of circumstances. This will contribute to a safe and secure work environment for all employees, visitors, and assets.

Patrolling

Security guards patrol a property to protect it from unauthorized activity. They do this on foot or in a vehicle, and they monitor surveillance systems to identify and deter potential threats. When they make their rounds, a security guard can prevent theft, criminal damage, and other incidents that could impact the safety of on-site employees or clients.

Security patrolling is a crucial element of a security guard’s duties. It helps them develop situational awareness, meaning they have a good idea of what’s happening on the premises at all times and can quickly identify any issues that need to be addressed. In addition, the constant presence of a security patrol can act as a deterrent to crime because intruders don’t want to be seen by someone who can immediately spot them and alert authorities if they see something suspicious.

One of the primary ways that a security guard patrols a property is by checking credentials for those who enter the property. This ensures that only authorised personnel are allowed to visit, work on-site, or reside there. It also allows a security guard to quickly identify people or vehicles that need to be escorted off the site if they are acting inappropriately or suspiciously.

Whether they’re patrolling on foot or in a vehicle, a security guard must be able to communicate effectively with their supervisor, on-site employees, and others who may have questions or concerns. They also need to know how to properly record their observations and report them according to established protocols.

In addition, security guards patrolling outdoor environments often need to manage crowds or direct traffic, especially when working for event or transportation security. Clear communication with these individuals can help them keep everyone safe and ensure that all participants have an enjoyable experience.

Security guards who patrol on foot or in vehicles must have excellent physical condition. They’re on the move constantly, so they need to be able to endure long shifts. This can be particularly challenging for guards who work night shifts. A friend of mine who was a part time security guard (unarmed) for a corporation once told me that his shifts were “booooring!” Nonetheless, the pay and benefits are well worth the hard work!

Emergency Response

Security guards are trained to assess an incident and respond appropriately. They may direct emergency vehicles and police to an incident, or help people evacuate a building or secure themselves in case of fire. They monitor surveillance equipment and alarm systems, as well as ensure that security best practices are followed. In a corporate setting, guards often serve as the on-site liaison between businesses and local law enforcement.

In retail settings, security guards work to prevent theft by monitoring security cameras and conducting store patrols. They also inspect high-value product areas and investigate suspicious activities, function as a point of contact for local law enforcement when theft occurs, and are sometimes authorized to detain known thieves until police arrive.

Hospitals, construction sites, and high-profile organizations hire security guards to manage access to their premises. They monitor security cameras and entrances, check credentials, and maintain logs of visitors and employees entering the property. School security guards also monitor and control access to campuses, and are available to respond to campus incidents.

Many guards are armed as part of their job description. Armed guards receive additional training in weapons safety and conflict de-escalation skills. They are employed in security roles that require a higher level of risk, such as protecting VIPs or executive board members.

Private security companies frequently employ armed guards to perform security duties at airports, bus and train terminals, and government or office buildings. These guards check passengers’ luggage and carry out visual inspections of individuals entering the facility. They may also provide escorts for VIPs or executives. Some armed security guards are deployed to military bases or other sensitive locations in support of law enforcement personnel. They have the same responsibilities as unarmed guards, but must pass additional criminal background checks and be able to operate a weapon in these situations. They are also liable for the safe handling and storage of their firearms. Armed security guards are also commonly deployed to events, such as concerts and sporting events, where they are responsible for securing attendees. They monitor crowds, ensure that all those entering the venue have credentials or passes, and respond to any incidents that arise during the event.

Reporting

Security guards must be able to effectively write incident reports that detail the details of specific incidents. These written documents are critical for ensuring that law enforcement and emergency responders are informed of security threats, disturbances or other incidents as they occur. Security guards should be able to articulate their observations clearly in these reports, demonstrating that they can remain calm under pressure and communicate effectively while providing accurate information about the situation.

During the interview process, it’s important for HR professionals to assess candidates’ ability to perform all job duties required for their roles. Developing detailed job descriptions can help ensure that all candidates are qualified for the role, and establishing clear qualification criteria can help filter out unqualified candidates early in the screening process. It’s also helpful for interviewers to provide prompt feedback on candidate performance, highlighting areas of strength and opportunity. Finally, fostering an inclusive hiring process that embraces diverse perspectives and upholds inclusion principles can help promote teamwork and collaboration among security staff.

The security industry is a complex field that requires unique skill sets to manage potential security risks and threats. Hiring the best security officers starts with a thorough hiring process that includes performing background checks, reference checks, drug tests and competency assessments. Employers should make sure candidates understand the scope of the job and the level of responsibility involved in security guard jobs so they can make sound career decisions that align with their interests and skill sets.

In addition to conducting thorough interview processes, HR professionals should develop a robust training program that prepares security guards for their roles. This training should include practical and interactive scenarios that mimic real-life situations. Providing ongoing support to security personnel also helps keep them engaged and interested in their roles. For example, recognizing security guards who have completed certification training assignments or have gone above and beyond for their clients can be an effective way to motivate them to continue their work with the company. Similarly, rewarding security guards who consistently excel in their roles by providing opportunities for promotion can help them feel valued by the organization.