Security Guard Duties: 9 point checklist

Communities, whether small or large primarily depend on trained security personnel to guard their homes, businesses, and public offices. They count on security guards to patrol their property to deter criminal activity, lock and open secured gates, operate surveillance cameras, and so much more.

Security guards should be alert, vigilant, and possess exceptional analytical skills and stamina to perform in their job. While specific duties may differ from one security company to another, here are some common duties that help to define the roles of security officers.

1. Securing the Premise

Security guards are frequently positioned as the first line of defense for businesses and homes against any illegal activity or external threat. Unlike police officers who deploy offensive tactics such as apprehending criminals or detaining assailants after an incident has occurred, security guards take preventative measures to deter crime and maintain safety for everyone.

Securing the property comes with several layers. These include:

- Patrolling the property: Security guard patrols make sure personnel and premises are safe by regularly making the rounds to prevent damage, burglary, and other unexpected occurrences. They assess on the spot if something looks out of place.

- Monitoring the premises: Security officers monitor and observe the environment they are protecting using monitoring equipment and building controls. If the situation calls for it, the officers can start investigating or call for additional help.

- Controlling access: They will control access for employees, visitors, and outside contractors and generally ensure that only authorized individuals gain access to office buildings, warehouses, event sites, and other assigned locations.

- Inspections: Security guards are usually responsible for inspecting buildings and ensuring that doors and access points are properly locked up and secured.

- Proper log management: From a security point of view, logs should serve as a red flag when something unusual is happening. Maintaining proper logs and reviewing them regularly could help identify malicious attacks on your security system.

2. Securing Personnel

Securing personnel is another major role of security officers. With the increased risks across the world, it has become more necessary for certain individuals to have personal security. The security guards partner with you or your family to create a plan customized to meet your safety and security goals. Besides personal protection, they provide security for your employees around and, on your premise, helping them become more productive in a secure and safe environment.

3. Protecting Assets

Security guards can help businesses prevent the loss of valuable company resources. Businesses across all industries hire professional security personnel to help protect their most valuable assets. An organization's assets are vital to a functional and successful business considering the unexpected loss of company assets can cause setbacks which can significantly affect its bottom line.

4. Observation and Reporting

Reporting is an important part of any guard's responsibilities. A security guard is expected to note their daily observations and report them in accordance with the established protocols. Usually, this will involve informing the manager, reporting to a supervisor, or calling the authorities or emergency services as warranted.

5. Incident Response

Security guards provide leadership and direction in emergencies and times of crisis. Whenever the security guards aren't equipped to handle certain situations, it's their duty to contact the concerned authorities at the earliest and ask for additional help. They are also tasked with reporting irregularities such as property damage, theft or any usual occurrence. They act as a knowledgeable resource and point of contact for the authorities in the event of a security situation.

6. Communication

Being a security guard requires more than just making rounds and making sure things are safe and clear. Communication is an integral part of the job. When it comes to safeguarding a building, personnel or valuable things, it will suit everyone's best interest if the security guards communicate effectively and efficiently at all times.

7. Damage Control

Security guards are also adept at assessing threats and suggesting solutions that help to protect people and places against possible risks. If employees are lax on some security protocol, security services can look into the matter and offer additional measures that can help avoid trouble. They should be able to anticipate events and act quickly to avert crises. Obviously, this will require a keen sense and focused mind.

8. Traffic Control

Additionally, they control traffic by ensuring that safety procedures are consistently maintained. They also investigate traffic accidents and give drivers assistance when necessary. They can also be used to cordon off specific areas.

9. Crowd Management

Security officers are often used in crowd control or supervising parking in major events be it a convention, a conference, or even a celebration event. They ensure that these places and events remain orderly and free from the chaos that can endanger lives or property.

Being a security officer comes with a great deal of responsibility. That's why proper security training is so essential to ensure even the most simple responsibility isn't overlooked.