10 Types of Security Guards and What they Do?
There has been significant growth in the security guard industry in recent years, making it a large part of the economy. Despite its immense size, many people continue to assume that the services it provides are all the same. There is no doubt that this misconception is incorrect, however! Each type of security guarding service is suited to specific needs, and there are many types to choose from.
We can assist you if you need help determining what type of security guard service your business requires. The various security services provide the appropriate environments for each role.
Security Guards
A security guard is employed in various settings to protect private property or individuals. Different types of security guards perform multiple tasks or have other responsibilities. Security guards serve primarily as a deterrent to criminal activity but are not armed. Uniformed armed guards provide a visible presence and are equipped with the capability of using deadly force if necessary. A surveillance officer is often responsible for monitoring a particular area from behind the scenes.
What do security guards do?
Security guard services are an essential security measure for any business. Security officers have several responsibilities. The use of security guards can assist in deterring criminal activity, whether they are employed during business hours or after business hours.
Thus, you must research before choosing the appropriate security service for your budget and needs. It is best to hire a security company with many years of experience and relevant accreditations to determine the most appropriate level of protection that will suit your specific needs.
Types of Security Guards
There are several significant types of security guards, each of which may have different categories depending on its location.
1. Private security guard
Security personnel has traditionally been contracted through private security firms by companies. It is not uncommon for individuals or organizations to collaborate with security firms to protect their people or property. There are several options available to clients of private security companies.
The functions of this type of security guard vary depending on the company’s needs. Their duties fall within the company’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that they perform.
2. Unarmed Guards
Many think unarmed guards are left to fend for themselves with the strength of their hands. This is not at all the case. Unarmed security guards are not incapable of defending themselves, however. They are usually equipped with pepper spray and batons.
As a general rule, an unarmed guard will cost less than an armed guard because of the weapons training required for armed guards. As long as a guard is not protecting a valuable possession or in an area of high violence, they may not need armed protection.
3. Armed Guards
Typically, organizations dealing with valuable products or services require armed guards as they carry weapons, probably small firearms or other lethal weapons. Most armed guard professionals have obtained their experience from the military, the police, or law enforcement agencies.
Armed guards are hired under a strict procedure, and the candidates must undergo additional training in weapons and security.
It is necessary to pass several tests that a state-based security regulation may administer to obtain an armed guard license for carrying a firearm legally. The applicants for armed guard positions will undergo a stick background check, which should reveal no previous criminal offenses.
4. Mobile Guards
You can count on mobile guards to patrol your office and home premises on a dedicated vehicle day and night for any suspicious activity or threats. Mobile guards only patrol occasionally but at scheduled times and during emergencies. Security tagging is used by patrolling guards to track the times and dates when they have scanned specific areas of the grounds.
The first option is to hire a permanent security patrol unit to patrol your property all day and night, or you can hire a mobile patrol unit to visit your selected location at predetermined intervals on predetermined days.
5. Residential Guards
The purpose of a residential guard is to protect homes. A residential guard can look after private residences. In most instances, residential guards who serve a group of places work in gated communities, where they manage both common areas and individual homes.
The residential guards are usually the first to respond to a problem in a resident’s home. Still, they will also monitor suspicious activities throughout the community.
In residential communities, some security guards will be armed, but most are unarmed. They may serve as gatekeepers or patrol the area.
6. Industrial or Construction Guards
This type of property is primarily responsible for access control. It involves protecting the industrial or construction areas and determining who has access to particular areas. A security guard for industrial or construction sites must possess power and close monitoring skills and the ability to respond to alerts detected through the monitoring system or in a person.
7. Corporate security guards
Most of these security guards are employed by companies operating within a professional and corporate environment. They are trained to provide both standard security guard training as well as specialized training for corporate sites.
Security guards of this type possess high levels of skills and are excellent at dealing with front-of-the-house issues, employee relations, and customer service. They are highly qualified and are particularly useful when you need personnel for your day-to-day business activities.
Corporate security guards deal with a business’s headquarters, and they may have to monitor a large amount of space. Eventually, some corporate security guards may become almost like personal guards for the well-known business executives within the building, providing security and safety for them and ensuring the safety of the high-level executives within the building.
8. Retail Guards
During non-operating hours (i.e., when you close up for the day), retail security guards are usually stationed in uniform or plain clothes at your business location. Additionally, retail security guards may be required to check receipts, monitor who enters the business, and observe security cameras as part of their duties.
9. Event Guards
Due to their visibility, event security guards are likely to be the most well-known in the industry. They are mainly responsible for maintaining order during concerts, sporting events, and conferences.
In addition to ensuring that people remain within the designated areas and do not bring restricted items into the venue, event security guards also perform various duties. Their duties may include preventing or breaking up physical altercations, especially when alcohol is present or emotions are high.
10. Executive Guards
The personal protection officer, also known as an executive guard, is frequently used by high-profile individuals, such as politicians, celebrities, and professional athletes. Since they are paid to be on-site around the clock, they are aware of their clients’ schedules and are privy to confidential information.
Executive guards have various skill sets necessary for this role as a bodyguard. They may be able to assess situations quickly, maintain client relationships, and make sound decisions instantly.
Conclusion
Many people need to be aware of the importance of security services to their businesses or personal lives, even though the security industry offers a wide range of services. Various solutions may be available to meet your unique requirements when searching for different kinds of security guard service providers in your area.
