Security Guard Career Path

Security guards are the people who keep everyone safe. They watch businesses, buildings, and homes at night when no one is there to do it themselves. The security guard profession has been in existence for about 200 years! It was first seen during the industrial revolution when factories needed protection from thieves trying to steal their valuable products. There’s never been a time in history where securing property was more important than now with so many threats present- whether it be terrorism, natural disasters, or theft that takes place on the internet. If you’re looking for a rewarding career that will always be in demand, then consider becoming a professional security guard. This article will offer information about the security guard career path and showcase some of the responsibilities, qualifications, and salaries you can expect.

Table of Contents

1. What Is a Security Guard?

A security guard is a person who protects life and property by keeping watch over your home or business. They help prevent crime, secure facilities, and conduct patrols to ensure safety. Security guards are stationed in buildings, along with entrances and exits of premises, and at critical locations to spot anything unusual or suspicious. In cases where there’s a disturbance, they have to take control of the situation and call for backup if necessary.

A security guard is hired to protect property and people. They are armed with only a baton, handcuffs, and a flashlight, just in case. Security guards do sometimes carry firearms, but this is not compulsory.

Though the term “security” suggests protection from danger or harm, it’s more concerned with law enforcement than anything else. The job of a security guard is to ensure that everyone stays safe at all times.

A security guard’s work hours depend on the employer who hires them out, but full-time jobs are usually offered for day shifts only. There are no strict working hours for this profession as most contracts require the guards to be flexible with their availability.

2. Qualifications and Requirements

To become a security guard, you need to meet specific requirements before you’re eligible for hire. These include being over the age of 18, in good physical condition, and handling stressful situations.

You also need a high school diploma or GED to qualify and a clear criminal record. In some cases, it’s required for the applicants to have completed a relevant training program and be certified as qualified before they can start working.

3. Types of Security Guard Jobs

Companies that offer security services hire security guards for several different roles to cover security and safety needs. You can be assigned to work as a:

1. Residential Guard: A guard who employs their services at various locations such as embassies, homes, businesses.

2. Correctional Officer: This role involves monitoring the entrance and exit points of prisons to prevent escape or unauthorized entry. The job also entails ensuring inmates remain in their locked cells and helping with rehabilitation programs.

3. Court Security Officer: A court security officer’s responsibility is to protect the judiciary system and all those involved, making sure that no foul play or illegal activities occur. They also assist the police when they need assistance controlling a situation.

4. Close Protection: This involves a lot of traveling. Someone who is hired to protect the safety of a specific person or family makes sure that their client remains safe at all times wherever they may be – from traveling to social events and even home.

5. Private Investigator: A private investigator’s job is to monitor suspected individuals discreetly for information gathering purposes related to the company or personal issues.

6. Event Security: Event security teams ensure that all procedures are in place to ensure a smooth event and peaceful atmosphere for both customers and staff. In case of emergency, they are responsible for taking immediate action to cope with the situation.

7. Loss Prevention Officer: This role is similar to regular security guards, but it requires more attention to detail. Loss prevention officers work in retail outlets and investigate potential stock theft by customers or staff members.

8. Crowd Control: A security officer assigned at significant events such as concerts, sports games, or political rallies is a crowd controller. Their duties involve keeping an eye on the audience and ensuring that they don’t get out of hand.

9. Ransport Security: This job involves protecting the transportation of cash, jewelry, and any other valuables through airports or shipping companies.

10. Gaming surveillance: The main goal of a gaming surveillance officer is to make sure that the casino is ready for upcoming events such as tournaments and big wins. They also monitor all surveillance footage for suspicious behavior and take immediate action in cases of cheating or fraud.

11. Static security: This type of job entails guarding buildings such as embassies, government buildings, and other establishments during the nighttime or holidays when they’re closed to the general public.

4. Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of a security guard is to protect their employers’ property and the people who are on the property. They may also need to follow specific orders or directions related to their duties. One security guard can have different responsibilities in different companies; another company may focus more on the safety of their employees, while another may be interested in protecting their assets.

Some of the tasks that a security guard may have to do include

Monitoring doors, windows, or other entry points to ensure they can’t be opened without the correct key.
Patrolling an assigned area to ensure it is secure at all times.
Shaking down suspicious individuals who are loitering around the area.
Checking cars entering private property.
Performing regular patrols to ensure the safety of employees and customers
Working with other security officers to coordinate an effective team for various events or regular patrols

5. Experience Needed

A high school education or equivalent may be all that’s required in some cases. However, the experience will help you stand out from the crowd. It is pretty standard for security companies to require at least a year of experience as a security officer before they consider you for the position.

Some knowledge related to working in the field will be required as well. You may not need a degree to work as a security guard, but you should have good communication and interpersonal skills to perform your duties.

It is possible to get many positions in this field without a degree, but you will need to stand out from others who apply for the same job. Most companies require that you complete some training course if you don’t have any previous experience in security.

6. Skills Needed

Physical fitness is essential for any security guard because they will need to patrol the area and intervene in case of an incident. They must be prepared to run or walk several miles during a shift and stand for long periods while on duty.

A second requirement that’s quite common among security companies is that you pass a drug test before being hired. They will also test your background for any criminal charges to make sure you have a clean record.

Ability to work in a team
Excellent communication skills
Ability to analyze situations and take the proper course of action
Integrity and personal responsibility
Ability to remain calm under pressure
Problem-solving skills

7. Salary and Benefits

The average salary for a security guard is $25,000 per year. It’s possible to earn more if you work in the private sector, such as protecting celebrities or politicians. Some companies also offer opportunities for bonuses and overtime pay when necessary.

Security officers employed by the federal government earn an average of $51,000 per year.
Entry-level security guards employed by employment services made about $19,000 on average in 2014.
The best-paying countries for this type of job are the U.S., Japan, and the United Kingdom, where salaries can go up to $49,000 per year.
Many employers offer medical and dental insurance and a pension plan to their employees.

8. Job Outlook

The job market for this profession is expected to grow by 11 percent in the next eight years, which is about as fast as average for all occupations. The need for security personnel will continue to rise as people start taking their security more seriously.

– Local police departments are likely the best place to look for work if you want stability and benefits.

– Department of defense jobs are also good prospects because the government is always looking for security guards.

– An increase in people demanding private security to protect their homes and families will likely lead to growth in this field as well.

– Many companies are looking for security guards to guard their assets, where new openings will come from.

Top recruiting organizations for security gauds

A Cease-Fire Pllc
Ace Security guard
Allied Barton Security Services, Inc. (AlliedBarton)
Badge One Investigations & Protection
By Building Community and Intelligence: A Private Investigation Company
Blue Sky Protective Service LLC
Celerity Government Solutions

Conclusion

The security guard career path is an excellent option for a stable and rewarding job. With the proper training and experience, you can make a good living while helping to keep your community safe. We hope this article has given you a better understanding of what it takes to become a security guard and the many opportunities available in this field. If you have any questions or want more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.