A Guide on How to Become a Security Guard
Did you know that the security industry is one of the fastest-growing industries today?
It can be an exciting place for you to start a career. One of the best ways that you can join the industry is as a security guard. But what are the requirements to become a security guard?
This article should serve as a guide for those considering a career in the security guard industry.
What Does a Security Guard Do?
Before we discuss security guard training, let’s backtrack a bit and talk about what on-site guard smithtown do.
According to the United States Department of Labor, there are more than 1,100,000 security guards in the United States alone. That number is steadily growing because the industry is expanding.
So, what exactly are the duties of a security guard?
A security guard’s duties will vary from one employee to another. It all depends on the nature of the place or facility being guarded. In general, these are the common duties that a security guard is tasked with:
Enforce laws within the property of the employer
Monitor alarms and security cameras
Control access within a facility for employees, visitors, and other people
Run security checks over a specific area
Write reports about what they observed during their shift
Detain criminal violators
As mentioned earlier, the set of tasks performed by a security guard would depend on the nature of the facility and the business he is guarding. For example, a business might not have surveillance cameras installed. In a warehouse, there might be no need to control the access of employees.
Here are some of the things that a security guard must regularly do while on duty:
One of the reasons why security guards are effective at preventing attacks and other security threats is because visual deterrence works. Just by being seen, a security guard can discourage would-be attackers, vandals, thieves, and burglars.
That is one of the main reasons why companies and businesses employ security guards. Many stores rely on having a security guard being seen within their place of business to scare away thieves.
While the mere sight of a security guard can already enhance the security of an establishment, being vigilant is also a major part of the role of a security guard. A guard should have keen senses and be able to detect when there is something wrong.
For example, a guard should know right away that something isn’t right based on what he sees, like when the door isn’t properly closed or there is an opening into a facility. He should also be able to tell if there is a fire just by the smell of burning wires.
A guard should also be vigilant enough when someone is trying to deceive him, maybe to gain entrance to a facility or to steal merchandise.
It is not enough that a guard can detect a crisis that is about to happen or one that is happening, he should also be capable of responding quickly with the right action to the crisis on hand.
The type of response would depend on the kind of crisis. For the most part, a guard is expected to notify the authorities of the problem, but the speed of the reaction is very crucial here and so being responsive is considered to be a highly valuable quality.
A lot of people might not realize that reporting is a major part of the duty of a security patrol services. The records and logs of security guards are used by their supervisors, by police, and other authorities in finding out what caused security problems.
The reports are also useful in preventing future problems from happening again. Security guards are expected to write reports and records of everything that happened during their shift.
In many cases, a security guard will not be expected to handle a security crisis on his own. He is expected to take security measures based on a plan and then inform the proper authorities about it. When he detects a fire within a facility, for example, he is supposed to notify the fire department and take necessary actions to protect life and property.
A security guard will sometimes be required by his employer to enforce certain policies within the place of employment or a facility. For example, guards may be required to search visitors before they are allowed to enter a facility.
Guards are also the ones to monitor the IDs and credentials of employees entering a facility.
Maintaining order is one of the tougher tasks that are required to be handled by security guards. They might be required to provide security for large gatherings of people. They will have to scan crowds for potential threats. They will also be required to control crowds. Those are never easy tasks.
Training and Requirements for Security Guards
After learning about the duties and tasks of security guards, it’s time to discuss the requirements to qualify for these jobs.
For most security agencies there is no requirement for formal education to qualify as an unarmed security guard beyond a high school diploma or its equivalent. The training period would depend on several factors including:
It is recommended by The American Society for Industrial Security International (ASIS) that a security agency should provide at least 48 hours of instruction to unarmed security candidates. It is also common for candidates to be required to shadow a veteran security guard as part of the training.
If you wish to be an armed security guard, then the requirements will be stricter. You may have to undergo a licensing exam which would ensure that you know how to handle firearms properly.
If you will be assigned to a sensitive location like a power plant or a port, then the training period may even be longer. Some states will also require you to undergo refresher courses from time to time.
As a security guard, you will be trained to protect facilities and businesses against fire, trespassers, vandals, thieves, and other security threats. You will be expected to have good communication skills, both written and oral, since you will have to report any occurrence during your shift.
Are you interested in becoming a security guard?
That’s a sensible choice for a career. With the security industry expanding there is real room for growth in the field.
Each state will have its requirements for the training of security guards but the general requirements are the same for all.
Have no record of violent or felony convictions
Have a GED or high school diploma
Now let’s take the example of New York State for the training of security guards.
Unarmed security guards are not required to have a license in the State of New York, although you are required to hold a Security Guard Registration Card. To get that card, you would need to complete an FBI background check. You would have to submit your fingerprints for a background check. After that, you would have to complete an 8-hour pre-assignment training course. That course must be approved by the Department of State.
When you have received your registration card, you will then be required to complete 16 hours of on-the-job training. That training will have to be completed within the first 90 days after you are employed as a security guard.
Then after that, you will be required to go through 8 hours of coursework each year for you to renew your registration card.
Veterans As Security Guards
If you are, then a career in being a security guard might be well-suited for you.
Here are several reasons why military veterans are normally ideal candidates for jobs as security guards.
Most veterans have clean records. That’s because they have to undergo background checks when they first sign up for the military. Security agencies will do background checks of candidates too but veterans are often fast-tracked because of their military experience.
Something is reassuring about the fact that a security guard candidate being a veteran who was able to pass the strict background checks of the United States government.
Military veterans are used to following rules and they usually have no issues when it comes to taking orders from their superiors. One of the main things that soldiers are taught in the military is to follow rules and obey orders all the time. This is a huge advantage when they are applying for jobs in the security industry.
While most civilians would have no problem following rules too, veterans have it in their system already. That makes things a lot easier.
Security guards who are veterans are likelier to be punctual and obedient to the rules set by the security agency. That means they won’t cause any additional problems for the agency later on.
Military personnel are expected to adapt to varied situations. That is part of their training and it makes them very good guards. The nature of the job of security guard jobs means that they have to face differing situations almost daily. They might have to face some emergencies.
For example, a guard might have to deal with someone trying to break into a store that he is guarding. That’s not a normal occurrence and most people would have a hard time dealing with it. Veterans would have an easier time handling situations like that. They can decide on the right action to take on the spot.
They Have Leadership Skills
Military personnel are trained to be followers but they are also trained to become leaders. They have acquired leadership skills during their training. They can use these skills during difficult situations. They can take charge and help direct people what to do.
Familiarity with Modern Technology
Veterans are usually taught to handle the latest in technology while they are serving. Sometimes, the technology they handled is not even available to civilian companies. This familiarity with modern technology is very important in the security industry.
Modern technology is making an impact on the security industry and there is an increasing need for personnel who are familiar with using technology.
Understand the Need for Training
Veterans are used to training. It has become part of their daily routine when they were still serving. It becomes second nature to them. To become security guards they would have to undergo training and they should have no problem when it comes to seeing the value and importance of being trained.
Veterans know that continuous training is necessary to become the best at what they do. That makes them willing to spend time getting trained.
It’s not a coincidence that the time spent in the military is also known as serving. It is done in the service of the country and the people. Veterans commit to serving others. That is one of the reasons why they joined the military.
Now, being a security guard is also about serving others and veterans will fit the role perfectly since they dedicated to protecting and keeping others safe.
A security guard must be dependable. When a crisis happens in a facility, he should be there ready to take action. Veterans are very dependable because of their training in the military. They can be counted upon to do the right thing during difficult situations.
They Are Committed to Advancement
Veterans are also committed to advancement for the most part. In the military, there is a clear path for advancement and they are encouraged to seek promotions. This is one of the reasons why veterans are perfect candidates for security guard jobs. Many executives and high ranking officials of security agencies are veterans.
So, do you still want to become a security guard?
It’s a great opportunity for a career in an industry that is steadily growing. Because the security industry is expanding, it will also give you plenty of opportunity for advancement and promotion. This could be the career path that you have been looking for.
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