The importance of security guards and the role they play today
Security guards’ duties include protecting people, places, and property from potential threats. Although the job description of the security officer varies, depending on the specific work environment, the duties of the security guard are primarily focused on crime prevention. A vigilant security force deters criminals who attempt to commit theft, vandalism, sabotage, cyberattacks, physical violence, or terrorism. Without the proactive work of security guards, law enforcement would be overwhelmed as it reacts to crimes that would otherwise likely have been prevented.
Typical duties of security guards
Although being a security guard can be exciting at times, a typical security officer job description emphasizes the importance of consistency and routine. For example, security guard duties include locking doors, watching surveillance footage for hours, patrolling a quiet area, and monitoring alarms. Security guards look for signs of suspicious activity in the shadows, hear unusual sounds in a closed building, and write daily reports. If an incident occurs, such as an attempted break-in by a minor, security officers can have citizens arrest and call the police. In more serious situations, they call 999 and request reinforcements. They may also be required to testify in court.
Reinforcing public safety
About 1.1 million people work as security officers in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2017. Society benefits directly from the presence of security officers in private residences and highly frequented public spaces . Examples of places that rely on security protection include airports, concert halls, casinos, prisons, schools, college campuses, hotels, Retail stores, apartments and gated communities. The role of security officers is directly related to their role in policing public order. If a fire or major disaster occurs, security officers work closely with police and firefighters to secure the scene and maintain order.
Prevention of criminal acts
Acute powers of observation is a required qualification in the security officer’s job description. Considerable time is spent security camera monitoring, conducting surveillance, conducting security audits of the facility and investigating suspicious circumstances. Security personnel can be highly visible in uniform, or they can work in plain clothes to catch thieves, for example. Those with technical skills can work with cyber security protecting the network against spam, hackers, and malware. The goal is to reduce the opportunity for malicious criminals to attack.
Assistance to the public
Working with the public is also part of the duties of the security officer. Many jobs involve greeting people and identifying visitors, giving directions, and redirecting people who are present in an unauthorized area, such as backstage at a concert. Excellent communication skills are essential to listen, understand, and answer questions effectively, in a courteous, friendly, and professional manner. On a college campus, the duties of the security officer may include giving presentations to students on personal safety and protecting their belongings from would-be thieves.