Baltimore Security Companies patrol, respond to emergencies, and resolve conflicts. They work in various settings, including airports, harbors, and buildings.
Security Guards are highly visible and effective deterrents to crime. Depending on contracts agreed upon with clients, they may be unarmed or armed.
Security guards are a property’s eyes and ears, providing on-site surveillance to help prevent vandalism, theft, fire, or other potential security threats. They also monitor alarm systems and respond to suspicious activity by contacting law enforcement or other relevant authorities. In crowded settings, such as events or public spaces, they help maintain order by enforcing rules and regulations.
A professional security guard is well-trained in the areas of surveillance, emergency response, and law enforcement protocols. They are also familiar with operating high-tech equipment to secure a facility. Regular professional development and participation in drills help to keep security guards on the cutting edge of their field.
When dealing with the general public, a security guard needs to be approachable and polite but firm in their decisions. They are often required to defuse tensions and resolve conflicts, so having excellent interpersonal communication skills is essential.
The ability to think quickly and rationally in a crisis is another key skill for a security guard. When a threat is identified, the security guard must be able to evaluate whether or not force is appropriate and what the best course of action might be.
In the event of a dangerous situation, a security guard is responsible for implementing an emergency evacuation plan. This includes coordinating with local law enforcement, conducting a risk assessment, and writing an incident report. They are also expected to be able to work well as part of a team, collaborating with other security officers and other staff members to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Security Guards are required to adhere to all applicable laws, regulations and policies as they pertain to the specific site where they work. They are often responsible for training other Security Guards, so it’s important that they be up to date on all the latest regulations and security protocols.
The majority of Security Guards are employed by private security agencies. However, it is possible for guards to become unionized through organizations such as the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) or the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Both groups offer representation for a wide variety of security personnel, including those who work as janitors and building maintenance workers.
Customer Service
Security guards may seem like the last people you would associate with exceptional customer service. After all, their main responsibility is to keep patrons safe and secure at their workplace or event. However, they have much more than that to offer when it comes to delivering excellent customer service.
In fact, security guards are often the first person that customers interact with and their demeanor sets the tone for their experience. For example, when visitors are unsure where to go in an office building, they are likely to ask a security guard for directions. A security guard who is friendly and helpful will leave a lasting positive impression on the visitor.
Providing excellent customer service also requires patience. In some cases, security guards may need to deal with irate or difficult customers. Keeping calm and resolving issues promptly will help to maintain the safety of all involved.
Additionally, customer service may include small acts of kindness such as holding the door for a customer or helping them with heavy items. This is a simple way to show that you care about your customers. In addition, security guards who are trained in de-escalation can help to ensure that disagreements don’t turn into disruptive incidents.
Customer service skills are vital for security guards to have. These individuals will need to be able to provide excellent customer service in many different environments, from offices to retail stores. It is important that security guards are able to adapt to shifting customer needs and be able to think on their feet.
In addition, security guards who are able to work effectively with other security personnel will be better equipped to deliver high levels of customer service. This is because security guards who are able to collaborate well with other employees can be more effective in their duties and proactively identify potential security risks. Additionally, security guards who can work with other team members can communicate clearly and efficiently in emergency situations. This will increase the safety of all employees and visitors while maintaining a good reputation for the company.
Physical Presence
The physical presence of a security guard is one of the most effective deterrents to crime. A visible uniformed guard and the sound of their vehicle horns and lights can discourage criminal behavior. In addition, a security officer’s active patrolling and monitoring of the premises send a strong message that the area is protected and under surveillance.
When criminal activity does occur, a security guard’s heightened awareness can detect and respond quickly to the incident. This proactive approach mitigates security risks and enables clients to maintain business operations with confidence and peace of mind.
Regardless of the scope of their assignments, security guards must be physically fit and able to make quick decisions during a crisis situation. They also must possess good communication skills in order to interact with visitors, employees and the public.
On a typical day, a security guard will write reports, patrol industrial or commercial premises, monitor entrances and exits, and ensure perimeter security. They may also inspect and adjust security systems such as CCTV, alarms and access control. In addition, security officers are trained to intervene in disputes, diffuse tense situations and ensure order among visitors, patrons or employees.
Security professionals are also on hand to answer telephone calls and provide information. They are often the “go-to” people for a company’s building or property and will be the first person to call for assistance during an emergency or disaster.
A security guard’s presence also fosters a sense of community cohesion and trust in the efficacy of security measures implemented by businesses or institutions. This is particularly important in neighborhoods prone to crime or with a history of security concerns.
The presence of security guards is an excellent complement to other crime prevention measures, including lighting, surveillance and patrols. They also serve as a visual reminder of societal norms and expectations regarding behavior and safety, which further contribute to a secure environment.
If you’re interested in becoming a security guard, learn more about Ohio State’s program and enroll in our 30-minute State Authorization 101 BuckeyeLearn course (link is external). Our team will research the requirements for your specific state and work with the regulatory board to seek Ohio State authorization on your behalf.
Communication
A security guard must be able to effectively communicate with clients, employees and law enforcement personnel. He or she must be able to quickly assess a situation and take appropriate action, often with limited information. A clear understanding of emergency response procedures and a thorough knowledge of all applicable security regulations are essential. Security guards must also be able to quickly and accurately identify suspicious activity, such as the presence of an unknown person or vehicle.
Security guards are found in a wide range of settings, including commercial properties, residential complexes, events, and public spaces. In addition to providing a visible deterrent to criminal activity, they conduct routine patrols, monitor surveillance systems, and respond to alarms, disturbances, or emergencies.
Guards may be contracted or “in-house”; the latter are employed by the company that they protect, and are sometimes known as works police in Canada. Alternatively, they may be working on a contract basis for a private security firm that provides services to multiple sites. Guards that work on a contract basis may have more responsibility and independence than in-house guards.
Many security guards are heavily armed. These guards, whose job is to deter criminal activities and take preventative measures, are typically assigned specific patrol areas. They may also be tasked with monitoring and securing perimeters around facilities. Security officers can also collaborate with law enforcement personnel and provide assistance to investigators.
In crowded settings like events, security guards help maintain order by enforcing rules and regulations. They also ensure that all attendees are aware of the event’s safety protocols and act as a point of contact for any questions or concerns.
While the duties of a security guard differ from those of a Security Officer, both positions require a high level of training and professionalism. An insufficient number of security guards, or a lack of proper training and supervision, can undermine the effectiveness of any security management plan.