Security Guards

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Also known as:
Armed Guard, Bank Guard, Bodyguard, Bouncer, Private Watchman, Security Officer, Airport Baggage Screener, Airport Security Screener, Flight Security Specialist, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Screener

See all Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security Careers.

ABOUT SECURITY GUARD CAREERS

Video transcript

Most people work very hard to provide for their families and maintain a safe and secure home and workplace. But sometimes they need help. Security officers can provide people with a little more peace of mind by protecting people's property, records, money, and even lives. Duties vary depending on where they work. There are several important points to make about this occupation:

First, the potential dangers, such as armed robberies, require an ability to act quickly and resourcefully to resolve any situation. Second, there are strict requirements for becoming a security officer. Applicants should be in good physical shape, have good character references and must not have a police record. In addition, many employers require applicants to submit to a drug screening test, or may ask applicants to pass a polygraph or written test of honesty as a condition of employment.

These strict requirements are necessary since security officers are given a tremendous amount of responsibility in securing our property and protecting our lives.

SNAPSHOT

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

Leadership	HIGH
Critical decision making	HIGH
Level of responsibilities	HIGH
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines	HIGH
Dealing and handling conflict	LOW

Competition for this position	HIGH
Communication with others	LOW
Work closely with team members, clients etc.	HIGH
Comfort of the work setting	HIGH
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions	LOW
Exposure to job hazards	LOW
Physical demands	LOW

Daily tasks

Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.

Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.

Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.

Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.

Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.

Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.

Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.

Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.

Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.

Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE

Public Safety and Security	Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Psychology	Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Telecommunications	Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Law and Government	Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

TOP SKILLS

Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.