How to Become a Security Guard

Whether we’re talking about businesses, hospitals, schools, or shopping malls, helping the building occupants feel safe is key, and security personnel play a vital role in the process. Not only do they reduce the chances of criminal activity but they also know how to respond to critical situations to ensure the best possible outcome.

If you’re planning on starting a career in the security field or simply eager to learn more about this profession, here’s everything you need to know to become a security guard.

Understand your roles and responsibilities

In order to become a security guard and be able to perform your job to the best of your abilities, you need to know exactly what your roles and responsibilities are. Depending on the setting, the nature of the particular job position, and what is considered appropriate, you may be armed or unarmed, wear plain clothes or be fully uniformed, or carry a baton and pepper spray.

Still, there are certain tasks, duties, and responsibilities that are common to all security guards. For starters, you will be expected to monitor activities recorded by surveillance cameras or other security equipment. You’ll be the one taking personal information from visitors and recording their time of arrival and departure, as well as performing visual checks and scanning them as they enter or exit the establishment. Other responsibilities include patrolling the area and checking for suspicious activities as well as responding to alarms, incidents, or any criminal activities and issues.

Decide which type of security guard you want to become

Your clients’ expectations will largely depend on the type of security guard you choose to become. If you’re interested in protecting houses, you should apply for the position of a residential guard. Or, if you’re looking to offer personal protective services and work for celebrities and other high-profile individuals, your best bet is to look for jobs that require personal guards.

Some individuals may choose to provide security at events, while others may decide to protect businesses. Other types of security guards include stationary, patrol, proprietary, and government security guards. While there are certain skills all these individuals need to possess, their roles and responsibilities will largely be determined by their position.

Apply for training programs and acquire personal training

It goes without saying that getting adequate training is a big part of becoming a private security network. Training equips you with skills and knowledge that are vital to this important and sought-after job. It also covers all the different aspects of the job and emergencies that you might encounter, thus ensuring your optimal response to the situation at hand.

Depending on the position you apply for, you will be expected to complete training programs that vary in terms of duration. Security guard jobs that require you to be armed will naturally be more strict in nature, involving training that is more rigorous as well as applying for a license to carry weapons. You may also need to complete a first aid course as well as spend some time on personal training to ensure better performance and service.

Make sure you possess the right skill set

Every job position requires individuals to possess a particular skill set. In the case of security guards, you need to have strong interpersonal skills. After all, you will be working with people on a daily basis. Therefore, knowing how to communicate effectively and deescalate stressful or tense situations is vital in this field.

A big part of your job as a security guard is about being alert and paying attention to details. Therefore, you’ll be expected to keep your eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary, so do work on your observation skills and try to constantly improve them. This job position is often full of emergency situations that require you to think quickly, solve problems, and make the best possible decisions. Finally, you need to keep your fitness level in check, so do work on improving your physical strength, stamina, and defense skills.

Meet all the requirements in terms of licensure

Aside from completing all the necessary training and courses, you will also need to acquire licensure. Other than the age requirements which state that you must be over 18 years old to apply for the job of a security guard, there is also a criminal background check that you need to pass.

Having a clean record is of vital importance in this field, and a way to show security authorities that you’re reliable. It also helps to have a good standard when it comes to general education. Your best bet is to check the licensing requirements in your state prior to starting the licensing process.

Wrapping up

There’s no doubt that security guards play a vital role in society. By acting as visual deterrents, they help create a welcoming and secure environment in different establishments and facilities. While their job can be quite demanding at times, it’s also incredibly rewarding, which only makes this career path more attractive.