Security Guards
What is a Security Guard?
A security guard is a professional responsible for maintaining safety and security in a designated area, such as a building, event, or property. These individuals are often employed by security firms, corporate environments, or facilities to protect against theft, vandalism, and other illegal activities. Security guards may patrol the premises, monitor surveillance equipment, and respond to alarms or incidents. Their role can encompass various tasks including checking identification, conducting searches, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. The emphasis of their job is not only on preventing crime but also on providing a sense of safety and reassurance to the public and personnel in the area they are assigned to protect.
Tasks
- Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
- Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
- Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
- Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
- Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Excel
- Video conferencing software
- Office suite software
- Transaction security and virus protection software
- Electronic mail software
Tools Used
- Handcuffs
- Handguns
- Flashlight
- Mobile medical services first aid kits
- Fire extinguishers
Knowledge
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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.
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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.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Skills
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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.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Far Vision
The ability to see details at a distance.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Some college, no degree
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Associate's degree
Work Activities
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Detailed Work Activities
- Block physical access to restricted areas.
- Patrol properties to maintain safety.
- Provide first aid or rescue assistance in emergencies.
- Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
- Maintain public order or security.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$28500.0 - $57400.0
This career will have large numbers of openings.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.