It might seem like a security officer’s job is easy. After all, the most they do is walk around, keeping tabs on people, right? — Wrong!
Security guards have a ton of responsibilities that fall on their shoulders. From protecting civilians to ensuring the safety of the property, it leaves them no space for distraction. If you’re thinking of becoming a security guard or want more insight into their core skills and duties, keep on reading this blog.
What Are The Key Responsibilities of a Security Guard?
Ensuring security protocols are set in place and diligently followed is challenging. It requires a lot of patience, vigilance, and determination. A good security officer always keeps their surroundings in check. Not to mention, having a sharp eye is essential for an officer. This helps them note all the discrepancies around them, identifying anyone that might seem suspicious or out of place. Nonetheless, here are all the basic duties and responsibilities of a security guard that you should know about:
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- Observation
Critical observation of the nearby area is essential to a security guard’s daily tasks. Security officers must stay alert to make sure nothing suspicious is happening under their noses. They carefully observe all that happens around them and mentally take notes when needed. - Maintaining Public Relations
Given how officers have to interact with the public on a daily basis, they need to excel at maintaining public relations. Having a good and approachable yet professional personality is critical to get the public to rely on you. - Responding to Emergencies
No one expects an emergency to arise. That is precisely why it’s necessary for guards to be well-trained to detect and deal with an emergency. - Taking & Maintaining Control
A verified security guard is one who can grab the attention of the public and maintain control. For instance, in the case of a fire, a security officer should be able to control the flow of the crowd and guide them toward the exit points without letting chaos ensue. - Patrolling
This is a given, but patrolling is an important responsibility of a security guard. The larger the space, the tougher it is for the officer. However, an experienced professional should be able to deal with it like any other meager task. - Exude a Strong Presence
As important as it is for security guards to be approachable, it’s just as crucial for them to be intimidating. That is to say; they should exude a strong, reliable presence. This deters criminals and keeps them from acting out. - Vigilance
All security guards are expected to stay alert and on their toes, ready to take charge when needed. Everything needs to be on high alert, from their sense of smell to sight and even hearing. Vigilance is key. - Following All Safety Protocols
The ability to understand, follow and impart safety protocols is a given necessity. A trained and experienced security officer is well-versed in all the dos and don’ts. - Protect Civilians
The primary responsibility of a security officer is to protect the crowd. The reason they are instated in the first place is to ensure that civilians are safe and free of harm. - Fulfilling Other Duties
Besides patrolling and keeping up with basic security protocols, guards are also assigned other duties. These responsibilities are different from what they were hired to do. It can include things like answering emails, texts, and calls, as well as even running certain errands.
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What’s The Takeaway?
Protecting civilians, patrolling, and maintaining overall control, are some of the core responsibilities of a security guard. Nonetheless, if you want to hire a security officer or want to seek training to become one, contact WE Security at (713) 703-9385. You can also visit us at our office at 11221 Richmond Ave. #103, Houston, TX 77082, opposite Bayou City Ballet School.