Security Guard Jobs
Security guards provide a vital service for the protection and maintenance of property and for the safety of private employers and the general public.
The number of security guard jobs cover a wide range of responsibilities and situations and require a varying degree of training and subsequent regulatory licensing. Some, such as Mall security and some facility protection require minimal training and qualification while applicants for other security guard jobs, particularly those that involve the carrying of firearms, require the completion of specialist, formal training and the holding of special licenses.
While larger companies and organizations may invite application for their security guard jobs directly, most security guard jobs are to be found with specialist security service firms. These firms are then contracted by client organizations. Clients might be a business, government organization, housing complex and anywhere else the security of property or personnel is important.
Security Guard jobs are either as a static guard or as a mobile patrol. A mobile patrol, either alone or as part of a team could be on foot, at one or neighboring locations while others would by motor over several locations on a strict time schedule.
A person taking a security guard job would need to be a good time-keeper, well presented and be observant. A keen eye for illegal, unsafe or suspicious activity is an essential requirement. The guard may often need to be prepared to detain suspected criminals until the arrival of law enforcement officers. More day to day calls on their service may be to answer service calls from facility users, such as attending to a noise complaint within a residential complex.
Static and mobile security guards would often be required to carry licensed firearms for their own safety while most often, motorized security guards would be unarmed, using a cellular or radio system to notify their security firms office or the local police of any incidents requiring armed intervention.
Many Security Guard Jobs can be found servicing shopping malls, hotels, casinos, retail stores and other private run, public facilities. Here the focus would be on the prevention and detection of theft and the safety of employees and customers. CCTV would normally need to be monitored and often, people entering and leaving premises would need to be monitored. Foot patrols inside and outside the premises would often form part of the security guards job.
Public buildings also require security personnel. Here the emphasis would be on the safety of facility users. Locations would include schools and universities, museums and sports venues. Again, part of the security guard job would be to monitor carefully the comings and goings of facility users, being watchful for suspicious activity.
Security guard jobs at locations requiring a higher level of protection such as military bases, other government facilities, airports and other stations require a much higher, more specialized levels of training to include the use of x-ray machines and metal detectors, the effective inspection of luggage and knowledge of current regulations covering banned items. Such security guards would normally carry special clearance to detain suspected criminals and would carry licensed firearms.
While extensive qualifications or experience is not often required, security guard jobs generally require a minimum age of 18 and no criminal record. Armed guard positions must complete practical as well as theoretical training leading to a government licensing test. Those with law enforcement or military training are often preferred for most security guard jobs.