What Are the Duties of Security Guards?
The main duties and responsibilities of security guards are to watch and patrol areas to guard against illegal activity and dangerous scenarios. Security guards work for a variety of employers, including schools, banks, hospitals and commercial centers, such as casinos, sports centers, power plants and transportation centers.
The nature of security work varies depending on location. Some security guards are stationed at desks while others monitor areas in vehicles, on bicycles or on foot. Security guards work to protect the health and safety of the public, and serve as physical symbols to deter petty crimes, such as theft, and more serious crimes as well, such as acts of domestic terrorism. Security guards often need to respond quickly when necessary, and benefit from being physically fit. In addition to reacting quickly physically, security guards must often possess certain personality qualities that make them able to detect and deter crimes. Security guards are detail-oriented and have good listening skills. They are highly observant, and often have the ability to watch and observe areas without getting distracted. Security guards may be stationed in entrance ways and access points to check the validity of building entrants, and they may also walk premises of buildings and commercial areas on foot.