Private Security Company Baltimore is trained to look for specific signs of criminal activity and respond in a way that helps prevent crime. This can include deterring the suspect, contacting law enforcement, or using conflict resolution techniques to diffuse situations until first responders arrive.

Unlike police officers, security guards are visible and can often deter crimes or illegal activities from happening. However, they must follow strict legal regulations and perform several duties to be effective.

Security guards are responsible for a wide range of duties. Their primary tasks are patrolling the premises and monitoring surveillance cameras, but they may also be required to escort employees or guests to specific locations, act as an initial point of contact during emergencies, provide first aid when necessary, and document incidents and accidents on the site. In order to perform their duties effectively, they must be alert and prepared at all times.

A good security guard will be able to rapidly assess any situation and react appropriately. They must be able to defuse conflicts, and they should prioritise non-violent means of conflict resolution whenever possible. It is important for security guards to have a thorough understanding of basic fire safety regulations, evacuation procedures and emergency response protocols specific to their assigned location.

Being able to communicate well with other staff members and visitors is an essential element of the job. This allows them to keep everyone safe and informed, whether they are directing traffic or responding to an incident. Moreover, security guards need to be able to identify and communicate potential threats, so they should have a keen sense of smell and hearing as well as excellent eyesight.

Many people assume that security guards spend most of their time sitting around a control room reading books or watching TV, but this is far from the truth. They are on duty all the time, and they need to be constantly alert to any unusual activity or occurrence that could potentially threaten the safety of others.

A security guard must be able to work with a team and also be capable of taking independent action when needed. They should be able to communicate clearly and accurately, and they should have good analytical skills. In addition, they must be able to remain calm and composed under pressure.

Security guards also need to be familiar with employment and labour laws, including policies regarding working hours, breaks, wages, and discrimination. It is also important for them to have a thorough understanding of the legal limits on the use of force, so they can ensure that their actions are always within the law and are proportional to any threat they face.

Education and Training Requirements

The career path of a security guard can be an exciting and fulfilling one. Whether working in healthcare, commercial buildings, post-secondary institutions or industrial settings, security guards help to ensure the safety of their employers’ employees and customers. This role often requires them to act as deterrents against crime, as well as escorts in case of emergencies. Security guards must possess strong interpersonal skills to communicate with the public and be able to assess situations quickly. In addition, they must be physically able to stand or move for long periods of time.

A high school diploma or GED certificate is usually required for someone to become a security guard. Additionally, applicants must undergo a background check to make sure they are credible for the job. This is a common practice to prevent criminals from taking the position, and it also protects businesses from being held responsible for the actions of their staff members.

Once a person is hired, they must complete the 8-Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course and the 16 Hour On-the-Job (OJT) course to get started. Those who wish to work with weapons must take the 47 Hour Firearms Training as well. Once these courses are completed, the individual must submit a copy of their certificate to the state to receive a security guard registration.

Security guards are also often required to pass drug testing as part of their employment with a particular company. While this may seem like a hassle, it is a necessary step to keep the safety of the public and the security guards themselves in mind.

In many cases, a security guard will be working with weapons and will need to be licensed to do so. Depending on the location and regulations, this will typically involve completing a firearms training program, having a clean background check, and passing an examination.

Some security guards pursue a career in law enforcement or other types of security, and can even earn an online associate’s or bachelor’s degree while working full-time at their current employer. This type of further education can increase their earning potential as well as provide them with the additional skills and knowledge they need to excel in their role.

Experience and Skills Requirements

Security guards must have a wide range of skills to be effective in their work. These include keen observation, good communication, physical fitness, conflict resolution abilities, customer service skills and emergency response capabilities. They also need to have a strong sense of ethics and integrity to maintain a professional reputation that is worthy of the trust people place in them.

Security is a highly visible job, and a person in this role needs to be able to stand out in a crowd. They often work in public locations, such as shopping malls or hospitals, where many people come and go. It is important for them to know how to navigate these locations quickly and effectively, so they can assess the situation when there is a problem, such as an unruly customer or a medical emergency.

They must also be able to follow and adhere to established protocols for the particular site they are working on. This is especially important in the case of a crisis, such as a fire breakout or break-in. They must be able to remain calm and assess the situation, choose a course of action and implement it without panicking or startling anyone else. This requires a good understanding of the establishment’s evacuation procedures, which can be complex and time-consuming.

While some security officers are trained to use a firearm, most are not. However, they must be able to identify situations that require the use of weapons and take appropriate action. This requires excellent observation and alertness, as well as a knowledge of how to operate and troubleshoot weapons.

In addition, security guards need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with all the people they interact with throughout their shifts. This includes relaying information about an incident to co-workers, collaborating with law enforcement officers and writing reports for their employers.

Finally, security guards must be able to maintain physical fitness in order to remain alert throughout their shifts. They also need to have good customer service skills to build rapport with the people they encounter and foster a positive atmosphere. This is particularly important in situations where they must deal with customers, as security guards who are not courteous or approachable can cause a negative atmosphere that puts customers at risk.

Working Conditions

Security guards work in a variety of settings, including retail stores, schools, banks, hospitals and corporate offices. In addition to being on the lookout for potential hazards, they may also be called upon to diffuse conflict and even defuse armed intruders. Consequently, they must have strong conflict resolution skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Security guards often work long shifts, which can lead to fatigue and sleep disturbances. This can be a risk to their physical and mental health.

Working conditions vary from country to country, but security guards are generally entitled to overtime pay for hours worked beyond their regular 40 hour per week wage. Overtime rates are typically higher than the standard pay rate. Moreover, security guards must be paid for time spent on mandatory meal and rest breaks. Some employers may try to cheat their employees out of overtime pay by rounding up or down time logs and not compensating for missed breaks or time spent on required equipment. This is illegal and should be reported to the appropriate authorities.

Security guards must have reliable equipment in order to perform their duties effectively. Unreliable technology can lead to security problems such as lost or stolen property or ineffective monitoring of a situation. In addition, security guards must be able to communicate with their colleagues and the police in case of an incident. This can be difficult if language barriers or miscommunication occur.

Lastly, security guards must be able to balance their work and personal life in order to maintain their mental and physical health. Working excessive hours can lead to burnout and strained relationships with family members. It is important for security guards to seek support from their peers and to try to find ways to improve work-life balance.

In addition to seeking support, security guards should try to get enough sleep and eat healthy foods to maintain their energy levels. In addition, they should be sure to exercise regularly to keep their bodies fit and their minds sharp. They should also try to avoid stress triggers, such as arguments with loved ones or stressful situations at work.