security guard services keep people safe in public places and protect assets at corporate offices, hotels, retail stores, casinos, airports and military bases.
A guard may patrol a facility or property on foot, control access at a gate, or monitor surveillance equipment and alarms. They also serve as crime deterrents by identifying suspicious activities and alerting authorities.
Qualifications
Security guards are responsible for ensuring the safety of people and property. They work for a variety of businesses, including government agencies, banks, casinos, and medical facilities. They also monitor security cameras and alarms.
They patrol property on foot or by vehicle and conduct periodic security checks. They are also tasked with enforcing rules established by the business owner. They report activity to the police and other authorities, if necessary.
A security guard must have the ability to identify unusual behavior, such as a suspicious noise or smell. They should have the skills to avert a dangerous situation and report it to authorities if it happens again.
If you are interested in becoming a security guard, you will need to complete a state-approved training program. You will also need to pass a written examination. You must also obtain a license to work in this field in your jurisdiction.
The qualifications for security guards vary from country to country, but generally include a high school diploma or GED certificate. You may also need to take a criminal background check and undergo a drug test.
In New York, aspiring security guards must first complete an 8-hour pre-assignment training course that is approved by the Department of State. This training covers the basics of being a guard and includes a review of state laws. After passing this course, you will receive a registration card from the Department of State.
You must then complete a 16-hour on-the-job training course within 90 days of receiving your registration card. This training provides more practical instruction and ends with an exam. You must also take an annual continuing education course to maintain your registration card.
Armed security guards must complete 47 hours of firearms training before they are permitted to carry a gun. They must also complete an eight-hour course involving self-defense techniques.
As a security guard, you must be capable of handling the stress of working in a high-pressure environment. This requires a lot of patience and perseverance.
You should also be physically fit, as you will often have to work outdoors or on uneven terrain. You should be able to stand or walk for long periods of time without straining yourself too much. You should also be able to communicate well and have excellent interpersonal skills.
Job description
Security guard services patrol a client’s site on foot or in a vehicle, monitor surveillance equipment and perform other security duties. These security guards also act as liaisons between the client and emergency services.
Patrolling is an important part of the job, it allows you to see a larger area and identify safety hazards throughout the site. It also helps you see what is going on, if there are any unusual events and incidents you should report it to your supervisor or the right person.
A good security guard has a keen sense of sight, hearing, and smell. These senses help them detect anything that could be a threat, like the presence of chemicals or an unauthorized person on the property.
Another aspect of the job is to follow the rules and regulations that your employer has set for you. If they have a policy about screening visitors before they are granted access to the premises, you’ll need to follow this. You’ll also need to inspect the identification of people that enter and leave the site.
These duties may change from one site to the next, so it’s best if you know what your employer expects of you. If they ask you to check a delivery order or ID card before it is released for inspection, you need to make sure that all of these things are valid.
You’ll also need to make sure that you have a license and insurance before you start working as a security guard. The right certification and training will help you succeed in your career as a security officer.
In addition, you need to have a good understanding of how to respond to emergencies. This can include evacuating the building, alerting police and other emergency service agencies and providing first aid to anyone who may need it.
Some security guards are armed with firearms and can protect themselves and others in the event of an attack or other crisis. These guards are also trained to de-escalate any conflict that may arise so that the situation can be resolved peacefully.
Training requirements
Security guards are a key part of keeping your business, facility or community safe and secure. They’re able to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a dangerous situation or emergency. They also have the ability to identify suspicious or abnormal behavior that needs attention.
The training required to become a security guard depends on the specific job duties and location of your work. In New York State, for example, there are a number of different courses that you can take to get licensed. The first is an 8 hour course that introduces you to the responsibilities of being a security guard and provides on-the-job instruction in real-world situations.
In addition, you’ll need to complete 16 hours of on-the-job training (OJT). This will help you learn the nuances of the security field and the requirements of your specific work site. You’ll need to complete this within 90 days of becoming a security guard in the state of New York.
You can also take a 47-hour firearms training course to become an armed security guard in the state of New York. This training includes classroom and field instruction in handgun safety, shooting fundamentals, and emergencies. It also includes live-range firing, under the supervision of an instructor.
The state of New York has a strict background check process for all security guards, and you’ll need to provide proof of your qualifications before being granted an armed guard license. You’ll need to be at least 18 years old and have a clean criminal record that doesn’t involve crimes of moral turpitude or other offenses that are specifically referenced in the New York State licensing laws.
In addition to these qualifications, you’ll need to be a US citizen or legal resident. You’ll need to pass a written exam and submit a fingerprinted picture. Finally, you’ll need to obtain a license from the Department of State. For more information on security guard registration, see the New York State Office of Public Safety website.
Salary
Security guard services offer a variety of hourly and full-time employment options. Some jobs involve stationary locations at quiet sites, while others require patrolling high-traffic areas for a living. Depending on the type of job, security guards may need to respond to emergencies or fire safety concerns.
The salary of security guards can vary significantly, as it depends on several factors including experience, skills, employer and industry. The higher the level of training and the more experience you have, the higher your pay will be.
Generally, the average wage for security guards is around $16-$13 per hour, with more experienced employees earning even higher wages. In addition, if you work for a larger employer, you will typically earn more as you gain career advancement opportunities.
Many different industries rely on security guards to ensure safety and security for their facilities, buildings, vehicles, people and property. These include hospitals, banks, parking lots and garages, sports arenas and colleges.
In some cases, security guards are armed to protect their employer, and they are paid more than unarmed guards. For example, a security guard employed at a bank is usually armed all the time and is prepared to tackle potential robbers.
A typical security guard will spend a lot of time on foot patrolling a property and enforcing rules that are established by the owner. They also may use video-surveillance systems to monitor activity on the premises.
Besides being an interesting and challenging career, working as a security guard can be rewarding and fulfilling. The hours are flexible, allowing you to choose your own schedule, whether you prefer a morning shift or an evening one.
Another benefit of being a security guard is the opportunity to work in an exciting and dynamic environment. Most security companies have a positive reputation, and they are known for offering excellent benefits to their employees.
When determining how much to pay your security guard, you should consider the state you live in and the type of security company you work for. Some states require a certain amount of security training before hiring a guard, while others accept prior experience. You can find out more about the qualifications and training requirements for security guards by visiting your local state department of labor.
