Congratulations on taking your first step towards becoming a fully qualified security guard!
When you undertake the necessary security guard training and become a certified guard a whole new world of opportunities in this quickly expanding security industry will open up for you.
The good news is that the security officer protection industry is projected to grow in the US by up to 19 % over the next 10 years. This means your chances of getting a great job in this exciting industry have never been better.
Thank you for taking the time to read this online security guard training resource that will help you understand the steps you need to take to start your new career.
To start with we would suggest that you read this overview if you want to know more about what it is like being a security guard.
We then encourage you to look through the various sections of this website where you will find a wealth of information about every aspect of becoming a qualified security officer.
One of the great advantages of working in this industry is the large variety of different security guard jobs that are available to you from working in a casino to working in a hospital, a night club or even as a personal bodyguard for example. There are plenty of opportunities available and if your interest in one industry changes the skills you develop are easily transferable to a new industry.
Fortunately the security industry continues to thrive despite the downturn in the economic climate as the important role of protecting people and property is more in demand than ever as the world seems to becoming an even more dangerous place.
Now Exactly What Do Security Guards Do?
Security guards are employed to protect people and property and monitor behaviour in a variety of different locations and environments. You can find yourself working in residential homes or communities, small businesses, schools, hospitals, large public events or sites, airports, or government facilities. Your career opportunities can to some extent depend on whether you are employed by a small or a large security guard company.
The types of jobs security guards do will vary by the differing needs of individual clients, agencies, industries, or areas. Security guards are often hired to monitor a location after hours to protect a site and handle any potential threats which may include criminal activity or environmental concerns. Other locations need security guards to be positioned on site while open to the public. The reasons may be for crowd control or for screening access to only authorized persons. Depending on the security specifications of the site, a security guard may need to go through a process of registration or verification in order to be authorized to work at that location.
Patrolling a particular site or patrolling many locations throughout a shift is another common aspect of security guard jobs. Patrol routes are often scheduled and must be adhered to in order to meet client needs. Security guards on patrol will be watching for unusual or suspicious activity. They will also be checking that locations are secure. Security guards may be given keys to a location to check the interior or to secure any doors that were mistakenly left unlocked. Banks, cash-loaning locations, liquor stores, small businesses, and many other locations that are often targeted by criminals may hire security guards to ensure employee safety. So, a security guard on patrol may serve as an escort to persons who are leaving their business locations after closing time.
Security needs also vary by location and offer differing opportunities for security guards. As an example, police jurisdictions in certain cities contract with security guards to handle specific issues. Security guards in some areas provide first response to activations of security system alarms at residential and business locations. If suspicious activity or an actual robbery is found to have occurred, the police are then notified to investigate. Alarm response security patrols are common in areas with higher rates of false alarms or with higher levels of other activity that utilize a great deal of police resources. Having security guards respond instead of local police saves time and money for the local municipalities. Furthermore, separate from local agency requirements, some sites prefer to contract security guards to respond to their alarms instead of the police. Regardless of location, there will be a vast array of new experiences and opportunities when working as a security guard.
How Do You Get Started as a Security Guard?
If you are thinking you may enjoy a career as a security guard, that is fantastic! Let’s go over what you will experience when getting started. In order to qualify for security guard training, there are requirements that will need to be met. But first, there are some qualities and abilities that are helpful to possess in order to be successful in this career path. On the job, being self-confident, knowledgeable, and assertive will greatly assist you. Additionally, good communication skills and speaking abilities are necessary for relaying information to clients, other persons, authorities, and for reporting back to the security guard company. Security guard training will provide instruction on how to respond and act in both the average and extreme situations you might encounter.
You will need to be able to grasp a firm understanding of the extent of your authorities and limitations as a security guard and be capable of quick-thinking and fast responses. Reliability and teamwork are more qualities that are an integral part of the job. Security guards are held to a high-standard of accountability. At times, guards will need to coordinate with each other to ensure all duties for their clients are being fulfilled. A security guard may also work entirely alone. Therefore, the ability to self-motivate and self-supervise is important as well. It is also a good idea to examine your comfort level with working alone. Take the time to evaluate these different qualities within yourself while you are considering this career path. You will do very well as a security guard if you have these abilities or are working on strengthening them.
A career as a security guard will give you experience providing services which people find invaluable. Having passion for the work you will be doing along with interest in learning new skills and in career-development will go a long way in helping you sell yourself to a potential employer. You should also be aware of what the training requirements will be and be willing to engage in the various processes. Security guard training covers a lot of material and requires instructors to be certified, so you can be sure you will be well-trained and prepared to start your new career.
Before beginning security guard training, also be aware of what will be required of you. You will have several hours of direct-experience training that can be physically difficult and intense. Security guard training will likely be on-site at the company’s location, but you may have to commit more time meeting additional state certification requirements. Before you are made an employment offer, multiple tests may need to be taken. Most commonly, these will be criminal background checks and drug tests. You should be in good physical shape and balanced mentally. When it is determined that you are able to meet the requirements set by state law for a security guard to become licensed, then you are eligible for hire and ready to begin training.
A career as a security guard will offer diversity in the work you do. You will become skilled in defense tactics and detainment strategies. You will learn a lot about local municipal law and how to perform many different job duties. Security guards are responsible and knowledgeable individuals who are well-equipped to handle difficult situations and to protect persons and property. A career as a security guard enables you to contribute to a safer and more secure community through your valuable work.
What Do I Do Next?
If you would like to learn more, take a look at the articles and resources we have available here. You will find further details about security guard training requirements and processes, as well as more information about what it is like to be a security guard. And again, welcome to our webpage! Whether you are currently deciding if a career as a security guard is right for you or if you are already decided and wanting to know how to get started, we are here to provide you with the information you need.
