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Security is a crucial service that every business needs to ensure the protection of people, property, and valuable assets. While there are various types of security solutions, from traditional methods to advanced technological systems, security guards continue to be one of the most effective and reliable options.
A security guard is a trained and licenced security professional who is tasked with safeguarding a specific area of a business. They are required to respond to incidents, screen and authorise people entering a site, monitor activities and identify and respond to potential threats.
With this in mind, there are several different types of security guard, including mobile patrols, static security guards, front of house security and alarm response security.
The type of security guard your business requires will depend on its specific risk level. While different roles demand different skills – for example, some may need IT expertise to operate CCTV systems, while others may require firearms training- there are also core skills that all security guards should possess. Below, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of these essential abilities.
1. Vigilance
Any security guard needs to be sharp and focussed to monitor a large area over a long period of time, and to identify and respond to threats accordingly. Vigilance means a security guard has attention to detail, situational awareness and can carry out a threat assessment quickly when a potential incident occurs.
2. Communication
Strong communication skills are essential for any security guard and come in many forms, from active listening and clear writing to accurate incident reporting.
However, verbal communication is especially important. The ability to speak clearly and confidently helps in a range of situations, including directing and assisting individuals, verifying access, de-escalating potential conflicts, and liaising with emergency services.
3. Learning
It’s important that a security guard works in accordance with a company’s internal procedures. This means understanding policies related to health and safety, emergency response, and other operational protocols. In addition, security guards must stay up to date with current legislation to ensure their actions are lawful, compliant, and aligned with best practices in every situation.
4. Multi-tasking
This will differ according to the exact nature of the security guard, but a front-of-house security guard may need to greet visitors while also booking them in and being vigilant to ongoing potential threats. Another security guard may need to be monitoring CCTV footage while also greeting and responding to visitors. At all times, the security guard needs to prioritise these tasks to ensure overall vigilance remains maximised.
5. Responsive
A security guard needs to be alert and ready to respond at all times, which means they must be sufficiently organised to allow for any task to be immediately dropped if they have to respond to a potential threat or incident.
6. Emotional control
The primary responsibility of a security guard is to maintain a safe and secure environment, a task that requires staying calm under pressure and managing situations with professionalism.
This closely links to strong communication and conflict resolution skills, as effective de-escalation relies on emotional control and composure. By remaining calm, security guards can stay focused and exercise clear, sound judgment, even in high-pressure or stressful situations.
7. Fitness
A good level of fitness is not just required to assist with a situation in which you may be required to chase and apprehend an intruder, fitness is also essential in being able to maintain focus and responsiveness. Whether patrolling a large site or remaining on guard for extended periods, physical fitness helps ensure alertness, stamina, and the ability to react quickly when needed.
We’re here to help keep your business safe and secure
At CSA Security we use the above criteria for recruiting and training security professionals, and this also helps us tailor our resources where specialist security support is required.
If you require security guards for your business you can be assured that CSA Security Services provides a high quality of security professional, and that these standards of skill and aptitude are continually monitored and improved upon.
Contact CSA Security today for all your security guard needs.
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