Security Guard Duties

To be clearly visible
One of the duties of a security guard is to make his or herself clearly visible, as this would deter criminals. Most burglars, shoplifters, muggers, and other criminals will think twice if they see a security guard on duty. Being visible is one of the ways by which a security guard foils theft, damage, personal injury, and other dastardly acts.

To be vigilant
A security guard watches out for any strange thing that may mean harm. For this reason, he/she must have very keen senses of sight, hearing, and smelling. He/she should be able to smell it when a cable is burning or when a chemical is leaking from its container.

He/she should be able to detect strange sounds, such as when someone is secretly trying to open a door. He/she should be able to sense it when someone is cleverly trying to divert his attention off his duty. And he/she should be able to interpret quickly whatever he/she sees. Based on these responsibilities, someone who is short-sighted or long-sighted won’t make a good security guard.

To respond quickly and correctly during crisis
Not only does a security guard sense crisis; he/she acts fast to control the situation. So, a security guard must always be at alert to avoid being caught unawares. How a security guard responds to crisis varies depending on the threat. A security guard must know how to best respond to various dangerous situations.

Observing and reporting
Even after a dangerous situation has been successfully averted, a security guard must not relax yet. He/she should keep observing until he/she is sure that there are no more problems. After a crisis, a security guard should report the incident to his supervisor, the police, or the appropriate authorities (such as the fire services in the case of fire outbreak.) This way, further steps would be taken to avert a future recurrence.

Getting help
During some very dangerous situations (such as armed robbery attacks or assaults with deadly weapons), a security guard may be unable to handle the situation. In that case, he/she would need some help, and he/she should waste no time in calling the police. By getting help this way, loss of lives or property would be adverted.

Checking and monitoring
Sometimes, a security guard would be required to maintain certain rules and policies as laid down by his/her employer. Individuals may require that visitors be searched before granted entry or that only visitors for which an appointment has been booked should be granted entry. Similarly, organizations may require their employees to show their ID cards before being granted entry into the work premises. In such cases, a security guard must check and ensure that all rules are obeyed.

Maintain order among people
Security guards are usually present in large gatherings, such as parties and political or religious assemblies. This is to ensure the safety of lives and property and to prevent stampedes and breakdown of law and order.

Receiving guests
If a security guard positions at an entrance, chances are, he/she will double as a receptionist because he/she is usually the first to receive guests and show them their way. This additional duty requires a security guard to be very friendly, approachable, and willing to help others.

Offer safety warnings and tips
Among the responsibilities of the security guard is to give tips and precautions to his/her employers on how to prevent security-threatening situations. He/she should also explain the likely consequences of ignoring these tips, as a way of convincing his/her employers to adhere to his/her advice. In addition, a security guard should do the best to ensure that all safety precautions are adhered to.

Performing other special duties
Some security guards, especially those hired by individuals, do more than their primary duty most of the time. They may be saddled with additional responsibilities, such as receiving phone calls, responding to text and email messages, and running vital errands for their employer. If you are planning to take up a full-time or part-time security job, keep in mind that you will be required to perform these duties.