Whether it’s shoplifters in a retail store, burglars at an apartment complex or people who are out of control at a concert, security guards are the ones who keep things calm. These professionals are also called upon to act as liaisons between emergency services and management teams in office buildings and other workplaces. For more information, click the Security Guard Jobs Atlanta to proceed.
Job Duties
Security guards protect their employer’s property from a range of hazards. Their duties include patrolling, inspecting premises and reporting on incidents. They also assist law enforcement and fire department personnel. They have a variety of other responsibilities as well, depending on their work setting. For example, corporate security guards monitor a company’s building or office, escort employees into and out of the building and to their cars in the parking lot, and check IDs at all entrances to ensure that only authorized people enter the premises.
Guards at hospitals, for example, work with patients, visitors and staff to help maintain a safe environment. They are responsible for access control, patrolling and investigating all reported incidents. They also help with patient management during emergencies. They must be familiar with medical emergency protocols and first aid treatment.
Other job duties may include monitoring a company’s CCTV system, responding to triggered alarms, and assisting with evacuations or other crisis situations. They are required to have knowledge of all relevant legal regulations, including privacy and trespassing laws. Guards also document their observations and any irregularities within written reports.
A good security guard has excellent eyesight and hearing, as well as a keen sense of smell. They are constantly on the lookout for any signs of danger, and they must be able to assess what’s going on at all times – it could be as simple as noticing an unusual smell, sound or behaviour. In addition, a security guard should have the ability to intervene or de-escalate a situation, and they should be trained in using verbal communication techniques or physical restraint.
They are a vital part of the safety team at any workplace or event. They work with the public on a regular basis and should be pleasant and courteous while they are at it. They often interact with clients, employees and the general public, answering their questions and providing assistance or directions. They may also be responsible for implementing information security best practices at their workplace, such as ensuring that employees lock their computers when they leave their desks and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive systems or information.
Education and Training Requirements
Security guards have a variety of duties and responsibilities that they must perform to keep their job safe and productive. They must be familiar with the legal regulations of their specific field and participate in ongoing training courses to improve their skills. Guards must also be able to respond quickly and calmly to emergency situations. They often collaborate with law enforcement officers to investigate serious incidents and provide information and assistance as needed.
To qualify for the position, candidates must pass a background check. This will review their criminal record, employment history, and education credentials. Convictions can disqualify a candidate, so companies must be very thorough when hiring security guards. They must be able to work with a wide range of people from all walks of life, so strong interpersonal skills are essential.
As the face of the company, security guards must exemplify integrity and professionalism. They should be able to maintain confidentiality, protect privacy, and follow professional codes of conduct. Those who wish to pursue a career in security should complete a firearms training course. The course will include instruction on how to use a weapon safely and effectively, as well as how to react in emergencies.
In addition to completing mandatory training courses, security guards must be armed with a state-issued firearms license or permit. Some states will waive this requirement for active-duty military personnel, former law enforcement or correctional officers, and retired police officers who have passed a background check and have proof of their retirement date. In some cases, a guard may also be required to attend first aid training.
Applicants should also be comfortable with the physical demands of the job, including long periods of standing and walking. The position requires a high level of fitness and stamina, which can be challenging for those who are not physically fit. Additionally, they must be able to carry out patrols and monitor the premises for potential threats. Applicants must be able to handle emergency situations and work independently in stressful environments. Security guards should also be able to de-escalate conflict and act as mediators in the event of an incident.
Working Conditions
Security guards are employed by a wide range of private and public institutions to protect their buildings, property and people. They are often assigned to eight- or twelve-hour shifts, and may work nights, weekends or holidays. Many are hired as full-time employees with benefits, while others receive an hourly pay rate for part-time work. Some security guards are called on to provide escort protection and act as backup for local police officers. Other duties include responding to requests for assistance, detecting fires and other security infractions, patrolling properties and inspecting doors and windows; restraining unauthorized visitors, and detaining or arresting them when necessary; investigating crime scenes, interviewing victims and witnesses, writing reports, and answering phone calls.
Unlike police officers, who work for the state or city government and are subject to a variety of forces affecting their schedules, most security guards work for private firms and are not subject to these fluctuations. However, they must adhere to laws regulating their employment and behavior. For example, they are not allowed to make unlawful arrests, or to use excessive force to apprehend suspects. They must also respect the privacy of their clients and not enter private spaces without authorization.
Another important aspect of the job is ensuring that security systems are working properly. This may involve troubleshooting and repair of electronic and mechanical systems, such as cameras, alarms, doorbells and door sensors, as well as monitoring fire safety procedures. In addition, a security guard may be responsible for setting up access controls and other devices within the building or facility.
Security guards who have more than one post in the same week must be compensated for their travel time between them. They are not permitted to claim this as a ‘per diem’ allowance or as an expense, and must be paid overtime for hours over forty in a workweek. They are also entitled to meals and breaks, accurate time-sheet reporting, and a timely paycheck. They cannot bear the cost of their uniforms, guns, whistles and belts, unless they are sold them by their firm or industry, and they cannot buy these items themselves if it would reduce the amount of their wages below the minimum wage, or if they do so it will cut into overtime wages.
Salary
The pay for a Security Guard can vary quite a bit, depending on the location and the size of the company. Larger companies tend to pay more, as they will have a larger customer base and therefore be able to spread the costs of paying Security Guards. Those who work in more specialized fields, such as armed security, will also earn more, as these positions will require more training and experience.
It is important to note that although security guards do act independently, they are usually part of a team. This team may include other security guards, clients and law enforcement personnel. As such, effective security guards understand that they are in a leadership role and are comfortable taking orders from others when necessary for the safety of all involved.
In terms of salary, Security Guards that are employed by government institutions tend to make the most money. This is because they are working for an agency that is directly responsible for the safety of the citizens. Those that work in healthcare and social assistance institutions will earn slightly less, but they will still be paid over $35,000 per year on average.
It is also worth noting that the Security Guard salary has increased significantly over the last ten years. This means that if you are interested in becoming a Security Guard, you should consider applying now to ensure that you have a job to come with good pay and benefits. In addition to good wages, Security Guard jobs offer a variety of other perks, such as flexible schedules and the opportunity to progress to higher level positions. This is why many people who start as Security Guards choose to move into other private and public protective service jobs, such as law enforcement. Security Guard jobs are highly competitive, and you will want to have a strong application in order to stand out from the competition. This is why it is important to take the time to prepare your application and do your research before making a submission. In addition, you will need to have an excellent understanding of the duties and responsibilities of Security Guards in order to be successful in this field.