Persons who have been employed by a public or private company so as to employ the assets such as people, property, equipment and money for the employing party are known as security guards. Unsafe workers behavior, waste, damaged property, criminal activities such as theft as well as enforcing preventative measures for these hazards are some of the hazards that security guards will be protecting their clients. This is done through maintenance of a high visibility presence which will prevent inappropriate and illegal actions, looking for possible crime signs, taking actions that will help reduce damage as well as making reports to the emergency services and their clients regarding an incident. When checking for inappropriate and illegal practices in their area of jurisdiction, there are ways which security guards use including patrols, video surveillance cameras as well as monitoring through the use of alarm systems.
When providing their services, security guards have been taught of a set methodology of working which they have to follow in the line of duty which is detected, deter, observe and report. The set methodology that the security guards follow is mostly uniform for all and is taught by the propriety security departments and security firms. Security guards are not given the mandate to arrest the wrongdoers but will only act as agents of law enforcement once they have been requested to do so police officers or by making reports to the police officers. The client and the security firm usually sign a contract which binds the security firm to provide security guards who shall be protecting the lives and property of the clients. Security guards can be given basic training as well as specialized training on specialized training where they can controlling and arresting, performing first aid, operating emergency equipment, taking accurate notes and writing detailed reports as well as any other role that they may be assigned by the client.
For security guards to offer their services effectively, they need to possess certain qualities to ensure effective service delivery. One major attribute for security guards is alertness where they are always aware of their surrounding and be able to be responsive immediately of with time when there is need. Due to the large responsibility of security guards of protecting buildings and business against crimes such as theft, they need to be honest and people of high integrity. An honest security guard will not collude with the crime perpetrators hence compromising the security of businesses and buildings. Effective service delivery will be achieved if the security guard is physically fit. A security guard should also be able to communicate effectively either in written form or orally to ensure that they can meet the needs of clients effectively.