Duties of a professional security guard

Professional Security Guards: A Look at Their Duties and Responsibilities

Given the rising demand for security guards in cities like New York, it’s no wonder that so many men and women now see the security industry as such a great career opportunity. At the same time, however, it’s important for prospective security guards to recognize that this is a job that comes with a great deal of responsibility. Unfortunately, many job candidates may have misconceptions about what security guards actually do on a day-to-day basis. If you’re thinking about pursuing a security guard career, it’s important to understand the duties and responsibilities that typically come with the job.

Be Visible, as a Deterrent to Crime

Visibility is a key part of all security guard jobs. The very presence of a security guard helps to deter all but the most determined criminals, regardless of whether the guard is armed or unarmed. Deterring crime is one of the best ways to ensure that protection of both life and property.

Remain Alert

Security guards must remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. He or she should be alert to the presence of strange sounds, smells, or sights. Obviously, this requires keen senses and a focused mind.

Respond Quickly to Crisis Situations

When something unexpected occurs, the security guard must be prepared to quickly respond. That response will vary depending upon the nature of the situation. In some instances, the guard may simply need to call for law enforcement. At other times, more direct intervention may be required.

Report Observations Properly

Reports are an important part of any guard’s responsibilities, As a security guard, you will need to note your observations and report them in accordance with any established protocols.

Control Access to Buildings and Events

Security guards are also responsible for access control to office buildings, warehouses, event sites, and other assignment locations.

Maintain Order

Guards are often employed to maintain order at large gatherings, events, or certain locations. They help to ensure that these places and events remain calm and free from the chaos that can endanger lives or property.

Assess Threats and Suggest Solutions

Security guards are also adept at assessing risks and offering solutions to protect people and places against possible threats.

Public Relations

Whether it’s receiving guests at a building or speaking with the public at events, the security guard is often a primary point of contact for his employer.

Report Crime to the Proper Authorities

Whenever any potentially criminal action has occurred, it is the security guard’s responsibility to call law enforcement, document the incident, and provide statements when necessary.

Obviously, the security guard’s job comes with tremendous responsibility. That’s why proper security training is so important. With the right training, security guards can always have the confidence they need to properly carry out their mission to protect life and property. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can become a professional security guard, act today by calling International Security Services – New York City’s dedicated security experts.

Picture of George Kozhar

George Kozhar

George Kozhar is a respected security professional, licensed private investigator, and founder of International Security Services (ISS) - New York City’s dedicated security experts since 1999. Mr. Kozhar and his team provide a full array of private and business investigative services in the U.S. and overseas, VIP executive protection, armed and unarmed security guard services and training, and Fire and Life Safety Director training through the company’s Fire Science Institute.

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August 10th, 2022

Property Security Evaluation Report

Your Individualized Property Evaluation Report

Your site’s individualized property evaluation report contains information and analysis that you need to properly manage your site’s security needs. That information includes detailed analysis of the crime rate in your area, site access and parking protocols, and existing security infrastructure. Interior inspection includes analysis of emergency exits, fire suppression capabilities, and alarm infrastructure for emergencies. Exterior inspection includes analysis of structural defects, property lighting, and potential vulnerabilities in building access.

In addition to those inspections, our analysis also considered environmental factors, potential risks from older trees, outside property maintenance, and nearby crime that may overflow to the area. We also examined emergency response planning, including fire evacuation protocols and information supplied to residents about proper evacuation process.

 

Pressing Suggestions


We highly suggest a camera placement along this driveway, as the overhead cameras in the back parking lot may not capture all makes, models, and license plates of cars entering in and out based on the angle they are recording from. The best camera placement would be at the green circle closest to the sidewalk/street.
The common area is easily accessible, but based on the angle that cameras are set at the front lot, anyone can enter the basement common area concealing the side of their face that is facing the camera. This is not to say that the camera arrangement should be changed, but it is highly recommended to have coverage in this common area as the common area is on a lower floor not visible from the sidewalk.


However, a few fundamental problems exist when it comes to access control of the back parking (a big territory). Even though only two issues have ever occurred there, the wide-open access point to that lot may need to be corrected sooner than later as there is a significant uptick in crime in the 62nd precinct.

Furthermore, there are two fundamental surveillance blind spots along the driveway leading to the back parking lot and every common area.

Lastly, however unlikely it may seem, tenants should have resources and a physical guide for situations that may require an evacuation. Whether it be a flood or fire, each tenant should know how to use a fire extinguisher and where to evacuate to during a flood regardless of their proximity to a shoreline.


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