A security guard using a metal detector with customer

Qualities Every Security Guard Needs for Great Interactions with the Public

When most people think of security guards, they think only of the protection they provide for people and property. Few of those people ever give much thought to the guard’s important role in dealing with the public. The reality is that private security guards are often the first face many people see when they enter or leave a protected building or area. In many cases, customers, visitors, and employees end up interacting with these security guards on a regular basis. For the security guard, that level of interaction with the public requires certain attributes. Here are just a few of the many important qualities that security guards need to ensure that those interactions with the publica are always as positive as possible.

Solid Communication Skills

The most important quality any security guard can have for great customer service interactions is the ability to communicate effectively. Guards must be able to communicate with their superiors, their clients, and everyone else who frequents their job site.

A Desire to Help Others

A good security guard will always be eager to help. They’re generally quick to offer assistance to those they interact with, with a sincere smile, a friendly word, and a confident demeanor.

Empathy and the Ability to Listen

In interpersonal relations, people always want to know that you actually care about their problems. Good guards are great listeners, and capable of expressing the type of empathy customers and others want to see when they’re trying to get a problem resolved.

Problem-Solving Skills

Speaking of problems, security guards need to be capable of solving them. Clients and customers will appreciate your ability to answer their questions, direct them to the right information sources, and resolve problems with a minimum of fuss.

A Pleasant Demeanor

Are you a pleasant person?  The best security guards genuinely like people – and it shows in their interactions with the public. A helpful smile, the ability to make small talk, and solid eye contact are all great qualities for any professional security guard to possess.

A Balanced Approach that is Both Friendly and Professional

At the same time, however, good guards know how to balance that friendly demeanor with competent professionalism. You need to be able to quickly transition from friendly interactions to strict professionalism, especially when emergencies occur or there’s a conflict that needs to be resolved.

At ISS, we know how difficult it can be for the average person to measure up to the standards society expects its private security guards to uphold. That’s why our training regimen is designed to equip every security guard candidate with the skills needed to meet the rigorous demands of today’s security environment. If you’re committed to protecting life and property, and possess the important personal qualities we’ve just described, then our security guard course can provide the professional training you need to pursue your guard career. To learn more today and get started on your path to a career in the security industry, contact International Security Serves, Inc. – 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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