Being a security guard is a profession that not only requires physical strength but also mental endurance as it requires long hours and the ability to think and act quickly to defuse hostile situations. While it takes a specific type of person to be interested in security guard positions, security jobs will always be in high demand, making it an increasingly popular profession for someone to consider.
If you are considering a security guard position, you will want to be sure you have done all of your research before applying for a job.
That is why we have pulled together 8 Facts You Might Not Know About Security Guard Jobs
1) Most Companies Require You To Have Your Guard Certification Before applying for a Position
Whether you are interested in an armed or unarmed guard position, most security guard companies will require you to obtain your license before they will consider you for the job. If you do not have your license yet, it could be a good idea to find security guard companies that also offer guard training courses, as you might have a higher chance of landing the job as they can also provide the training you need.
Aren’t sure what you need to do to get your security guard license? Check out our blog How to Become a Security Guard in Tennessee.
2) A Security Officer Can Make Arrests In Special Situations
As you will be walking around in uniform, the public may not be able to tell the difference between you and the police, but one key distinguishing factor is that security guards cannot make arrests… most of the time. If you are on the job and witness situations such as felony, arson, robbery, rape, etc., you have the ability to make a citizen’s arrest and take action. In all other cases, it is your responsibility to defuse the situation and call the appropriate law enforcement officer to take legal action.
3) Most Security Officer Jobs Require A Lot Of Walking
If you were considering being a security officer because you thought you could just sit for hours, you may want to reconsider. As a security officer, there are patrols you have to do in order to protect the environment you are guarding. These patrols involve a great deal of walking and being on your feet, making physical endurance a key component of being a security officer.
4) Many Security Officer Jobs Are Late At Night
Security is a 24/7 service, and its purpose is to protect against theft, vandalism and other illegal activities. With these incidences typically occurring once the sun goes down, that means that is when most of the jobs begin. If you are not a night owl, then being a security officer might not be the profession for you.
5) Security Guards Are the First Responders In Many Emergency Situations
Due to the proximity of security guards to the location in which emergency can occur, they typically are the first to respond. As a security guard on duty, you will be expected to know what to do in an emergency no matter where you are posted. It is your job to know your exact location, the location of all fire extinguishers and places you can call from for help. While not required for your license, it can be a good idea to take a first aid course and an AED defibrillator course.
6) Security Guards Will Encounter Dangerous Situations
As we mentioned before, security officer jobs happen late at night, and it a security officer’s job to protect against crimes. Because of the nature of the job, you will most likely encounter a dangerous or hostile situation at some time or another. Having the proper training to know how to navigate dangerous situations is crucial to your safety as a security officer.
To fully inform yourself on how to best protect yourself on the job, check out our blog 5 Steps To Surviving As A Security Guard.
7) Security Officers Interact With A Lot Of People
Customer service and being hospitable is part of being a security guard, since often times, you are the first person someone will look to for help. It’s important that as a security guard you feel comfortable interacting with all types of people so that you can properly handle any situation you are faced with.
8) A College Degree Is Not Required To Be A Security Officer
For most security officer roles, it is required that you are at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or the equivalent. This can make this profession very appealing and more accessible to other law enforcement roles.
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At JS Security Consulting, we prioritize the safety of our officers and take pride in the exceptional service they provide. In addition to both unarmed and armed job postings, we provide continued education opportunities to all of our officers with our monthly guard training and certification courses.
To apply for a security job, click here.
To register for a certification course, click here.
Don’t have your unarmed or armed guard license yet? At JS Security Consulting, we offer year-round unarmed guard training and certification classes in addition to certification courses for less lethal devices such as batons, chemical agents and electronic control devices. To view all upcoming course dates, click here.