The roles and responsibilities of a security guard cover many tasks, but their main duties fall into three responsibilities. They take on different roles depending on the specific site requirements to effectively carry out these responsibilities.

Security Guard Responsibilities

1. Protection of People;

Protecting people from immediate threats is the primary responsibility of a security guard. Whether you’re serving as a bodyguard for VIPs or stationed duty in an office environment, your main task is to safeguard individuals from safety hazards and criminal activities. Your roles in the protection of people are as follows;

• Identifying Safety Hazards: By finding physical, mechanical, chemical, biological, electrical, and environmental hazards in the workplace, you can prevent accidents and save lives. Know your site well and be observant during patrols to spot any potential dangers. If you find something, report it to the relevant person and ensure it’s fixed immediately.
• Preventing Crime: Stay vigilant to detect and deter crimes against people by taking immediate action when necessary.
• Handling Emergencies: In case of fire, flood, earthquake, or other natural hazards, remain calm and follow the site’s safety plan. If evacuation is required, guide people calmly toward the designated exit routes.

2. Protection of Properties;

Another key responsibility is to protect the properties you’re guarding. You can fulfill this by:

• Addressing Safety Threats: Identify hazards like fire risks, bombs, or damaged parts of the property, and take action before they cause destruction.
• Preventing Sabotage: Be attentive and alert at all times to detect and deter any attempts at property sabotage.
• Inspecting Entries and Exits:  Inspect people and vehicles entering and exiting the site to ensure they do not bring in or take out any unauthorized materials.

3. Protection of Information;

In the digital age, safeguarding a company’s data and classified information is crucial. Your roles include:

• Securing Workstations: Even if you’re not involved with computerized work, ensure that computers aren’t left open after office hours.
• Monitoring Unusual Behavior: Observe employees who arrive early or stay late without sufficient work reasons. This type of employee might be the cause of the classified data leakage.
• Preventing Unauthorized Access: If you find employees using others’ computers, scrutinize their actions to prevent potential breaches.
• Maintaining Access Control: The security guard possesses doors’  keys and is aware of the passkey of the mechanical doors you should not share them with anyone. Make sure only authorized personnel access restricted areas.

While there are many roles and responsibilities of a security guard, they all relate to the protection of people, properties, and information. You’re always expected to meet these responsibilities by performing your duties appropriately.

The job description for a security guard outlines specific duties and responsibilities based on the area or site they will be assigned to. A security guard is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of people and property in their designated area.

Their primary role is to maintain a secure environment by implementing various safety measures effectively. If you’re writing the job description for a security guard, here are the points you should consider:

1. Why are you hiring a security guard?

You’re hiring a security guard for the protection of properties such as buildings, commercial properties, and residential areas, or for close protection of people like a bodyguard.

There are different duties a security guard will conduct for the protection of people and properties, which you should consider before formatting the job description of the security professional.

2. What tasks are expected from the security guard?

Security guards primarily focus on ensuring the safety and security of the premises. To achieve this, it’s important to consider what specific tasks they will need to perform on your property. These details are crucial when defining their role.

3. What does your site policy say?

If your site has a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), it may outline the duties and responsibilities of the security professional. Go through it if possible.

4. Consider the country’s or provincial security regulations

You cannot hire a security guard to conduct duties that are not allowed by the country’s security regulations. The security guard job description cannot go beyond these regulations.

5. Consider the country’s civil and criminal laws

The job description for a security guard at your site should not conflict with the country’s current laws and regulations.

Here is the general job description for a security guard:

1. Observing the surrounding area, analyzing situations for security breaches, and reporting them to the relevant authorities such as the security supervisor, company management, or even the police for serious violations.
2. Being a visible presence on the site to deter crime and inform the country’s law enforcement agency if criminal activities are detected.
3. Maintaining a calm and helpful demeanor to build trust and professional interaction with the public or other parties, and maintaining good communication skills in all types of interactions.
4. Be the first responder to emergencies such as fires, floods, or bomb threats, and act according to the site’s emergency response plan.
5. Controlling access, maintaining the flow of people and vehicles in your area, and inspecting them if site policy requires while entering and exiting the site.
6. Familiarity with alarm and surveillance systems, including CCTV.
7. Patrolling the surrounding area to detect safety hazards and criminal activities.
8. Reporting criminal activities and security breaches to the relevant authority of the organization. Reporting safety hazards to the responsible person to fix them.
9. Recording unusual observations in the security notebook and properly maintaining visitors’ and vehicles’ logbooks.
10. Escorting visitors and maintenance workers if necessary and fully applying the site policy in this process.
11. Be attentive to unexpected occurrences and remain alert at all times for security breaches and unauthorized access.
12. Keeping company information classified and not disclosing it to anyone.
13. Controlling traffic on the site and ensuring visitors and employees park their vehicles in designated areas.
14. Following site search policies in cases of physical search, vehicle search, and baggage search while a person passes through the security area.
15. Follow the instructions from management or senior officers and implement them effectively.

This is a general job description for a security guard applicable to many industries and sectors. If your site demands more, format it under the considerable points I have mentioned in this post.

One key question often asked is, how much does a armed security guard make? After conducting thorough research, we’ve gathered valuable data that highlights countries where armed guards earn a notably high income.

Just like many other professions, the salary of security guards varies depending on location, whether it’s the country, state, or city they work in.

Below, we’ll dive into some of these locations where armed guards are well-compensated for their services.

1. United States of America:

In the USA, the salary of an armed guard is influenced by several factors, including the city or state you work in, as well as the level of training and experience you’ve acquired. On average, armed guards can expect a salary range from a low of USD 13.43, to a median of USD 18.60, with the highest earners making around USD 26.51. per hour.

2. United Kindom;

In the UK, security professionals can expect salaries that are quite comparable to those in the US. On average, the lower end of the pay scale is around USD 18 per hour, with a median of USD 23, and the highest earners receive about USD 27 per hour.

While salaries may vary slightly depending on the city, most security companies in the UK typically pay monthly rather than on an hourly basis.

3. Australia;

Australia is one of the Oceania countries that has fully incorporated Western values and principles. Although general security guards earn less than the USA and UK the armed guard is it lucky place to work. The average low salary is USD 30, the Median; is 32 and the highest is USD 34 per hour.

4. Canada;

Canada is known for its well-regulated private security industry, with strict management across the sector. However, regulations can vary from province to province, which also affects salary levels.

Armed guards in Canada can expect to earn around USD 18 at the lower end, a median wage of USD 21, and up to USD 22 per hour for the highest earners.

5. Greece:

Greece is one of the European nations that offers good salaries for armed guards. While many European countries do not allow armed security in the private sector—preferring general security guards. Armed guards here earn the lowest average salary of USD 9 per hour, a median of USD 15.5, and the highest salary per hour is USD 21.

In many countries, armed guard positions are mostly hidden and not exposed to the public. Politicians, royal family members, and other wealthy individuals hire armed guards to protect themselves and their properties from threats.

In the Gulf region, royal families also hire private armed guards who earn higher pay than general security guards in the region.

How much does a armed security guard make?

Working as an armed guard may not make you rich unless you’re working in a high-security zone. In countries where war is ongoing, the demand for private armed guards is high, and when demand is high, salaries increase accordingly.

How to Become an Armed Guard?

In many countries, veteran military personnel and police officers often transition into armed guard roles after leaving their positions. However, even if you don’t have prior experience in the military or law enforcement, you can still become an armed guard by undergoing proper training in the use of small arms.

Obtaining the Right License

A crucial step in becoming an armed guard is obtaining the necessary license to carry firearms. This license must be issued by the relevant authority in your country or region.

In some areas, you may also need a general security guard license in addition to your weapons permit.

The licensing requirements and processes can vary from one country to another, so it’s important to check your local regulations and ensure you meet all the criteria before pursuing this career path.

Obtaining full licensing and completing proper training are essential not only for legal compliance but also to ensure you are well-prepared for the responsibilities of the job.

A security guard protects people and property through vigilant observation, and their tasks are always linked to the safety and security of their assigned area. As you deal with various types of people and potential safety hazards on your site, you must have some necessary skills to be a security guard.

Physical and Mental Fitness

Physical fitness is a crucial aspect of a security guard’s job. Since there’s no fixed location for your duties, you may be required to work outdoors, stand for long hours, and respond to emergencies quickly and effectively. Being physically fit ensures you can handle these demands efficiently and maintain high performance throughout your shift.

Equally important is mental fitness. A mentally prepared security guard can stay alert and make sound decisions even under pressure. Your mental readiness allows you to assess situations accurately and react appropriately.

How to Learn Security-Related Skills?

Even if you don’t initially have security-related skills, the good news is that these can be learned through experience and study.

Many countries have made it mandatory for security guards to undergo basic training before starting their jobs. This training is designed to equip you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for the role.

If you’re new to the security field, the training will provide you with the essential skills needed to start your career. When you gain experience, you’ll be able to enhance these skills and become more proficient in your duties.

What are the Key Skills to Be a Security Guard?

Here are the essential skills you need to develop to succeed as a security guard:

1. Effective Communication Skills:

Effective communication consists of three key components: speaking, listening, and written communication. If you can speak, listen actively, and communicate effectively in writing—even with deaf individuals—you demonstrate strong communication skills.

Whether you’re reporting incidents or giving instructions, clear communication is essential. Additionally, your body language plays a crucial role in how your message is received, making it an important part of your overall communication.

2. Patience:

Impatience can lead to hasty responses that may not deliver the results you expect. Security guard jobs are challenging nowadays, so it’s crucial to remain calm and patient even in stressful situations. Patience helps you deescalate tensions when interacting with difficult people.

3. Ethics:

Ethics is a moral principles that guide a person’s behavior and actions, helping them distinguish between right and wrong.

In security work, it’s essential to uphold strong moral principles. You’ll often handle sensitive information and face situations that require discretion and ethical judgment.

4. Confidence:

As a security guard, you should have confidence in your role, your work, and your ability to handle potential threats. Your confidence not only empowers you but also reassures those you are protecting.

5. Reliability:

Another important skill for a security guard is being reliable. Your team and clients need to know that you consistently do your job effectively.

6. Honesty and Integrity:

Trust is the foundation of security work. Maintaining honesty and integrity in all your actions builds trust with your employer, colleagues, and the public.

7. Reporting:

Accurate and detailed reporting is a key part of the job. Whether it’s documenting incidents or providing updates, your reports need to be clear and precise.

8. Critical Thinking:

You should be able to think quickly and assess situations on your own. Critical thinking is essential for making decisions in high-pressure environments at your workplace.

9. Problem-Solving:

Security work often involves resolving issues as they arise. Being a good problem-solver means you can handle unexpected situations effectively.

10. Prioritizing:

In a multitasking situation, you should prioritize tasks that need immediate attention and decide what can be put on hold. This helps you perform your duties efficiently.

11. Ability to Follow Directions:

You should be able to follow instructions accurately, whether they come from your manager, supervisor, employer, site orders, or legal requirements.

12. Multitasking:

Security guards often have multiple responsibilities at once. The ability to multitask effectively is crucial for managing and completing these tasks successfully.

13. Assessment and Evaluation:

Regularly assessing surrounding situations and evaluating risks allows you to prevent incidents before they occur.

14. Cooperation:

Working well with others, including your team and the public, is necessary for maintaining a secure environment.

15. Adaptability:

The ability to adapt to changing circumstances is important in a security role, where no two days are the same.

16. Managing Stress:

Security work can be stressful, so the ability to manage stress is crucial for maintaining your effectiveness on the job.

17. Sense of Humor:

While not always emphasized, a good sense of humor can help diffuse tense situations and build rapport with those around you.

18. Flexibility:

Being flexible with your schedule and duties ensures that you can handle unexpected changes in your work environment.

19. Staying Motivated:

Maintaining your motivation, even during routine or challenging tasks, helps you stay focused and committed to your role.

20. Personal values; 

Personal values are crucial for a security guard, and the most important ones include:

• Dedication to their work
• Excellence
• Diligence
• Integrity
• Honesty
• Objectivity
• Neutrality
• Alertness
•  Efficiency
• Leadership
• Transparency
• Fairness and Equality

In conclusion: while the role of a security guard demands a specific set of skills, many of these can be learned and developed over time. Through training and experience, you can enhance your abilities and become a professional security guard.

Being professional does not mean dressing well; rather, it includes conducting yourself with responsibility, accountability, integrity, and effectiveness.  Professionalism in security is critical; without it, you cannot succeed or move ahead.

Since the business environment is very competitive nowadays, an employer values an employee who performs his or her duties professionally.

Clients may award security contracts to another company if the security guard, supervisor, and other high ranks are not professional in your company.

Why is professionalism in security important?

1. A professional security guard arrives on time for work and manages time efficiently.
2. If you are a professional, you will take full responsibility for your actions and work well with others.
3. Honesty and integrity are also part of professionalism.
4. Productivity can be found by communicating effectively and appropriately with the team and others.
5. A professional security guard is clean, neat, and appropriately dressed.
6. Professional behavior helps security guard to minimize workplace conflict.

How to develop professionalism in the workplace?

1. Communication: Clear communication avoids confusion. You should work on improving your listening, speaking, and writing skills, as these are essential components of effective communication.
2. Attitude: As security personnel, you may encounter conflict with employees, coworkers, and visitors to the site, the workplace is a mixture of positive and negative variances. Your attitude helps you in minimizing the conflict. To learn more click here.
3. Teamwork: In a small firm or organization, only one security guard may be contracted for security. In this case, you may be required to attend duty alone at night or during the day.

Although you appear to be alone, other professionals are working in the background, including your supervisor, your security company’s control room, a client representative, and local police.

You should communicate with them and request assistance in case of an unprecedented situation in the workplace, therefore you should be collaborative, cooperative, coordinative, and clear all the time. To learn more about teamwork click here.

4. Problem-solving: A security guard should not be a part of the problem but rather part of the solution. Your critical thinking in any situation diffuses the problem.

Before drawing any conclusions, you should identify the source of the problem, set priorities, and employ different techniques to solve it.

The following guidelines help you to become professional.

1. Always be honest and act ethical manner all the time.
2. Be sensitive to people with special needs don’t judge on different backgrounds, communities, and cultures.
3. Know the country’s criminal law and your responsibility under it.
4. know your employer and client’s security policies, to act with them.
5. Make a plan to respond to an emergency appropriately.
6. In case of emergency security guards should not panic but rather assist the people to lead them to the safest place.
7. Act in a disciplined and professional manner in any situation, either dealing with difficult people or working under a difficult situation.
8. Treat all people with respect and dignity.

Professionalism is essential in the security industry, likewise in other sectors. Since a professional security guard can only function successfully in any situation, professionalism in security is thought to security professional in basic security guard training in many nations.

Advanced Security Training

Arrest refers to the physical or mental detention of a person against his or her will. someone who breaks the law should face the repercussions. Can a security guard arrest you? Let’s talk about it when you violate public order.

The rule of law preserves social order. When there is a breach, an investigation may be necessary to identify the perpetrator, and the suspect may be arrested as part of the investigation.

Since the constitution is the country’s fundamental law, all rules and decrees must not conflict with it. Federal law grants the right of arrest to every citizen Under some conditions.

No one can violate the fundamental rights of the accused or the suspect in the name of the arrest because these are guaranteed by the constitution, and safeguarding them is the obligation of all.

What is the power of arrest?

It is a given authority to arrest or detain someone for the purpose of investigation. When there is an incident, two possibilities may exist: either someone committed the crime or no one committed it.

If the suspect is on the scene, it may necessary to hold or arrest him/her in order to obtain a statement or conduct more investigation.

How many types of arrests are there?

Before searching for an answer to this question, it is critical to understand who has the authority to arrest for individual or suspect.

1. Police: The government has a police department that is responsible for preserving peace and order, investigating crimes, and apprehending criminals. A police officer has the authority to detain or arrest someone in order to investigate a specific event.
2. Public: The public has the equal power to arrest someone who commits a crime or Every individual has the right to arrest the perpetrator if there is adequate evidence.

There are two types of arrests in this context;

1. Public arrest: conducted by the police officers

2. Citizen arrest: Conducted by the general public.

Since there are only two types of arrest, the security guards, do not have any specific power of arrest like the police officers in the country.

If an incident occurs on their premises, the private security guard can make an arrest, detain the perpetrator, take a statement, or hand over the criminal to the police.

Security professionals, like the general public, have the authority to make a citizen arrest. When you arrest someone, ask for their cooperation because the law in your country may not allow you to arrest someone without a warrant.

Can a Security Guard Arrest You?

A security guard can arrest you in some circumstances, but they do not have the same power as public security or police.

1. When the police request you to assist in the arrest of someone.
2. It is enough evidence that a crime was committed. (including the suspect fleeing the public or the police, or being found red-handed).
3. The incident occurred on your site, and you need to detain someone to take the statement.
4. The suspect comes to you and commits the crime.
5. If the suspect is holding a weapon, restrain him.
6. The illicit or forbidden goods discovered during a security search.

Unlike to police, a private security guard has the same authority to detain you as the general public. If there is sufficient evidence that someone violates current laws in the country, the public has the authority to detain and hand the suspect over to the police.

When conducting an arrest, as a security officer, you should follow the correct procedures. Another violation may occur to you if the rules are not followed. Click here to learn about the arrest procedure.

In modern security contexts, the security guard learns the country’s laws, rights, and privileges of the public during basic security guard training, which has become essential in many nations for security guards.

The rapid development of private security companies worldwide has created a competitive environment in the security industries. Private security companies offer a wide range of services to their clients, including security guard services.

Most countries have already prohibited hiring in-house security guards for individuals and businesses.

One mechanism is in the practice, Organizations and individuals who wish to participate in security activities must obtain authorization from a regulatory body, which may be a state or federal entity.

While a security guard is responsible for the protection of people, property, and information, he or she must learn various techniques and skills to carry out security tasks in different situations.

These things will be learned during training, so a new security guard should undergo training for a week or month, depending on the country.

security guard services

People may require different types of protection for themselves and their properties. Keeping this in mind, security guard services are divided into the following categories:

1. Protection of people
2. Protection of properties
3. Protection of information

A security guard can protect individuals by deterring criminal activity, detecting workplace hazards, and responding to emergencies.

To protect the property, the security guard performs a variety of tasks, including access control, the search for visitors and employees, and the detection of fire hazards, among others.

Now, confidentiality is of the greatest priority because if a competitor obtains access to classified information, it could harm the organization’s business.

Although security guards do not know what employees are doing on their computers, they must be vigilant and inform the appropriate department or supervisor if any unauthorized activities are detected.

If you want to learn the techniquies and skills required for the protection of people, property, and information, click here for the complete lesson of the security guard training on this topic.

Security Industries services;

1. Man Guarding Services
2. Armed Gaurding services
3. Cash Solution or Cash In Transit
4. Security Consultaion Services
5. Security Site Planning
6. Risk Assessment and Mitigation Services.
7. CCTV Operation
8. Patrolling and Lock Down
9. Escort Serices
10. Access Control Management
11. Parking Control
12. Key Management
13. First Aid & Accidents
14. Event and VIP Security
15. Visitor Management
16. Lost & Found Property
17. Incidents and Emergency Management
18. Security Integrated Services
19. Dog Training and Dog Security
20. Special Security Service

The security guard services are typically different from the country’s public security or police department.

The police provides protection services to the public at no cost, whereas security guards do so in exchange for payment.

Depending on the security threat to a business, the organization may subscribe diffrent types of security services from private security companies.

Not all security guards can provide all of the above-mentioned services because they require training and experience to become professionals in their respective services.

The security manager job description is an explanation of the duties and responsibilities of the manager. In an organization, the security manager has direct authority and supervision over the operational activities of security personnel.

As the department head, a Security manager, plans, develops and implements the security policies, protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOP) for an organization.

There could be two types of security managers job in today’s job market.

1. A manager in the security industry.  
   • A manager in a security guard supply company deals with clients; it does not establish security policies. But it ensures that the security personnel who work for the clients have followed the security policy of the specific business and done their duties accordingly.
2. Security managers at other companies 
   • This is called an in-house security manager. He or she sets up the security policies for the organization and puts them into action with the help of the security supervisor and other security professionals who could be supplied by the security company.
   •  A Manager is fully responsible for all operations within the organization that impact the safety and security of people and property.

Security manager job description;

The requirements for the security-related job could be different from company to company because security policies are defined depending on the company’s assets, and security threats.

the following are the security manager’s common duties and responsibilities.

1. Company policies;

The security manager develops and enforces security policies, protocols, and procedures in an organization.

2. Budgeting;

A company may have the budget and plan for current and upcoming fiscal years. Each department needs a budget to manage, maintain and mobilize the staff and equipment.

Since modern technology is so important in protecting people and properties, the cost of the integrated security system in an organization has dramatically increased.

A security manager should try to obtain the most efficient system at a low cost. One of the primary responsibilities of the security manager in his department is to monitor the budget and expenses.

If the operating costs are too high, you may need to cut the security staff in the organization; in such situations, you should establish a new procedure that does not jeopardize the organization’s security.

When the security systems require to maintain or replacement in your company, you should always look for a high-quality vendor.

3. Responsible  for security personnel;

The security manager is responsible for recruiting, training, and supervising the security officers and guards.

You may need to provide training to other employees about your company’s safety and security regulations.

You are also responsible for awarding the contract to the security firm to provide security personnel in your organization, Your consideration will also determine whether the contract will be renewed or terminated once its term expires.

4. Representation;

You represent the security department at the management meeting. You should discuss not only the operational needs of the security team but also discuss with the respective deparment heads if their employees have violated the security rules of the organization.

5. Planning and coordinating;

Before launching a new business in a new location, you must develop a security plan and cooperate with other security professionals and stakeholders.

6. Review reports;

Every day, you would receive various types of security-related reports from employees and security staff, such as requirements, incidents, and security breaches.

You should examine those reports and take appropriate action if necessary.

7. Investigate and resolve issues;

In the event of a security breach, the security manager’s role is to investigate the incident and obtain statements from those involved and witnesses.

When the additional investigation is necessary, you must work with the local police or the public investigating officer.

8. Reporting;

The different types of security reports you need to sign every day. On a weekly or monthly basis may require to create reports for management on the security status of the organization.

9. Managing the contracts;

The contract for security staff, CCTV, alarm, and fire suppression systems should award to the most cost-effective and high-quality vendor.

As the security manager, you must oversee the existing contracts and take contractual action against the vendor if the security team does not perform adequately.

10. Inspection and audit;

To make sure the minimum safety and security stander has been maintained you should regularly inspect and audit the security guards and equipment.

General Duties of Security Manager

1. Risk assessment of assets and take precautionary actions to avert incidents.
2. Ensure the satisfaction of customers and other stakeholders at all times.
3. Engaging in customer and management meetings as well as working with the security team.
4. Operational excellence & service delivery
5. Provide daily or weekly briefings to security personnel and supervisors.
6. Responsible for ensuring that the day-to-day operations run smoothly.
7. If any area requires improvement, should develop an action plan and implement it as soon as possible.
8. Organize and provide mandatory training for all security personnel.
9. Collaborate closely with operational personnel, maintenance, security, cleaners, and outside contractors to ensure the business operation is smooth.
10. Always comply and adhere to all company policies and procedures
11. Ensuring that the highest standards are always achieved and maintained
12. Ensuring that all team members work well within any team.
13. Liaising with the clients and customers regularly.

In another world, the security manager job description is a list of duties that the manager must do in the future. As the department’s head, the security manager is accountable for all operations carried out by the entire security staff on a daily basis.