As a security guard, many skills are needed to do your job efficiently and effectively, but many people need to realize the range of skills involved. In this blog, we’ll explore all the various skills you need to know to succeed in the security game!
From communication and problem-solving to physical dexterity and mental sharpness – learn what it takes to protect others and keep them safe. So grab your coffee, sit back, and let’s dive in!
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Physical dexterity
- Mental sharpness
Introduction
Security guards
This guide will provide an overview of the critical skills necessary for any successful security guard:
- Physical Fitness – Security guards must be physically fit and able to respond quickly to any situation.
- Observation Skills – Security guards must be able to observe their surroundings and identify potential threats.
- Communication Skills – Security guards must effectively communicate with other staff members, customers, and law enforcement.
- Problem-Solving Skills – Security guards must be able to remain calm in stressful situations and be able to think quickly to resolve any issues.
- Specialized Knowledge – Security guards must be knowledgeable about relevant laws and regulations.
Physical Attributes
Physical attributes are advantageous to security guards, as the job requires strength and agility to protect people and property and prevent theft or other criminal activity. Security guards must be in good physical condition, as they may be required to move quickly and stand for long periods. Being able to run after suspects or address an active situation is particularly important for security guards. Moreover, having endurance is essential, as the job consists of a workload that often comes with extended hours.
Good eyesight and ears are necessary tools for the job, as guards need to keep an eye out for suspicious activity and be able to overhear conversations among their guests or colleagues.
Communication Skills
Above all, a security guard must have a good command of various forms of communication. The ability to respond quickly and effectively in any situation enables the security guard to identify and interpret potentially hazardous scenarios and anticipate risks. This is a crucial responsibility for security personnel and requires excellent verbal, written, and active listening skills.
Security guards must be able to quickly explain instructions or warnings to individuals on-site and compose detailed observation reports that accurately capture noteworthy events.
Security guards must also be adept at understanding the verbal cues given by potential troublemakers to assess any potential threats more accurately. Actively engaging with customers, employees, and other members of the public is another essential part of maintaining on-site security. Guard personnel need strong people skills to adequately perform their monitoring duties and expertly respond to inquiries or complaints from visitors or staff members with due tact and diplomacy.
Observation Skills
Security guards need to have excellent observation skills to monitor their environment effectively. They must be able to identify potential threats, suspicious behavior, and any potential security procedures breaches. This requires a great deal of concentration and the ability to recognize patterns. Security guards must remain alert while on duty, paying attention to the minor details within their environment. They also should be aware of all entrances and exits into the area they are guarding.
Additionally, security guards should utilize observational techniques such as scanning the area regularly and looking out for tell-tale signs such as unusual activity or objects that appear out of place. They should be prepared to take note of anything that seems abnormal or dangerous to alert personnel and take preventive action if necessary. Security guards must also be responsible for recording any unusual activity or details about possible suspects that may help solve future problems.
Conflict Resolution Skills
Security guards must possess strong conflict resolution skills to defuse situations that can lead to physical confrontations. During constantly changing and unpredictable conditions, security guards must be able to think and react quickly. Conflict resolution involves recognizing the signs of a potential confrontation before it occurs, assessing the severity of the situation, and then taking appropriate action.
Security guards should maintain a professional demeanor at all times and control their own emotions when trying to address clashes between others. At all times, they must be aware of their safety and that of those they protect. Good conflict resolution skills also include negotiating with those involved to reach an equitable agreement between them and prevent further aggression from occurring.
For security guards to possess effective conflict resolution skills, they must be well-versed in proper communication techniques such as active listening, accurately interpreting body language, reading facial expressions and verbal cues in a way that doesn’t escalate the situation any further. In addition, having a good understanding of de-escalation tactics is beneficial in allowing them to calm down heightened emotional states and keep disagreements from getting out of hand. Security guards should also have good problem-solving skills to intelligently tackle complex scenarios involving multiple perspectives or points of view. In short, ensuring security guards have strong enough conflict resolution skills is vital in ensuring the safety and well-being of those they protect.
Self-Defense Training
Effective security guards must have a strong command of self-defense techniques. Depending on the nature of their job, they may need to be proficient in defensive and counter-attack tactics. In some cases, they must also carry out arrests and detain suspects; thus, they must understand and use defensive positions that allow them to gain control while minimizing their risk of injury.
Self-defense classes or martial arts lessons can help refine the necessary physical skills and teach security guards how to identify potential threats before they happen. Additionally, many employers require their security guards to receive Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training, which provides valuable lifesaving methods for areas with active shooters or other situations that require quick responses from trained personnel.
Technology Skills
Security guards today often work in areas including public and private facilities, gated communities, and school campuses that may require an array of sophisticated technology. As such, security guards are expected to be able to use modern security equipment like cameras, computers, and alarm systems. Security guards must also have a fundamental knowledge of computer networks and basic software programs like MS Office, web browsers, or database applications.
For larger installations, technology may include biometric recognition systems that use facial recognition or fingerprinting technology to detect security threats. Surveillance technologies such as Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) also operate complex video surveillance technologies with associated workstations linked to a central control screen. Security guards must have the skills necessary to operate these advanced systems effectively.
Additionally, communication is key regarding quick reaction times in a security situation. Therefore an effective security guard should demonstrate strong verbal communication and be proficient in responding quickly via two-way radios or cell phone communications if needed.
Licensing Requirements
Security guard licensing requirements vary by country and jurisdiction, but most security guards must apply for and obtain a license or permit to work legally. In the United States, there are typically five types of licensing requirements:
- Basic Requirements – These include having a valid work permit and completing any necessary background checks. Additional training may be required depending on the security job you are applying for.
- Public Security Guard Licensing – This covers all security jobs in public places such as malls, schools, hotels, office buildings, and other public spaces. Guards working in these places must pass background checks and other applicable tests. Depending on the state and type of role, specific training may also be required, such as weapons proficiency or customer service experience.
- Private Security Officer Licensing – Private security guards need a permit from the agency where they will be employed. This includes individuals working in casinos, banks, apartment complexes, or other private sector roles requiring special authorization beyond basic qualifications.
- Security Contractor Licensing – Security contractors must obtain an individual license through their employer before starting a job site. This permits them to perform specific duties included in their contract independent of the company that hired them.
- Consultant Licensing – Consultants with specialized areas of expertise may apply for licenses to help with security management plans or conduct risk assessments at client locations based upon industry standards set by relevant legal bodies such as government departments or law enforcement agencies.