Security Guard
How to Become a Security Guard
Security Guard Job Details
Skills and Qualities of a Security Guard
Security Guard Salary
Influential Professionals in the Security Guard Field
Leading Organizations in this Field
Top Cities for Security Guard Jobs
Other Careers of Interest
How to become a Security Guard
While most positions for security guards do not typically require any specific educational requirements, most employers are more willing to hire applicants that have at least managed to attain a high school education. For positions in the gaming surveillance industry, educational attainment beyond high school is often necessary to be considered for the position. In addition, most states require that security guards are licensed.
On-the-job training is usually offered by employers prior to the start of the security guard's actual tasks. This training varies in amount and range, depending on various factors, such as whether or not the security guards in question are required to carry firearms. Since the employers can be held legally responsible for the actions of armed security guards, the training that they will receive is usually a lot more rigorous. Training for these positions may include courses in weapon retention as well as instruction in the laws that govern the use of force. Regular testing in firearms use is often required.
Most security guard jobs require the applicant to possess a driver's license. Employers also often give preference to armed security guards that have extensive experience in other fields, such as police or the armed forces.
On-the-job training is usually offered by employers prior to the start of the security guard's actual tasks. This training varies in amount and range, depending on various factors, such as whether or not the security guards in question are required to carry firearms. Since the employers can be held legally responsible for the actions of armed security guards, the training that they will receive is usually a lot more rigorous. Training for these positions may include courses in weapon retention as well as instruction in the laws that govern the use of force. Regular testing in firearms use is often required.
Most security guard jobs require the applicant to possess a driver's license. Employers also often give preference to armed security guards that have extensive experience in other fields, such as police or the armed forces.
What does a Security Guard do?
The most common tasks of security guards involve patrolling and inspecting property in order to protect them from various threats, such as fire, vandalism, theft, and other illegal activities. Security guards may also be called upon to enforce certain laws and prevent various forms of criminal activity. Common tools of the trade are radios and telephones, which they use to call police, fire, or emergency medical personnel, depending on the particular situation. Security guards are often required to prepare reports that detail everything that occurred during their shift. In some cases, security guards may have to serve as witnesses and even testify in court.
What skills or qualities do I need to become a Security Guard?
One of the most obvious character traits that a security guard must have is patience. The work can involve long hours of waiting-either walking in patrol or standing-often with nothing out of the ordinary happening. Of course, they should be prepared when something DOES happen, so vigilance, concentration, and focus are important. Security guards need to possess good judgment and common sense, be able to follow directions, have the capability to serve as witnesses in court cases, and adhere to company policies and guidelines. Emergencies require that security guards be able to take control of the situation and of other people, if necessary, as well as be able to lead others to safety if the situation calls for it.
While large organizations typically have a security force that is made up of several security officers in addition to a security manager who is in charge of overseeing all aspects of the operations, a smaller company may only have a single security guard on duty that is responsible for all security-related issues.
Security guards usually work eight-hour shifts or even longer and their total number of working hours may stretch up to 40 every week. In addition, they are typically expected to be on call and available in case any emergency situation comes up. Work hours can spill over into daytime, weekends, and even holidays. Anyone who is looking to become a security guard should also expect to have to eat on duty instead of taking regular meal breaks as other workers typically do.
While large organizations typically have a security force that is made up of several security officers in addition to a security manager who is in charge of overseeing all aspects of the operations, a smaller company may only have a single security guard on duty that is responsible for all security-related issues.
Security guards usually work eight-hour shifts or even longer and their total number of working hours may stretch up to 40 every week. In addition, they are typically expected to be on call and available in case any emergency situation comes up. Work hours can spill over into daytime, weekends, and even holidays. Anyone who is looking to become a security guard should also expect to have to eat on duty instead of taking regular meal breaks as other workers typically do.
How much does a Security Guard make?
The average salary made by security guards in 2006 was calculated at around $21,500. Of this group, the middle 50 percent made somewhere between $17,600 and $27,400. The lowest ten percent of those in the study made less than $15,000 with the highest ten percent making more than $35,800. You may find it useful to note that many security guards work on a part-time basis with several of them working in that field in order to supplement their main source of income.
Who are some influential professionals in this field?
Some of the more colorful figures in the security industry, interestingly enough, were security guards. Among them are Frank Wills, Christoph Meili, and Derrick Brun.
Frank Wills came to prominence as the security guard who was on duty during the now infamous Watergate burglary. This scandal eventually led to the resignation of then U.S. president, Richard M. Nixon.
Christoph Meili was employed as a night guard at a Swiss bank in 1997 when he came across an incident involving the destruction of bank records that pertained to funds which were meant for victims of the Holocaust.
Derrick Brun, for his part, was working in the Red Lake School District when he was killed during the massacre in 2005. Brun, who was unarmed at the time, was recognized by President Bush for his heroism during the incident.
Frank Wills came to prominence as the security guard who was on duty during the now infamous Watergate burglary. This scandal eventually led to the resignation of then U.S. president, Richard M. Nixon.
Christoph Meili was employed as a night guard at a Swiss bank in 1997 when he came across an incident involving the destruction of bank records that pertained to funds which were meant for victims of the Holocaust.
Derrick Brun, for his part, was working in the Red Lake School District when he was killed during the massacre in 2005. Brun, who was unarmed at the time, was recognized by President Bush for his heroism during the incident.
What are some leading organizations in this field?
Some of the most reputable companies in the security industry in the United States are The Wackenhut Corporation out of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; Allied Security, Inc. out of King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania; Akal Security Inc. based in Espanola, New Mexico; and Tri-S Security Corporation in Alpharetta, Georgia.
The Wackenhut Corporation provides a host of security services to both business and the government. The company is primarily involved in several businesses all over the world, including security and operational support as well as development and management of privatize correctional and detention facilities.
Allied Security offers various security services to clients all over the U.S. The company operates with the goal of being the best security service organization in the country.
The Wackenhut Corporation provides a host of security services to both business and the government. The company is primarily involved in several businesses all over the world, including security and operational support as well as development and management of privatize correctional and detention facilities.
Allied Security offers various security services to clients all over the U.S. The company operates with the goal of being the best security service organization in the country.
What are the top cities for Security Guard jobs?
There were more than one million jobs held by security guards and gaming officers in 2006. More than half of these involved investigation and security services, including both guard and armored car services. These jobs were typically held on a contractual basis with the guards assigned to designated areas. Some of the other places that employ security guards are educational institutions, hospitals, food establishments, hotels, department stores, manufacturing firms, buildings, and government institutions. While there is a need for security guards almost everywhere, the majority of jobs can be found in urban centers.
Miami, Florida currently has the most number of jobs for security guards with Houston and Ft. Worth, Texas; New York, Washington; Charlotte, North Carolina Louisville, Kentucky; Los Angeles, California; and Phoenix, Arizona coming in next. Numerous employment opportunities can also be found in Alexandria, Virginia; Springfield, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; San Diego, California; Tacoma, Washington; Lafayette, Louisiana; and Syracuse, New York.
Miami, Florida currently has the most number of jobs for security guards with Houston and Ft. Worth, Texas; New York, Washington; Charlotte, North Carolina Louisville, Kentucky; Los Angeles, California; and Phoenix, Arizona coming in next. Numerous employment opportunities can also be found in Alexandria, Virginia; Springfield, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; San Diego, California; Tacoma, Washington; Lafayette, Louisiana; and Syracuse, New York.
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