Baltimore Security is the point of contact in emergencies. They can provide valuable information to fire and law enforcement authorities.

They can warn and detain individuals who break the rules if they reasonably suspect illegal activity. However, they cannot search a person without their consent.

For many people, encountering a security guard can feel intimidating. Just how much power do they have?

Monitoring

A security guard must have keen situational awareness to respond quickly and effectively to a security issue. This means that they need to constantly monitor their surroundings, identify potential threats, and relay this information to their team. To do this, security guards are trained to use their communication skills.

This includes a clear and concise language that communicates important details, such as the location of an incident or any individuals involved. It also involves a strong emphasis on non-verbal communication, such as maintaining eye contact and open gestures, to convey confidence and reassurance. This can help defuse tensions in emergency situations.

Communication also involves active listening, which is a key skill for security guards to have. By listening attentively to clients and visitors, they can better understand any concerns or suggestions. This feedback is invaluable, as it can inform future security measures to prevent similar incidents.

Security guards are also required to provide detailed and accurate incident reports at the end of their shift. This is to ensure that any security incidents are documented accurately, which can help in investigations or legal proceedings. In addition, it is vital for ensuring the safety of future employees and clients.

Finally, security guards are often required to interact with law enforcement in case of an emergency. This requires the ability to clearly and succinctly explain any incidents that have occurred during the shift, so that the responding agency can respond appropriately.

While this may seem like a lot, a security guard’s training can prepare them for all of these tasks. They will be taught how to react in a variety of situations, and they will practice their communication skills in simulated emergency scenarios. Additionally, they will be trained in communication protocols, which are standard operating procedures for specific scenarios. They will also be trained in stress management techniques, which helps them remain calm and composed in high-stress situations.

Security guards are an integral part of the communities they protect, whether as a friendly face or quick-thinking hero in emergencies. Keeping up with their training and communication skills allows them to connect with their communities, and make people feel safe and secure.

Patrolling

Patrolling is one of the main security guard duties. They usually go to a specific area of your business, workplace, or home on a regular basis to examine the surroundings. The hope is that their mere presence is enough of a deterrent to prevent unwanted activity from occurring, and they report any suspicious behavior they notice. Security guards are usually not expected to exercise independent judgment during this stage of their job, as they will be following the details outlined in the security management plan.

Security guards may also be asked to do safety checks, such as locking doors and ensuring alarm systems are working. This is a vital part of their job, as it ensures that everyone is able to exit the building in the event of an emergency and that fire exits are not blocked. Some security guards are also tasked with contacting police or fire departments in cases of emergency.

Some security guards are trained to use weapons, such as a nightstick or taser, if necessary to deter or interrupt criminal activity. This is generally only done when the situation warrants it, and the security guard must follow all laws in doing so. A lot of the time, however, guards do not need to use their weapons. This is especially true for a company like Amazon, which does not require its security guards to be armed at all.

It’s important for a security guard to have excellent attention to detail. They must be able to detect any potential risks or security threats quickly and efficiently. This is often why it is important for them to have strong communication skills, as they will need to be able to relay any incidents or issues to others.

Many security guards are required to complete extensive training courses. This is because they need to be familiar with the equipment they will be using in their jobs, such as CCTV cameras, security sensors, alarms, and other tools of the trade. They must be able to troubleshoot and repair any problems they encounter with this equipment. In addition to this, a security guard should be prepared for any type of scenario that may occur during their shifts, including customer service, de-escalating uncooperative customers, and coordinating with local law enforcement.

Deterrent

Many security guards are portrayed as stoic figures who sport a serious face, but their job requires more than just muscle and authority. Effective communication is crucial for a security guard to perform at their best and create a safe environment.

To help security guards effectively communicate with the public, top security companies train their staff on de-escalation techniques and other key skills. These training sessions include role-playing scenarios and hands-on practice of real-life situations. They also cover legal topics such as liability issues, trespass laws, and the rights of individuals. They also encourage cultural sensitivity to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to discriminatory behaviors or inappropriate actions.

Training also teaches security guards how to read body language. This is important because people often say more with their non-verbal gestures than they do with their words. Guards learn how to interpret this body language to assess a situation and determine whether it’s an emergency or just a minor conflict that can be resolved peacefully.

Guards are taught to use clear and calm speech when addressing people. They also learn that raising their voice or using aggressive language will only escalate a situation. They are taught to remain composed and treat each person with respect, even when confronted by a hostile individual. It’s also important for them to offer alternatives and make non-confrontational suggestions that can defuse a situation. Guards are also taught to avoid aggressive body movements like crossing their arms or looking at a person with a suspicious expression. They are also encouraged to use hand gestures cautiously and only when necessary.

If a security guard’s personal safety or the safety of others is threatened, they should not hesitate to involve higher authorities. They should be able to explain the situation calmly and clearly so that everyone understands what is happening. They must also be able to describe the actions of an individual and provide any evidence that may be required for a police report.

In addition to specialized training, security guards should engage in regular self-improvement activities to continuously improve their communication skills. This includes practising active listening during everyday interactions, articulating thoughts clearly and concisely, seeking feedback from colleagues or supervisors, and reading about communication strategies and industry trends. This self-improvement is vital in a field that constantly evolves, and a security guard who is unable to adapt quickly will be ill-equipped to meet the challenges of their role.

Communication

Security guards must have strong communication skills, especially when working with the public. They may be called on to answer questions or address concerns regarding security issues, and their ability to communicate effectively can help them defuse potentially tense situations.

They also need to be able to follow instructions when communicating with other security professionals, law enforcement or other emergency personnel. Depending on their job description, they can be expected to collaborate with these individuals and provide them with information about any events that occurred on the property they are protecting.

In addition, a Security Guard can be expected to be highly familiar with the laws and regulations related to security work. They will be required to adhere to these rules, and they may also participate in drills and other training sessions to ensure that they are prepared for any incidents that occur on the property they are protecting.

Although a Security Guard may not be legally able to make an arrest, they can ask people to leave a certain area or detain them for trespassing. However, the detention must be short and reasonable. Security guards are hired to protect a specific location, so they must have the ability to identify when something is out of the ordinary, such as a threatening gesture or suspicious sound.

Guards also need to be able to quickly assess a situation and decide on the best course of action. This includes the use of force if necessary, as well as other methods of de-escalation. They can also be required to monitor access control systems for unauthorized individuals, check credentials, interview witnesses and testify in court proceedings related to the crime or incident that they are investigating.

While they do not have the legal authority to act as police officers, Security Guards can be a valuable resource for businesses when it comes to keeping their property safe. By using technology like Deep Sentinel’s camera monitoring services, Security Guards can be even more effective at detecting and deterring crime. They can be a strong partner for business owners, police and fire departments in reducing the risk of crime, vandalism or other emergencies.