Valuable properties need to be protected from theft, fire, vandalism, and trespassers. It is the duty of guards, sometimes called security officers, to maintain the security of properties and prevent any of these damaging situations.
Guards have a variety of different duties depending on the type, size, and location of their employer. Most guards usually make their rounds on foot, but some who watch over larger properties may patrol by car or motor scooter. Very large organizations may have a managing security officer who oversees a guard force.
Some guards are responsible for the protection of records, merchandise, money, equipment, and, in museums and other public buildings, art and exhibits. Other guards must keep unauthorized people from going where they are not supposed to go; usually this is the case when the employer is trying to maintain the security of new products, computer codes, or defense secrets. At airports, railroad stations, and public events, guards must make sure that order is maintained and watch for people who might try to cause trouble. Guards are also needed to protect money and valuable items while they are being transported in armored cars. Bodyguards are hired to protect people who may be at risk of injury, kidnapping, or invasion of privacy.
Guards usually wear uniforms and carry nightsticks and sometimes guns. Other equipment they use for carrying out their duties are computers, flashlights, two-way radios, and watch clocks.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
Guards work throughout the country, but most work in urban areas. Organizations employing guards include security firms and guard agencies; banks; building management companies; hotels; hospitals; retail stores; restaurants and bars; schools, colleges, and universities; and federal, state, and local governments.
Guards work both indoors and outdoors. Those who work outdoors must carry out patrols in all types of weather. While the work is usually routine, guards may find themselves in dangerous situations when either they or the property they protect is threatened. Many guards have to work alone at night and have very little contact with people. They are also sometimes required to work weekends and holidays.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
There are very few formal requirements for becoming a guard. Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates, and some prefer to hire workers with experience in the military police or in local and state police departments. Some jobs require a driver's license.
Applicants should be honest and responsible and have good character references and good health. Employers check for police records and often require applicants to take polygraph and drug screening tests.
Guards who work for contract security agencies are required to be licensed or registered in most states. To become registered, they must be at least 18 years old; have no convictions for perjury or violence; pass an exam; and complete training in property rights, emergency procedures, and seizure of suspected criminals. Very few states have licensing requirements for in-house guards.
Training varies for guards. Most guards receive some training before they begin their jobs and then get more instruction on the job. Employers with very complex security systems may give more extensive formal training.
Potential and Advancement
There will be more competition for in-house positions because they usually offer higher pay, better benefits, and more opportunities for training and advancement.
Advancement for guards is limited. Some workers with guard experience take training and move on to police work. Guards with some college education may advance to jobs that involve administrative tasks or preventing espionage and sabotage. Some guards advance by owning their own contract security agencies.
Income
Earnings for guards vary by type of employer. In-house guards who are union members often earn more.
Additional sources of information
More information about employment as a guard can be obtained from local employers and the state employment service office. Registration and licensing information is offered by state licensing commissions or police departments.
