Introduction to the security industry: roles, settings and professionalism

The role in one sentence

A security guard protects people, property and information. Most of the time this means to observe, deter, record and report - physical intervention is the exception, not the rule.

What guards actually do

• Protect premises and property against natural and human threats (fire, flood, theft, vandalism, intrusion).
• Prevent, detect and respond appropriately to criminal or quasi-criminal acts on the client's property.
• Control access - gates, entrances, visitor logs, passes, bag inspections where authorized.
• Patrol on foot or by vehicle, or watch from a fixed post or camera room.
• Assist in emergencies - direct firefighters, help evacuate, provide first aid, protect a scene until police arrive.
• Control or restore order to crowds on private property.
• Spot and report safety hazards.
• Interact with police and the courts - write reports, give statements and testify.