Qualities Of A Security Guard:

Character

Security Guards should be honest, courageous, alert, well disciplined and loyal. Because guards are the custodians of company and customer property, the need for honesty is absolute. Failure to prevent damage or theft of property, acceptance of bribes or gratuities, or permitting the violation of company rules could be cause for immediate dismissal.

Continued alertness is essential and might mean the difference between life and death. Some duties such as patrols tend to become monotonous over time because of their routine nature. However because the very nature of these routines is to protect personnel and facilities, which may involve danger, Guards must be constantly alert for their own protection as well as the protection of those around them.

Prompt obedience and proper execution of all orders given by superiors is always necessary. Regulations usually specify that a guard must never leave their post until relieved by another officer or ordered to do so. Guards must not allow personal feeling and preferences affect or influence their job performance. Guards must be loyal to the job, the Security Industry, and their respective companies. All decisions must be based on what is best for the organization. The guard must be able to be trusted with confidential information.

Attitude

Because the Guard is often the first contact a visitor or employee has with the organization, the manner in which the employee or visitor is greeted may greatly affect that person’s perceptions of the company. Three important factors relate to attitude:

• Courtesy
• Restraint
• Interest

Courtesy is the expression of consideration for others. It eliminates friction and makes personal interactions pleasant. By demonstrating courtesy for others, the Security Guard can obtain the cooperation of everyone, an essential tool in carrying out their duties. While answering questions, giving directions and even enforcing rules or traffic regulations guards must remain courteous. A firm attitude does not require belligerence. Repeated questions by visitors or employees, even when such questions appear ridiculous, should be met with a courteous response delivered in a pleasant manner.

Guards are to act without haste or undue emotion, not to use abusive language, not to argue with anyone and to avoid using force if at all possible. A calm dignified bearing engenders respect and will usually be more effective than a belligerent attitude. Differences in opinion on politics, religion, and society should not be discussed while on duty. Tolerance for the opinion of others must always be considered. Guards must perform their duties without assuming a threatening attitude.  A Guard must also be interested in their job, and find some level of satisfaction within it. Unless the guard can find some reward in what they are doing, their attitude towards dealing with the public and other employees may become poor.

Duties of a Security Guard

Individuals are required to have a Security Guard licence if they perform work, for remuneration, that consists primarily of protecting persons or property. This includes but is not limited to bodyguards, bouncers, Loss Prevention Personnel, Mobile Patrol Guard, Event Security, and Hospital Security. You could be part of a Corporate Security detail or Armoured Car Service, or a Concierge at an upscale Condominium.

Each of these roles requires the individual to be able to work in different types of environments and with all kinds of people. In all cases, effective guards will deliver excellent customer service, be knowledgeable in their duties, and skillful in their application of the law.

Deliver Excellent Customer Service. This includes being honest, polite, interested, helpful, friendly, accountable, knowledgeable, quick, intelligent, accurate, and respectful. Guards will act in a manner that puts people at ease and our customers know that we are there to help them. They should be quick problem solvers and know the proper course of action for any situations at their particular post or duty.

Through their words and actions, guards should show respect and courtesy to all of those around them, including any subject or individual with whom you are directing, instructing, or advising on any course of action. During the enforcing of their duties, all guards will remain polite and friendly.

Your communication skills are going to be one of your biggest assets in your job. The ability to speak clearly so that others understand is a must. The awareness of coping mechanisms for stressful situations, for yourself and others, is critical, as you will be called in to mediate disputes. Pay attention to all forms of communication, verbal (voice) and somatic (body language).

Values of good service

The values of good service are the things that make a difference in the level of service and enjoyment of the customers. These values are the same across the service industry. These basics are what the customers and patrons are most sensitive to, as this is what makes a difference in how they are treated and how they associate value to the product.

Imagine going out to eat at an up-scale restaurant. What would you expect from the waiter or service staff in terms of service, assuming they are going to receive a BIG tip?  What would you expect from the food (product) given the large expense?

Imagine staying at one of the top-line hotels for an evening. How would you expect to be treated? What would your expectations be from things such as room condition? Lounge area? Staff personality or attitude?

When going into a clothing store, do you respond to pushy, high-pressure sales staff? Or do you prefer someone who takes the time to listen to what you are looking for, and offers direction and information based on your choices? One is there just for their commission; the other is genuinely interested in helping you. Who would you prefer?

Considering these aspects will help you identify what kinds of attributes create good service quality. It is how we choose to deliver these things that set us apart from others. As a Security Guard you are expected to excel in delivery of these key areas. Consider the above examples again; what kinds of words or attributes would you associate with professional, high quality, expensive and high performance service from the restaurant, and the hotel?

Would you use words such as efficient, clean, nice, intelligent, on-the-ball, courteous, pleasant, friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, fast, and grateful?

Would you like to be served by someone who is moody, irritable, opinionated, angry, upset, muttering to themselves about co-workers, unpredictable, intense, and waving their arms about unnecessarily?

Think about it. Be aware of how you are interacting in the environment.

Be Knowledgeable of their duties. This includes knowing, without having to reference, any company policy and procedure as well as site specific policy and procedures and all relevant guidelines and operational orders or any other directions you may need to follow.  It includes your boundaries in the limits of your duties as a Security Guard according to the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005, and knowing how to respond in a lawful and ethical manner to any situation you may encounter during your duties.

Be Skillful in the application of the law. This includes knowing and obeying the law, post orders, and company policies. Knowing the roles that; the Security Guard, the general public or everyday citizen, and Peace Officer plays in keeping our communities safe. Each has a level of responsibility and ability to act according to their knowledge and position.

As Security Guards, our responsibility is to help protect the general public by acting as professional witnesses to the Peace Officers and Police Officers. As such, we must make sure that our actions always remain within the acceptable boundaries of the Security Guard and follow the laws that allow you to do your job, including knowing when  to call the Police to take over the situation if it escalates beyond the scope of your capabilities.

Think about what you are doing, and how you are doing it. Try to remove yourself from the moment, and imagine how your actions appear to others around you. How would a professional officer respond? Are your actions congruent with the mental image? Are you an officer, or just someone in a uniform?

In responding and assisting, avoid drawing unnecessary attention to the situation. Creating positive witnesses is important, but you must avoid creating negative witnesses as well. We don’t want the public to be stopping to stare at what you are doing, as they would when they drive by a car crash. People like to look, everyone is curious; therefore you need to be completely professional at all times. Simple awareness translates into improved job performance.

Here is a brief outline of the role that a Security Guard performs. Greater detail of these roles will be discussed throughout the course.

• Customer Service Representative
• Patrolling Sites
• Loss Prevention Personnel
• Providing assistance in securing buildings
• Enforcement of Rules and Regulations
• Conflict Management
• Acting as Liaison to Emergency Services
• Report Writing

It is important that all these duties be carried out in a competent manner and are done so within the rules and regulations of the Private Security and Investigative Services Act of Ontario, which will be set out later in this course. This Act and other Acts which affect Security Guards will be outlined later in the course. It must also be noted that one of the greatest criticisms of Security Guards is acting as if they are Police. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. A Security Guard is not a Police Officer in any regard. Security has clearly defined legislation to allow some enforcement of some laws; however they do not have the same powers, responsibilities, or duties as Police Officers.

As a Security Guard it is important to have an understanding of the laws that govern the security industry and those laws which a Guard is authorized to enforce. This law affects the guard’s powers’ of arrest and limits their actions. The law is set out not only to protect people in society from crimes, but it is also meant to protect those who enforce the laws and those who break the laws. It must be remembered that all persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Although this has become somewhat of a cliché, it is a fundamental aspect of the way the law works in Ontario, and must be respected by anyone active in any way in law enforcement. Even if a guard sees the criminal act take place, such as shoplifting or trespassing, one must remember that everyone is entitled to their day in court.

Professionalism, Public Relations, and Personal Image

This area is easily one of the most important aspects to be aware of and improve on during your working time at the site. Everything from how you interact with people to how you carry yourself, from your unconscious body language to your posture and attitude. Everyone you meet is quietly taking note of how you carry yourself. Everyone you meet is also a client- you are constantly being evaluated by the people who pay for your service. This can be both good and bad. If you are aware of your words and actions, then you can use this to propel yourself and career to new heights and be recognized for your efforts. This also means however, that small slips and even minor mistakes and oversights could land you at another job site very quickly.

So how do we improve on our self-image? How do we ensure that we are putting our best foot forward? How would you want to be seen and remembered by the people who finance your paycheque? Through careful attention to your: Body Language & Mannerisms, Uniform, Vocabulary & Speech Patterns, and Personal Hygiene.

1. Body Language & Mannerisms
2. Vocabulary and Speech patterns
3. Personal Hygiene
4. Uniform

Body Language & Mannerisms

Your body language conveys a stronger message about yourself than perhaps any other observable method, except maybe fashion and clothing style. Before you even get a chance to speak to your subject, they already have an opinion of what they perceive, who you are and how you will treat them. Combine this with the first few words or sentences you speak and this forms the basis of the first impression. Studies have shown that first impressions are formed within the very few initial seconds of meeting someone and those impressions rarely change over time. Stereotypes play a part of this initial judgment, as do past experiences with people in similar trades, lines of work, or fashion groups. Personal experience and perceived image of the individual are filters through which all the rest of the interactions will now be subject. It is vital that you not only create a good first impression, but that you foster a positive mental image of your position, company, fashion style, and personality to help change the stereotype that you fit into. In future encounters, you want to encourage everyone you meet to see others in your position, in the same manner that you wish to be treated.

So, what are some things we can do to create a positive first impression? How can you ensure your body language is presenting you in the best light? Here are some things to consider when presenting yourself.

• Posture: Are you slouching? Sit and stand with your shoulders back and relaxed. Think touching your shoulder blades together and have your back straight
• Eye line: Relax your eyes and avoid squinting. Look at people in the eyes when speaking with them.
• Head position: don’t tilt your head, or look to the floor. Your head directs the rest of your posture, keep it up. Look at the horizon when moving.
• Gait: Walk in a relaxed manner. Take comfortable steps, with sure and firm footing. Take your time, relax your stride. Walk with confidence.
• Tension: Relax. People can tell when you are tense. Whether it’s due to stress or effort, you don’t want to have your muscles flexed and hindering your natural movement patterns when at work.

The second part of body language is how you are speaking to people and what types of movements you use. Your subconscious habits should not put people off, or be distracting. Consider the following few points.

• Do you use your hands when explaining something?
• When you get excited or nervous, do you tend to move quicker?
• Have you ever felt frozen on the spot before? Why? What happened to create this?
• Do you have any repetitive habits or actions? (e.g.- biting nails when nervous)
• Are you animated or are you subdued?
• Do you have any facial expressions that you use often? Do your emotions show in your face and eyes? How is your poker face?
• Are you able to project your emotions? (Do others quickly feel the same as you? E.g.- when you’re angry, it seems that everyone around you becomes angry too)

You can most likely come up with many more personal observations. Think about what you tend to do. Not all of these things are necessarily bad, as long as we know about them and can keep them in check. Once you get comfortable with them, some of your mannerisms can be used to create understanding, or a welcoming environment. You can help others relax by projecting a calm and patient demeanor through your body language. On a very basic level, remember that all animals communicate through body language, and to some degree, reading the ways people move is hard-wired into our brains through evolution. Its unavoidable, so control it and use it to your advantage.

Vocabulary and Speech patterns

For correct communication, the art of listening and speaking properly are greatly undervalued. The words you use, and how you use them make a big difference on how people will treat you and how they interpret your point of view.

While listening to a complaint, or customer, you need to be fully in the moment and not thinking ahead, or readying a prepared answer. Just listen, wholly, to the argument presented. Things such as eye contact, your posture and body language, being able to stand still and not be distracting with your attitude or mannerisms (fidgeting), will carry across to the customer that you are there to listen to them, and help them if you can.

When speaking with others, try to mimic the type and sophistication level of language that they use. Use the same descriptive words that they are using. The idea is not to copy what they are saying, but to attempt to relate to their level of education and upbringing through the kind of language you are using, this is called Empathetic Communication. Using characteristics such as similar vocabulary, keeping a calm and pleasant tone of voice, allowing time for the listener to fully comprehend what is being said, speaking slowly so as not to be racing through your thought process, and taking your time to explain things fully, are going to ensure that you are understood.

Your voice will also affect how others see and interpret your actions. Speak calmly, and forcibly if need be, but always politely with the intent of assisting those you are helping. You should be easy to recognize as an officer, taking care in your appearance and posture, equipment and conduct.

Speak slowly. When we are nervous, hurried, or multi-tasking, sometimes there is a tendency to speak more quickly. Relax, and take a breath. Always be polite. Adding the ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’ will go a long way. Even if you have to be forceful in your speech, you can still be polite.

Always be aware of how and who you are speaking to. You must have just cause to interact with the individuals and your interactions must be appropriate for the time and place of business. Even while resolving a problem issue, you are still observed by those around you, and must ensure that your level of service is still observed as professional.

All your interactions should be at the same level of service, no matter whom you are helping. Keep in mind these values of good service as you go about your job; be polite, courteous, respectful, knowledgeable, efficient, helpful, friendly, and authoritative.

Personal Hygiene

Your personal appearance and hygiene are very important. We wish to be seen as professional and knowledgeable. Keep your uniform washed, clean, and pressed in neat order. Your shoes should be polished and equipment in order. Duty belts should not be overloaded with items. Some items you may carry are: medical gloves, tactical gloves, keeper or key-ring, and flashlight and holder.

These things make a difference on how people will treat you, as well as how they perceive your words and actions. You should be seen as a professional. Other professionals keep themselves neat and clean looking. No one wants a lawyer, surgeon, or Police Officer who has an odor problem, or who doesn’t comb and wash their hair.

Uniform

Your uniform should be pressed and complete. If a tie is to be worn, then wear it. Shoes or boots must be polished. Your jacket should be clean and free from dust and debris. All proper identification must be displayed. Make sure you air out your uniform every day. Do not keep it in a closed gym bag or knapsack if transporting it from home to site. Do not keep it locked in a locker for too long, without bringing it out for washing. Read your company’s employee handbook or uniform policy and follow it. Some important things to remember are:

• All guards will make sure that they have a clean and properly pressed uniform for each shift. Each guard is responsible for the care of their uniform and to make sure that all proper equipment is worn during each work shift.
• All guards are not permitted to wear any identifiable uniform or equipment part when off duty in any public place. No unauthorized equipment such as batons, handcuffs, pepper spray, and scanners are to be worn or used without proper authorization.
• Guards may not consume alcohol while on duty or while wearing any part of the uniform. Smoking and chewing gum while in uniform and/or on duty is not permitted.
• Guards should not partake in horseplay, practical joking and fraternizing while on duty. A military bearing should be encouraged. Guards should not lounge, slouch, or have their hands in their pockets during work shifts.

Guidelines for Proper Conduct and Deportment

The simple appearance of a guard is often insufficient as judgments are often made based on levels of communication, proper conduct, and professional deportment. Guards should be mindful of the following with respect to their behavior:

Dignified and confident. An important part of every Security Guard’s duty is to perform with confidence and dignity. By carrying out all aspects of the job with dignity, the Security Guard will command the respect of the people around them. Confidence can assist the Security Guard in performing their duties by silently reinforcing the authority that has been given to the Security Guard. An attitude of confidence tends to spread to the people who come into contact with the Guard during their duties. This feeling of reassurance is invaluable in dealing with emergency situations and goes a long way to resolving difficult interpersonal interactions. By dealing with the public with an attitude of respectful self-confidence, problems can be resolved quickly and cooperation from the public is more easily attained.

Calm and composed. In emergency or crisis situations, the Security Guard will be looked to as a person who should handle the situation. By accepting this role, the Security Guard also accepts the responsibility to remain calm and composed and to act efficiently to assist emergency services personnel in the swift resolution of the crisis. If the Security Guard loses their composure in a crisis situation then it will only add to the level of panic that is already present in the crowd. In any situation, the Security Guard must react quickly and handle the situation to the best of their capabilities. If the situation calls for an evacuation, then the Security Guard must direct patrons to the nearest safe exit point. By doing this in a calm relaxed manner, the guard will avoid mass confusion by giving the impression that the situation is under control. This will allow the evacuation to take place with maximum efficiency, which in some situations, could save lives. If a person is seriously injured, by remaining composed the Security Guard will be able to respond smoothly, reassure the public and get the help that any individual may require.

Tactful and considerate. A Security Guard is employed to protect the interests of the property owner; however the everyday citizen often assumes that the guard is there to protect the interests of the general public. This perception does not limit the guard’s ability to do their job. Public support can often be one of the guards’ most valuable assets. In order to carry out the orders of the security job, a guard must have the respect of the people on the site. This attitude of respect and consideration is especially important in dealing with individuals who may be intoxicated or otherwise incapacitated.

Confrontational individuals may not be accustomed to being treated with respect and dignity. This can work in a guard’s advantage in dealing with a difficult situation. Kindness, consideration, and tact should always be the first method of approach with any individual. No matter what their situation, human beings respond best to those who allow them to keep their dignity. Those who are not accustomed to being treated with consideration and respect often respond to tact and kindness more positively than those who receive these pleasantries all the time. An attitude of consideration and tact can help the guard to accomplish the duties of their job more easily than one of disregard or contempt. Treat all individuals you encounter as you would like to be treated. As you do not know all the details of their story, it is always wisest to assume the best about people. Drunk or disorderly persons are still in full possession of all their human rights under Canadian Law, and therefore deserve to be treated as such.

Exercise restraint. Restraint is an important factor when dealing with difficult or angry people. The Security Guard should act without haste or undue emotion. Abusive language, arguing, or force should be avoided in all situations if possible. Difficult and angry people may raise their voice, shout, yell, or they may even be verbally abusive. Actions such as these will add to the frustration of dealing with the situation. If the Security Guard uses restraint in dealing with the situation it will work to the benefit of the Security Guard if the person files a complaint with the company or individuals in charge of the site. Restraint is an attitude that must be stressed as it can assist in making the best of bad situations.

Maintain proper physical stance. While the Security Guard is stationed at their post or on patrol, they must maintain a proper physical stance to show the public that they are alert, interested and proud of their job. By slouching, leaning, or squatting the Security Guard conveys disinterest in their assignment. It also tells the public that the guard would rather be somewhere else, or doing something different. There will be times when a guard is stationed alone at a post for long periods of time with nothing happening around them. Even when there is nothing apparent, all guards should always maintain a proper physical stance in anticipation of a requirement to respond. This, if nothing else, will convey a positive personal image of the guard and his/her personal standards of performance, as well as show respect for the Client, Security Industry, and the Security Company. It gives the public a positive image of what it means to be a guard. A Security Guard is not permitted to smoke, chew gum, or eat while on duty. Security Guards should not lounge, slouch, or have their hands in their pockets while on duty. The consumption of alcohol during, or immediately before a shift, is expressly forbidden. Use of alcohol or narcotics either before or during a shift is cause for immediate dismissal.

Walk smartly and with purpose. When the Security Guard is on patrol or commuting between two areas of the site, they should do so with purpose. The guard should never drag their feet on the ground or walk with a relaxed posture. These factors add to the overall view of the Security Guard and the client. By walking with purpose the guard shows interest in the duties that they are performing. This image can add to the respect shown by patrons of the site.

Maintain the work post (clean and tidy). Maintaining a clean work post is important in the completion of the Security Guard’s duties. Everything at the post should have a place. There should be no clutter. Organization not only helps the guard on shift, but it also helps those relieving them. Shift Reports must be stored in chronological order to ensure accuracy and ease of finding necessary information. Shift reports are often stored in binders and these binders and reports are often stored at the particular site. The binders or file cabinets should have a label of the date range of all reports contained therein.

When working at a fixed post, there will be necessary paperwork at the site. This paperwork must be maintained according to post orders. The client must be able to access the information without having to search for it. In order to save time, ensure that all paperwork is filed properly and can be easily retrieved. A messy post does not contribute to the positive image of the Security Guard or the company. By maintaining a high level of professionalism and keeping the work area clean, neat and tidy, the guard can inspire confidence in their clients and co-workers.

Present positive personal attitudes/modes of behavior. Maintain a positive attitude. Attitudes are surprisingly contagious. It takes only one person with a negative attitude to affect those around them. Guards should perform their duties without assuming a threatening attitude as well. They should be impersonal in carrying out their duties at all times. Attitude can be compared to our ‘mood’ and it is within each one of us to choose our attitude consciously each day.

The Security Guard must also give the impression of being interested in their job. Interest and satisfaction in your work affects your attitude towards the public and in turn affects the public’s attitude towards you. Security Guards must give their full attention to their work.  Therefore, activities such as reading, listening to music, playing hand-held video games, surfing the web or any other distraction or activity that falls outside of the guards duties are not permitted.

Security Guards must be alert at all times. There is no time for sleeping while on duty. Horseplay, practical joking, and fraternizing while on duty will reduce the guard’s effectiveness. A professional and responsible work environment must be maintained at all times.

Guidelines For Discipline And Integrity

Since Security Guards are uniformed professionals, it is essential for the guard to act in a disciplined manner and reflect client needs, the values of the company they represent, and standards set out by the security industry. To effectively accomplish this, guards must keep the following in mind:

Obey rules, orders and the law. A Security Guard’s job is to enforce rules and regulations at the site where they are posted. Alongside these responsibilities, the Security Guard will be closely watched by the public, as well as colleagues and supervisors.  Infringements on rules and regulations will be looked for. Therefore, it is important that the guard follow each of the rules set out by the company, the Private Security and Investigative Services Act, as well as the Criminal Code of Canada. The Security Guard must follow the guidelines of the law. This will avoid any prosecution against the Security Guard.

Set an example. The Security Guard has been placed in a position of authority. In this role, it is important to set an example while carrying out your assignments. This can be done with little effort and quite easily by the guard. By performing their duties with interest, the guard will take pride in what they do and show that they are not just here for a paycheque.  Confidence is important while carrying out their duties, as it reinforces the pride in the work that they are performing. Respect is not only an important factor in setting an example; it is also a good practice to use in everything that the Security Guard does. If you convey respect for all the individuals at the site, then they will have respect for the guards.

Be reliable and punctual. Reliability and punctuality are characteristics that can make or break the positive image of the Security Guard. It is advisable to be at the site fifteen minutes before the start of the guard’s shift. This is advisable so that the Security Guard can be properly briefed on the events that occurred during the previous shift. It also gives the Security Guard time to be fully prepared for the shift and ensures that the guard being relieved can leave promptly at the end of their shift. If the Security Guard is going to be late due to unforeseen circumstances then they must give the dispatcher enough time to inform the guard already on shift. Punctuality enhances reliability. By being punctual, the guard shows the client that they are reliable. Being reliable and punctual reflects well on a guard’s performance and will be reflected in a positive performance evaluation.

Get the job done. When performing duties on site, the guard should attend to them as soon as possible. Procrastination will lead to tasks being left uncompleted. This reflects highly on the Security Guard’s reliability and dependability. If the Security Guard is given a duty outside of normal post orders, then it should be completed right away. This is providing the client good customer service, which adds to the positive image of the Security Guard. If a patron to the site brings a problem or complaint to the guard, it should be dealt with promptly, even if it means temporarily interrupting the other duties of the post.

Avoid offering or receiving favours. Favours should be avoided at all times while the guard is on duty. It is a nice gesture if someone who is not a Security Guard, offers to help assist the guard in their duties. However, the problem in accepting assistance is that if the job is not done correctly, then the responsibility for mistakes remains with the Security Guard. It is the guard’s responsibility to perform all of their duties and to ensure that they are done properly. The same can be said for offering a favour to perform a function that is not the duty of a Security Guard. If the job is not done properly, then as a person in a position of authority, responsibility for the mistake could rest with the guard as he/she is the one who was expected to perform the task. By doing tasks that are not assigned to the post, the guard takes time and effort away from the duties they have been assigned to complete. Attention diverted from the Security Guard’s duties can also give criminals the opportunity to perform criminal acts. Avoid being distracted at all costs while on duty. Security Guards are not permitted to accept gratuities (tips). Accepting money while on the job could give the impression that the guard is accepting a bribe.

Maintain an interest in the job. There will be times when a Security Guard on duty, loses interest because of a lack of occurrences on shift, or because they are posted overnight. It is during these times that the guard will have a tendency to relax and take their job lightly. This is an understandable and common problem in the security industry, but it is up to the guard to ensure that they show interest in the duties they are performing. The Security Guard should never read, use personal listening devices, or sleep while at the work site. In order to remain professional in appearance, the guard must never sit, lean on doors, walls or act in any manner where they appear not to be interested in working. Maintaining an interest is easy. If there are no occurrences then the guard could go on an extended patrol, or speak with tenants or patrons to ensure that there are no problems or complaints. When speaking with people, keep the conversation short and do not let it distract you from the duties that you are responsible for.

Review one’s own performance periodically. Self review can help the guard perform their job better than any number of training courses.  Self review can be done at any time and is as simple as asking someone what the guard could do differently or what they could improve upon. Self review need not be limited to the opinions of the client. By speaking with co-workers and colleagues, as well as supervisors and regular tenants or patrons to the site, the Security Guard can get an alternate picture of their performance. The Security Guard can then try to figure out how to improve their performance and try to find ways to make the way they complete their duties easier and more efficient.

Life as a Security Guard

Security Guards have demanding jobs that often involve stress and unusual work hours. Candidates should be aware that security is a 24-Hour, 7-day a week industry, often working through holidays. It is often when everyone else is going home for the night, that security is just beginning their shift, and starting their work day. Some of the more demanding aspects of the job are:

• Rotating and random work schedules
• Responding to incidents in adverse conditions
• PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) after dealing with Emergency Situations or Violent events
• Working in dangerous areas and around hazardous materials
• Interacting with possibly violent or aggressive people, mentally or emotionally disturbed persons, and other high intensity mediation situations
• Increased accountability and responsibility
• Increased workload during busy times

In the course of their duties, Guards often have to remain calm and relaxed in the face of stressful situations. Guards should be aware of their stress levels in their jobs and speak with their manager or superiors to make sure that they are not suffering from burnout or anxiety from their work environment.