Baltimore Private Security is responsible for maintaining a safe environment in various settings. They conduct routine patrols and monitor surveillance systems to detect security threats. When encountering a problem, they follow emergency response protocols to address the situation and alert law enforcement or other authorities.
The mere presence of a security guard is often enough to deter criminal activity, so security guards must be visible at all times.
A security guard’s primary role is to deter crime. The presence of an armed or unarmed guard provides a strong protective deterrent against criminal activity, whether the location is a bank, apartment building, shopping mall, or other venue. Guards must remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, recognizing any unusual sounds, smells, or sights that could indicate the presence of a criminal. The ability to remain calm during an incident is also crucial.
The term “security guard” is often used interchangeably with bodyguards, but the two roles are distinct. Bodyguards are generally highly trained in a variety of martial arts, and they perform duties that focus on personal protection. Security guards, on the other hand, typically have a more uniformed appearance, and they are usually more familiar with the general laws of public safety and private property.
Many security guards are hired to oversee large areas, including entire cities and states. These areas can include shopping centers, hospitals, and airports. Some guards are tasked with monitoring crowds and maintaining order in these large, bustling areas. Others are stationed in smaller, more isolated locations, such as private homes or office buildings.
In some cases, security guards must be able to blend in with their surroundings, allowing them to remain hidden and undetected from potential attackers. For this reason, the right balance between being visible and not being overbearing is critical to a successful career in this industry. Guards need to be able to strike the right tone and be a helpful part of the community without being overly noticeable or imposing.
Security guards must be able to maintain a clear line of communication with their supervisors and other security staff during a shift. The use of mobile technology allows supervisors to monitor and track guards’ whereabouts, ensuring they are on duty and delivering the necessary services to their clients. This kind of visibility is critical for ensuring that front-line guards can deliver services when they are needed, and it can also help supervisors to monitor any security issues or risks, so they can take action immediately.
Crisis Management
Security guards must be able to assess and respond quickly to emergency situations. In the event of a robbery, assault, or fire, they may have to take quick and decisive action in order to protect people and property. Security training includes first aid and CPR certification, as well as conflict resolution strategies, so that they are prepared for a variety of crisis scenarios.
Security officers are often the first on the scene of a medical emergency. In such cases, they can act as a vital resource in stabilizing an individual, preventing further harm, and helping them to recover. Security guards are also familiar with the locations of AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) in their assigned areas and know how to use them effectively, giving individuals a greater chance of survival during a cardiac arrest.
After the crisis, security guards can help with damage assessment and securing the area, as well as guiding individuals through the recovery process. This aspect of their role can help to deter opportunistic criminal activity during times of high-stress, allowing communities to focus on recovery and rebuilding with confidence.
One of the most important things that security guards can do during a crisis is to remain calm and composed, as this can prevent panic from spreading and hindering the response. They must also ensure clear and concise communication between colleagues, emergency services, and affected individuals.
A security guard must also be able to quickly and accurately assess the nature and severity of a situation in order to react appropriately. This involves assessing factors such as the type of emergency, potential risks, and the number of people affected.
They must be able to take control of the situation by establishing safety zones and securing the area. They must also take steps to minimize further damage, including securing and collecting any evidence that may be required in an investigation. This includes securing valuable items and avoiding any tampering or contamination of the scene. The ability to plan, prepare, and execute effective responses to crises can have a significant impact on an organization’sorganisation’s overall security, resilience, and reputation. Security guards must be able to identify and mitigate risks, develop detailed emergency response plans, and communicate clearly with their peers and management.
Communication Skills
Effective communication is a key skill for security guards to have. It allows them to communicate clearly with colleagues and clients, provide clear instructions during an emergency, and defuse conflicts. Security guards should be proficient in both verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as written communication.
Security guards often work as part of a team, and good communication skills are important for coordination. They should be able to relay information effectively, communicate with each other over two-way radios or mobile phones, and attend regular security team briefings where they can discuss daily assignments, potential threats, and changes in protocols.
In some cases, security guards may have to confront people who are breaking the law or threatening others. It’s crucial for them to be able to convey their feelings and emotions in these situations, as well as listen carefully to other parties in order to resolve conflicts. Security guards should also be able to interpret non-verbal cues, including body language, facial expressions, and proxemics, as these can indicate hidden intentions or danger.
If a security guard is on duty when an incident occurs, they must be able to explain the nature of the incident to the responding agency in order for them to provide the correct level of response. This requires clear communication that is easy for the responders to understand.
Writing skills are also important for security guards, as they may need to document incidents and communicate with other staff via email or memos. These communications should be clear and concise, with a professional tone and spelling. Security guards should practice their writing skills regularly, both on and off duty, to develop proficiency.
Effective communication is also essential for building and maintaining relationships with clients, colleagues, and the public. Security guards must be able to build rapport with each of these groups, as they will need to trust them in order to carry out their duties. This can be achieved by listening actively, using empathy, and explaining their position on issues in a calm manner. It’s also helpful for security guards to be able to understand and interpret the culture of other people, as this can help them to avoid misunderstandings that could potentially lead to conflict or violence.
Leadership
In a business where the stakes are high, security managers must be able to inspire their teams to be the best they can be. This requires leadership skills that go beyond being a subject matter expert on security; it’s about making that knowledge relevant to the organization’s goals and motivating others to take action.
A good security manager will be able to empathize with the challenges of their team members, especially during long shifts and stressful situations. They will be able to offer support and encouragement to their guards, helping them to feel motivated and inspired on the days that it may not come naturally.
Security managers must also be able to manage their teams effectively. This requires knowing when to delegate, recognizing individual strengths and weaknesses, and providing appropriate training and guidance. Having strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical for this role, as it is important for security managers to be able to convey information clearly and concisely.
It is also important for a security manager to be able to assess risks and make informed decisions about a situation. This will require them to be able to interpret and evaluate complex information, policies, and procedures and be able to work closely with law enforcement officials to prevent incidents.
This is a critical function of the position, as it is crucial for the safety and protection of people and property at DOI facilities. This includes protecting against vandalism, sabotage, theft, trespass, and other types of security breaches. This will involve a strong working relationship with local law enforcement agencies.
Recognizing potential security leaders within your team is an essential first step for building a robust leadership pipeline. Individuals who demonstrate a proactive approach to their duties and a solid level of commitment to their roles are often the best candidates for leadership positions. A natural desire to help and guide others, excellent communication skills, and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations are also telling traits.
By investing in these individuals and providing them with growth opportunities, you can ensure your organization is prepared for future challenges with capable leaders at the helm. This could include cross-training them with other positions on your team, assigning them as leads on projects, or implementing a rotational system that allows them to experience different aspects of the security industry.