Security guards help businesses create a safer environment, whether they specialize in retail, office space, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals or events. Their presence helps deter theft and vandalism.
Credible witnesses in case of break-ins and other crimes, and can provide basic customer service by escorting customers back to their cars at night or directing them towards departments within the building.
Professionalism
Professional security guard services give their clients peace of mind and help deter crime such as theft, vandalism and other issues that could impact a business negatively. In fact, companies with security staff experience 16% less victim-generated crime.
Security guards must remain alert at all times and possess excellent observation skills for identifying suspicious activity. Furthermore, they should maintain good physical condition and present an attractive, professional appearance.
Integrity and honesty are integral attributes for a security officer to possess, both at work and outside the workplace. Such characteristics should manifest themselves both professionally and personally.
Security companies should provide their employees with a code of ethics and conduct to clearly communicate expected standards of behavior and decision making. Doing this will allow security teams to avoid ethical dilemmas and make wiser choices at all times. PalAmerican Security takes great pride in pushing professional standards further with industry leading training, promotions from within, and our unique CARE culture - something we pride ourselves on as an organization.
Licensing and Bonding
Security guard services provide many different duties and responsibilities depending on their client or area of work, however the usual role involves monitoring alarms and CCTV to detect suspicious activity, then alerting authorities as necessary. It's an engaging yet demanding position which requires dedication and concentration from its practitioners.
Security officers provide protection for people and property in offices, banks, hotels, hospitals and museums. Their responsibilities may include patrolling parking lots to deter shoplifting or verify credentials of visitors; protecting paintings at museums and art galleries as well as crowd control at concerts or sporting events are just a few examples of services provided.
Therefore, it is vital that security guards be licensed and bonded. A license verifies their training requirements have been fulfilled and that they are eligible to work; while bonds provide financial coverage should any damage occur. Individuals can obtain these credentials by enrolling in an authorized training course and passing its exams.
Experience
Security guards play an essential role in more ways than protecting physical assets. Not only can they secure physical properties, but they can also fulfill other services, including filling corporate front desk duties in place of secretaries or patrolling college campuses in marked vehicles. Furthermore, they work alongside law enforcement agencies in protecting people.
While working as a cashier or volunteering at a food bank may seem irrelevant to security guard services, these experiences can help develop customer service, communication and observation skills - which security companies seek out in candidates. Highlighting them on your resume increases your odds of being considered for such positions.
If you possess the ability to speak multiple languages fluently, this should also be included on your resume. Being fluent can help you communicate more easily with people from diverse backgrounds - which will aid in handling emergency situations more efficiently as well.
Customer Service
Customer service is a vital skill for security guards to master. Their daily interactions involve customers whom they must greet with a friendly greeting, answer any inquiries they have and assist in any way possible. Security guards should go the extraustralian security guarda mile by helping with luggage, providing directions or carrying groceries when needed.
Security guards must remain calm in stressful situations. This may involve mediating disputes between guests or employees, removing someone from a property or helping with emergency responses such as natural disasters.
Many security companies fail to take the time to properly understand their customers. Instead, they focus on hiring, training and retaining security officers while failing to recognize the value of customer service - leading to high branch-level turnover and subpar service for clients. To truly comprehend your security customers, put yourself in their shoes.
