What Types of Security Guards are There?
Posted on 06 November 2019
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Manned security remains one of the most effective methods of incident prevention, but were you aware of how many types of security guard there are?
Security guards actually come in nine different forms, and they’re all highly tuned for specific environments and potential challenges.
The right one for your business, event, or organisation will be listed below. Can you identify which will be the best fit?
Construction Security Guard
Predominantly working at night when sites are closed, construction safety guards are tasked with ensuring that there are no breaches to the perimeter fencing.
It’s also their job to ensure building equipment, tools, and machinery aren’t stolen - a common, highly valuable target for thieves on such sites.
Industrial Security Guard
You’ll typically find industrial security guards stationed in gatehouses. This enables them to control access to industrial units and buildings and direct visitors to their destinations.
They’re also expected to record details of the vehicles entering and leaving the premises and may have to carry out searches on people who are granted access.
Warehouse Security Guards
Security guards play a key role in maintaining high levels of safety in warehouses.
They’re usually required to undertake patrols within the warehouse itself to ensure operatives are working safely and as a deterrent for theft. In that vein, they’ll sometimes carry out random searches on staff members and visitors leaving the warehouse.
Concierge Security Guard
Typically found at the entrance of hotels and corporate buildings, concierge security guards must offer a warm, welcoming face for visitors and demonstrate exceptional levels of customer service.
This customer-facing role also requires great communication, a smart appearance, and a professional manner.
Mobile Patrol Security Guards
Mobile patrol security guards undertake a fair amount of driving during their night shifts. They’ll be expected to visit a number of properties during the shift on a pre-determined route.
This is to ensure the site is secure both at the perimeter but also within the buildings themselves by undertaking lockups. Any suspicious activity is reported back to a central control room (often via voice message and photos), but they can also conduct locking and unlocking of buildings.
Keyholding and Alarm Response Security Guards
Another form of security guarding which requires a fair amount of driving is keyholding and alarm response.
If an intruder alarm sounds, these guards are expected to react promptly by making their way to the location in question and investigating the cause of the activation. False alarms are reset, but in the event of a break-in, they can apprehend the suspect and report the incident to the police.
Escalation procedures are put into place by these guards if a break-in is in progress, or if flooding, fire, or power outage has already occurred upon arrival.
Retail Security Guard
Retail security guards can be found at shop doorways, greeting customers as they enter and exit the retail space. Their primary role is to act as a theft deterrent.
Guards of this kind are also expected to monitor CCTV activity and may even be assigned as plain-clothed store detectives. The latter role enables them to closely monitor suspicious behaviour and report any concerns back to their security colleagues who can intervene, if required.
If prosecution is needed or the incident escalates, police will be called in.
Shopping Centre Security Guards
Shopping centres are usually areas that experience high footfall, therefore security guards have a key role to play in the safe operation of such venues.
Their presence is intended to deter theft as well as dealing with lost children, first aid incidents, offering directions and dealing with general enquiries from the public. Shopping centre security guards are expected to be extremely professional due to their close proximity with the general public and should also be smartly dressed and capable of delivering exceptional customer service.
Event Security Guards
The most seasonal of security personnel, event security guards can often be found working during summer events at everything from large scale festivals to small village celebrations.
Long hours are typical for event security guards, as is the requirement to work in teams across a number of days while the event takes place. Sometimes, the event could last weeks and require the guards to stay away from home for long periods of time.
Which type of security guard fits the bill for you?
If you’re still unsure or would like to talk to Octagon about our comprehensive range of security services, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team, today.