Security Guard Baltimore Maryland are often the first people employees and visitors encounter at a building, so they must have excellent customer service skills. They are also responsible for explaining security and safety rules in a clear, concise manner.

Although popular culture may portray the industry as a joke, security guards take their jobs seriously and are well trained to protect the assets they serve. In this article, Ranger Guard and Investigations will discuss five basic duties of a security guard.

The presence of security personnel acts as a visible deterrent against criminal activity. Burglars, muggers and other thieves are less likely to break into a property or assault people when they know that security guards patrol the premises. For this reason, many businesses and organizations hire security guards to make their facilities safer.

Security guards are trained to observe their surroundings and use surveillance equipment to monitor their assigned areas. This includes checking access points, observing visitors and reporting suspicious activity to their supervisors. They also need to understand basic emergency response procedures, including first aid, CPR and fire safety protocols.

Some security guards may be stationed outdoors, where they can manage crowds and direct traffic. In these environments, effective communication skills are essential. For example, if an incident occurs, they should be able to effectively communicate with people while maintaining order and providing guidance until first responders arrive.

The primary job of a security guard is to prevent crime before it happens by monitoring the surrounding area and taking appropriate action when necessary. This can include preventing unauthorized access, theft and vandalism by inspecting and locking doors. They might also patrol the premises, monitor surveillance systems and respond to alarms or disturbances by contacting law enforcement or other authorities.

Whether they’re at a mall, airport or office building, a security guard is always ready to respond to any threat. They are trained to assess a situation and act accordingly, which can include patting down people for weapons or drugs, searching bags, using metal detectors and escorting people to safety. In addition, they can be trained in conflict resolution to help diffuse volatile situations before they escalate.

In some cases, security guards will be required to carry a weapon as part of their duties. However, this is only if their employer decides that it’s necessary to protect the property from an imminent security threat. A gun-carrying security guard must have a license, pass a background check and undergo extensive training. This is to ensure that they have the right level of training and experience to handle a weapon.

Emergency Response

Whether they are working for an industrial company, a shopping mall or a college campus, security guards provide a visible presence that deters potential criminal activity. They patrol and monitor property, observe security cameras, respond to alarms or disturbances and take action to address issues as they arise. They may also conduct detailed reporting and be the liaison between clients, law enforcement or other personnel.

Many security guards are armed, depending on contracts agreed upon with clients. If a threat or emergency occurs on the premises, they are expected to act as law enforcement until other authorities arrive and assume control of the situation. This requires strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm in crisis situations.

Some security guards work in residential settings, such as gated communities and apartment complexes. These individuals help their communities conduct neighborhood watch programs, monitor and manage community access and functions as a continual security presence to deter crime. They may also operate x-ray and metal detector equipment to safeguard sensitive information.

Other security guards are stationed at events or in public spaces to manage crowds and maintain order. They might be responsible for directing traffic or providing directions to guests. They also ensure that everyone at an event has the opportunity to enter and exit without conflict, and they may collaborate with local police or other security personnel in addressing safety concerns.

In addition to monitoring areas prone to security threats, some security guards are stationed outdoors and might conduct outdoor patrols around the perimeter of their assigned properties, supervise parking lots or keep an eye on entrances and exits at venues. They might also be stationed at transportation hubs, such as airports or subway stations to protect against unauthorized vehicles and ensure the safety of passengers.

Detailed and thorough reporting is an important component of security guard duties, and these individuals often write incident reports, maintenance requests and other documentation for their employers. They also perform safety checks to ensure that fire exits, alarm systems and other relevant equipment are in good working order. Many security guard positions require a high level of customer service, and these professionals may interact with guests, customers or employees to offer assistance, answer questions and create a safe environment.

Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution is a valuable skill for any security professional, as it allows them to create a peaceful working environment where everyone is happy. Conflicts can arise from a variety of reasons, including differences in opinion or personality traits. Knowing how to resolve these conflicts quickly and effectively is a great way to protect against potential criminal activity and keep the work environment positive.

The first step in resolving a conflict is determining what the root cause is. This can be done by asking the involved parties questions to understand where they’re coming from and what their concerns are. It’s important to avoid blaming and take a neutral stance in the process of conflict resolution so you can help both sides reach a solution that works for them.

Once you’ve figured out what the issue is, the next step is to brainstorm ideas on how to solve it. Be sure to include non-negotiables, such as any operational policies that may be in play or prevent certain actions from being taken. Then, once all the strategies are discussed, determine what roles each person will have in implementing them and ensuring their success. This will allow both parties to feel like they had a hand in creating the solution, which can lower tensions and make for a happier work environment.

Finally, it’s important to follow up with the outcome of the conflict resolution. This will ensure that both parties are abiding by and respecting the solution. If they are not, it’s a good idea to bring them together again to talk through their feelings and come up with new solutions.

In the end, resolving a conflict can be difficult, especially when both parties believe they’re right and that the other party is wrong. However, it’s important to remember that there are ways to compromise and find a win-win situation for both parties. It’s also a good idea to consider horse-trading as an option in situations where one side is unwilling to give in on all their demands. Be sure to use your conflict resolution skills wisely and always be ready for the unexpected.

Reporting

Writing security guard reports is an important part of a security officer’s duties, as they serve as legal documents, tools for incident analysis, and bases for improving security protocols. Writing comprehensive incident reports requires clarity, precision and reliability in documentation. As a result, mastering the art of report writing can enhance your career as a security guard and ensure your clients receive the quality of service they expect.

Generally, an incident report should be written when there is any deviation from normal activities within a guard’s patrol area or scope of responsibility. Examples include theft, vandalism, unauthorized access, aggression or violence, and accidents. Documenting these incidents as soon as possible allows a security guard to capture all the details of the event, which are essential for future analysis, establishing accountability, and taking preventive measures.

When an incident occurs, it’s vital to write a detailed security report as soon as possible. The first step is to record the date, time, and location of the incident. Then, describe what happened. Avoid using subjective language or personal opinions and focus on the facts of the situation. This will ensure that the report is unbiased and easy to read.