Security Guard Jobs Atlanta provide an opportunity to protect property, individuals and the public. These highly-trained employees, armed or unarmed depending on client agreements, patrol property and manage situations that may arise.
They also offer customer service to guests and visitors by providing information, directions or assistance as needed. They perform safety checks and maintain detailed reports on occurrences to provide first responders with the information they need.
Security guards are the front-line of defense for a business, a residence or other private space. They are responsible for observing and reporting on any suspicious activities and potential threats to their employer, whether it’s vandalism or an unattended package at the building entrance. Their job is to protect people and property from theft, fires and natural disasters. They also help to ensure that all safety protocols are followed by employees and visitors alike.
Security officers are trained to deal with a variety of different situations and emergencies. They are often the first to notice a problem and are usually able to defuse tension or call authorities before an incident escalates. Their duties include monitoring access control systems, such as turnstiles at an airport, ensuring that people with access credentials have been approved to enter a specific security area, patrolling a premises or grounds facility (including parking lots or garages) for signs of vandalism or suspicious behavior, responding to alarms triggered by intruders or fires, maintaining logs of visitors, inspecting packages before they are allowed on the premises and more.
In addition to these responsibilities, security officers are usually required to maintain surveillance of all areas of their assigned sites. This requires them to have a good sense of observation and be able to interpret their surroundings quickly, as they must be able to distinguish between a small issue, such as a leaking pipe or electrical wires burning, and an impending disaster, like a fire or explosion. Security officers also provide valuable customer service for their employers by assisting people who are visiting the site or looking for directions.
Depending on the industry, security officers can be armed or unarmed. Some of the most common security jobs include guarding the entrances to banks, retail stores, office buildings, hospitals and construction sites, escorting people in and out of high-profile events, checking credentials, providing customer service assistance and more. These positions tend to require a valid driver’s license and the ability to stand or walk for long periods of time.
Bodyguard
Bodyguards are trained to protect specific individuals – usually high-profile politicians, celebrities, or business leaders. They provide security during their day-to-day activities, as well as during public appearances and travel. They use their skills to deter potential threats, including stalkers, violent demonstrators, and terrorists. They also ensure the safety of their clients’ family members and entourage. Their duties often include escorting their client through crowds and keeping them away from dangerous places. They also liaise with law enforcement officials and security staff at venues.
A bodyguard’s job requires discretion as much as brawn, as they are often the silent custodians of sensitive information. They must be trustworthy and able to quickly think on their feet in high-stress situations, like dealing with an unexpected medical emergency or a sudden attack. Bodyguards must also be able to communicate effectively with their clients, event organizers, and the media.
To be a bodyguard, you need to have advanced training in weapons handling, unarmed combat, security tactics, conflict resolution, and self-defense. Many trade schools offer courses in these areas, and some of them even offer scholarships to qualified students. These programs can give you the skills and certifications you need to start your career.
In addition to receiving specialized training, bodyguards must constantly learn and update their skills to stay current with new security trends. They must also be prepared for any threat, from a sudden assault to a cyber-attack that could compromise their clients’ privacy.
For instance, if a celebrity is being pursued by aggressive paparazzi, a bodyguard may call the media to say that they will not be interrupting the star’s day. This prevents the star from getting inadvertently photographed and helps to maintain their privacy.
Another duty is ensuring the security of the person’s belongings, including vehicles. Before leaving for an assignment, a bodyguard and driver will remove the client’s cars from the garage and inspect them. This is especially important if the client is high-profile and could become a target of a terrorist attack or other harmful activity. Bodyguards also monitor their client’s surroundings to be aware of any potential dangers, such as snipers.
Security Agent
Security guards working for a corporate employer are responsible for providing surveillance and monitoring services to their company or organization. In this role, the guard is primarily concerned with ensuring the safety of employees and property. This may involve patrolling the premises, monitoring alarms and escorting individuals to and from the office. Typically, corporate security guards are trained in incident response and prevention techniques.
Security agents often work for security service companies that contract their guards to a wide range of clients. This makes them an essential part of the security team for museums, airports, malls, hospitals and many other important buildings, businesses, events and locations.
These professionals frequently collaborate with law enforcement and follow established protocols when responding to emergency situations. They also train in emergency response procedures and participate in drills to be prepared for various scenarios that may arise during their shift.
If a security guard is stationed at the entrance of an event or building, they double as receptionists and help guests with directions and information. They need to be helpful, friendly and approachable in this role. In the event of an incident, they are required to display clear communication skills and decisive leadership until responders arrive.
Corporate security officers are typically required to possess a high school diploma and must be licensed by their region. Licensing requirements vary by country or province and include background checks, training and education. Some employers require additional qualifications like medical or physical tests to ensure the health and safety of their security guards.
Guards who are armed at work are required to pass weapons proficiency and defensive tactics courses. They must also undergo extensive weapons training and practice their skills regularly. In the event of an accident, they must be able to quickly respond and are expected to take appropriate action to prevent injury or property damage. Some guards are trained in conflict de-escalation and are tasked with resolving conflicts in the workplace or during public events. Security personnel are also trained in terrorism awareness and response.
Security Supervisor
Security supervisors are charged with the planning, hiring, and establishing protocol that guarantee the safety of a building or specific region. They oversee and direct security personnel, supervise patrol routes, manage risk assessment surveys, and monitor systems such as closed-circuit television (CCTV) or internal/perimeter electronic sensors.
They also provide leadership in emergency situations and communicate with law enforcement or other government officials when necessary. They train new employees on patrol routes, explain company policies to staff members, and fill out daily security reports. Security supervisors often work in high-volume administrative/production environments, requiring a level of organizational and management skills. They are the people in the middle–representing administration to their security officers and security officers to administration.
For example, a security supervisor receives reports that some employees are using the company’s trash containers after working hours to steal items. She identifies the problem as a theft-through-garbage risk, and immediately assigns a guard to patrol that area until the situation improves (PREVENTION). The supervisor may then organize an employee talk on crime awareness and what to do in the event of an incident.
A good Security Supervisor is highly organized and has a deep knowledge of protection protocols and procedures. In addition to being an effective leader, a supervisor needs to be well-groomed and pleasant when communicating with people. A caring approach toward their employees helps to develop team spirit and morale, and is a key to a well-run security operation.
Finally, a Security Supervisor must be able to perform all duties assigned to them by their manager, including interviewing candidates for security officer positions and administering performance evaluations, counseling, or disciplinary actions in accordance with company policy. They are also required to attend all mandatory training and re-qualification sessions as mandated by the company’s Human Resources department.
Managing a security team is a demanding job that requires people who can thrive under stressful conditions. Exhaustive duty hours and unpredictable situations can lead to meltdowns among security guards, and the Security Supervisor is the person who steps in to pick up the pieces. They need to be a positive and encouraging presence who inspires their people to excel, even during tough times.