Security Guard - Functions and Duties

The security guard motto is to "observe and report." Security guards are not normally
required to make arrests or otherwise act as police officers except in some United States
jurisdictions in which the security officer is invested with arrest powers like those of a
county sheriff. In contrast to the above mentioned motto, a Private Security Guard's or
Officer's actual primary duty is prevention of crime. Security personnel do enforce
company rules and can act (as would any other person) if necessary to protect lives or
property. In fact, they frequently have a contractual obligation to provide these actions.
Security Officers are often trained to perform arrests, operate emergency equipment,
perform first aid, take accurate notes and write effective reports, and perform other
tasks as required by the property they are protecting.
One major economic justification for security guards is that insurance companies
(particularly fire insurance carriers) will give substantial rate discounts to sites which
have a 24-hour presence; for a high risk or high value venue, the discount can often
exceed the money being spent on its security program. This is because having a security
guard on site increases the odds that any fire will be noticed and reported to the local
fire department before a total loss occurs. Also, the presence of security guards
(particularly in combination with effective security procedures) tends to diminish
"shrinkage," theft, employee misconduct and safety rule violations, property damage, or
even sabotage.
Security guards also perform access control at building entrances and vehicle gates by
ensuring that employees and visitors display proper passes or identification before
entering the facility. Security guards are often called upon to respond to minor
emergencies (lost persons, lockouts, dead vehicle batteries, etc.) and to assist in serious
emergencies by guiding emergency responders to the scene of the incident and
documenting what happened on an incident report.
Although security guards are a distinct type of personnel from either police officers or
the military, a very high proportion of security personnel, including most senior
management personnel, are either former or retired members of one or both services.
Many security guards who don't fit this profile (young people in particular) use the job as
a springboard into a police career.

Basic Performances of Security Officers

Security Officers Inspect For and Enforce Against:
Fire and safety hazards
Incendiary or explosive materials carried onto company or client property
Proper badge identification, passes, and materials releases
Possession of or use of intoxicants or non-prescription narcotic-type drugs
Possession of weapons
Exposed classified or important documents
Unlocked doors and rooms
Smoking where not permitted
Loitering
Tampering with fire equipment or utilities
Sabotage, espionage, or subversive activities
Violation of safety rules (per client direction)
Theft of client and employee property
Misconduct, immoral or indecent behaviour
Horseplay or malicious mischief
Gambling or soliciting on company or client property
Use of profane or indecent language

Abuse or destruction of property, or equipment

Smoking where not permitted
Demonstration or disturbance on company or client property
Creating unsanitary conditions
Unauthorized distribution of literature on company or client property
All other violations of company policies or rules
Observing irregular conditions and activities
Maintain an excellent relationship with the Police Agency
Correcting or reporting irregular conditions
Enforcing rules and laws
Rendering service to management and employees
Planning against potential harm
Allowing only authorized materials in and out of buildings
Acquiring the respect and good will of all employees, thereby preserving and
improving employee/management relations