Private security guards have become increasingly important in our society, and the security consultancy is one of the fastest growing in the country. Private security guards protect their employer’s investment, enforce property laws and regulations, deter criminal activity or other trouble, and are often the first responders in emergency situations.
There are three things to keep in mind when hiring security guards for both corporate security services and residential security services:
1) what needs to be protected,
2) what level of protection is desired, and
3) Who is going to do the protection?
1) The first step is to determine what needs to be protected and what the guard’s responsibilities will be. Guards engaged in personal security services also patrol and inspect property to protect against fire, theft, vandalism, and illegal activity.
2) Private security guards may be armed or unarmed, in uniform or plain clothes, posted on the property or thousands of miles away viewing video cameras that are part of an interactive system. What is the level of security required and what is the budget required to achieve that level?
3) When it comes to hiring security guards, it doesn’t matter if the guards are employed by a security guard agency or hired directly by the end user; the interview is essential to find the right person for the position. The advantage of using a security consulting company is that the company is bonded, background checks have already been done, a certain amount of training has been completed, and the guard can be easily fired since he works for the agency.
Armed guards are specially trained in the use of firearms and are licensed to carry firearms during their shift. They must have a balanced temperament and must have a good understanding of the conditions surrounding the property they are protecting. Armed guards generally make more money than unarmed guards, for obvious reasons.
It is generally not a good idea for retail establishments to employ armed guards in public areas. If someone intends to rob a retail business, there is no way of knowing who that person might be, and the guard with the gun becomes the first target. An unarmed guard will also deter thieves without becoming a source or cause of violence in the event of a robbery.