Definition
A company or organization dedicated to providing overall security measures & arrangements to guard moveable and immovable property within a confined premise is called a security guard company.
Introduction
In this rapidly changing world, it is essential to have flawless security arrangements to have a safe & secure environment. Security enables a secure & threat-free environment so that people can concentrate on their daily affairs. Recent times have accelerated the need to understand the security aspects and implement measures to improve security.
Area of operation
Providing security guards is a private-sector feature available for citizens of different classes. So, security guards work as a private organization for both public and private sectors. They refer to the performance of at least one of the following tasks:
- Observe & report criminal activity.
- Detects & prevents theft or misappropriation use of goods, money, etc.
- Protect people and property.
- Providing canine services to guard premises.
Security guards are hired for the following security features.
- Personal Security
They are hired to provide security measures for their clients in the form of ‘bodyguards’ and ‘bouncers’. Guards accompany their clients everywhere and they check exit-entry points, food & beverages offered, and prevent close-quarter encounters that might cause harm to their clients.
- Residential Security
Guards employed to secure residencies, colonies, apartments, and old age homes are residential security guards. They observe, document, and check incoming visitors before letting them on the premises. In times of emergency, they are instructed to contact police authorities, the fire department, and or medical professionals as per need.
- Corporate Security
They are employed to guard internal and external aspects of business assets. This includes the protection of corporate buildings, malls, private hospitals, and organizations. They manage vehicles entering or exiting the premises with extensive checks related to the protection of the premises.
- Private Security
They are hired by businesses and corporations for securing assets that may or may not be in the same radius in which these businesses operate. Private guards are generally called to provide security in conflicted areas where public law enforcement agencies are kept occupied by active criminal misconduct. Depending on the seriousness of their requests, private guards are often armed to provide an armed response on behalf of their clients.
- Static Security
Guards hired to protect by staying in one place and monitoring & disarming a potential assailant, are static security guards. They can be seen guarding checkpoints, outposts, control rooms, parking lots, etc.
- Mobile security
This specific security detail patrols the perimeter, observes, and reports unlawful activity. Perimeters are natural barriers or fortified walls to keep intruders away. Mobile security guards carry walkie-talkies so that they can be informed of any sudden change in scenarios and can be rushed to the scene on time.
Types of Security guards
There are two types of security guards in terms of equipment and standard of procedures, they are armed security guards and unarmed security guards. Let’s have a brief look at their operational aspects.
- Armed security guard
Recruits who have experience in handling firearms and positive mental health are the first ones to get recruited. They undergo firearms training and are groomed to have a calm & composed approach.
Armed guards are generally employed to provide their services as either protective detail or to work as a deterrent in areas of conflict. They protect their clients and neutralize threats as they appear. Armed guards have the jurisdiction to use firearms in any place to protect and secure their clients. Armed escorts, armed intervention, and armed resistance are the domains in which they operate.
- Unarmed security guard
Security guards who are not equipped with firearms are called unarmed security guards. They are stationed near or around public places with high interaction chances. They are assigned to general duties such as crowd control, manning public installations, checkpoints, ATMs, public hospitals, banks, etc.
Organizational hierarchy
Security guards are appointed as per their experience and presentation. Posts in a security guard company are as follows. Private security guard – head guard – security supervisor – field officer – assistant security officer – security officer – chief security officer. The chain of command is followed to the letter and regulations are the same for all of them.
Conclusion
In the security industry, a security guard company is a booming business and there are many reputed players in this game. Constant competition between them keeps the authorities on their toes as they constantly evolve their modes of training and security features. The continuous rise in criminal activities has enabled these companies to break out of their comfort zones and experiment with their approach toward security.