Surveillance officers and Security guards are hired for maintaining security, protecting property, and enforcing standards and regulations of conduct. They are charged with protecting both goods, people and properties. Their job duties may vary depending on training and position, for which there are several certifications and diplomas available for guards who seek more responsibility. If you pursue your career as a security guard, your services may be required in hotels, banks, retail stores, hospitals, restaurants, schools, bars and also for building-management governments and companies. Only gaming surveillance officers are needed exclusively in casinos and other legal gaming facilities. Other than a diploma or certificate, the training you will require for becoming a security guard will depend on your employer’s policies and what you are guarding. If you’re aspiring to achieve any of the higher-paying jobs, you will greatly benefit from earning a degree in security management or criminal justice. Although some people get jobs without a formal degree, many of the top security firms prefer someone who has completed a security guard training program or diploma. Keep reading to learn more about skill and training requirements for becoming a security guard, by job title.
Unarmed Security
Most security companies do not require any formal education beyond a high school diploma or a training course for unarmed security guards. For working as an unarmed security guard, the length of training required will depend on your company policies and the facility in which you work. It is recommended that companies provide a minimum of 48 hours of course instruction to new security guards. These courses can also be completed from training institutes like Academy4 Success. Also, before you begin working at a new location, you may also be required to shadow an experienced security guard for a short period in order to learn the area and the procedures for that site.
Armed Security
If your employer requires you to be armed, it must be ensured that you understand how to operate firearms safely, for which your training may be longer and will likely include a separate licensing exam other than the SIA licence exam. You may be taught about making arrests and h safely detaining a criminal. For locations where high security is required, security procedures are likely to be complicated and require a sharp eye for detail. Examples are ports or power plants, and your training period may continue for several months if you’re applying for a position at any of these places.
Skills Required
you would require proper training to protect locations against fire, theft, vandalism, trespassing, and other crimes which you may encounter as a security guard. In case of a security incident, while interviewing witnesses, writing reports, and testifying in court, you’ll be required to exercise good communication skills. In addition to this, you may have to patrol an area in a vehicle or on foot to look out for suspicious activity. Also, at some locations, you may have to remain stationary in a booth or at a podium to inspect visitors’ credentials and packages. Other than this, you could provide protective services at various locations, such as stores, office buildings, flat buildings or communities and transportation facilities. The basic skill set you’ll need to perform efficiently includes the following:
- Abilities to carry out basic tasks on a hand-held device or a computer.
- You must have customer service skills for confronting people firmly but politely.
- You must have skills to concentrate and to stay alert and aware of your surroundings
- You must be able to work well under pressure and accept criticism
- The ability to remain calm and patient in stressful conditions
- Knowledge of public security and safety
- the ability to work well with others
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- You should be able to monitor your own and your colleagues’ performance
Certification and Licencing:
To get into this job, you’ll need an approved training course which makes you eligible to work legally, as a security guard. You will need a front line Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence.
You need to train for an approved ‘licence-linked’ qualification before applying for this licence. The reason for this is that employers have to be sure if you have the skills and knowledge you need to do the job safely.
To Wrap Up:
With that said, you can apply for a training program if you’re seeking to work as a security guard. Academy 4 Success is the best institute you can find for a security guard training course. You can visit our website for more information.