Security Guard Jobs In VA act as the visible deterrent to crime, protecting buildings, businesses and individuals. Their roles include patrolling locations, managing access control systems, completing detailed reporting and conducting safety checks.
Strong observation skills are important in this career, as guards monitor premises and surveillance equipment to spot suspicious activity. They also serve as liaisons between building staff and law enforcement or fire services in emergency situations.
Security guards are the face of security at many locations and provide a visible presence that acts as a deterrent to potential wrongdoers. They often monitor a building or grounds using CCTV systems to look for suspicious activity, breaches of security protocols, and more. When a threat is identified, security guards respond accordingly and notify law enforcement or emergency services.
They may also be required to patrol the property on foot or in a vehicle, checking for issues such as vandalism, break-ins, and fire hazards. They also control access to the property by vetting visitors, verifying credentials, and operating gates or barriers. Security guards also inspect protective equipment, fire control systems, and alarms as part of their duties.
Some security guards have additional responsibilities such as acting as liaisons between staff and public safety officials during emergencies. They can help direct people during evacuations or other crises and have detailed recollections of events that happened in the past to identify any recurring patterns or risks.
Intervening and de-escalating situations is another common task of security guards. They might use verbal communication techniques or physical force to calm a situation, always prioritising the safety of all parties involved. This is especially important when a threat to the safety of people or property is at risk.
Schools are a critical part of our society, and having on-site security guards ensures that students and staff are safe. School security guards are trained to recognise potential threats and act quickly to diffuse them. In the event of an incident, they will report back to their supervisor and notify authorities immediately.
Security guards are often hired to provide crowd management at large events like political rallies, religious assemblies, or parties. They are responsible for ensuring that everyone stays safe and prevents any stampedes or riots from occurring. They might also conduct searches on people or vehicles to see if they are carrying any banned items or materials. In the case of an accident, they will provide first aid to victims and contact emergency services as needed. They may also be expected to perform a range of other tasks, such as screening phone calls, responding to emails and texts, and running errands for their employer.
Mobile Guards
Many business, schools, community centers, and other organizations require a consistent security presence at their premises to protect their property, employees, and customers from theft, vandalism, and other types of crime. Having a mobile guard patrolling the area can help keep these locations safe without the need for a full-time on-site security officer.
Mobile security officers are highly trained professionals who patrol designated areas, both on foot and in vehicles, to maintain a safe environment. Their duties and responsibilities include enforcing on-site rules, providing a visible deterrent against potential security threats, and responding to alarms and requests for assistance. They also inspect the premises to identify and correct any hazards, and communicate with the on-site staff regarding security issues and incidents.
Unlike static guards, mobile patrol officers are able to respond to an alarm or other alert quickly because they are able to cover more ground in less time. They typically have the ability to track their position with a GPS system and report back to the security command center. This real-time communication helps to prevent unauthorized intrusions and other security breaches.
When not monitoring the premises, mobile security guards may be tasked with other duties like locking down buildings at the end of the night and inspecting equipment to ensure it is secure. Additionally, mobile security officers can monitor parking lots, check cameras and alarm systems, and conduct regular patrols to deter vandalism and other crimes.
In addition to being highly trained in security procedures, mobile security officers receive comprehensive health and safety training to ensure their personal safety. They are often certified in CPR and first aid so that they can assist in a medical emergency.
Depending on the type of job, you could be eligible for benefits, which vary by state and client site. For example, Securitas USA offers a generous benefit package for its employees, including paid vacation, tuition reimbursement, and free health and wellness services. In addition, the company is committed to supporting its employees’ military service and complies with The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). If you are interested in joining the team at Securitas, contact your local office or district manager to learn more about our security guard jobs.
Security Officers
When many people think of Security Officers, they often picture the main character from Paul Blart Mall Cop riding around on a Segway trying to enforce the rules. Alternatively, they may think of bouncers or overnight watchmen who are portrayed as walking around jiggling doorknobs. But a security guard’s job is much more complex than what is commonly portrayed in the media.
Security officers are the frontline staff and a visible presence at security checkpoints and other areas of a property. They are responsible for patrolling and monitoring all parts of a facility, including building entrances and vehicle gates. They check in visitors, and ensure employees are displaying valid passes. They also monitor all security systems and report to their supervisors on a regular basis.
Depending on the type of worksite, Security Officers are also expected to offer information and directions to guests and visitors. This requires customer service skills and an ability to work in public, which can be stressful at times. Security Officers must also be physically and mentally fit to perform their duties, which can include running or climbing stairs when checking in a guest or responding to an emergency call.
In addition to monitoring the entire facility, Security Officers also collaborate with law enforcement when a crime or accident occurs. They are often the first to arrive on site and are able to provide valuable information to authorities, helping to limit any loss or damage. Security officers also help to maintain order by enforcing laws and regulations, such as trespassing and smoking policies.
They must be able to communicate effectively and work as part of a team. Moreover, they must be alert, honest, and observant in their duties as well as possess good judgment and tact. They should be able to handle stressful situations and be a quick learner, as technology in the industry is constantly evolving. They must also have strong interpersonal communication skills to de-escalate conflicts and resolve complaints, and be able to remain calm in emergencies and other tense situations. Additionally, they must be able to write reports and have knowledge of all relevant security protocol and regulations.
Security Supervisors
Security supervisors manage field security operations, supervise and coordinate guards who protect people and property at commercial and residential buildings, hospitals, schools and other facilities. Their duties include scheduling shifts for the guards they oversee and coordinating with other security personnel or directors at the facility where they work. Supervisors also log daily activities, help respond to security situations and assist law enforcement officers with investigations whenever needed.
Security managers have a more involved role in hiring and training security personnel. They also evaluate their performance and recommend promotions, transfers or terminations when necessary. Supervisors must be able to communicate clearly with security guards and other employees and must have good problem-solving skills because they are often called upon to act quickly and efficiently during an incident or crisis.
Let’s say that some security guards have reported seeing some employees suspiciously hanging around company trash containers after working hours. The supervisor recognizes that this represents a theft-through-garbage risk and immediately dispatches one of the guards to patrol the area and provide specific orders, explaining to him what signs to look for and how to react (PREVENTION). He also arranges for a talk to be given to the whole security force by local police about crime awareness and prevention (MITIGATION).
The responsibilities of a security supervisor are many and varied. They may monitor and inspect premises, verify that all equipment is functioning properly and conduct audits and risk assessments. They also train and monitor the performances of security personnel, create and distribute schedules, assign tasks and monitor their progress. They may also communicate with upper management and assist in response to any incidents that occur on the premises.
In addition, security supervisors must be able to keep up with the latest developments in various areas of technology used in the industry. They must be familiar with electronic monitoring systems and other security related hardware, such as fire alarms and CCTV. They must be able to understand how to set up and operate these systems, as well as have excellent analytical skills to identify potential security risks or threats.