Life in the eyes of a security guard

You often meet them daily at the entrances of many buildings, homes, schools and institutions among many other places. These men and women understand that it is there utmost responsibility to serve their masters. 

According to the Wikipedia definition of a security officer (or security guard) is a person who is paid to protect property, assets, or people. They are usually privately and formally employed civilian personnel. Security officers are generally uniformed and act to protect property by maintaining a high visibility presence to deter illegal and inappropriate actions, observing (either directly, through patrols, or by watching alarm systems or video cameras) for signs of crime, fire or disorder; then taking action and reporting any incidents to their client and emergency services as appropriate.

Security guards face serious responsibilities on a daily basis: They protect people against fire, theft, vandalism, terrorism and other illegal and dangerous threats. Security guards ensure safety by actively patrolling or using security systems to keep a watchful eye over a facility. Their specific tasks vary from one contract to the other. As guards they must remain alert to watch for any suspicious activity which is contrary to the public depiction that they snooze on the job.

Majority of the guards before they are hired the employers frequently run background checks on potential candidates, so a clean criminal record is essential for a security guard. Some employers also conduct drug tests before hiring a candidate. New employees typically receive an on-site orientation from their employer about their role and responsibilities. For the armed security guards they must have the proper certification for carrying a weapon and undergo more thorough on-the-job training.

“Someone aspiring to a career as a security officer should demonstrate a commitment to values such as integrity, vigilance and helpfulness; willingness for professional development; a focus on customer service; a desire to work as a team and an ability to utilize technology,” says Rocco DeFelice, executive vice president of Securitas Security Services. One usually has ample opportunity to exhibit these qualities during the application process. 

Most employers do not mind or even care about the welfare of these important people in the society. The security guards maybe posted in far end areas away from their residences thus forcing them to walk or cycle long distances in order to reach their workplaces. Others still their remuneration is not something to be compared to the risk which they daily expose themselves to. Security guards are people who have a lot of information about a particular station they are manning. They understand the area around where they manage and things to do with escape points, danger points, and safer zones among others. In line of work they observe and meet a lot of various characters that help them shape an opinion regarding a particular personality. The guards commonly experience lack of respect from a number of people they serve. The call for review on the welfare of security guards is noble and will help motivate many to join this career that is shunned by many who think is meant for people in the low cadre of the social hierarchy.