The Unsung Heroes: How Security Guards Protect Our Communities

When you hear ‘security guard,’ you probably think of someone keeping watch, ensuring no crimes occur. And yes, this is a big component of the job—but there’s so much more. 

There are so many other aspects that tend to get overlooked.

Here’s an overview of all the incredibly valuable ways security guards contribute to society, keeping people and communities safe.

Security Guards Deter Crime

It’s a fact: criminals are reluctant to strike if they see a security guard on premises. This helps with loss prevention, and keeps both employees and patrons safe.

A reduction in crime leads to safer, more desirable neighborhoods. The more people are deterred from breaking the law, the better the community becomes.

Security Guards are there Before First Responders

If there’s any emergency—from a medical incident to a crime in progress—security guards are trained to take control and combat almost any crisis.

If they need to render aid to someone who suffered an injury, staying with them until medics arrive, they are able to. Security guards have rudimentary medical training and are able to administer CPR if necessary.

If there’s an earthquake or fire, security guards are there to first spot the emergency—perhaps it’s smoke coming from a building in the middle of the night—and then help people evacuate safely. In fact, the security professionals at Security Explorer are even trained in fire watch safety.

If they witness a car accident, they are on hand to direct traffic and provide a play-by-play account of what they witnessed.

In situations where they foil a crime in progress, they’re able to detain a suspect until law enforcement arrives and is able to take over.

Security guards are trained and ready to manage a scene and keep the public safe, no matter what. They work well with other agencies, understanding and adhering to the chain of command and parameters of what they’re able to do, according to the law.

Security Guards Provide Assistance

Aside from giving people a sense of safety and reassurance simply with their presence, security guards can assist guests, patrons, and the general public with things like providing directions or answering questions. 

Additionally, some people are more comfortable approaching security guards than they are law enforcement.

Security Guards Help Deescalate a Situation

Sometimes just seeing a security guard nearby is enough to keep people on their best behavior. In situations where it’s not, security guards are well-versed in conflict resolution, and are there to help mediate or eject troublemakers (especially in situations where alcohol is involved!) before full-blown fights erupt.

Security Guards Aid in Risk Assessment

Beyond property protection, security guards are able to identify and help offer solutions to remedy potential weak spots—areas where criminals may be able to gain entry or access to a building or restricted zone.

In addition, if there’s any type of environmental hazard or infrastructure failure like a broken pipe gushing water, security guards are there to spot it and help rectify it before any real damage occurs.

Security Guards Manage Access Control

From managing who has access to which areas of a building or event to acting as a personal bodyguard for a high-profile person.

Security guards provide a much-needed screening system or buffer. Concerts and sporting events usually have private security there to keep everyone safe, and it works. Studies show that having security onsite helps immensely with crowd control and works to de-escalate situations before they get too heated.

Security Guards Document Incidents

Security guards keep records and logs of incidents, which can be incredibly helpful to law enforcement when building a case.

Security Guards act as a Community Liaison

As they become more and more familiar with a certain area, security guards are often viewed as a community liaison. Through building relationships with patrons and business owners alike, they often become the “eyes and ears” of a community.

This too can be especially helpful for law enforcement, as security guards are often able to provide a more detailed account of a situation based on their familiarity with a potential suspect or the area in which they patrol.

Security Guards Provide Specialized Protection and Surveillance

From acting as bodyguards to patrolling large gatherings. Professional security guards are well-versed in all the nuances different aspects of the job call for.

In addition to onsite surveillance, they are also experts at monitoring and spotting potential unruly behavior or criminal acts through the use of CCTV and cameras.

Security Guards Often Have Specialized Training

From previous military assignments or jobs in law enforcement, security guards often bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the job. In addition, professional security guards receive multiple training throughout their career that cover the variety of situations that may occur.

This aids their ability to be effective in all aspects of the job.

Conclusion:

Peace of mind is so valuable, it’s impossible to put a price tag on.

From protecting property to keeping people safe, security guards are there. Ready to leap into action and keep you and everyone else safe.