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Security guards or security officers are responsible for safe and proper working of any organisation, place or event. They ensure the safety and security of valuables, property and people. Even though their main duties involve guarding or patrolling the premises, they can be called upon in an emergency to work closely with help and rescue services such as the police and fire-fighters. Prevent crimes and unauthorised activities Security guards are responsible for protecting both people and premises from any unlawful activity such as theft or criminal damage. They also need to report any such activities to the police and ensure that all evidence is preserved at the scene of crime. They are also responsible for preventing any activities that are deemed unauthorised by their employers, such as loitering. Prevent losses through waste and damage This is another part of the job of a security guard. They need to be alert all the time to prevent any thefts or losses resulting from irresponsible usage of equipment or material. It can be something as trivial as people wasting too many paper glasses when drinking water, to a contractor pulling one over. Active monitoring of safety risks Alacrity is another desired quality in a security guard. They need to be alert at all times to detect and respond to any potential hazards or risks to security. Anything from a spill to a tampered door lock should be on their radar. Controlling Entry and Exit Security guards are also responsible for controlling both the entry and exit points to the premises. Sometimes they need to maintain records of who is entering the premises, when and for how long; in a log book. Responding to emergencies To ensure a proper response to emergencies, security guards are required to carry out regular drills. This involves letting everyone know what’s expected of them and also to reduce the response time. In case of an actual emergency, they are also responsible for contacting the emergency services and a proper evacuation of the premises. The role and responsibility of a security guard may vary depending on where he is working. In a retail store they may be focused on preventing thefts, whereas other times they may just be guarding a person. They need proper training for every job and may require a separate license for some roles. All security personnel employed by an agency that provides contract security services to clients, need to have SIA (Security Industry Authority) front line licence. However for in-house security duties when employed directly and working on the premises managed and operated by the employer, there are no such requirements. Powered by Colm

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) believes that it is important for people working as security operatives to have necessary training and skills in physical intervention and conflict resolution. As such, the SIA has laid out certain guidelines in techniques that could specifically be used for the purpose of non-aggressive intervention and personal safety. An SIA statement on security personnel states, “As the scope, diversity and importance of their work continues to grow, so the degree of professionalism expected from security personnel will increase.” In order to cut down on risks of security personnel harming others or themselves while performing their roles, they need to undergo a Physical Intervention Skills course through an SIA endorsed awarding organisation. This course module specified by the SIA provides a basic set of skills required by security personnel and in case of any specific risks identified by the employers, additional training may be needed. Importance of physical intervention and conflict management The SIA licence training programme includes: Introduction to Physical Skills Disengagement Techniques Escorting Techniques With this, the security personnel are able to learn and understand: The legal and professional implications of use of physical intervention Substantially reduce risks of harming someone when physically intervening What to do after a physical intervention The use of non-aggressive physical intervention skills to protect them and others from assault. The use of non-pain related standing, holding and escorting techniques that include restrictive and non-restrictive skills. Sometimes knowing when to act is more important, especially when the job involves securing high profile assets. Clients don’t want the security to come on as too strong or rude unless it is absolutely necessary. Many night clubs are looked at unfavourably because of their unfriendly security staff. Non-aggressive physical intervention skills are necessary for any security officer working as a door man or a private escort. They need to follow professional etiquettes even when physically intervening and communicate effectively with the subject of physical intervention. Security Guards should be well versed in proper methods of physically prompting and escorting someone and without inflicting any pain. They should also know how to provide effective support to a colleague when physically intervening and how to disengage and de-escalate a physical intervention safely for all parties involved. Below is a video of candidates undergoing door supervision training: Powered by Colm