Security guards and private
security officers work in a highly visible profession. They play an important
role in the protection of property, people, equipment, money, etc.) from a
variety of hazards (such as waste, damaged property, unsafe worker behavior,
criminal activity such as theft, etc.) by using preventative measures. Security
guards do this by maintaining a high-visibility presence to deter illegal and
inappropriate actions, looking (either directly, through patrols, or indirectly,
by monitoring alarm systems or video surveillance cameras) for signs of crime or
other hazards (such as a fire), taking action to minimize damage (such as
warning and escorting trespassers off property), and reporting any incidents to
their clients and emergency services (such as the police or paramedics), as
appropriate.
Security officers are generally uniformed to represent their lawful authority to
protect private property. Security guards are generally governed by legal
regulations, which set out the requirements for eligibility (e.g., a criminal
record check) and the permitted authorities of a security guard in a given
jurisdiction. The authorities permitted to security guards vary by country and
sub national jurisdiction. Security officers are hired by a range of
organizations, including businesses, government departments and agencies,
educational institutions, banks and not-for-profit organizations (e.g., churches
and charitable organizations).
Security officers also perform access control at building entrances and vehicle
gates by ensuring that employees and visitors display proper passes or
identification before entering the facility. Security officers are often called
upon to respond to minor emergencies and to assist in serious emergencies by
guiding emergency res ponders to the scene of the incident and documenting what
happened on an incident report. In case of armed security officers, often they
are required to respond like police officers until situation is under control
and / or proper authorities arrive on the scene.
MAJOR PROBLEMS THAT THE SECURITY GUARDS HAVE TO FACE ON THEIR JOB
RISK OF CARRYING ARMS
Security guards are required to carry arms like pistol and other weapons in case
their job demands them to do so. For example, a guard who is supposed to protect
a bank will carry arms. This may become risky for him and he should know when to
make use of it. He must also not allow any person to come close to him.
“We keep our guns loaded because incident can happen anytime but as being a
school guard I never needed to use it”-(school guard’s statement)
RISK OF BEING INJURED
Security guards work at many events like concerts and live performances where
they are required to protect a celebrity and also control the crowd. There may
be a situation where some over-enthusiastic fans try to harm the celeb or even
create some violence. The security person has to keep his cool and react in such
a situation in the best way so as to control it. But there is certainly a major
chance that he may get injured in the process.
RISK OF BEING MISJUDGED
As security officials, there is a lot riding on these individuals. They may be
misunderstood at times either by the general public if they are trying to
control them and use some force or also some higher authorities in case they are
trying to maintain the discipline and give them certain directions which will be
for their own good.
“Some people judge us, as and on a lower level position, so majority people do
not respect us”-(statement of a security guard of a shopping mall)
RISKING THEIR LIFE
The security personnel risks their life too since in their profession, they are
required to protect people and property from criminals. These miscreants may
harm the security people and their life may also be at risk while giving
protection. When they choose this profession, they risk their lives forever.
LOW WAGES
The duty of a security guard may be full time or half time. But according to
their hard work and full time risky duty their wages are really low. It is big
duty of risking own life. According to this they must be provided good pay so
that they work with more honesty and responsibly.
“I am 37 years old and I am working here for more than two years. I am doing 9
hours job a day and my salary is 16k. I have family and children. This salary
could help me to make out for whole month so do extra job”-(statement of a
security guard of a university)
CONCLUSION
Being in the profession of security can be a lot and can mean different things
to different people. It can be rewarding, challenging and also satisfying in a
lot of ways. For those with some sort of military or police training, it can
mean a lot of satisfaction and pride in being in this field. The security
guards, to get the job are required to possess many skills and should be on the
vigil the whole time. They have to be well-built and alert at all times and have
to ensure the protection of whatever they are safeguarding at all times.
"A security guard can be nothing but a life saver"