While most security guards do not encounter any major issues with security breaches and the properties they patrol, those that do not work for a security company may wonder what happens when there is a problem. There are two types of security guards and three ways in which those guards operate. If you were to apply for a job with a security company, you would fall under one of the following two types of security and be instructed to follow one of the three methods of operation.

Armed Guards

When you think of security companies and guards, you probably think of armed guards. While this is certainly a possibility, armed guards are reserved for potentially more dangerous job duties than just patrolling the grounds. Armed guards have to register with the state in which they work if they are trained and licensed to carry firearms for their jobs. Otherwise, they may carry other types of weapons, such as police batons and pepper spray.

Unarmed Guards

Most places have CCTV, or closed circuit television cameras, capturing and recording a majority of what goes on on the guarded properties at night. In these instances, the guards may be unarmed or only allowed to carry a police baton for personal defense. There are other reasons for having unarmed guards versus armed guards, most of which have to do with what the guards are protecting. High value or high government security properties may need armed guards, where low risk, low value and/or low government security properties can use unarmed guards.

The Three Methods of Operation

If you take a job as an unarmed guard, you will probably be taught that you need to inform the local police rather than confront suspicious suspects by yourself. This is especially true if the security company you work for provides additional security measures, such as cameras, CCTVs and recording devices that can assist the police in capturing the intruders or trespassers. If you are taught to run interference to try and scare intruders or trespassers off, then your training will probably include the proper use of safety devices, verbal interaction and/or intimidation techniques, and maybe some self-defense skills. The last method of operation only involves armed guards, since their training requires the proper use of a handgun, the immobilization (rather than killing) of an intruder who will not leave, and safety equipment, such as a bullet-proof vest, while on the job. 

If you're looking to hire a security, consider contacting local companies, such as Blue Line Security LLC, to discuss what services they offer and what will work for you and your situation.

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