The job of a security guard is very noble. The security guard keeps everyone safe and allows businesses to flourish in locations that otherwise would be targeted by too much crime. However, security guards are not perfect and there are several mistakes you should beware of when starting your career.

Being Proactive

One of the most common mistakes that security guards make is to not identify a threat until it is too late. While one of the goals of a security guard is to stop immediate threats, he or she also needs to prevent threats from arising in the first place. You will want to identify individuals who are behaving suspiciously and those who are not where they are supposed to be.

Often, security guards must not only guard a premise, but must also act as consultants and point out flaws in the security of the property. Also, keep in mind that your client will know his or her business better than anyone and will be able to clarify what he or she needs.

Providing Customer Service

Your job as a security guard might have a customer service angle to it. You may be expected to greet guests, ask them to sign in and assist them in any difficulties they have. For instance, you may be expected to guide guests who are lost, which is also an important part of investigating potential threats. Do not be cocky. Your job is to be friendly while also intimidating would be criminals.

Maintaining Professionalism

Always maintain the highest standards of professionalism. Not only will this make you a more desired employee, but the most professional methods of conducting yourself are also the most effective. Understand the tone that your client wants to set and try to reinforce that tone through your prescence.

Minimizing Force

When it is time to respond with force, you must know the appropriate level of force to use. This is where your training comes in. For instance, you will not want to injure someone when you could simply guide them out of the building. If you are forced to injure someone who becomes aggressive, only use force necessary to make the individual no longer a threat.

Rather than using force, you will want to do whatever you can to prevent the situation from escalating. For instance, if a guest is angry, you will want to try to calm him or her down and solve his or her problem.

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