10 Essential Skills for Security Guards
Security guards are on the front lines protecting us and our property in various settings including commercial properties, residential areas, events, and public spaces.
To excel in this critical role, security guards must possess a diverse range of skills that enable them to handle various situations with poise and professionalism.
Here are ten essential skills that every security guard should develop to become a reliable and effective asset to their organisation.
Observational Skills
The cornerstone of a successful security guard’s arsenal is keen observational skills. Security guards must be vigilant and attentive, constantly scanning their surroundings for potential threats or suspicious activities. The ability to spot unusual behaviour or signs of trouble allows them to take proactive measures, preventing incidents before they escalate.
Effective Communication
Communication is paramount in the security industry. Security guards should be adept at both verbal and written communication. They need to communicate clearly with team members, clients, and the public, relaying crucial information and maintaining a professional demeanour in all interactions.
Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution is a skill that security guards must possess to handle challenging situations without resorting to violence. By remaining calm and composed, they can de-escalate confrontations and diffuse tensions, ensuring a safe environment for everyone involved.
Physical Fitness
Security guards often encounter physically demanding situations. Maintaining good physical fitness is essential for carrying out their duties effectively. A fit and healthy security guard can respond swiftly to emergencies, perform patrols efficiently, and handle physically demanding tasks when required.
Customer Service
Exceptional customer service skills are vital for security guards, especially when working in locations with public interactions. Being approachable, polite, and helpful can foster a positive relationship between security personnel and the people they are safeguarding, enhancing overall safety and satisfaction.
Emergency Response and First Aid
Security guards should be well-versed in emergency response procedures and basic first aid. In times of crisis, they may be the first to arrive at the scene and must be able to provide initial assistance to injured individuals until medical professionals arrive.
Technology Proficiency
In today’s digital age, security systems and technology play a crucial role in surveillance and threat prevention. Security guards should be comfortable using various security equipment, such as CCTV cameras, access control systems, and alarm systems, to ensure the effective monitoring and protection of their assigned area
Decision-Making Abilities
Quick and sound decision-making is vital in the security field. Security guards must assess situations rapidly and choose the most appropriate course of action to maintain safety and security. Their decisions should be based on a combination of observation, training, and adherence to established protocols.
Integrity and Ethics
Ethics and integrity are fundamental to a security guard’s reputation and effectiveness. They should uphold a strong moral code and demonstrate honesty and trustworthiness in all their actions, ensuring that they are respected and trusted by both clients and the public.
Adaptability
The security landscape is ever-changing, and security guards must be adaptable to various situations and environments. From handling different types of events to adjusting to new security protocols, a flexible and open-minded approach is essential for success.
How do you get essential security guard skills?
There’s some of these skills that you might already be gifted with and other more specific ones that you might need to learn. But in both cases, you can expand your skillset and learn everything you need to know to become a security guard with the Certificate II in Security Operations.
The Course
The Certificate II in Security Operations is the required course to be able to apply to get your unrestricted security guard licence. The nature of the course changes slightly from state to state but it’s an accelerated, in-person course with lots of practical exercises to help you gain hands-on experience with security industry techniques and protocols.
In the course you’ll learn how to:
- Apply effective communication skills to maintain security
- Apply legal and procedural requirements to work effectively within a security team
- Apply WHS, emergency response and evacuation procedures to maintain security
- Apply risk assessment to select and carry out response to security risk situations
- Provide quality services to a range of security clients
- Protect self and others using basic defensive techniques
- Patrol premises to monitor property and maintain security
- Screen people, personal effects and items to maintain security
- Monitor and control access and exit of persons and vehicles from premises
- Monitor and control individual and crowd behaviour to maintain security
- Apply security procedures to manage intoxicated persons
- Apply security procedures to remove persons from premises
- Escort and protect persons and valuables
- Provide first aid
Final Thoughts
Security guards play a crucial role in safeguarding our communities and assets.
To excel in their profession, they must possess a diverse range of essential skills, including keen observation, effective communication, conflict resolution, physical fitness, customer service, emergency response, technology proficiency, decision-making abilities, integrity, and adaptability.
By continuously honing these skills, security guards can fulfil their responsibilities with professionalism and confidence, fortifying security in the places they protect.
Thinking about a career in security? Get in touch with us!
