The role of a security guard

As Security Guards employed to work for a company client you carry on the very important role of representing both your security company as well as the client in all your actions undertaken at your station or post.

Each Station and Post is an integral part of the client’s protective security strategy, providing ongoing monitoring and quick response to incidents and events that may occur.  You are a critical part in this strategy as the client’s front-line eyes, ears and physical presence, being alert, curious, conscientious and displaying professional initiative in responding to incidents or events in a timely and professional manner.

What then do we expect of you as Security Guards?

As a Security Officer or Guard, you will often work alone, making your own decisions, acting as your own master, depending on your own conscience.  Your security colleagues may be dispersed over a wide area. 

You may find yourself working under different circumstances from one day (or night) to the next.  Communications may be difficult; temptations may be great, and emergencies or alarms may occur at any time and call for decisive action.

For these reasons, it is not only desirable; it is indispensable, that you maintain a very high standard of efficiency, honesty and general conduct as a member of the security team.

Your functions extend to all matters relating to physical security and can encompass faulty CCTV cameras’, open security cabinets, insecure documents, faulty electrical wiring, slippery paths, dangerous plant or equipment within the site, lack of first aid supplies, broken lights, loose key control, leaking taps etc., etc. 

All matters should be the subject of a security report.  Constant vigilance, imagination and persistence should be given to these matters.  Your contact lists will detail who you should report these issues to.

Your functions also cover the supervision of all clients site rules which pertain to security or OH&S matters.   Smoking rules, alcohol rules, car parking rules, traffic rules, entry of visitors, security of information, disposal of rubbish, use of exits, locking of office space by employees, storage of documents in appropriate containers, etc.  An employee who breaks such rules should be reported to the appropriate manager or where security infringements have occurred an infringement report should be completed.

Security is not attempting to police all behaviour as there will be employees and contract workers who do not realise the reasons behind a security rule nor the possible consequences of breaking it. However, employees or contract workers who habitually break a client’s security or OH&S rules and are not amenable when spoken to, should be reported.

We require you to:

·                Be inquisitive as to what is occurring in your work environment,

·                Be decisive in your actions,

·                Display high levels of initiative,

·                Be honest in your behaviour and reporting,

·                Be loyal to your security company, your client and your team,

·                Be efficient and effective in your role as a Security Guard maintaining high standards.

As a backup, you have your security company line supervisors and managers to assist you as necessary.