Mission Critical – Security Guard! But What Mission?

A major part of Health & Safety for any institution has to be their Security Guard force, or “Safety Officers”. In many situations, these personnel do not receive all the training they should have. So, if you or your business wanted to provide appropriate but affordable training, what should be covered?

The first question to be answered would be, “What do you expect your Security Guards or Safety Officers to do? What is their role in the overall Safety Plan? In short, what is their mission?

Some situations are primarily “custodial”. A municipal building at night generally has a security guard on duty simply to provide an alert awake pair of ears and eyes make periodic rounds and assure that doors are properly secured, that there are no fire hazards, and that equipment and materials are undisturbed.

At the opposite extreme, some situations are pre-arrest law enforcement. School, store, or transit security may be sworn peace officers there to enforce the law in the event of a crime being committed. Depending on the laws of the jurisdiction and the authority and certification level of the security officer (such as being an off duty sworn peace officer), a suspect may even be detained subject to arrival of police officers and arrest.

Training times vary from 8 hours to 500 hours between these two extremes. So, in considering what training is appropriate for your particular situation and location, you first have to ask what your mission, your overall purpose, is going to be.

A few basic requirements would certainly include:

• Monitor and report/respond to any emergencies that arise (fire, catastrophe, environmental or hazardous release)
• In a Medical Emergency, establish that conditions are safe, report and activate EMS response, and prrovide first aid services until responders arrive
• Patrol and monitor the area of responsibility, assuring that safe conditions exist
• Respond to requests for information or assistance by patrons

Beyond these basics, the function will vary from loss prevention surveillance and monitoring patron or employee activity, to maintaining order or providing personal security for visiting dignitaries.

Post comments and suggestions for other functions expected of security personnel.