Top 10 Qualities of a Security Guard

The job of a security guard primarily is to ensure at all times, that assets, people and places are safe. Companies and employers who hire security personnel look for people who are responsible and mature so that they can shoulder the responsibility of being security guards well. They also need to sign a bond and be certified. These are the requisites of most of the employers. It is also important for the security guards to have the basic knowledge of language so that they can speak fluently and write well too. They must also be up to date with the latest computer systems and surveillance and video equipment. Apart from all these prerequisites, there are also some qualities that the companies and employers wish to have in the guards they hire. These qualities must be there in all kinds of security guards. They are enumerated below:

1. Honesty

If you wish to get a security job, there is no doubt about the fact that the most important quality that the employers look for is honesty. Since there are many companies, industries, properties as well as other assets for which security is sought, it is important for the security personnel to be trustworthy. A security job may also include access of the security personnel to office buildings, residential structures, manufacturing plants, warehouses, banks and other commercial enterprises. They work inside malls and other buildings to provide services all throughout the day and and also through the night. Night security guards are mostly alone and need to be trusted to so that property is protected and they stay vigilant at all times.

2. Common Sense

Another quality that is very important in the guards is common sense. There have to be many decisions which the security officer has to take with logic and reasoning. Therefore, it is important that he does not take any rash reactions or make hurried judgments. This is where his common sense comes in especially in altercations or emergency situations if they arise.

3. Alertness

Alertness is one quality which is of utmost importance in the profession of security. A security guard should always be alert and ensure safety of the property, asset or area that he is safeguarding. A security officer has to stay focused at all times and never get distracted. He must be alert enough to remember whatever he sees and be able to give reports if needed. There may be times when security guards are called on to give important information when there are some law cases.

4. Temperament

For a security job, those kind of people are considered fit who have an even temperament and do not get perturbed easily. There may be disputes or disruptions that may arise, especially in public places. So, a security guard must be able to able to handle such situations well. This is where a calm and composed temperamental person will come much n handy. If he reacts in anger and shows violence to those people who are causing disruptions, then the situation will get further out of hands. He must have the ability to check his temper and assume control of the situation.

5. Physical Fitness

These personals should be healthy and totally fit. In case there is a breach of security or a threat to the person the security guard is protecting, then he must be fit to an extent that he can deal with the situation in the best possible way. A person who is a suspected criminal may have to be chased and then detained. For doing this, the security guard should be strong and robust so that he can take hold of the miscreant till the police come and then take him into custody.

6. Experience

Experience is also important for these guards as an experienced guard will have the knowledge and that can be applied on the task at hand and in certain situations. Security guards who have undergone training and have some experience know exactly what to do in a situation and how to go about it.

7. Training

All the guards should undergo the required training which will help them in attaining the knowledge skills and attitude which are critical for them in performing their job well. They must also have the required certification along with the license that is mandatory for them to be able to do their job well.

8. Communication skills

A person who does well at his security job is good at communication skills, not only with his client but also with other people. This gives him an upper edge in his job.

9. Leadership

For any guard to do well in his job, he must be able to lead. There are times when the security personnel are required to work in a team and they have to take charge. They must have the abilities to lead and also know when to follow.

10. Value human life

Just because they have been given the authority and a weapon does not mean that they do not value human life. Rather human life has to be put above all else. The security guard should have strong concern for others so that he does excellent at his job of protection.