Security Guard Jobs Baltimore work in a wide range of industries and locations, from offices to airports. Some are even assigned to residential communities, collaborating with law enforcement when necessary.
Guards patrol and monitor premises, preventing and deterring unwanted activity. They also collaborate with others, addressing incidents as they arise, and may participate in drills.
Security guards provide the front-line of defense for many businesses. They patrol, monitor cameras and equipment, and respond quickly to any security-related incident that occurs in their designated area of responsibility. If you’re dedicated, focused and detail-oriented, a career in security may be the right fit for you.
Security officers are often stationed at building entrances where they serve as the first face of security for visitors and guests. They must be approachable, friendly and helpful, as their job duties include offering information, directions and assistance.
They also perform safety checks, ensuring fire exits are clear, equipment is working properly and alarm systems are armed. Detailed reporting is an important aspect of the role, as security guards need to maintain accurate records of daily activities, observations and any security-related occurrences that occur during their shift.
Some security guards are tasked with providing crowd management at public events, such as rallies, religious gatherings and parties. They must be able to calmly manage situations, exhibiting strong communication skills and decisive leadership until first responders arrive.
Security guards are hired to keep a watchful eye out for any suspicious activity. They need to have excellent eyesight and hearing, as well as a sharp sense of smell. This way, they can detect the odor of a leaking chemical or the sound of someone sneaking into an area.
While many companies provide on-the-job training for security guards, a Criminal Justice and Security Services Diploma from Bryant & Stratton College can give you a strong foundation for your career. The program is specifically designed to prepare you for the demands of security work, including courses like Security in the 21st Century, Security and Risk Management and Law Enforcement and the Multicultural Community. The diploma is available online, so you can earn your degree at a time that works for your schedule. You can even pursue your degree from the comfort of your home, enabling you to start your career in security without interrupting your current job or family life. Then you can begin your security guard career with a peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re prepared for the demands of the industry.
Security Guard
Security Guards work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, offices, apartment buildings, retail stores, events, and transportation hubs. They may be armed or unarmed and are typically required to pass a background check and receive basic training before working. This includes a familiarity with emergency response protocols and evacuation procedures for their assigned locations. Security guards may be asked to patrol their designated areas, monitor surveillance systems, or provide customer service by greeting employees and visitors as they enter a location.
A security guard’s job is to be constantly on the lookout for signs of danger. This requires a keen sense of smell, excellent hearing and vision, and the ability to interpret what they are seeing. They also must be able to communicate with coworkers and law enforcement in case of an incident. Having a strong understanding of conflict de-escalation techniques is also important.
Patrols: A security guard must regularly walk or drive through their designated areas to deter potential threats. They will often conduct these patrols during off-peak hours when possible, but even during the midst of an emergency situation. Security guards should be able to quickly identify any unusual activities and report them to their supervisor or to the appropriate authorities (like the fire department in the event of a fire).
Safety Checks: In addition to patrolling, security officers are responsible for conducting safety checks to ensure that all necessary equipment is functioning properly. This can include monitoring security cameras, checking alarms, or inspecting fire exits and other key areas.
Guards are generally not expected to have as much interaction with the public, but this varies from place to place. For example, a Security Guard in a mall might be expected to help customers locate items or give directions as needed. Some Guards may be required to act as the designated keyholder for their building, in which case they are responsible for providing security services and keeping a full set of keys on hand.
Guards are typically supervised by Security Officers, who have more experience and a greater degree of independence in their roles. Having a more thorough understanding of the duties and responsibilities of a Guard, Security Officers can train new staff to fit in seamlessly with their overall security operation. Security Officers may be required to have more advanced knowledge of employment and labour laws, firearms training, crowd control, and other specialized skills.
Security Supervisor
A security supervisor oversees the work of a team of security guards. They have a wide range of duties, including training and assessing the performance of their personnel. They also monitor and manage security equipment. Additionally, they create and manage schedules for security personnel and oversee patrols. A security supervisor may work in a variety of settings, including control centers, construction sites, public and commercial buildings, retail stores, hotels, and event venues.
They are also responsible for creating training and development plans for security personnel. Security supervisors are the top leaders of their security teams, and they must be able to motivate them to perform at their best. This requires strong customer service skills and the ability to handle emergency situations with calmness and efficiency.
Another key duty of a security supervisor is to assess potential threats in the area. They do this by reviewing CCTV footage and access control systems to locate any potential issues or breaches. Security supervisors are able to identify vulnerabilities and develop strategies that would improve overall security measures.
When an incident occurs, it is the responsibility of the security supervisor to coordinate response efforts and act quickly to protect the safety of people and assets. They are often the first to know about an issue and the first to respond, and they will typically be able to provide assistance during evacuations or other serious incidents.
A security supervisor must also be able to work with law enforcement officers when necessary. They will collaborate with them during investigations and ensure that all policies and procedures are followed by their team members. They will also help to maintain order in crowded settings like events and public venues.
The requirements for becoming a security supervisor are less stringent than those of a security officer. However, a security supervisor must have at least one year of security experience and complete professional training every five years. In addition, they must pass a background check and be a US citizen or have the right to work in the country. If they are not a US citizen, they must have a valid visa or be a permanent resident alien.
Security Manager
Security managers direct the security workforce that protects an organisation’s buildings and keeps staff, visitors, and customers safe. They also create and implement safety and security policies, train staff, and assess security risks. They may be company employees or contract through security firms.
The duties and responsibilities of a Security Manager include patrolling property, monitoring surveillance systems, and responding to alarms or disturbances as needed. They must be able to act quickly and decisively, especially during emergencies when they might have to confront armed intruders or handle a medical emergency. Security Managers also work with law enforcement agencies and local fire departments as necessary.
Depending on the location and industry, Security Managers may also perform customer service duties and interact with staff and patrons to provide information and assistance. They must be detail-oriented when making reports and able to keep accurate records of daily activities, observations, and incidents. Security Managers also conduct safety checks and ensure that fire exits are open, monitor fire and life safety equipment, and make sure all occupants leave the premises at closing time.
Other responsibilities include writing or reviewing security-related documents, providing training for security professionals, and helping to develop budgets. They are expected to stay current on executive legislative directives that impact security operations, and they might need to attend meetings or professional seminars.
A Security Manager needs to be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. They need to have a clear understanding of how their job fits into the overall mission of the organisation, and they must be able to lead a team of security professionals and other staff members.
Creating a well-written Security Manager job description can help to attract the right candidates for the role. Be sure to list all of the required qualifications, including security guard or supervisory experience and a valid state-prescribed license. It’s also helpful to include details about the hours of work and whether the role is full or part-time, as this can be a factor for many jobseekers. You can also use the description to explain any additional perks like performance bonuses or other benefits.