What Are Security Guards?
A Security Guard (also known as a security inspector, security officer, factory guard, or protective agent) is a person employed by a government or private party to protect the employing party’s assets (property, people, equipment, money, etc.) from a variety of hazards (such as crime, waste, damages, unsafe worker behavior, etc.) by enforcing preventative measures. Security guards do this by maintaining a high-visibility presence to deter illegal and inappropriate actions, looking (either directly through patrols, or indirectly by monitoring alarm systems or video surveillance cameras) for signs of crime or other hazards (such as a fire), taking action to minimize damage (such as warning and escorting trespassers off property), and reporting any incidents to their clients and emergency services (such as the police or emergency medical services), as appropriate.
Security officers are generally uniformed to represent their lawful authority to protect private property. Security guards are generally governed by legal regulations, which set out the requirements for eligibility (such as a criminal record check) and the permitted authorities of a security guard in a given jurisdiction. The authorities permitted to security guards vary by country and subnational jurisdiction. Security officers are hired by a range of organizations, including businesses, government departments and agencies, and not-for-profit organizations (e.g., churches and charitable organizations).
How Many Security Guards In South Africa?
2.5 Million Registered Security Guards
The private security industry in South Africa is the largest in the world, with over 10,380 registered companies and over 2.5 million registered security guards of which 556,000 are active and a further 2 million reserves; many times more than the available personnel of the South African Police Service and South African.
What Do Security Guards Do?
Security guards, also called security officers, protect property, enforce rules on the property, and deter criminal activity. Some guards are assigned a stationary position from which they monitor alarms or surveillance cameras. Other guards are assigned a patrol area where they conduct security checks.
What Is Security Guard Skills?
What are security guard skills? Security guard skills are areas of expertise that can help security guards succeed in their roles. These skills may include communication, teamwork, leadership, and organization. The type of security guard role you work in can also determine what specific skills are relevant for you.
What Are The Aims Of A Security Guard?
Overall, security officers are tasked with securing the premises and personnel by staying on patrol, monitoring surveillance equipment, performing building inspections, guarding entry points, and verifying visitors.