Security guard is employed to protect and create a sense of security among common people. They may be employed by local organizations or by governmental agencies along with asbestos survey companies. With the rise in crime graph the need for a security guard has also seen steep rise. Mostly security guards wear uniform and their task is to watch and deter any untoward incidences. Their duty is to raise alarm when something unlawful takes place. They also evoke feeling of security among general masses. If one sees back to history watch man was the commonly used term applied for security guards. Actually night watchman was the suitable term for security guard in olden times. Under emergency condition security guard works as private police men.
The main duty of security guard is to keep a watch and notice any untoward incidence occurring around. The security guard do not have the authority to arrest any person, but in the case of emergency they can do so. The security guards are trained to handle various weapons like firearms and sticks.
Petty crimes like theft or public misbehaviour are handled by security guard. Patrolling is another duty of security guard aswell as spotting such hazards as asbestos surveys ; they keep a close look on all the activities of people.
There are various types of security guards depending upon their roles and duties:
In house security guard: These are employed particularly for a particular firm and are confined for a specific organization.
Security guard on contract: These security guards work on contract for a specific work.
Public security guard: They are meant to provide security to public.
Patrolling security guard: These are meant for patrolling a specific area with the help of vehicles. These guards are always on the move from one location to another.
With the increase in terrorist activity all around the globe, the role of security guard has also changed. Terrorists’ targets general public places like malls, cinemas and markets. In such places it is the duty of security guard to keep a watch. Security guards keep a strict look at any suspicious person and report it immediately to police. So the role of security guard has multiplied.
There are some firms that provide security guards for special purposes. Some big industrialists need security privately. Under such circumstances certain firms or companies provide special security guards to needy one. These guards are armed with sophisticated weapons and are trained to handle problems of bigger dimensions. Thus the role of security guard has assumed a greater dimension with the increase in the crime graph.