9 Common Misconceptions about Security Guards

Security Guards: They’re Not What You Think

We see security guards nearly every single day. Some people work side-by-side with them without really thinking much at all about the daily role that they play in our lives. Other times we just pass them in public without a second thought. Whether you’re a business owner, a security manager, or just someone who works alongside security personnel, it can be easy to have misconceptions and misunderstandings about guards. We see movies and television shows with guards in them, but we don’t know the reality of their daily world.

Part of the reason there are so many common misconceptions about security guards is that there is a great deal of variability between types of guards and in how guards are utilized. The Bureau of Labor Statistics tells us that there are over one million security guards employed nationwide. How they operate on a day-to-day basis can vary depending on given needs, requirements, and goals. There is a world of variability in how a guard might operate depending on the context, the guard, and the role of that guard within the larger security program.

If you’d like to learn more, read on to see 9 common misconceptions about security guards.

9 Common Misconceptions About Security Guards

Security Guards All Carry Guns

Only some security guards carry guns. An armed security guard will have gone through more rigorous training and certification in order to have the legal ability to carry a gun on the job. While this means the security guard will have superior training, it could also mean that the guard is more expensive to keep on the payroll.

Security Guards are Not Educated or Trained

Some people see guards as lower-level police officers. The reality is those guards are highly trained individuals trained to anticipate security problems before they occur and to respond to those problems appropriately. Although guards are not police officers, they are trained to understand local laws and ordinances in order to be sure that crimes aren’t broken on their watch.

Security Guards Need Constant Supervision

One powerful ability of the security guard is to work independently. Contrary to popular belief, security guards don’t need constant supervision to get their jobs done. The reality is quite the opposite, in that security guards can work with the coordinators to plan a security strategy and then follow that strategy independently to make sure it’s being carried out exactly as desired.

Security Guards Are Not Good with the Public

The outdated image of the rude security guard is no longer relevant to today’s modern security scene. Today’s security guards aren’t just trained to respond to security threats. They’re also trained to work the “front of the house,” and to interact positively with customers, employees, and visitors.

Security Guards Are Just “Mall Cops” That Work in Stores

We’re all aware of the negative image of security guards being lazy mall cops who blunder through their assignments. The reality is that security guards are highly-trained individuals ready to apply their skills in specific settings to solve security problems wherever they may occur. A good security company can provide you with physically and mentally fit personnel ready to help your business—whether it’s in an office building, retail location, commercial property, or anywhere else.

Security Guards Just “Clock in” and “Clock out”

Security Guards Can Handle Any Problem

Although guards represent one of the keystones of security programs, it’s not possible for them to handle every problem. Guards can adapt to respond to nearly any security issue, but it’s important to remember that they can’t always go it alone. Security planning should be a collaboration between the security company, the security guard, and the business owner.

Security Guards Are Too Expensive

The Key to Learning More

To learn more about security guards, contact a professional security provider
Talk to a trusted, local company who can provide guards in your area
A local company will be able to provide information based on your specific needs
Not all security companies are the same—shop around to find a company that fits your business style
Don’t be afraid to ask questions in regard to your security company or your security guard
Research is available online to help you build a good foundation of understanding before you seek the services of a guard