Security guard services provide and perform entrance and exit screening, personal and property security, emergency rescue and emergency management services, security patrols, and system monitoring. They may be armed or unarmed, stationary or mobile, and uniformed or non-uniformed. Security guard services are staffed by trained personnel who provide security services that cannot be managed by other systems. Some safeguard groups and individuals at bus or train stations, airports, sports stadiums, shopping malls, and other public places. Others protect persons and property at commercial buildings and industrial facilities. For example, security guard services may provide personal protection to corporate executives or safeguard expensive machinery.

Types of Security Guard Services

There are many different types of security guard services. Executive protection services and personal protection services are staffed by armed guards who may be uniformed or work as plainclothes bodyguards. Event security services protect people and property at conferences, conventions, trade shows, and other functions. Hotel security guards patrol and monitor parking lots, lobbies, elevators, and other locations to prevent the theft of vehicles, luggage and personal belongings. Hospital security guards protect expensive medical equipment and computer systems. They also prevent unauthorized access to drugs and other medications, and ensure the safety of medical staff and visitors.

Security guard services may patrol buildings on foot or use motorized vehicles. At shopping malls and warehouses, for example, retail and commercial security officers provide gatehouse monitoring but are also mobile. Within office buildings and factories, in-house security officers protect data centers and industrial machinery. School security guards patrol campuses and monitor closed circuit TV cameras (CCTV) to ensure student safety. Bank security guards perform similar duties within financial institutions and help safeguard automatic teller machines (ATMs). Apartment guards protect residents from burglaries and home invasions. Other types of private security guards are also available.

Selecting Security Guard Services

Selecting and deploying security guard services requires an analysis of application requirements. Typically, stationary personnel are used to monitor alarms and CCTV systems, check the credentials of visitors, and protect information such as access codes. At air, sea, and rail terminals, mobile security personnel use metal detectors and X-ray equipment to screen passengers and freight for weapons or explosives. Often, these security guard services are staffed by retired police officers or military personnel.