Baltimore Security is responsible for patrolling property, monitoring surveillance systems, and responding to alarms, disturbances, or emergencies. They are also trained to use conflict resolution techniques and de-escalate situations before they get out of control.

Security Guards must be licensed. A license can be obtained by taking and passing the appropriate course at an authorized training school.

A security guard’s presence serves as a visible deterrent to criminal activities. Studies have shown that burglars, vandals, and robbers are far less likely to commit crimes when they know that a security guard is patrolling and observing the premises. The mere sight of a security guard sends the message that crime will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will be caught and punished.

Security guards are trained to spot suspicious behavior and report it quickly to the appropriate authorities. They are also skilled at analyzing risk factors and developing comprehensive crime prevention strategies to protect people’s and property’s safety. In addition, they are familiar with the latest technologies and can deploy them effectively to monitor a wider area and enhance security efforts.

Many businesses have on-site security staff to prevent unauthorized access and protect their assets. These security personnel are trained to detect and respond to various threats, including fires, medical incidents, natural disasters and other emergencies. In addition, they work closely with local emergency services to coordinate responses and minimize the impact of incidents on employees and customers.

A skilled security guard can reduce the risks of a breach in security by conducting regular patrols and monitoring surveillance systems. They can also ensure that employees, visitors and customers follow company policies and protocols. They can verify visitor’s credentials and check vehicles to prevent unauthorized entry into restricted areas.

They are also well-versed in the most current safety standards and can provide guidance to prevent workplace injuries. For example, a security guard can help employers establish safe work zones by identifying areas where it is unsafe to stand or walk. This way, they can alert their supervisors of potential hazards and keep everyone safe.

Security guards are also often trained to be an active part of the community by serving as ambassadors and providing assistance whenever possible. They can assist with emergency preparedness training, teach children about safety and help residents understand how to prepare for disasters. They may also be involved in fundraising events and other community outreach programs.

Detecting Crime

Security guards have the skills and experience to identify suspicious activity. They can detect unusual smells, sounds, or sightings that may indicate a potential problem. They can also monitor access control systems, verify visitors’ identities and prevent unauthorized entry to sensitive areas. This means they can provide valuable intelligence to law enforcement agencies, enabling them to respond more quickly when crime occurs.

The presence of security guards in public spaces, residential areas, and commercial establishments sends a clear message to criminals that they won’t go unnoticed. This act of deterrence can be enough to discourage perpetrators and reduce the likelihood of crimes.

In addition, security guards are often prepared to handle emergency situations such as fires or medical crises. They can evacuate buildings, administer first aid, and coordinate with local emergency services. They can also work with management teams to identify risks, implement procedures, and mitigate risks before a disaster occurs.

Security guards are also trained to report incidents and activities to their supervisors and to the police. This helps to improve prevention efforts, as well as to identify trends in criminal activities that might not have been reported otherwise.

Some studies have shown that security guards can perform many of the functions of a police officer, at least in the context of some street crimes. However, these studies tend to lack methodological rigor.

In some cases, a security guard’s monitoring and observation of suspicious activities may have led to a police investigation and resulted in the arrest of a suspect. This can have significant implications for businesses, especially if a crime is committed at times when it is difficult to get law enforcement to the scene quickly, such as overnight or during out-of-office hours.

Other studies have found no evidence that security guards can deter crime by patrolling in public places, although they can make the area safer by their mere presence. Furthermore, security guards can foster positive relationships with the community to build strong networks that collectively combat criminal activity. This can be particularly important in high-risk areas.

Responding to Crisis Situations

Security guards must be able to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations. They must know the disaster plans specific to their workplace and be able to follow protocols during incidents of fire, bomb threats, and natural catastrophes. They also have a responsibility to help their coworkers remain calm during tense situations and defuse conflicts before they escalate into violence. Security guards often receive crisis de-escalation training to better handle these kinds of situations, as well as conflict resolution skills that allow them to diffuse uncomfortable situations and settle disputes peacefully. Practicing regular emergency response drills and performing routine equipment inspections improves their preparedness for handling real-life disasters.

During times of emergency, security guards assess the situation to determine the nature and severity of the emergency, prioritizing the safety of individuals. This assessment guides their subsequent actions, which may include evacuating people from the affected area, providing aid, or securing the premises. They are able to maintain order by managing crowds, ensuring the fair distribution of resources, and preventing looting or unauthorized access to restricted areas. They also collaborate with emergency personnel to ensure that the response to the emergency is coordinated and effective.

Medical emergencies are another type of emergency that security guards must be able to handle, as they may be the first to arrive on the scene after an accident occurs. This involves assessing the situation and administering necessary first aid, such as bandaging wounds or giving CPR to victims until paramedics arrive. Security guards that have medical training are also able to provide support in cases of mental health crises. They can recognize the warning signs of a psychiatric crisis, such as elevated voices or aggressive body language, and be able to disengage from these types of situations.

In addition, security guards are responsible for reporting any incidents that occur on their property. This includes any damage to buildings, equipment, or evidence that could indicate a crime is taking place. They are also responsible for preserving and safeguarding any evidence from contamination or tampering, which helps them in the case of an investigation.

Enforcing Rules and Regulations

As a security guard, you may be required to enforce certain rules and regulations. This can include ensuring all employees follow the company code of conduct, as well as reporting any illegal activities to authorities. Additionally, you may be allowed to use restricted force, including physical touch, to safeguard yourself or others in particular situations. You are also permitted to detain individuals in certain circumstances, but this power should be reserved for specific situations and carried out within legal boundaries. You are not licensed to carry out a traditional police arrest, as this authority lies with law enforcement officers. However, you can make a citizen’s arrest if you witness a crime taking place in your presence and have a reasonable belief that the suspect committed the crime.

You are also allowed to request identification from individuals and escort them off property in the event they violate the rules of your establishment. Your training should teach you to assess a situation and decide on the most appropriate response, such as using verbal communication skills to diffuse tension or using physical force as a last resort. It is important to be visible at all times as a deterrent to criminal activity, whether you’re stopping shoplifters in a retail store or criminals trying to determine which cars they can break into at an apartment complex.

It’s also important to understand the limitations of your authority and remain aware of your surroundings at all times. If you’re following an individual without a legitimate reason, for example, or if you’re acting outside of your authority, you could face civil or criminal charges for false imprisonment. You’re also required to report all incidents to your supervisor, regardless of how minor they are, which ensures transparency and accountability.

In addition, you must maintain a high level of professionalism and always adhere to your employer’s codes of conduct and facility-specific policies. Your New York security officer training will prepare you to perform your duties with the confidence and integrity that the industry requires, and you should always strive to be a role model for others in your workplace.