The security guard industry is a huge part of the economy and has grown significantly in recent years; according to Statista, last year there were at least 304,800 people within the security industry. Despite its vast size, many people continue to mistakenly believe that the security services that are provided are all the same. This misconception couldn’t be more wrong though as there are plenty of different types of security guarding services that businesses can choose to hire.
But what are the different types of security services that a business can choose from? If you’re looking to find out what security guard services your business needs, then we’ve got your back. We’ll be discussing this and more, such as the different services security firms provide, the different types of security guards, and why security guard services are so important.
What Are Security Services?
Before we begin talking about different types of security services there is, let’s first clarify what security services really are. Security services are solutions that are offered by a security firm to help protect other businesses. Businesses are often at risk to security threats such as criminals, so they may decide to hire security services to boost their property or site’s safety and to stop the chances of criminals from attacking.
What Industry Is Security Services?
As there are many different types of personal security services that can be provided to businesses from many different job sectors, many people wonder what industry security services are actually part of. According to Prospects, security guard services are part of the law enforcement and security job sector.
What Is The Role Of Security Services?
The main purpose of security services is to boost the protection of a business and to stop security threats such as thieves from attacking. According to Newgate, in recent years there have been at least 606,282 crimes against businesses that are in England and Wales. So, it is no wonder that many businesses may hire security services to ensure their protection against crime.
Another use that security services have is that they can help business owners get a better understanding of what current security measures they have in place and how their security could be improved. Many security companies will include risk assessments with their security services that allow business owners to review the current security measures that they have in place and consider which areas of their property may need more protection.
Who Needs Security Services?
Many companies may require security services to protect their business. Retail businesses such as supermarkets may require retail security services to ensure the safety of their property against potential threats such as shoplifting and customer theft.
While other businesses from the industrial sector like construction sites and warehouses, may require security solutions such as guards to ensure the protection of their heavy-machinery equipment and to protect their assets.
Live events such as concerts and festivals are often extremely busy so security officers will be hired to help control the crowd; and to make sure that all the event workers, performers, and everyone attending the event is well protected.
What Services Do Security Firms Provide?
There are many different types of security services that a security company may provide. Some security firms may offer security solutions which include security guards, while other companies may provide security services based on other security equipment such as guard tracking services and CCTV. Some of the most common security services that security firms may provide are:
What Are The Different Types Of Security Services?
The security industry is diverse, so there are many different types of security work. Because the industry is so diverse this means that not all officers will have to go through the same set of training or will have the same set of responsibilities. Their responsibilities and duties will be hinged on the client they are working for or the environment that they’re required to be in.
Although not all guards will have the same responsibility and training, many security officers will work with a wide range of businesses and will deliver many different types of security services. We’ve listed a quick breakdown of some of the different types of security guard services that a security company may provide.
Commissioned Officers
Also referred to as “armed guards,” commissioned officers are those who have gone through a rigorous 30-hour program that involves advanced training in handling firearms. Only after earning their certification, they will be allowed to carry a weapon with them at all times.
The extra training that commissioned officers are required to go through makes them ideal for dangerous or life-and-death situations, such as protecting large amounts of money, expensive items, and high-security locations. This role is incredibly risky since they’re almost always in scenarios that may result in altercations or worse.
Non-Commissioned Officers
As their name suggests, non-commissioned officers, also known as unarmed guards are those whose duties are restricted to providing light security and maintaining order. Unarmed security officers won’t be allowed to carry weapons like armed officers, however, some may be allowed to carry self-defence tools but this will depend on the laws of the country that are working in.
Unarmed guards are a popular choice for security services. Especially when the situation’s threat level is low. Non-committed security officers will typically work in school settings, offices, construction sites, retail establishments, and location entry points.
Personal Protection Officers
More commonly known as “bodyguards,” personal protection officers are often used by high-profile figures, such as politicians, celebrities, and professional athletes. They’re paid to be with their client around the clock, which means that they know every detail of their schedules and are privy to confidential information.
The skillsets which is required for this role as a type of bodyguard vary. For instance, some personal protection officers have gone through advanced training in firearms, physical combat, and evasive driving. They may even be well-versed in quickly assessing situations, maintaining client relationships, and instantly making sound decisions.
Government Security Guards
Officers that are contracted by a government are often armed and highly trained. Their primary role is to secure a particular location or facility, including courthouses and centres of military operation. However, they may also be called on to defend personnel and property if a high-risk situation arises.
Besides the usual skills required in the industry, government security guards must also have a “clean” background before they can assume the position. More often than not, those with criminal histories aren’t considered viable candidates.
Event Security Guards
Given how visible they usually are, event security guards are arguably the most well-known in the industry. They’re mainly responsible for crowd control and maintaining order during things like concerts, sports events, professional conferences, and the like.
The duties of an event security guard also include ensuring that people are only staying in areas where they’re allowed to and aren’t bringing restricted items into the venue. They may be called to prevent or break up physical altercations, especially in events involving a lot of alcohol or where emotions run high.
How Many Types Of Security Guards Are There?
The list above is by no means an in-depth view of the security industry or the guard industry. These fields are vast and will contain many other niche roles. For example, there are security officers responsible for remote CCTV monitoring and those trained to maintain order in corporate offices and residential areas.
There isn’t a specific number of the different types of security guards, mainly because the industry is fast-paced and must keep up with the changing consumer demands. For instance, entry-point security guards at buildings are gradually being phased out due to technologies like motion sensors, biometrics, security guard robots, and keypads. On the other hand, the COVID-19 global pandemic saw an increased demand for officers trained to work in retail establishments and medical facilities.
So, What Are The Different Types Of Security Services?
Overall, there are many different types of security services that a security company may provide. When you’re looking for security guard service providers in your area, it is important that you review why your business needs security services and consider how that security firm will suit your business.
If you’re interested in learning more about security guards, why not check out our blog? Where you can find articles about security managers and what a security guard does.
Let’s Stay In Touch
Want to stay updated with our latest content? Enter your email address to subscribe to our free newsletter.
Related Articles
How To Prepare For A Night Shift As A Security Guard
In this article, we delve into the essential aspects of how to prepare for a night shift as a security guard. We’ll explore the strategies that can help you navigate the challenges of the night with confidence.
Our Guide To Security Robots
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and security, new possibilities have emerged with the invention of security robots. Join us on a journey into the realm of security robotics!
What Are The Duties Of Railway Security?
Security guards work everywhere from hospitals to factories, but do they work at train stations? And do train stations have security in place?
What Does A Factory Security Guard Do?
Security guards work in a variety of positions and situations. As you probably know by now, protecting your business is not a decision to be made hastily. One of the places where security guards are most effective is a factory setting.
What Does A University Security Officer Do?
Student safety has come to the fore of public conversation lately, with initiatives such as the ‘Big Night In’. In this new climate, university security guards at universities are often under more scrutiny than ever.
Security Guards Vs CCTV
When it comes to securing your business, security guards and CCTV cameras are two of the most popular options. However, it can be difficult to decide which option to go for. When it comes to security guards vs CCTV, which is better?
What Is The Difference Between USA And UK Security Guards?
Two areas in the world where security guards are the most popular are the UK and America. According to online statistics from Zippia, there are currently 823,148 guards employed in the USA. While the UK government website suggests there are around 64,226 active UK security guards.
What Is A Security Manager?
Aside from close protection officers and security guards, there are many other jobs within the security industry. And one of the highest job positions in the security industry is a security manager.
Do You Need A Mental Health Check To Apply For An SIA Licence?
Mental health is always important to consider when applying for or working in any job. But do you need a mental health check to apply for an SIA licence? We’ll be discussing this and more such as, can you be a security guard with mental illness, what you need to know about mental health in the security industry, and how guards cope with stress and pressure.