Importance of Security Officers & the Role They Play Today

Security officer duties include protecting people, places and property from potential threats. Although the security officer job description varies, depending on the specific work setting, security guard duties focus primarily on preventing crime. A vigilant security force deters criminals who are intent on committing theft, vandalism, sabotage, cyber attacks, physical violence or terrorism. Without the proactive work of security guards, law enforcement would be overwhelmed, as it reacts to crimes that otherwise would likely have been prevented.

 Typical Security Officer Duties
 
Bolstering Public Safety
About 1.1 million people work as security officers in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2017. Society directly benefits from the presence of security officers in private residences and heavily frequented public spaces. Examples of places that rely on security protection include airports, concert venues, casinos, correctional facilities, schools, college campuses, hotels, retail stores, apartments and gated communities. The role of security agentsdirectly ties into their function as watchdog of the public order. If a fire or major disaster occurs, security officers work closely with police and fire fighters to secure the scene and maintain order. 
 
Preventing Criminal Acts
 
Assisting the Public

Although being a security officer can be exciting at times, the typical security officer job description emphasizes the importance of consistency and routine. For instance, security guard duties include locking doors, watching surveillance footage for hours, patrolling a quiet area and monitoring alarms. Security guards look for signs of suspicious activity in the shadows, listen for unusual sounds in a locked building and write daily reports. If an incident occurs, such as an attempted break in by a juvenile, security officers can make a citizens arrest and summon police. In more serious situations, they call 911 and request back up. Providing witness testimony in court may also be required of them

Keen powers of observation are a required qualification in the security officer job description. Considerable time is spent monitoring security cameras, conducting surveillance, performing safety audits of the facility and investigating suspicious circumstances. Security personnel may be highly visible in a uniform, or they may work in plainclothes to catch shoplifters, for instance. Those with technical skills may work with cyber security guarding the network against spam, hackers and malware. The goal is to reduce opportunity for criminals with malicious motives to strike.

Working with the public is also part of security officer duties. Many jobs entail greeting people and identifying visitors, giving directions, and redirecting individuals who are present in an unauthorized area, such as backstage at a concert. Excellent communication skills are essential in order to effectively listen, understand and answer questions in a polite, friendly and professional manner. On a college campus, security officer duties can include giving presentations to students on personal safety and protecting their belongings from wannabe thieves.

If you are ready to protect your business with the best armed or unarmed security guards in the business, contact Citiguard today. Our security specialists will help you determine the best, most affordable security solutions for your needs. 

Contact: 800-613-5903 

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Trained Security Guards Ensure Your Business Success.

You know you need policies and procedures in place to protect your company's assets, but too often business owners don't know where to start in terms of which security issues need to be addressed or how. How do you, as an owner, assess your level of security risk? How do you get up to speed on security issues that may be negatively impacting your bottom line? How do you know if the security changes you implement are even making a difference?

We can help. Hiring a professional security guard who is supervised and trained by an established and proven company such as Citiguard can be an important first step to protecting your assets. Citiguard provides security guards and guard services for both long and short-term security needs, for large corporations as well as small businesses across Southern California. We support the security needs of our 786 valued clients by providing them with top notch security guards. Our security officers are professionally trained and prepared to handle your unique security needs whether we are working with you to protect commercial, industrial, governmental and institutional assets. Citiguard provides protection for the warehousing, distribution, transportation, manufacturing, petrochemical, corporate, distilling industries.

Our track record speaks for itself. Our clients know that Citiguard is committed to hiring only the best. Why? Because we know that high-quality security guards save you money as a business owner. Our security guards protect your building, your employees, your equipment, even your cash on hand - all assets that can be lost or damaged through criminal activity such as theft or vandalism, but also by severe weather, unsafe worker behavior or waste.

Citiguard security guards maintain high-visibility in order to deter illegal and inappropriate actions. Our guards watch over your property or employees by direct observation as well as vehiclepatrol, depending on your needs. If something is amiss, our security guards document all incidents and warn and escort trespassers off your property or call emergency services, such as police or other first responders when appropriate. You benefit from the additional eyes and ears we provide by reducing the costs associated with your lost or damaged assets.

The Citiguard Hiring Process

Our number one priority at Citiguard  is providing you with a highly-trained security guard. Our hiring process begins with the utilization of an application tracking program that allows Citiguard to reach millions of job seekers and manage their application from the initial review to their resume through the checking of an applicant's references and employment history. Citiguard searches for applicants with successful experience in security, law enforcement, or the military. Candidates must show themselves to be reliable, clean in appearance, respectful, and focused on detail. And of course, candidates must hold necessary licenses, when required, and pass both a background check and a drug test. Citiguard makes sure there is a good fit from the start.

Security Guard Training

Once hired, Citiguard emphasizes security guard training far beyond their competitors in the industry. Multiple security guard management personnel--including security supervisors, field inspectors, and operations managers--may play a role in training new staff. As each of our clients are unique, the "on-the-job" training ensures that newly hired guards are prepared for their specific situation. And the coaching does not stop there. Whenever a change in procedure is made at a particular site, or industry standards change, additional training takes place.

The qualities you look for in a top notch security guard are the same as those you want in your best employees. Citiguard works hard to make sure that your security guard is one of the most valuable members of your team.

Using the assessment and our knowledge of the Los Angeles and Orange County area, our experts will plan security solutions tailored to your site and industry and budget.

Call today to schedule your free assessment: 

800-613-5903 

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Citiguard offers armed and unarmed security guard services day and night for foot patrol, vehicle patrol or golf carts for all industries.

Citiguard offers armed and unarmed security guard services day and night for foot patrol, vehicle patrol or golf carts for all industries. Citiguard provides on-site private armed guard services to protect you and your business.

Citiguard provides a wide variety of security guards at Los Angeles. We stand behind our clients to help ensure the utmost in armed security guard protection. Custom security solutions are available upon request, we will meet your security guard protection services at very competitive rates. We are committed to our clients’ specific needs and tailoring services accordingly. Specializing in custom security plans to fit your specific situation and location. Here is a list of some of the industries we help and protect: • Airport Security • Apartments/HOA • BodyGuard/Executive Protection • Business Parks • Campus Security • Construction Site Security • Education Institutions • Energy / Chemical / Petrochemical / Utilities • Fire Watch Services • Government Facilities • CitiTrac • High Rises/Lofts • Hotels/Motels • Manufacturing Facilities • Medical Centers/Hospitals • Marked Vehicle Patrols • Parking Enforcement • Shopping Centers • Special Events Security • Storage Facilities • Cargo and Escort Security Services • Logistics and Transportation • Hiring Security Guard Services Company • And More ….

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICES AND COMMITMENT

Our security protection consultants at Citiguard are highly educated and experienced with over 50 years of experience.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

•   Apartments/HOA
•   Business Parks
•   Campus Security
•   Government Facilities
•   High Rises

 

INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES

•   Energy / Chemical
•   Petrochemical / Utilities
•   Logistics And Transportation
•   Manufacturing

 

HOSPITALITY SERVICES

•   Hotels/Motels
•   Hospitals/Clinics

 

VEHICLE PATROL

•   Marked Vehicle Patrols
•   Parking Enforcement
•   Cargo And Escort

 

CONSTRUCTION SITES

•   Construction Security
•   Fire Watch Services

Citiguard offers armed and unarmed security guard services day and night for foot patrol, vehicle patrol or golf carts with three different uniforms to choose from. We are committed to our clients’ specific needs and tailoring services accordingly. Citiguard provides on-site private armed guard services to protect you and your business We stand behind our clients to help ensure the utmost in armed security guard protection. Specializing in custom security plans to fit your specific situation and location.

Citiguard provides a wide variety of security guards at Los Angeles. Custom security solutions are available upon request, we will meet your security guard protection services at very competitive rates.

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Why You Should Hire a Security Guard to Patrol Your Apartment Complex

WITH MANY TENANTS LIVING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY—AND SHARING ANY RANGE OF COMMON SPACES SUCH AS LOBBIES, HALLWAYS, PARKING GARAGES, LAUNDRY FACILITIES, WORKOUT ROOMS, SWIMMING POOLS, ETC.—THE SECURITY OF AN ENTIRE APARTMENT COMPLEX CAN POSE UNIQUE CHALLENGES.

IN ORDER TO ENSURE A SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL RESIDENTS, A PROPERTY MANAGER MUST HAVE A SYSTEM IN PLACE THAT DETERS CRIME AND FLAGS SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY OF ALL KINDS. THESE ACTIVITIES CAN RANGE FROM TRESPASSING TO LOITERING, PARKING PROBLEMS TO NOISE VIOLATIONS, AND DRUG ACTIVITY TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.

TO ANSWER THESE NEEDS, THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR HAVING A QUALIFIED SECURITY PROFESSIONAL ON PATROL. A SECURITY OFFICER FUNCTIONS AS A KEY DETERRENT TO CRIMINAL ACTIVITY, A REAL-TIME RESPONDER IN ANY SITUATION, AND A CUSTOMIZABLE SOLUTION FOR PROPERTY OWNERS AND MANAGERS.

THE FOLLOWING ARE JUST SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF HIRING A SECURITY GUARD TO PATROL YOUR APARTMENT COMPLEX.

A SECURITY OFFICER DETERS CRIME AND UNAUTHORIZED ACTIVITY.

THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO DETER CRIMINAL ACTIVITY IS TO MAKE A BUILDING UNATTRACTIVE TO POTENTIAL CRIMINALS AND BURGLARS. THIS MEANS HEIGHTENING THE REAL AND PERCEIVED RISK OF COMMITTING A CRIME. THE PRESENCE OF A UNIFORMED GUARD—ARMED OR UNARMED—IS A SIMPLE WAY TO SEND THE MESSAGE THAT THE PROPERTY IS BEING WATCHED AND PROTECTED.  

CRIMINOLOGIST PHILIP COOK OF DUKE UNIVERSITY ASSERTS THAT PRIVATE SECURITY EFFORTS ARE PLAYING AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN REDUCING CRIME, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON SECURITY GUARDS. HE NOTES THAT AS THE NUMBER OF PRIVATE SECURITY GUARDS EMPLOYED NATIONWIDE HAS GROWN—NOW FAR OUTNUMBERING POLICE—THERE HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN CRIME RATES.

QUALIFIED SECURITY GUARDS SHOULD HAVE THE TRAINING AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS NECESSARY TO DIFFUSE CONFLICT. THEY ARE ALSO USUALLY EQUIPPED WITH UNIFORMS AND PATROL CARS THAT RESEMBLE THOSE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS. ALL OF THIS—AN OFFICER’S PHYSICAL PRESENCE, APPEARANCE AND TARGETED SKILLS—CONTRIBUTES TO DETERRING CRIME AND MAKING RESIDENTS AND GUESTS FEEL SAFE.    

A SECURITY OFFICER REACTS IN REAL-TIME, WITH A PROFESSIONAL, MEASURED RESPONSE TO EACH SCENARIO.

EVERY APARTMENT MANAGER SHOULD HAVE A PLAN IN THE CASE THAT AN ACTUAL SITUATION OR EMERGENCY ARISES. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IS THE BUILDING OWNER’S LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND THERE SHOULD BE SOMEONE ON CALL TO ANSWER RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS AND PROBLEMS. SECURITY OFFICERS MEET THESE NEEDS, AS LONG AS THEY ARE PROPERLY QUALIFIED AND EQUIPPED.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS ONE EXAMPLE OF A SITUATION THAT CALLS FOR QUICK, MEASURED RESPONSE. OFFICERS CAN STEP IN TO STOP VIOLENCE IN THE ACT, APPREHEND THE PERPETRATOR AND PROPERLY DOCUMENT THE SITUATION FOR LITIGATION. IN A 2014 CASE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN A MEMPHIS APARTMENT COMPLEX, THE REAL-TIME RESPONSE OF A NEIGHBOR, SECURITY GUARD AND POLICE OFFICERS WAS CREDITED WITH SAVING A VICTIM’S LIFE. IN THIS CASE, IT WAS THE SECURITY PROFESSIONALS WHO PROVIDED DETAILS OF CRIMINAL TRESPASS AND ASSAULT—EVIDENCE THAT WAS USED IN COURT.

AN EFFECTIVE SECURITY PROFESSIONAL IS TRAINED IN OBSERVING, RESPONDING TO AND DOCUMENTING A VARIETY OF ISSUES. THE MOST EFFECTIVE OFFICERS ARE ALSO MONITORED, MANAGED AND SUPPORTED REMOTELY, IN REAL-TIME, BY SUPERVISORS.

CUTTING-EDGE MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES—THROUGH GPS AND MOTION SENSORS—CAN ENSURE THAT SECURITY OFFICERS REMAIN ON PATROL AND SAFE. IN ADDITION, COMMUNICATION DEVICES ALLOW OFFICERS TO MAKE QUICK DECISIONS WITH EXPERT SUPERVISORY INPUT. THIS ALSO REDUCES ANY POTENTIAL RISK OF DEPLOYING SECURITY GUARDS, WHILE ALSO INCREASING THEIR EFFECTIVENESS.

SECURITY GUARD SURVEILLANCE CAN BE CUSTOMIZED TO MEET THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF EACH PROPERTY.

AN APARTMENT BUILDING’S SECURITY RISKS AND NEEDS WILL LIKELY VARY ACCORDING TO THE TIME OF DAY, WEEK OR SEASON, AND SHIFTS CAN BE ADJUSTED ACCORDINGLY. A BUILDING’S SECURITY NEEDS MAY ALSO VARY WITH THE PRESENCE OF CERTAIN HIGH-PROFILE GUESTS OR TENANTS, SUCH AS GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, CORPORATE EXECUTIVES AND DIPLOMATS.

SECURITY PROFESSIONALS OFFER A FLEXIBLE, CUSTOMIZABLE SOLUTION TO A BUILDING’S SECURITY NEEDS. OFFICERS MAY BE DEPLOYED 24/7, OR JUST FOR ONE OR TWO SHIFTS. GUARDS MAY BE ARMED OR UNARMED—AGAIN, ACCORDING TO NEED.

THERE ALSO MIGHT BE CERTAIN PHYSICAL AREAS OF THE COMPLEX THAT CALL FOR EXTRA ATTENTION. FOR EXAMPLE, SECURITY RISKS ARE USUALLY HIGHER IN PARKING LOTS AND GARAGES, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. A NIGHTTIME PATROL MAY TARGET THESE AREAS AND EVEN PROVIDE THE ADDED SERVICE OF ESCORTING RESIDENTS FROM PARKING LOT TO BUILDING.

WHEN IT COMES TO THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF AN APARTMENT COMPLEX, THE STAKES ARE HIGH FOR PROPERTY OWNERS, MANAGERS AND RESIDENTS ALIKE. IT IS, IN FACT, THE LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY OF APARTMENT COMPLEX OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT COMPANIES “TO PROTECT ALL RESIDENTS AND GUESTS LEGALLY ON PREMISES FROM ANY FORESEEABLE HARM.”

CALL CITIGUARD TODAY TO SET UP YOUR FREE APARTMENT SECURITY PROTECTION ASSESSMENT AND CONSULTATION.

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Safer schools means more armed security, lawmakers say

State Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, said he wants schools to have the funding to increase the number of armed school resource officers in schools and to “harden” their entrances after 17 people were killed at a Parkland high school Wednesday.

In a statement released Thursday, Galvano said the dozens of people wounded or killed after a 19-year-old former Marjory Stoneman Douglass High School student open fired was “nothing short of devastating and tragic. My heart breaks for the students, families, administrators, first responders and law enforcement officers and all who have been impacted by the shooting.”

The Senate president-designate offered a plea to his colleagues in the legislature on what lawmakers could do in the wake of the shooting.

“While currently we have armed resource officers at a number of our schools coupled with other law enforcement personnel, we must identify where the gaps exist and immediately work to fill them,” Galvano said in the letter.

He also called for “an appropriation of $100 million for mental health screening, counseling and training,” and to make sure schools are using security audits put in place after the Sandy Hook shooting. He also pushed for a discussion how the shooter was able to get a gun.

“(We) must have the conversation about how this individual, with noted and apparent mental health issues, was able to obtain a firearm such as this and discuss measures to prevent this from happening again,” he said. “The safety of our children in schools should be the No. 1 priority for all of us in public service. Enough is enough.”

State Sen. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota — who has this session pushed bills to allow concealed weapons in courthouses and churches — said he would be re-introducing a school safety bill that would take Galvano’s suggestion about school resource officers to the next level.

The bill, which he said had been shot down over the past six years, would offer school districts the opportunity to appoint “schoolsafety officers” that would have more training than a school resource officer, active shooter training and prior law enforcement or military experience. Districts could establish certain policies like storing their firearms in a safe on school property.

Manatee County School Board Chairman Scott Hopes said these proposals aren’t “about guns. It’s aboutprotecting students and staff when they’re in our schools.”

The school district is “all hands on deck” in identifying safety needs and will have a workshop to address funding for more school resource officers and work to assess the district’s mental health services.

“There are some things we can do now,” Hopes said. “There are other things that are going to take help from the legislature.” BY HANNAH MORSE

Unfortunately, there have been way too many crimes at schools. Our security guards have been highly trained in complex areas and are ready and willing to secure the safetyof your students and staff. Citiguard employs both armed and unarmed security guards.

Our security consultants will sit with the Administrator and learn the rules of the school. Be friendly enough to students so they are comfortable with the security guard but stern enough so the students know the security guard is there to protect them and their peers.

Citiguard sets itself apart from the other companies by giving their security guards a unique training course that specifically deals with the legislation and school environment.

Don’t wait for a tragedy! Start protecting your students and staff today with Citiguard.

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