What Are Different Types Of Security Guards? Which Is Best For You?

What Are Different Types Of Security Guards? Which Is Best For You?

Do you feel unsafe a lot lately? With threats all over, lots of places are getting security guards - schools, hospitals, businesses, and more. But guards aren't all the same.

This article talks about the different kinds of security guards and what they do. That way, you can pick the right types of security guards for your needs and budget. Let's look at your choices to keep people and stuff protected.

Types Of Security Guards:

Government Security Guards

These guards work at government sites, like courts and military bases, and the post office. They get tons of hard training and usually carry weapons. Their job is to protect government stuff and people and stop bad guys. With training for the toughest situations, they handle high-risk government places. Their job is serious business.

In-House Security Guards

Some businesses have their own types of security guards in Canada, not hired from outside firms. You see them at banks, hospitals, cruise ships, hotels, museums, and more.

They report to their own company boss. Because they work right inside the business, they know it really well. Many companies like having their own guards for consistency.

Contract Security Guards

Most guards come from private companies like Falcon Security Services where businesses call for help. The company sends guards that fit each business's needs. For example, short-term for an event or full-time at a company.

With contract guards, businesses can add or reduce protection as fast as needed. The guard companies match them with the right guards for the location, risks, and budget.

Unarmed Security Guards

Even with their name, these guards aren't helpless. They have good observation skills, quick thinking, and know how to prevent issues. Their duties include:

  • Patrolling property
  • Watching activity
  • Controlling who goes in and out
  • Enforcing rules
  • Answering alarms

They deter crime by being seen and reacting fast. Their oversight provides key watching even without weapons.

Armed Security Guards

In very high-risk places with serious threats, an armed guard brings protection. They get tons of weapons training on using guns to stop dangers. Many armed guards were in the military or police, so they knew how to handle weapons in bad situations. These pros bring assurance against big risks.

Bodyguards

Also called executive protection agents, these guards stick to important people who get threats - like famous people, politicians, business leaders. They often travel in groups around their client.

Carrying weapons and with special training, bodyguards are ready to use force when needed. They escort clients, check locations ahead of time, and make sure no one gets too close.

Video Surveillance Operators

This tech job watches security camera video all day. They know the facilities very well so they spot anything weird. Along with guards on the ground, these eagle-eyed operators see threats others miss. Their cameras provide an extra set of eyes.

Patrol Guards

Patrolling at all times or on a schedule, these guards walk around checking for problems. Having roving sentinels is a good deterrence for criminals. Instead of staying in one spot, they circulate everywhere. Their frequent sweeps find issues before incidents happen.

Event Security Guards

For concerts, sports, and big gatherings, event security guards handle crowds. They enforce rules, prevent fights, and deal with problems using special training. Positioned in packed areas, they direct crowds and react fast to fights. Their presence keeps order when crowds get worked up.

Tactical Security Guards

Tactical security guards are trained to undertake protective assignments in high-risk and unstable situations. Just like their counterparts in the military or law enforcement, these guards are capable of detecting threats and strategic evasion. The tactical security guards are often equipped with assault rifles, submachine guns, shotguns and trained for emergency response times. Their expertise safeguards high-security areas, celebrities, individuals who need high security, etc.

Read More About: Tactical Security Guards

Loss Prevention Guards

A special kind of guard you see in stores is loss prevention guards. Working undercover, their sneaky job is to spot shoplifting, employee stealing, and things that cause inventory loss. Blending into shopping areas, they look for suspicious stuff like hiding merchandise, changing price tags, sweethearting at registers, or staff stealing items. They catch suspects and keep evidence for the police. Loss prevention guards combine observation with techniques of intervention and psychology in order to safeguard the items and the profit of the store. Their very presence prevents the actual act of stealing from taking place.

Which One Is Right For You?

Now you know the main types - so how do you pick? Here are key things to think about:

Risk level - Higher threats need armed guards with police/military background. Lower risks might just need unarmed guards.
  Budget - Armed guards and bodyguards cost a lot more. Balance this with your assets and safety worries. Oversight - In-house guards allow close control while contract guards are more flexible. Consider your needs.
Location - Big or spread out places benefit from frequent patrols to cover more area.
Short or long-term - Events or temporary needs want contract guards. Long-term, in-house builds familiarity.
Special skills - Certain risks, like crowds or data theft, determine what skills you need.
Your specific risks, money, and needs show the best protection. Don't just get the cheapest one.
Conclusion

Not all security guards are the same. They have different roles and skills for various settings and safety issues. Take time to analyze which one fits your risks and needs the best. Picking right gets you the protection that average guards can't provide.

So do your homework when you look at choices. Identify your safety gaps, needed abilities, costs, and risks. Then get the right type of guard for your property, people, and peace of mind.