How Has Being a Security Guard Changed Over the Years?

Security GuardsHow has being a security guard changed over the years? Well, there are more security threats than ever, and some of them require a whole new mindset, for sure.

As times have changed, the security guard’s role has adjusted to be much more than just standing in a lobby saying hello to people. Have you noticed how more and more places are concerned about who is entering their business, office, or store? In the old days, it seemed like people had more freedom to access places, such that you could just walk into City Hall, take an elevator up a few floors, and walk right into the office of your local Mayor. You two could chat and it was no big deal. Today, however, security guards are stationed in multiple places in buildings, checking people’s identification cards, making calls to see if they have a proper appointment, etc. Access control is a major role of security guards combining both customer service and visitor management.

If and when there’s an emergency of any sort, a security guard is essentially a first responder to the situation. They deal with people getting injured. They also have to pay attention to things such as fire alarms going off and anything else that disrupts the normal flow of a workday. Ever since September 11th, 2001, when the World Trade Center was attacked, American society has changed. Security guards not only have to watch over a place to protect it from petty criminals– now they even have to be watching for terrorists.

Most security firms hire people with at least a high school diploma, though college/military experience is preferred. Guards need proper training–of course–and have to pass both a background check and a drug test. When on duty, today’s guards need to be hyper-vigilant and ready to deal with all sorts of problems that could occur.

Finally, the one thing that security guards have to deal with, now more than ever, is workplace violence with active shooters on the premises. Hardly a day goes by when you don’t hear about some deranged person shooting up a school, mall or other public place.

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