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The job duties and responsibilities of a security guard are not the same as a peace officer or police officer. Instead, security guards are in the prevention business. It is their job to act as a deterrent to crime, to watch for impending danger and to report crimes they may encounter.
Security guards should remain visible as a deterrent to criminals. Thefts, damage and injuries can be thwarted when the perpetrators see a security guard.
Security guards must remain alert to watch for abnormal activity or hear any unusual sounds.
Instead of rushing into a dangerous situation, security guards are required to record events, take down license plate numbers and remember features to report the findings to the authorities.
Security guards should have access to a phone or radio to report suspicious activity or crimes in progress.
On some posts, security guards are required to check visitors' badges and access authority. They may be asked to check bags of visitors leaving a facility.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, security guards make a median annual wage of $23,820, as of May 2009. Those who work in specific industries, such as natural gas or computer systems, earn up to $64,000 annually, the BLS says.
- guard of honour image by Vladimirs Koskins from Fotolia.com