A security guard helps deter crime, enforce rules and policies, and protect people, property, goods and services. But did you know there are many different types of security guards? Although most security guards do essentially the same thing—guard and protect—these men and women can have very different roles. So whether you are looking into a career as a security guard or looking to hire security guard services for your property, here are the different types of security guard positions you should know about:
- Residential: A residential security guard is responsible for protecting housing properties. Housing properties would include apartment complexes, assisted living communities, gated communities and even dorms or student housing. Residential security guards are charged with not only protecting the property from theft or vandalism, but also protecting the residents living there.
- Commercial: Private business properties usually require some type of security as well, which is where you will see our commercial security guards. These security guards are charged with safeguarding commercial properties, but they may also be responsible for monitoring restricted areas, checking personnel in and out, protecting confidential business information and trade secrets, and much more. From a small medical practice to a 10-story office building, commercial security guards are hard at work keeping your business, your assets, and your employees safe.
- Retail: Similar to a commercial security guard, a retail security guard works for private businesses. However, where a commercial security guard may have a wide range of responsibilities, a retail security guard has one main job—to prevent theft. For many retail businesses, shoplifting is a serious problem that can significantly cut into their assets. A retail security guard helps prevent theft, not only by having a trained eye to spot shoplifters, but also by being a warning presence discouraging potential shoplifters from attempting to steal in the first place.
- Armed: Most security guards do not carry a weapon; however, under certain circumstances, armed security may be a necessity. In cases where an individual’s life may be in danger, potentially volatile circumstances or for a business located in a high-crime area, having armed security on hand may be the only way to ensure protection and that a safe environment is maintained. Keep in mind that armed security guards are licensed and highly trained, not only on how to use their weapon, but how to control dangerous situations and prevent circumstances that would require the use of a weapon in the first place.
Whether you are looking to work as a security guard or are trying to find the perfect security guard services for your home or business, it’s important that you understand the many different types of security positions we offer here at American Pride Security Services. To learn more about what we offer or to schedule a security survey to see what type of security professional will best suit your needs, call us today. Our team looks forward to working with you!
As a brick and mortar retail business, you likely have a security system and cameras in place to protect your inventory. However, the alarm you set at the end of every workday and having visible cameras are not the only preventative measures you can take against would-be robbers. This is where hiring a security guard for your business could be of big help. Unfortunately, some business owners see security guards as an unnecessary expense. However, depending on what type of industry you are in and the area where your store is located, they may actually be more than worth it.
Are you still not sure if a security guard is right for you? Here are five reasons to consider investing in professional security guard services in Fort Myers, FL for your retail establishment:
- Crime deterrent: While placing security cameras and alarm placards in plain sight might make a person reconsider committing a crime, having a security guard patrolling the property may just scare them away for good. This is because a good security guard has the training to detect suspicious activity and is able to prevent criminal acts before they happen. Even better, the combination of business security cameras and visible security guards is an extremely effective crime deterrent.
- Stop robberies and crimes: Many reputable security guard services in Fort Myers, FL train their personnel in weapons use and oftentimes hand-to-hand combat. Thanks to this kind of training, a security guard could potentially stop a robbery or another type of crime in progress. Due to safety or liability, a client or the security company may forbid the security guard from confronting a criminal. In this case, they understand they are to contact the proper authorities immediately and take safe, appropriate measures to stop the situation from escalating.
- Versatility: Most professional security guards are trained to provide additional services, instead of merely being present at your business. Depending on the agreement a client has with the security service company, your security guard could take on other duties, including monitoring the security cameras, standing guard in restricted areas, providing extra backup to drivers during product deliveries and protecting the property after hours.
- Help with customer service: Did you know that hiring a security guard can improve your retail business’ customer service? Your customers will look at your security guard as a trusted individual, so they may ask for guidance around your store or to be walked through a dark parking lot.
- Peace of mind: When security guards are around, you are bound to feel safer. Business owners and employees can focus on their work better knowing someone is there to protect them—especially if you sell expensive items that are appetizing to criminals. Also, your customers will get the impression that their safety is important to you. This provides peace of mind for everyone.
To learn more about what professional security guard services in Fort Myers, FL can do for your business, call the experts at American Pride Security Services. We will be happy to answer all your questions or get services started for you as soon as possible!
Everyone can appreciate a party that’s been nicely put together. Having a plan means it won’t be chaotic and you can actually relax and mingle. However, having a plan does not guarantee a total absence of problems. With that in mind, here are a few good reasons to hire event security in Fort Myers, FL and the Southwest Florida area for your next neighborhood block party:
- To keep partygoers safe: It’s not uncommon for tight-knit neighborhoods to throw block parties throughout the year to celebrate being a community. With the street blocked off, the barbecue grills out and music playing, you would think that everyone is ready for a fun, yet safe time. But although you may not be able to predict problems, you can assume that there will be people who won’t be so neighborly. When hired security is present, long-simmering neighbor disputes are less likely to manifest into fights and cars will be safely detoured around a blocked street to avoid accidents
- To maintain order: Although a security officer won’t know everyone who lives on a particular street, they are trained to detect potential problems and read suspicious behavior. Namely, they watch for rowdy partygoers as well as people at the neighborhood party who shouldn’t be there. In most cases, the mere presence of a security officer’s badge may be enough to prevent bad behavior. If not, then they are going to be the one to call the police.
- To prevent stealing: During a neighborhood street party, you might decide to leave your front door unlocked or open for easy access to and from the festivities. Unfortunately, this also means easy access for criminals. If you can just walk in, then so can they! This is especially a problem in a neighborhood where not all neighbors know each other. You could see someone walking into the house across the way and leaving with a television set, but if you don’t know your neighbor, you may not suspect a robbery. On the other hand, event security won’t have a problem asking questions and reporting a theft.
- To watch homes: Along the same lines, hired security may be instructed to watch the homes during a neighborhood event. Why? Because more often than not, a block party is only going to take place on a single street, not on every single street in the community. What this means is a lot of empty houses surrounding the main party location. With visible security officers also patrolling these streets, there’s less of a chance for break-ins, property vandalism or other criminal acts that can affect homes.
- To provide peace of mind: Simply put, hiring trained security to help out at your next event will provide you with the peace of mind you otherwise wouldn’t have. You and other party attendees will feel safer knowing there are trained eyes on the event, as well as on your homes.
Don’t let stress and worry take away from the fun you should be having at your neighborhood party. Contact the team of trained, professional event security at American Pride Security Services today!
