Baltimore Security Companies monitor entrances to buildings, facilities, and outdoor areas. They also patrol premises, respond to alarms, and provide customer service assistance.

They are always on the lookout for potential hazards, which means they need to have good judgment and be able to think critically. They should also be able to report details about incidents immediately after they happen to their supervisor or to law enforcement.

A security guard must be constantly observant of the people and environment surrounding them. This includes a good sense of smell, along with excellent eyesight and hearing. This allows them to detect any odor that may signal danger, such as a cable burning or a chemical leak, and to pinpoint where the odor is coming from. It also means they can hear any suspicious sound, such as a scream or footsteps.

This is an important part of what a security guard does, because they are the first responders to potential threats and crimes that occur in their area. They need to be able to notice things that others may miss, such as someone driving by slowly with tinted windows or parking in line of sight of the entrance to their venue. They also need to notice if anyone approaches their destination with unusually dilated pupils or has clammy skin on a cold night, as well as if they are grinding their teeth abnormally.

Security guards need to be able to do all of this without looking positively hostile or aggressively vigilant, since this could make them appear intimidating and scare off any potential criminals. This is why it’s important for them to maintain a level of awareness that is appropriate to the situation. They must also be able to accurately and swiftly interpret anything they see or smell.

A security guard needs to have excellent eyesight and hearing in order to observe the people around them and respond quickly to any strange activity. For example, if a security guard can smell burning or see that chemicals are leaking from a container, they can alert authorities immediately. Security guards should be able to take detailed notes that will allow them to recall important details about the incidents they witness during their shift. This is particularly useful if the security guard is called to testify in court about a particular incident. If the security guard is unable to accurately describe what they saw during the situation, it could jeopardize the integrity of their case.

Strong interpersonal skills are also necessary for a security guard to have in order to interact with their coworkers, supervisors, clients and the public. Security guards should be courteous and professional at all times in order to set the right tone for a situation and prevent or defuse conflict before it gets out of hand.

A security guard will likely work shifts and must be able to arrive on time. Being punctual shows that the security guard takes their job seriously and is reliable. Additionally, a security guard may be relieving another team member during their shift, so being on-time is essential for ensuring that the next guard has the information they need to start their shift.

Security guards must be able to use their judgment well. They will need to decide whether or not a person needs to be confronted, how to respond to any emergency situations they encounter and what the best course of action is for each individual situation. They will also need to assess the risk levels of any work environments they enter and determine if they are comfortable working there.

When interviewing for a security guard role, it’s important to highlight your customer service skills. Security guards often deal with a wide range of people and need to be able to de-escalate any incidents, provide advice or help to those who need it and explain company policies clearly.

Discretion is another quality that security guards must possess. While it’s their job to protect the property of their employer, they must be able to use discretion and decide when it is appropriate to call the police or when it would be better to let an incident go by without taking any action at all.

Security guards must also have the ability to remain alert for long periods of time. This is a critical skill as they will need to monitor security cameras, check entry points, interact with people and patrol areas. They will also need to be able to write clear and concise reports about any incidents that occur during their shift.

The ability to communicate clearly and concisely is essential for a security guard. This means that they can relay information and instructions without ambiguity in situations such as when a fire alarm goes off or someone needs to be evacuated due to a safety hazard. It also allows them to build trusting relationships with their clients and the general public.

Strategies for de-escalating conflict and difficult situations are also key. These include using active listening and empathy skills. This involves truly hearing and understanding the speaker’s perspective, rather than simply waiting for your turn to speak. It is often helpful to practise these techniques by role-playing with a colleague or mentor.

Verbal communication is another essential aspect of this role. For example, if a security guard notices something out of the ordinary on their patrol they need to be able to report it to their supervisor and colleagues. This report will usually need to contain detailed information about every aspect of the situation. This is so that emergency services or any other parties involved in the incident can be prepared for what to expect when they arrive on scene.

A good security guard will also be able to communicate effectively with their team members via walkie-talkie or other mobile devices. Modern security providers equip their guards with the latest tech to ensure they can get in touch immediately if there’s a problem.

Most people are accustomed to seeing security personnel patrolling a gated community, shopping mall or public figure’s home, but there is a real distinction between Security Guard and Security Officer. While both jobs work to implement a unified security management plan, Officers have more responsibility and exercise independent judgement than Guards do. This is why it is important to hire well-trained security professionals.

Guards patrol their assigned areas and monitor surveillance systems, preventing or deterring access by unauthorized persons or vehicles and reporting activity. They may also perform access control at gates or building entrances, ensuring that visitors show valid identification and/or are permitted to enter the facility. In the event of a disruption, guards will respond quickly by securing the area to minimize loss or damage and summoning law enforcement officials as needed.

Many security guards are stationed outdoors to manage crowds and traffic and keep watch over buildings, warehouses and transportation centers. This requires them to be able to communicate effectively with all types of people and provide directions or assistance, especially in a busy environment. Security officers often enjoy the opportunity to interact with customers and clients, which may include greeting them or assisting them in an emergency situation. Both types of roles require that you be alert and able to act confidently in a crisis situation, which is why it’s important for your security staff to be well trained.

A security guard may need to call the police to have them deal with people who are causing a problem on a property. This is a normal part of the job and something that needs to be done properly. The guard must be able to ask the person to leave and then if they don’t, the guard can detain them in what is known as a citizen’s arrest, if it is reasonable. This detention can also involve a physical search of the person, depending on the policies of the company they work for and the circumstances.

However, a security guard’s powers are limited to what they witness in private areas on the premises where they are employed and must wait until law enforcement arrives to make an actual arrest based on probable cause. It is very important for a security guard to remain calm when dealing with these types of situations and to have good customer service skills.

Overall, the ability to do the job properly depends on many different things, including training and a willingness to work in a variety of locations and situations. In addition, the qualities needed for this job are honesty, reliability and clear communication. People who have the right combination of these traits are often very successful as security guards. Security officers are also required to pass specific security guard training courses before they can be hired, which is a further indication that they are qualified to do the job.