What to Expect From Security Guard Training

Are you thinking about becoming a security guard? Pursuing this career path will allow you to take advantage of flexible work hours and many advancement opportunities. The only downside is that you’ll most likely have to give up your nights and weekends. While there are no formal educational requirements, you must enroll in a security guard training program. Your courses will cover various topics such as handling emergency situations, the qualities of a good security guard, patrol methods, theft prevention, and communication. 

You’ll also receive training documents that you’ll have to look over. Check out this guide to learn more about what you can expect. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

Your security guard training program will cover a variety of different topics. The first one will go over your duties and responsibilities. 

Your on-the-job duties will vary, but nine times out of ten, they will involve protecting someone or someplace. In certain instances, you’ll be in charge of controlling a crowd. 

You’ll have to assess an area and always be ready to handle an emergency situation. 

Qualities of a Good Guard 

Another topic that might be included in your training is the qualities of a good security guard. Most security guards are honest and have a great deal of self-discipline. 

They need to possess impeccable communication skills and have the potential to lead a team. Security guards avoid performing unlawful acts that may cause their clients to lose their trust in them. 

Patrol Methods 

There are three different patrol methods that your program may cover. The first is foot patrol.

As the name suggests, this involves patrolling the vicinity of an area on foot. This method is used to discourage potential trespassers and look for any signs of trouble, like broken windows. 

The second patrol method is vehicle-based. You’ll be able to monitor an area from the inside of your car. 

The last thing you’ll learn about is remote patrol. It involves using surveillance technology to keep an eye out for any dangers. 

Power of Arrest 

It’s a common misconception for those going into this job field that they’ll have the same sort of arrest power that a police officer has. In reality, security guards don’t have much arrest power at all. 

The only time you’ll have the authority to arrest a citizen is if certain felonies have taken place. This course will go over what these felonies are. 

This will also teach you how to properly restrain a citizen.

Handling Emergencies 

When you become a security guard, you’ll need to be able to handle emergencies at a moment’s notice. This is true, no matter if you’re dealing with a bomb threat or an active shooter. 

Your training program will instruct you on how to best protect those involved in these catastrophes. 

Theft Prevention 

Business owners hire security guards to protect their buildings from all levels of unlawful activity. That includes theft. 

This being said, your security guard training course will most likely cover how to best deter a burglar and cover in great detail what you should do in the event of a robbery. 

Communication 

You will be trained in how to use your voice in an authoritative but calm manner. Your communication training will cover how to approach those who aren’t abiding by the rules. 

You’ll also be taught how to talk to citizens during an emergency in order to keep them calm. You will need to be able to stay in contact with your colleagues via emails and proposals. This training course will cover that as well. 

Hospital Security Course 

Most programs use two days to teach trainees about the ins and outs of hospital security. 

In this course, you’ll learn all about traffic control, the hospital’s emergency procedures, and customer service. 

Bank Security 

Banks often hire security guards to protect their assets and customers. Most bank security courses will teach you how to spot a potential robber and handle them before they have the chance to act. 

X-Ray Screening 

If you plan to work at an airport, you’ll have to take an x-ray screening course. You won’t be allowed to start work until you know how to use an x-ray machine. 

You’ll also have to learn common aviation hazards, aircraft protection, and other safety protocols that go along with being a security guard at an airport. 

Special Events Course

Oftentimes, you’ll be hired to handle security at a special event. That’s why every training course takes a few days to teach you common event security strategies. 

You’ll also learn operational skills that pertain to the type of event that you’ll be covering. 

Security Guard Training Docs 

When you start your training, you’ll receive a packet of documents to read over. This packet should include a mission statement that explains what success is like for your company. It will tell you a little about what’s expected from you as well. 

You’ll get a document that explains all the details of the program, including the cost and how long it will take you to finish it. You’ll also receive a list of the courses in the program. 

Find a Course and Get Your Security Guard License 

Security guard training is an intensive course that will teach you everything you need to know before you start your first day of work. You’ll learn how to best handle emergencies, the qualities of a good security guard, and how to protect specific businesses. 

Are you ready to get started? Contact us to book a training consultation today.