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From crowded events to corporate office buildings, security guards play a very important role. While it may be easy to assume that security guards are just ‘regular’ people wearing uniforms and standing guard, that isn’t the case at all.
Proper training is essential for all security guards to ensure their safety and the safety of the venues they work at. That being said, there are a lot of components that go into properly training security guards. Whether you currently have a team of security guards or are looking to hire guards for your establishment, you should have an understanding of the training process. Keep reading to learn about the essential components of security guard training.
Self-Defense Training
While it’s true that security guards are responsible for keeping people and venues safe, it’s also important for them to know how to protect themselves. This is why security guards must be properly trained in self-defense techniques. The last thing you want is for a situation to occur and not be handled properly because the security guards did not know how to protect themselves.
Additionally, proper self-defense training also allows security guards to feel more confident and empowered should a dangerous situation arise. When security guards are confident and well-trained, it can help lessen the chances of someone causing a problem.
Surveillance Techniques
Being a security guard isn’t just about de-escalating situations once they occur. It’s also about being aware of what’s going on so that things can be prevented. After all, having security guards is meant to be a preventative measure that lessens the likelihood of things happening.
By learning proper surveillance techniques, security guards can develop a high level of awareness of their surroundings. This can help them notice when things don’t seem quite right and lower their response time in the event of an emergency. For example, if a security guard notices that two guests have gotten into a verbal altercation, they may be able to address the situation before it turns physical.
Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
Security guards who don’t know or understand their legal responsibilities can be a liability to your business or event. It’s important to keep in mind that what security guards are legally allowed to do differs by location, so it’s essential to educate yourself and your security guards on the. For instance, whether or not your security guard can carry a weapon or can physically intervene are things that are dictated by law. Ethical considerations are also important to keep in mind. Security guards must respect personal boundaries and refrain from unnecessarily intruding upon an individual's private space or belongings.
Another important ethical duty of security guards is to exercise fairness and impartiality in their decision-making. This means they should treat all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or status. They should avoid engaging in discriminatory practices or unfairly targeting certain individuals based on bias or prejudice.
Emergency Response Training
Security guards aren’t just responsible for stepping in when situations occur between individuals. They may also be responsible for helping to navigate emergency situations such as fires, floods, and active shooter scenarios.
Thorough training will ensure that security guards know how to properly respond in the event of an emergency. This can include things like making announcements and helping people get to safety. The last thing you want is for your security guard to panick during an emergency.
Physical Fitness
Things can happen at a moment’s notice, and security guards have to be able to respond quickly. Sometimes, that response can include a great deal of physical activity. This is why physical fitness is a necessary part of security guard training.
Being physically fit enables security guards to respond swiftly and efficiently in emergencies. Whether it's chasing down a suspect or restraining an unruly individual, being physically fit allows guards to spring into action without hesitation. A fit security guard has the agility and endurance necessary to handle high-stress situations with ease.
Conflict Resolution Skills
Security guards often encounter situations that require effective conflict-resolution skills. This is why it's important for security guards to know exactly what to do to identify, redirect, and resolve conflicts.
Without proper conflict resolution skills, security guards risk escalating tense situations further or mishandling conflicts altogether. By equipping themselves with these vital skills, security guards can effectively de-escalate conflicts before they turn into full-blown incidents that endanger lives or cause property damage.
Customer Service Skills
Customer service probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when people think of security guards, but it should be a part of their training. From things like answering questions and providing directions, security guards spend a lot of time communicating with visitors. Knowing how to effectively communicate and provide friendly service is a must.
In some cases, security guards are the first touch point for visitors, so it’s especially important for them to make a good impression and know how to interact with others. If people have negative interactions with your security guards for no reason, it could negatively impact your business or event.
Invest in Ontario Security Guard Training
Ensuring that your security guards are properly trained is one of the best decisions you can make. Not only does a well-trained security staff help promote safety, but it can also create a positive experience for guests.
At Security Guard Group, we specialize in security personnel training. From first aid to basic security training, we offer a variety of services to help security guards do their jobs as well as possible. Contact us or call (226) 667.5048 today to learn more.