What to Consider When Hiring a Security Guard

September 28, 2017

When it comes to protecting your business, you want to know that security is covered and in the best possible hands. That means hiring the best people for Industrial Park Security. A security guard is not only a physical presence; they’re someone you can rely on to give you peace of mind that they’re protecting your staff, customers and property to the best of their ability.

Although first considerations are the level and type of security you need, you should also consider other aspects of the job to help you choose the right person for your security requirements.

Here’s what to consider when hiring a security guard or an unarmed security service.

Are They Trained and Licensed?

Today the security industry is strictly regulated, so not just anyone can be a professional security guard. Before hiring a security guard, ensure they’re fully trained and have a valid Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. The SIA licence ensures that personnel are ‘fit and proper persons who are properly trained and qualified to do their job’. As well as formal training, security guards must also undergo criminality checks to qualify for an SIA licence.

If driving is part of their job description, you also need to ensure security guards have a valid driving licence.

Interpersonal Skills

Good communication skills are essential criteria for security guards. Security work involves a preventative approach to crime and aggression, so knowing how to deal with people and having the ability to defuse a situation before it escalates is crucial. If the security guard will be dealing with staff and customers, you want to be assured they can handle themselves in a professional manner at all times and communicate effectively, both as protector and enforcer.

They should also have the ability to work within a team or individually, and be able to use their initiative wisely.

Administration Skills

Modern security work involves a lot of paperwork such as note-taking and daily report writing, so security guards should have good spelling and grammar to deal efficiently with any administrative tasks. They should also be competent at word processing and have the required computer skills for the job.

Technology

Modern security work is often a combination of technology and manpower. If you use this combination, you need a security guard who is comfortable and competent working with technology, such as surveillance equipment and CCTV.

Motivation

All the training in the world is of no use if there’s no motivation to do a job properly. A professional security guard should be observant, alert and be able to stay motivated even during quiet periods.

Now you’ve considered these important factors, where’s the best place to find the right security guard for your needs?

A Professional Security Company

The solution is to find a reputable, experienced and reliable security company that can guarantee the highest standards of professionalism from their employees. Hallmark Security guards are fully trained, SIA licensed, and vetted, so you’ll have peace of mind that the security of your business premises and staff is in trustworthy and competent hands.

For more information about our security guards and the services we offer, contact us today.