Security officers play an essential role that often goes unnoticed by the public. Yet, offices, apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, construction sites, malls – anywhere people and property need protection, all rely on these dedicated individuals. They help to prevent robberies, break-ins, and other activities that would put lives and properties in jeopardy.
While technological advancement has enabled the creation of numerous tools and devices to assist in security operations, there are certain qualities your security personnel should always possess – characteristics that are essential when looking for the best security team.
As a professional security guarding company, NSG Security Guarding knows all too well the importance of employing a security team with high standards, experience, and knowledge.
So, what qualities a great security officer must possess to tackle all sorts of emergencies
Training
A highly-trained security officer who can quickly assess and react properly to a dangerous situation provides a fighting chance for everyone involved. Training helps security officers protect people and property and adds credibility to the profession. Just some examples of types of training include:
- Conflict resolution
- Security procedures
- Observation and documentation
- Report writing
- Emergency procedures
- First Aid and CPR
Not all security professionals go above and beyond with training. But for those that do – it gets noticed. And your public appreciates it.
Observation skills
A significant part of the security guards’ workday is to observe if there is anything suspicious happening on the premises of a company or event they work for. They need to be focused and alert all the time. Excellent observation skills allow them to notice irregularities and decide what the right reaction is. The key is to see the change in the surroundings and determine whether it’s serious and requires support from management or public services. A security guard’s reaction must be quick and efficient. It’s also crucial for a good security guard to pay attention to details and stay vigilant to any safety breaches or dangerous behavior.
Alertness
A great security officer is always alert and aware of his surroundings. A heightened sense of awareness and alertness can help them determine if a situation or a person is a threat. It is necessary to continually stay focused and avoid distractions as much as possible or risk missing something that could prove valuable.
Security officers must be ready to handle any situation that comes their way. This means having the skill and knowledge always to act in a variety of circumstances. It is also helpful to have the proper outfit and tools beforehand. If you’re organized and always ready for any situation, you might be perfect for this job.
Security officers can improve their alertness through training. A security officer is always on the lookout for situations that could affect the safety of the people and places they’re protecting. They work hard to ensure they are aware of all things going on around them because ultimately that will assist them in keeping people safe.
Strong Communication Skills
Communication is an important skill in most jobs, but as a Security Officer, you must be able to communicate well and influence others to do what you say. In an emergency situation, you’ll need to be able to communicate clearly and accurately to your team members and remain professional. Additionally, you need good written communication skills to provide accurate documentation, incident reports, and logs.
Security officers must be able to communicate clearly and effectively. They must discuss strategies and possible scenarios with their teammates and supervisors. Furthermore, security personnel must be able to communicate respectfully and strongly with patrons who may pose a threat.
The ability to listen is also a fundamental characteristic of an excellent security officer. By listening and talking to people, they can diffuse a situation that might have led to a disastrous outcome. Because security officers are often first responders, they have to be able to communicate to the police, other EMS responders, and management concerning the details about the security breach or incident that occurred.
Strong communication skills help ensure things run smoothly and efficiently while on the job.
Leadership Qualities
People will look to a security officer for guidance and leadership in a crisis. A skilled security officer takes charge and can de-escalate a dangerous situation without using force. When people panic, things can quickly become out-of-control, and a security officer with a level head can calm people down quickly.
Good leaders have the ability to judge and think fast without recklessness and take control of a situation. They have a clear head and don’t rush into a situation without thinking first about the consequences. This skill makes a big difference when you’re dealing with security risks in your job.
Developing those leadership qualities helps create a sense of calm and confidence that exudes from excellent security leaders.
Honesty & integrity
Security personnel MUST be trustworthy. There are times where a security guard must work alone and must be trusted to stay vigilant. Honesty is essential to building and maintaining trust. These qualities are so fundamental, companies often require background checks to be conducted to ensure a security guard does not have a criminal record or history of dishonesty.
- Security officers encounter many situations that require confidentiality including:
- Access to offices with sensitive information.
- Overhearing conversations.
- Seeing who’s entering and exiting your building.
- Checking identification.
- Observing your business operations.
- Acting as a key holder to your property.
Great security officers are very discrete and honest. They don’t gossip with employees, steal property, and sell business secrets.
Being considered trustworthy is one of the reasons people respect and go to security officers for help when they need it.
Professionalism
A security guard’s performance has a direct reflection on the security company’s reputation. The credibility of the industry suffers when guards don’t take the performance of their jobs seriously, act recklessly or fail to follow best practices. Professional security guards:
- Check their egos at the door.
- Respect other people and the profession.
- Use force only when absolutely necessary.
The likelihood that a security guard is going to encounter conflict in their career is inevitable. But a professional security guard knows how to prevent a situation from escalating into something worse by listening, observing, and providing leadership.
Physical fitness
The ability to maintain high levels of physical fitness is a crucial quality of any security guard as it is likely that they will be very active throughout their working day. There may be occasions where a security guard must patrol a large area, or outrun a criminal at your place of business. Our security guards are healthy, nimble, and physically reliable, enabling them to defend themselves and well their clientele when required.
Passion
A great Security Officer is passionate about the field of security and making a difference in protecting human life and property. They have an excellent attitude and are level-headed. They are able to be assertive and professional, and as a result, they are naturally able to resolve any conflict that may occur.
Ability to Serve Client’s Needs
It is essential for a security guard to be detail-oriented because he has to perform a lot of tasks and remember details in serving our clients.
These are all significant attributes that an excellent security officer should have. Great security officers are not born but are highly trained to help keep you, your family, and your property safe. Remember that the great security guard you encounter today could be your lifesaver tomorrow.
If you want to become a great security professional, take note. Proper training, dedication, and passion make all the difference.
At NSG Security Guarding, we have been providing superior protection services since 2016. If you’re interested in a career as a highly respected Security Officer contact us today.
About NSG Security Guarding
NSG Security Guarding is a highly trusted, trained, and certified security guarding company in South Africa. Here at NSG Security Guarding, we offer the best security guard services. Our expert and highly-trained security officers have the necessary equipment and resources to handle all kinds of emergencies. Visit our website to learn about our security services or contact us today for a free consultation
