Security Guards & Related Occupations

Workers in this unit group protect merchandise, individuals, hotels, offices, factories, public grounds and private estates from injury, theft or damage, and investigate fraud and crime on a non-statutory basis.

Tasks

• Investigates crimes, trading practices and the private affairs of individuals
• Walks or rides near person requiring protection, watches for suspicious occurrences and defends guarded person from attack
• Monitors and patrols hotels, factories, offices and other premises, forests, parks, and public or private estates to prevent theft and unauthorised entry
• Checks persons and vehicles entering and leaving premises, establishes their credentials and arranges for escorts for visitors
• Receives duty sheet, time-clock and keys for premises to be visited, checks locks, doors, windows, etc. and reports any suspicious circumstances to security headquarters
• Calls in civil police and gives evidence in court where necessary.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal academic entry requirements. For some vacancies a current and clean driving licence is required and entrants may have to pass a medical examination. Training is typically provided on-the-job. NVQs/SVQs covering various aspects of security guarding are available at Level 2.