In a nutshell, a security guard is a person employed by a government or private party to protect its assets, such as people, property, and valuable items. Their job typically includes monitoring, reporting, and controlling any security breach. However, the work scope varies from one security type to another, where they can be working for the government, a residential community, commercial establishment, or business event.
In this article, we’ll share with you the three main types of security guards so that you will know which one to hire for your specific purpose:
Government security guards
These security guards essentially work for the United States government. As they are contracted by the states, they are highly trained and generally armed. They serve to maintain peace and order in the government’s premises, defend the government officials and employees, and protect the property and its valuable assets. These guards can work for the following places:
- Courthouses
- The Police Force
- Centers of Military Operation
- The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- Department of Homeland Security
- United States Postal Service
In-house security guards
Also known as proprietary security officers, these guards are directly hired by companies and businesses for their security needs. As the name suggests, they aren’t tied to any security agency, meaning that they report directly to the company and get paid for the services rendered.
As there are several businesses in various industries, there is a vast array of opportunities for in-house security guards; it’s more of knowing their area of specialization and field of expertise. As a security officer, they can work for the following:
- Commercial establishment
- Bank or financial institution
- Hospital and medical facility
- Hotel and resort
- Cruise ship
- Manufacturing company
- Industrial facility
- Warehouse
- Museum
Private security guards
These security guards are the most common, where they are employed under a private security agency with a signed contract. What happens is that clients hire security officers from agencies to provide them with guards that suit their needs. In most cases, this set-up is simpler and more effective for businesses by contracting a private security agency’s services. Below are some security options for you under this security type:
- Armed security officers: They carry guns and potentially lethal weapons for security and protection in high-risk areas or situations.
- Unarmed security officers: Their job usually includes surveillance, patrolling, entry control, policy enforcement, and general crime deterrent without the need for armed weapons.
- Off-duty police: They are generally employed by the city, state, and municipalities to provide security and protection.
- Personal protection officers: They are security agents assigned to protect one person. They can be working privately for government officials, celebrities, or other famous personalities.
- Remote video surveillance agents: Their main job includes monitoring security camera footage to identify and report any suspicious activities.
Conclusion
At this point, we’ve covered the three main types of security—government, in-house, and private security guards. At the same time, you’ve learned what different kinds of officers fall under them. To that end, be sure to consider all the valuable information discussed above to see which type of officer is best suited for your security needs. Most importantly, be sure to work with a highly reliable security company that can provide you with competent security guards!
We are a specialized security company that provides highly effective security services for any purpose. If you’re looking for security guards for your residential community, commercial establishment, or business event, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!
