As technology advanced, it increased safety and made home and business security more efficient. With advanced cameras and AI detection, detecting unknown individuals and cars became much easier.
However, as technological advancement peaked, thieves, robbers, and anyone with bad intentions caught up.
For good or worse, humans can adapt to changes and learn from their past experiences. This means that the security measures that were once impenetrable are today vulnerable.
This is why traditional home security is not enough on its own anymore. You cannot rely on just technology and need to pair it with alternative and more conventional means of security, like hiring a security guard through a top-notch security guard service in your area.
In this guide, we will put security guards under the microscope to see what qualities to look for in a good security guard. Let’s get started.
Top 12 Qualities to Look for in a Professional Security Guard
You can no longer rely on cameras and alarms, as robbers use jammers to bypass these measures. This is where human abilities shine at their brightest.
A professional security guard will be able to see what cameras won’t and act accordingly to take safety measures. This is why you should hire a security guard with the required capabilities.
Here are some characteristics a good security guard should have.
1. Vigilance
A professional security guard should always be alert and aware of their surroundings. Vigilance means detecting unusual behaviour, identifying potential threats, and reacting promptly before an incident escalates.
A security camera might notice a person, but it won’t deter it as they note the blind spots and weaknesses to exploit. A competent and vigilant security guard will deter such threats and keep an eye on corners where sophisticated security systems cannot.
Whether spotting a suspicious package or noticing someone loitering near an entry point, small observations can prevent big problems.
2. Good Communication Skills
Whether you are hiring a security guard for home security or your business, the aim is to de-escalate any situation and not the opposite. This is where communication skills become extremely important.
A good security guard should always be able to avoid conflict through words and communicate the concerns effectively to concerned parties, either verbally or through a well-written incident report.
3. Physical Fitness
The nature of the job sometimes demands quick movement, long hours of standing, or even physically intervening in high-risk situations. The security guard might need to remove unwanted people from offices, businesses, and homes.
A physically fit security guard can respond swiftly and maintain stamina throughout their shift. More than strength, fitness reflects discipline and readiness. A security guard who looks physically fit can act as a visible deterrent, as people will think twice before snooping around your property.
4. Honesty and Integrity
As important as the protection from insiders, you need a security guard you can trust. A guard often has access to sensitive areas and confidential information, so their integrity must be beyond question.
Employers should feel confident that the person they’ve hired will not abuse their position. Background checks help, but day-to-day consistency in ethical behaviour is the real proof.
5. Training and Licensing
Security guards are required by law to earn specific security training and certification to serve in any particular state. This includes everything from first aid and emergency response to conflict resolution and handling security equipment.
So, you need to look for a security guard who has the certifications mandated by your state. This will ensure that the person you are hiring for security knows how to respond to any emergency and keep things under control.
This is where you will see the benefits of hiring private security companies, as they ensure the people they hire have the required qualifications.
6. Problem-Solving Skills
Robbers never announce their targets and do not use the same methods as in movies. This is why your security guard should be able to handle whatever is thrown at them.
This could involve calming an angry customer, managing an access issue, or responding to an unexpected threat. The ability to think clearly under pressure and develop effective solutions is invaluable.
7. Professional Appearance
A security guard at the front door will be your guests’ first interaction. This is why you need a security guard who presents themselves nicely and professionally.
If a security guard is not putting any effort into themselves, best believe they will not put any effort in securing your home. It’s not just about appearance; it reflects a bigger point about discipline.
8. Knowledge of Security Technology
Security does not have to cover the entire premise. You need a security guard who understands the abilities and restrictions of the security systems you are using and comes up with a patrolling or surveillance plan based on the level of attention needed.
Moreover, suppose you have a security guard monitoring the premises of cameras. In that case, they should understand how the cameras and the alarm systems work to get immediate responses when needed.
9. Team Player Mentality
Guards often work as part of a team, whether on a site with multiple personnel or coordinating with local authorities. Cooperation and a willingness to share information or follow protocol are vital. A team-focused guard contributes to a more seamless and secure environment.
Any team is as strong as its weakest link. So, individual skills and capabilities are still important to ensure that you do not leave room for error as part of a team.
10. Attention to Detail
Thieves and robbers aren’t going to cause a ruckus every time they strike. They use the shadows and sneak into places. This is where you need a security guard who pays attention to every minor detail.
A broken lock, an open window, or a tool out of place—a good security guard notices everything and follows the trials to stop any crime from happening.
11. Customer Service Orientation
Security guards are always stationed outside your property, and they greet people entering, exiting, or just passing by.
Balancing firmness with friendliness helps build trust and maintain a safe, welcoming atmosphere. Whether giving directions or helping in emergencies, good customer service makes guards more approachable and effective.
12. Emotional Control
Security can be a high-stress job, especially during confrontations or emergencies. A professional guard must remain calm and composed, regardless of the situation. Emotional control helps prevent escalation and ensures clear thinking when quick decisions are needed.
This quality often separates a seasoned professional from someone who simply wears the badge.
How to Ensure These Qualities When Hiring?
Don’t just take the brochure at face value when hiring through a security company. Dig deeper to uncover a gem that will elevate our business by deterring unwanted individuals and creating an environment to attract customers.
Ask about their hiring standards, training programs, and employee background checks. Reputable companies will have clear policies and will be transparent about how they get their personnel.
You can also request to meet or interview the assigned guards in advance to assess their demeanour, communication skills, and professionalism firsthand.
It’s also smart to look at reviews, client testimonials, and any third-party certifications the agency holds. Companies that invest in their guards’ development and performance monitoring tend to produce better results.
Partnering with such a firm increases your chances of getting security personnel who embody these top twelve qualities.
Conclusion
While you want a stern-looking and physically fit security guard, these are not the only characteristics that matter. You should be on the lookout for a security guard who can analyze patterns, notice small details, and predict any incident to avoid it completely.
A security guard’s role demands that they put on a happy face for the people who deserve it and be more stern and strict with people who step out of line.
Hire Professional Security Guards at the National Protective Service
We understand the power of a good security guard, so we have an arsenal of the best security guard services in your area. Our thorough background checks and strict training ensure we have security guards fit for every business, house, school, or hospital.
Contact us today and let us know what you need. Our services will be at your door in no time. Be safe and hire National Protective Service for your security needs.