Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice Online - Resources

A Day in the Life of a Security Guard¹
Security guards are often the first on the scene when there is trouble on the private property they have been hired to protect. Such trouble could take the form of vandalism, theft, medical emergency, or other criminal activity.

From Studying Criminal Justice to Working in Security
Here are just a few of the tasks that a security officer may face:

Managing people: Uniformed security guards may control large groups of people, give directions, answer questions, and officially represent their employer. They may be called upon to detain criminal suspects until law enforcement arrives on the scene.

Property protection: Many security guards work night and weekend shifts to protect the facilities of a private company or public building. Foot patrol, surveillance camera monitoring, and station management are used to accomplish this task.

Report writing: Security guards usually write reports to document occurrences that serve as official records. They may be required to keep a log of their routine activities as well.

Investigation: Guards develop a keen sense of observation and may see a criminal violation as it occurs. In a retail environment, security guards may work with store detectives to apprehend shoplifters and detain them for the police.

Security guards may work in a variety of environments, including construction sites, museums, malls, arenas, casinos, banks, hospitals, nightclubs, and even private homes. In some states, security guards may have the ability to arrest criminal violators and may be armed.

Most states require security guards to be licensed. Security guards may also be required to be certified and bonded, and ongoing training is required by many states to keep licensure current. Some employers may wish to hire security guards who have received a college-level criminal justice education.