Security guards form an important part of our daily lives. Whether it is in a mall, parking garage, or corporate buildings, security guards are ever-present and ready to help in any possible way. However, contemporary media and Hollywood movies have sold out a different narrative about these fine men and women in uniform. People have been fed different stereotypes about security guards and their roles and such misconceptions have led them to overlook the importance of the role security officers play to make our lives easier.
Here are the common myths about security personnel:
Misconceptions About Security Guards
Security Guards is a male-dominated field
It is easy to assume that a security guard job belongs only to men. The fact is, yes, men make up a huge percentage but a lot of women have joined the field for the past decades.
Notably, most businesses, malls, among other clients prefer female security guards because of their exceptional customer service skills, communication, and great observational skills needed to spot incidents early and alleviate them. Apex Security is a woman-owned company, and we employ both male and female Orlando security guards.
No formal training for security guards
Many people mistakenly believe that anyone can take up the job of a security guard, with no initial training at all. Contrary to this opinion, security guards have laws and regulations which govern their profession, and these standards demand that security staff should undergo the minimum required training to hold a license.
Through the Private Security Act of 2004, security guards should exhibit and meet given criteria to qualify for the role before initiating any formal training. Therefore, training is very crucial for security guards and every officer must undertake the training.
Security officers have a bad rapport with the public
People tend to perceive security personnel as intimidating or even overbearing individuals. Given the advancement the security industry has made in their recruitment and training over the years, security guards have competent people skills today, which are much-needed in their line of duty.
Today, security guards are well equipped to respond not only to crimes and incidents, but to communicate positively with visitors or help out customers in a mall to achieve great customer service.
Security personnel should be well-built
It is a misconception that security officers should have big and strong builds to be able to function effectively in their line of work. Businesses like nightclubs and bars might demand more burly guards and this is quite understandable. However, today’s businesses demand personnel with exceptional instincts and observational skills to spot threats and respond immediately to solve the problem.
It’s no longer just about having a huge build and strong muscles; observation skills and smart instincts are extremely helpful too.
Acquiring security personnel is costly
This is a myth that is common with small businesses or individuals who think that they don’t have the resources to maintain the services of a security guard.
There are budget-friendly security guard packages that are tailored to any business’s needs. They make security personnel more affordable and any small business should consider hiring the services of security guards than deal with the loss of property and damages in case of a break-in.
Security guards’ jobs are not engaging
Thanks to contemporary Hollywood movies depicting security personnel as often boring and uneventful; people have adopted the same misconception. However, this is untrue. Security officers are required to stay alert and vigilant at all times to avoid any loopholes for criminals trying to steal or break-in.
Having deconstructed common misconceptions above, it is evident that security guards are not only qualified personnel but the role of a security officer deserves to be appreciated and treated with respect. Security guards play a crucial role in keeping people and property safe and these misconceptions don’t add any value to the industry or to potential clients needing to hire security guards in Central Florida.