The watchful eyes that stand between chaos and peace are security guards, the silent defenders of order. Let’s face it, the job is a combination of detective, peacekeeper, and customer service representative (with a dash of ninja reflexes thrown in). Some people may believe it’s just about sitting in a booth watching cameras.
A security guard’s day is never boring, from dealing with unforeseen circumstances (such as the person who insists on entering after hours) to being the person to call for enquiries unrelated to security (“Hey, where’s the nearest bathroom?”). Every day offers something new, whether it’s an action-packed, high-energy shift or one that involves calculated strategies for overcoming boredom. Most importantly: security guards must be able to handle medical emergencies.
For a day, let’s put ourselves in the shoes (and steel-toed boots) of a security guard to discover what goes on behind the badge.
The most important task of the day is getting coffee. Without it, no reputable security guard starts their shift. After coffee, it’s time to check in, get a briefing, and go through the previous shift’s logs. Did anything crazy occur during the night? Anything out of the ordinary? Was that just a shadow from a flickering light again, or did Steve from the night crew report another “paranormal sighting”?
It’s time to hit the first patrol with the report in mind. At this point, a security guard shows off their acute observational abilities by silently evaluating anyone who doesn’t seem to belong, checking doors, and looking for anything strange. Employees arriving late, a few lost guests, and that one person who consistently forgets their badge (again) make up the early morning crowd, which is typically innocuous.
Then an alarm goes off just when everything seems to be quiet. Is the caretaker setting off a motion sensor once more, or is there a real emergency? In any case, you can’t assume it’s “nothing” in the security industry, so it’s time to act.
Things are in full swing by noon. Security is at the centre of it all, and the building is bustling with people as deliveries come in. A security guard’s ability to multitask is one of their strongest suits. You might be watching cameras one minute, guiding someone to the appropriate office the next, and then suddenly you’re dealing with an unforeseen circumstance, such as someone attempting to enter with an unusually large duffel bag.
Additionally, this is the best time for “unofficial duties.”
Then there is the notorious “Code Whatever” that is broadcast over the radio; it can be anything from a minor annoyance to a serious emergency. A security guard is aware of the need to remain composed, evaluate the circumstances, and react appropriately. The important thing is to always be prepared, regardless of whether there has been a security breach or someone has simply forgotten their keycard for the tenth time.
Even though the initial rush has subsided by the afternoon, things are still moving quickly. At this point, security personnel put on their best poker face. Why? Because, although everything may appear to be peaceful on the outside, you’re always assessing every scenario and foreseeing issues before they arise.
Consider the enigmatic briefcase that was left in the lobby unattended. Are you in a panic? No. You evaluate. Perhaps it’s just a careless executive’s lunch, or perhaps there’s a deeper issue. In any case, it’s your responsibility to conduct your investigation calmly because yelling, “WHOSE BAG IS THIS?!” tends to agitate people.
Odd encounters also occur in the afternoon. There’s always that one person who insists on meeting with someone but can’t recall who it is. The visitor then tries to charm their way past security by saying, “Oh, I come here all the time!” (Of course, friend. You are unaware of the entrance’s location because of this.)
Not to mention the unforeseen wildlife incidents. Security personnel turn into unofficial animal control specialists when a stray cat wanders into the lobby or a bird in an empty room somehow activates the motion sensors.
It’s just another typical day.
The night shift is about taming the eerie silence, if the day shift is about controlling chaos. The reality of night security is far more unpredictable than what most people think it is—just sitting in a chair, drinking coffee, and watching cameras.
The phantom sounds come first. That air conditioning system that makes a sudden noise like footsteps. The light flickers, giving the impression that something has moved. And, of course, the mystery door that opens itself every once in a while. Is the wind to blame? A forgotten worker? A spectre? You check it out because you don’t have time to wonder. By yourself. In the absence of light. Like a hero in a horror film.
And then there are the actual disruptions. Alarms set off by who-knows-what, late-night intruders, and that one guy who says he left his laptop inside but really only needs five minutes to get it. (Well done, friend.)
The highlight of working the night shift? The friendship. The night crew is a close-knit group, whether they are sharing stories during breaks, playing “guess the weirdest camera footage,” or simply supporting one another when something seems fishy.
Because security personnel are constantly on guard, ensuring that nothing—and no one—goes bump in the night while the rest of the world is asleep.
Being a security guard is ultimately about being prepared for anything, not just standing around and watching cameras. You might be assisting a lost employee in finding their car one minute, and stopping an unauthorised visitor the next. On certain days, it is silent. “Why is there a goat in the parking lot?” is the question on other days.
Patience, quick thinking, and a good sense of humour are necessary for the job. Despite not donning capes, security guards serve as the first line of defence, maintain order, and solve problems in the background. They maintain order, whether it’s by preventing problems before they arise or just providing instructions for the hundredth time.
Give a security guard a nod, a thank you, or even a coffee the next time you see them; they’ve earned it.
Security guards often serve as the first line of defense in emergencies, making it essential to have the right skills to act decisively and effectively. Enhance your preparedness by enrolling in our Security Guard Medical Response Certification Course. Through hands-on training, you’ll learn to manage medical crises and provide critical assistance before professional help arrives. You can also assess your current knowledge by taking our free Security Guard Medical Response Practice Test, ensuring you’re always ready for any situation that may arise on the job.
Takes 1 minute. No credit card required.
The job of babysitting seems straightforward on paper: keep an eye on some children, feed them, keep...
The unsung heroes of the medical industry are radiologic technologists, or “Rad Techs.” Although...
Greetings from Nanny Life!Being a nanny is similar to being a stand-up comedian, personal...
