Security Guard Training

Security guards are responsible for the safety and security of buildings, valuables or people. Their primary role is to protect life and property, and prevent crime.

Areas of work may include:

  • Working in the reception area or gatehouse of an office or factory.
  • Patrolling premises, sometimes with a dog, and often at night.
  • Mobile patrols patrolling a number of premises.
  • In a CCTV control room monitoring security screens.

Security guards may sometimes need to detain people until the police arrive. They may need to tackle intruders physically or deal with other emergencies. In any security job, the guard may be required to prepare a short incident report, or even give evidence in court.

Experience could lead to promotion to senior security guard or supervisor. Additional training could lead to chief security officer. Many security guards eventually manage their own security companies.

Working hours vary depending on the type of work involved. Evening, weekend and shift work is common. Security guards can work long hours with overtime.

4 day course

This 4 day basic security guard course leads to a qualification accepted by the Security Industry Authority for licensing. The course is held throughout the UK.

Course content

Roles and Responsibilities of the Security Guard:

  • Customer Care
  • Diversity
  • Patrolling
  • Access Control
  • Searching
  • Security and Emergency Procedures
  • Health and Safety
  • Conflict Management Training

Certification gained

Level 2 National Certificate in Security Guarding (Static and Patrol).

This qualification is approved by the Security Industry Authority and will allow successful candidates to apply for their SIA licence.

Skills

  • Responsible, confident and honest.
  • Good customer service skills.
  • Healthy and physically fir.
  • Good writing skills.
  • Able to use initiative and make quick decisions.
  • Health and Safety knowledge.
  • Understanding of risk management strategies.
  • Good with computers.

Licensing

The Private Security Industry Act 2001 introduced a licensing scheme for the security industry. It is now illegal to work in Security Guarding without a licence issued by the Security Industry Authority.

The Guarding activities defined as licensable by the Private Security Industry Act 2001 are:

  • Guarding premises against unauthorised access or occupation, against outbreaks of disorder or against damage.
  • Guarding property against destruction or damage, against being stolen or against otherwise dishomestly taken or obtained.
  • Guarding one or more individuals against assault or against inkuries that might be suffered in consequence of the unlawful conduct of others.

A criminal records check will also be carried out on anyone applying for a licence.