Retail Security Guards

Retail security guards are required to man retail outlets and Secure Malls around the world. Their main purpose is to prevent thieves from stealing merchandise or cause nuisance at malls and shops.

According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, around $25 million worth of merchandise are stolen every day and that adds to around $13 billion every year. Shoplifters steal for many reasons. Some may be impulsive others may do it for the fun, while others may not afford to buy what they need, so they shoplift. Some even shoplift unintentionally.

Although experts believe this is to be a psychological problem that needs medical assistance, businessmen who are at the receiving end of the deal want to curb the menace for good. The cost effective way to do this is by employing Retail Security Guards. They come cheaper than the loss that businessmen suffer due to theft.

Getting employed as mall guards is not that tough. Anybody with good references and excellent track record can apply for the job with a security firm. They are trained to monitor close circuit cameras and apprehend potential trouble makers and prevent theft.

There are however several guidelines that need to be followed by Retail Security Guards while apprehending suspects. The use of excessive force is not lawful. If the suspect is too young or old, then force should not be used until required. Female guards should handle female suspects and most important of all, arrests or detention should be made in accordance with the local law.

Security Guard Firms

Post the infamous terrorist attacks on America and the UK, the need for security guards have become more necessary than ever. People have also started taking more interest in the lives of celebrities. Add to that the turmoil created by the recent financial meltdown, the need for security guards have become more of a necessity than a luxury.

In a recent conference of the Executive Protection Institute held in USA, experts opined that the security industry has grown by 15% and is expected to grow further. Security Guard Firms employ security personnel with different skill sets. Let us take a look.

Employees of Security Guard Firms

Most of us think about security guards as hugely built bodyguards, wearing black eyewear with guns peeking out of their black coats and shadowing around their celebrity clients. But there is more than that to the security business.

Private investigation is one aspect of security jobs. Firms usually look for people who have mastered several languages and have relevant experience in investigative work. Such a type is one of the most lucrative security jobs around.

People with extensive knowledge of computers, encryption, system analysis and programming experience are employed at computer security firms and are paid very well.

Private bodyguards are expected to be skilled vehicle drivers who can avoid any unpleasant and potentially dangerous situation by quickly getting their clients out of the scene. Salary of private bodyguards far exceeds that of a mall security guard, but the job is harder too. Security Guard Firms make proper assessment of the skill sets before employing potential candidates.

Key holding is another aspect of security that such firms offer. This is a cost effective solution to keep nuisance makers at bay. Mobile patrol teams are a low cost and effective way to tackle break in situations.

Qualifications and Requirements

Security Guard Firms usually hire people licensed by the Security Industry Authority. The SIA provides license to individuals who have successfully completed SIA endorsed qualifications. Ex-army men have a good chance of getting employed at such firms. There are several training institutes in The UK that help candidates earn their SIA license; some of them even have money back guarantee offers.

Apart from being physically fit, security officers are expected to work in tough pressure situations, work as a team and show leadership qualities. Most of all, they need to make immediate decisions to protect lives or properties.