Security Guards
On the Job
Security Guards guard, patrol, or monitor property to prevent theft, violence, or other illegal activity. They may operate metal detectors. They work in a variety of settings, including office buildings or retail stores.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
- Request emergency personnel.
- Warn individuals about rule violations or safety concerns.
- Write operational reports.
- Monitor access or flow of people to prevent problems.
- Patrol properties to maintain safety.
- Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning.
- Block physical access to restricted areas.
- Maintain public order or security.
- Prevent unauthorized individuals from entering restricted areas.
Typical Working Conditions
- Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
- Frequent contact with others.
- The importance of being accurate or exact.
- Making decisions that impact co-workers or company results.
- Working with a group or team.
- Responsibility for others' health and safety.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.