Many venues, large and small, require an almost constant security presence. Having this presence with on-site officers, cameras monitored by remote guards, or combining the two can be a worthwhile investment for many organizations and businesses. Security guards can prevent incidents simply by being present or intervening in unlawful action. Guards help to protect the people who live or work on a piece of property and any products and equipment that may be on the property. This blog post will give you an overview of what it means to be a security guard in Atlanta, including where you might be stationed, the type of money you can earn, and whom to see about getting a job.
Where are Security Guards Needed?
Government Agencies
Many government agencies, local, state, and federal, rely on guards from private security agencies, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). While assigned to these positions, extensive background checks are required.
Security Officers in Schools
Security guards come into play (along with local law enforcement) to help keep teachers and students safe in the school environment. They can also prevent vandalism at the location and help portray an overall calm and secure environment to help foster a safe learning environment. Having the presence of an on-site guard can help with that environment, giving comfort to the parents, community, teachers, and students. Having cameras that trained security professionals can remotely monitor extends the range of protection that can be provided to the school and its surrounding grounds.
Class A Building Security
Adding security officers to a Class A office space can elevate the desirability of an already high-demand area. Adding augmented security features, such as secure entry and exit points with additional security cameras, paired with remote monitoring and trained on-site officers, can give a commanding presence to the area.
But what is a Class A building? According to the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), they’re the “most prestigious building competing for premier office users with rents above average for the area. [Class A] Buildings have high–quality standard finishes, state-of-the-art systems, exceptional accessibility, and a definite market presence.” Having this high-quality property requires almost constant surveillance, both remote and on-site.
Security Guards for Gated Communities
Residents who choose to live in a gated community expect the best regarding the safety of their environment and the peace of mind that a security team can bring. Keeping these residents happy by exceeding their expectations and upgrading standard security is a huge bonus for both them and the community owners. Residential and gated communities are often susceptible to theft, vandalism, and other crimes. Security officers posted in these communities can help keep residents safe from threats. They can also prevent unauthorized visitors by monitoring and staffing the entrances and exits to the community.
Healthcare & Retirement Homes Security
Hospitals and other care facilities, including assisted living and retirement homes, require online and virtual security. On-site officers can also patrol the building, preventing crimes or other unwanted behaviors. Effective officers can assist patients in an altered state of mind, causing them to be disoriented, combative, or vulnerable. Narcotics and drug equipment can be susceptible to theft in these locations. Visitors, staff, and patients must be protected using on-site and remote guards to ensure their safety 24/7/365.
Special Event Security
Many events, such as sporting events, concerts, and conferences, can connect you with many unfamiliar people in an unknown space. When mobility and visibility are limited in a sea of people, bringing backup in the form of security officers can boost confidence, helping to weed out who belongs and who does not. An expert security team comprised of diligent virtual guards monitoring from a central location and on-site officers can ensure an event of a lifetime while keeping the environment safe.
Security Guards in Apartment Complexes
Remote guarding, such as VirtuGuard™, combined with security officers in the complex, can resolve common security issues for apartment community owners. A network of cameras, access control systems, and live monitoring by an expert and highly trained team of virtual security officers can prevent and respond to theft, break-ins, vandalism, trespassing, and other illegal activities that may, unfortunately, happen in the complex.
Security for Warehouses, Distribution Sites, and Construction Sites
When it comes to warehouse security, protecting your people, inventory, equipment, and data are essential. Having well-trained guards and remote monitoring can help revert the focus to producing the most efficient and profitable warehouses.
Throughout these posts, you may be responsible for the following:
- Patrolling buildings and grounds on foot.
- Controlling or dispersing any crowds.
- Warning violators of infractions such as loitering, smoking, or carrying forbidden articles.
- Notifying the fire department in the case of fire or other hazards.
- Checking that all doors, windows, and gates are secure.
- Observing and reporting fire hazards, leaks, propped doors, etc.
- Evacuating personnel in the event of a fire, weather, active shooter, or other events.
- Noting property damage, irregularities, or any malfunctioning machinery or equipment.
- Apprehending or ejecting suspicious persons.
- Engaging or cooperating with law enforcement as needed.
- Preventing unauthorized persons from entering the property.
Are our Security Guards considered First Responders?
Security guards help keep people safe but are often overlooked as heroes. Most of the time, they are the first on the scene of situations and must decide if EMTs or a law enforcement presence is required or if they can resolve the issue independently. Due to their proximity to the properties they protect, they can respond quickly, de-escalate problems, and sometimes save lives. In the following circumstances, security guards rose to the occasion as first responders, de-escalating the situation and saving as many lives as possible.
Intervention
In one instance, BOS Security Officers James and Elizabeth Hilton were the first responders on the scene when a young man attempted to jump from an eight-floor balcony. They immediately sprang into action, keeping the young man secured until the police arrived to take him for a psychological evaluation. Situations such as this do arise, and it is essential to have competent officers who are trained to respond. Their abilities, dedication, and how they react to certain situations can save countless lives.
De-escalation
In circumstances with high emotions, de-escalation skills are a necessity. Training can be a toolbox for problems, but there is no substitute for a security guard that thinks on their feet in a high-stakes situation. These guards must be recruited for their ability to say calm – and keep hostile or endangered persons calm – and trained to recognize and defuse difficult circumstances with patience and empathy.
Medical Response:
Security guards, similar to police officers, can often encounter events with little to nothing to do with the security of the place they were charged. They may need to intervene to preserve a person’s life and health. Training in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), and other first-aid techniques can be crucial in their ability to respond should they come across an individual or a group of people in need of medical attention while performing their daily rounds. Of course, informing Emergency Medical Services through 911 is the most crucial step, but having a capable officer that can provide rapid response to save or stabilize the victim(s) while awaiting their arrival can prove the difference between life and death.
How Much Does a Security Guard Make?
The security industry is a dependable, steadily growing industry that will never go away. As the strains on law enforcement grow, more governments, businesses, and residential communities are turning to private security companies for support. Technology will never replace a human security guard that can interact with an employee, client, or resident completely. Having that person-to-person contact with your clients or customers is vital to give them peace of mind.
Most officers in Atlanta will make anywhere from $13 an hour to $20 an hour and higher. It depends on the client’s budget, security needs, the employee’s experience in the security field, and the on-the-job responsibilities. An Armed Security Officer at an important government building with 5+ years of experience will earn more than an unarmed warehouse security guard working the night shift who started a month ago.
What sort of benefits do Security Guards get?
Security guards should qualify for benefits anywhere they work. The benefits the guard receives will depend on the company they work for, including vacation time, sick leave, health insurance, retirement benefits, life or disability insurance, or tuition reimbursement. At BOS Security, we believe that working as a security guard should include the same benefits you receive at any other job.
What type of company should I work for: a large multinational security company or a smaller regional guard company?
Company culture is the most significant deciding factor in this decision. Your security company employer probably has a specialty or will assign you to certain types of clients. There are very, very large companies (like Securitas or Allied Universal) that will have thousands (if not tens of thousands) of employees worldwide. Some of the smaller regional guard companies are more involved with their employees, creating a family environment.
Either way, the security guard company you work for should pay you for the time you spend training. These companies should also pay for your uniform. These companies should build uniform costs into the security company’s rate to the client.
Best Security Guard Companies in Atlanta:
Each year, BOS Security, Inc. meets with over one hundred customers in the North Georgia area to discuss their security needs.
It is the utmost priority to ensure our customers are as informed as possible about their personal security needs. We never shy away from all of our competitors’ highly skilled individuals with years of knowledge and expertise, so we would like to tell you a little more about them and what they offer.
BOS Security
Since 1993, BOS Security has maintained the highest standards in the security industry. A licensed security contractor with the State of Georgia, we regularly exceed client expectations because we use the best guards, cutting-edge systems, and stress service to our customers. Our commitment to quality is why BOS Security has repeatedly been named to the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies in the nation since 2012. The training of our Security Officers sets BOS apart, as we provide the highest levels of training to tailor a security plan specific to the needs of each client’s environment. All instructors are certified in their fields and have experience teaching their area, with many tenured veterans of local and federal law enforcement agencies as a part of our team. BOS is equipped to provide customized training solutions for all environments, from gated communities to high-threat federal facilities or Class A office buildings. Our training program can be modified to meet your specific needs.
For local ownership and management that gives optimal attention to your needs, call BOS Security at 404-793-6965.
Allied Universal
Allied Universal®, the world’s most extensive security and facility services company, provides innovative smart technology and proactive security services to deliver evolving, tailored solutions that allow clients to focus on their core business. Operating in over 90 countries, our experienced team of 800,000+ employees can help keep people safe so our communities and customers can thrive.
Securitas
Securitas, the second-largest security guard company in the nation, helps organizations of all markets and sizes to achieve superior security programs and results. Our security solutions include the Six Pillars of Protective Services: Mobile, On-Site, and Remote Guarding; Fire & Safety; Electronic Security; and Corporate Risk Management. Securitas has provided peace of mind to countless venues, including The Master’s Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club and the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.
PSI Security Service
PSI Security Guard & Patrol Services provides commercial security services, including concierge/lobby security, professional uniformed officers, temporary security, security patrol, bike patrol security, construction security, and security consultation throughout Atlanta, Georgia. Our security experts can help you find and create the right security plan for your needs.
Walden Security
For nearly 30 years, Walden Security has provided unarmed and armed integrated security services for government and commercial properties. Walden is known and respected for its excellent company culture throughout the security industry. We’ve cultivated a collaborative and diverse workplace that fosters trust, respect, and teamwork by selecting the right people and giving them the resources they need to succeed. From advancement opportunities to flexible schedules and great benefits, we treat our employees how they deserve to be treated.
Culpepper and Associates, Inc.
For more than twenty years, Culpepper and Associates Security Services, Inc. have provided security solutions all over the world for governments, building owners, and corporations. Today, Culpepper and Associates employ more than 400 security professionals throughout the continental United States and the Hawaiian Islands. CASS employees are sought after as security escort specialists, administrative security officers, program managers, armed and unarmed security guards, and experts in the operation and monitoring of Command-and-Control Operations Centers.
Private Eye Protection
Licensed and insured in Georgia, Private Eye Protection will work with you to develop a security program that exceeds your specific requirements. From unarmed and armed uniformed guards to comprehensive video surveillance systems and remote monitoring services, our security solutions are second to none in quality, dependability, and consistency. We are dedicated to providing Atlanta with 24-hour security guards, mobile security patrols, personal armed protection, corporate security services, and more.
Related Post: 7 Qualities That Make For the Best Security Guard Company
Find Security Guard Jobs in Atlanta Today:
Security Guards enjoy exciting and rewarding careers. If you’re interested in becoming a security guard or would like help finding a job as a guard, partnering with a security staffing agency like BOS Security can help you in your journey. Our security recruiters can match you with an organization—large, mid-size, or small, as well as corporations, businesses, non-profits, government agencies, and more—that lets you thrive in the profession. Contact us online to get in touch with a member of our recruitment team to learn more about our accountant staffing and recruiting services.
