Security guards and related occupations SOC 9231

Typical tasks

• walks or rides near person requiring protection, watches for suspicious occurrences and defends guarded person from attack
• monitors, patrols and deals with security difficulties in hotels, factories, offices and other premises, and public or private estates to prevent theft and unauthorised entry
• checks persons and vehicles entering and leaving premises, establishes their credentials and arranges for escorts for visitors
• provides entry security, checks tickets, manages queues, takes entry fees, and escorts people from the premises where necessary in a variety of public venues such as nightclubs, pubs and bars
• receives duty sheet, time-clock and keys for premises to be visited, checks locks, doors, windows, etc. and reports any suspicious circumstances to security headquarters
• calls in civil police and gives evidence in court where necessary
• ejects persons in illegal occupation of premises
• watches for illegal fishing or attempted smuggling
• patrols airport, checks passengers baggage, operates metal detectors and x-rays and assists in responding to emergency situations
• greets and organises people attending court cases, ensures necessary parties are present, calls defendants and witnesses, directs oath taking and keeps order in the courtroom

Typical entry routes and qualifications

There are no formal academic entry requirements. For some vacancies a current and clean driving licence is required and entrants may have to pass a medical examination. Training is typically provided on-the-job. NVQs/SVQs covering various aspects of security guarding are available at level 2.