Security Guards in Georgia

Types of Security Guards & Their Uses

Published on October 21, 2012 by: Wayne Manning

Business owners are often unaware of how to qualify a security guard company, how to hire the best security guards and the potential liability risks of hiring the wrong security guard company. The requirements to become a security guard are different for each state. Security guard training requirements, authority limits and procedures also vary widely. This article is to educate business owners on some of the basics of hiring security guards in Georgia.

Security Guard Requirements in Georgia

In Georgia you do not need a license to be an unarmed security guard. Armed security guards are required to have a licence. All professional security guards in Georgia are required to complete 24 hours of formal classroom training from a Georgia Board Certified and licensed instructor. Courses typically cost under $200.00 and are available from a number of security guard training companies.

Basic legal requirements to become a security guard in Georgia include:

• At least 18 years of age
• U.S. citizen or legally eleigible to work in the United States
• Minimum education level of a high school diploma or GED
• Clean criminal record
• Good moral character

Preferred and Recommended Qualifications

• Military service with an honorable discharge
• Valid Georgia Driver's License
• Ability to pass a background check
• Ability to pass drug screening
• A stable work employment history
• Good physical condition with a neat personal appearance
• Mentally stable, alert and personable
• Good written and oral communication skills

Depending upon the nature of your work environment it may be a good idea to ask about each guard that will be sent to your business or event. Although professional security guards have completed training classes it does not mean that just any guard that is sent will be the best fit for your needs. You may want to spend a day at the security companies office and conduct brief interviews to hand pick your guards. Imagine your disappointment if you select a security company based on low price and the guards that arrive are sloppy and lazy.

Types of Security Guard Services

Armed and Unarmed Security Guards

Unarmed guards are appropriate for low-risk environments that need an authority presence such as door or parking lot security. When a business uses unarmed guards the projection of security is typically made by having uniformed guards. Undercover security personnel may be in high rick situations but are unarmed. Obviously undercover guards in high risk situations should have extensive experience and training.

Armed guards are used as protection of people or assets where there is a very real chance of criminal actions. Armed guards are licensed and have completed weapons training certification. Armed security guards are commonly employed to protect banks, jewelery businesses and any companies that are known to have a lot of cash or valuables on hand. Armed guards are also commonly used for protection of celebrities, executives and other high profile people who may be targets for kidnappers, violent assaults or stalkers.

Uniformed and Plain Clothes Security Officers

Uniformed guards are appropriate for a business that wants a very visible level of security. Uniformed guards can help customers to feel safer, make bad guys think twice about being at your business, and project an image of workplace safety. Uniformed officers can be dressed in police type uniforms for a more aggressive presence or dressed in slacks and blazers for a polished, corporate style.

Plain clothes guards are appropriate for a business that benefits from stealth or an element of surprise. Retail stores that want to catch shoplifters, high end establishments that need security but don't want customers to feel that they are in an unsafe area, or events that need security personnel that can work relatively unnoticed. Plain clothed security officers can dress as required in order to blend in to the work environment. Plain clothes security personnel may also be put into your work force to look for employee problems such as theft, drug use, etc.

Security Patrols and Surveillance Teams

Security patrols are commonly used to maintain a protective presence that deters crime at a location. Security patrols are appropriate for large facilities such as plants and factories, shopping centers or malls, municipal facilites and events, and vacated properties. Before you hire a security patrol company you may want to ask about the types of vehicles (looks and maintenance especially!) that will be used. Also ask about patrol frequency, communication capabilities and defined procedures for handling remote problems.

Surveillance Teams are commonly used for managing video security of parking lots, shopping areas and work areas. Surveillance teams can also be deployed on foot to monitor activities in crowds or at critical junctures.

Security Guards For Your Business

As with any professional services, the rates for the better trained and specialized personnel are more expensive. The quality of work and results are almost guaranteed to be better with higher paid personnel. Hiring the wrong security company could cause a security blunder resulting in financial operating losses or even grounds for a costly lawsuit. Take time to look beyond price alone. Learn about the security company's reputation and their level of professionalism. Take steps to make certain that the guards that serve you are the best of the available guards.