Unarmed security guards work at various locations, such as offices, recreational locales, banks, and retail outlets. Most unarmed security guards work for private security firms or directly for the company or property they are hired to protect. They may work in static or mobile details. Static usually means they work in one area only; mobile implies that they actively patrol all parts of the property or building. The educational requirements for unarmed security guards vary, but most employers prefer a high school education at least, and some states and countries require additional training or licensing.
In offices, unarmed security guards typically utilize both static and mobile details. A mobile security officer patrols the property and looks out for fire hazards, theft, vandalism, and suspicious activities. They may also conduct private policing by interviewing witnesses to crimes on company property, write case reports, and testify in court.
Static unarmed security guards usually spend the bulk of their time at one station. Security guards in this position must be personable and have good facial recognition skills. Their duties typically involves monitoring who enters and leaves the building. In areas of high value or containing sensitive information, these unarmed security guards may check the credentials of the people and vehicles trying to gain access to the building. Individuals working as unarmed security in banking or retail establishments may also prevent robberies or theft of merchandise through static patrols.
An unarmed security guard in recreational outlets like museums, sporting events, or casinos may conduct private policing and check tickets for ingress and egress of an event. Consequently, security jobs based around recreational activities also require someone who is personable, yet aware of his surroundings. Unarmed guards working at stadiums have static and mobile details. There are stations where some guards are charged with collecting tickets and controlling traffic. Mobile details perform a private policing role as they rove around the venue looking out for illegal vendors and fights.
At bars, unarmed guards have dually static and mobile roles where they check patron identification or collect tickets and admission fees. Roving bar security breaks up fights. Casino security jobs are also static. Unarmed security guards working in this field are stationed at a guard desk where they observe patrons for irregular behavior that could indicate cheating or theft. They also walk the floor or use one-way mirrors in conjunction with electronic surveillance equipment to ensure that casino guests are in full compliance with the rules, regulations, and laws of the establishment and region they are operating out of.
The minimum age to work as a security guard is 18 in most regions. A high school education is usually expected, however certain security details may require higher education. The employer typically gives instruction on specific training or expectations for the job. Certain states or countries also have licensing requirements covering aptitude, communication, crisis management, and first aid. Because sensitive data and lives may be at risk, applicants seeking work as unarmed security guards often undergo drug tests, background checks, and physical fitness tests.