When you are searching for a security guard in California there are a lot of options you can choose from, each with their own quirks and qualities. So how do you decide who to choose? This article will detail the requirements that security guards must have, additional qualities that are nice to have, and some stuff that makes for a cherry on top. Let us see!
Legal Requirements
The first, most necessary set of qualities desired in a security guard in California are of course, their credentials. Security guards on site must have the necessary licensing, in order to meet code requirements and avail insurance benefits. These requirements are as follows
A. Background Checks: A background check ensures that your guard is free of any criminal history, and is an upstanding member of society. It also includes information on his educational qualifications, previous experience, and training, enabling an informed opinion of the man.
B. Security Guard Licensing: The possession of a valid license is the only way that a security guard can legally operate in the state of California. Simply put, without this license they may not practice guarding in any capacity.
C. Arms Licence, if armed: If the Security guard is in a position requiring arms, like a firearm, then they must also have the requisite licensing to carry, and fire their gun in a security guard position.
Nice to haves!
While the legal requirements are an absolute minimum for hiring a security guard in California, and cannot be dispensed with, there are a few qualities that make life easier for you if your security guard possesses them. Skill with technology, an easy going personality, or leadership qualities are all skills that are nice to have, and are worth paying a small premium for in trade for the peace of mind and convenience they bring. Here are some qualities that add value!
A. Law Enforcement Experience: Many security guards come into the field with prior experience in Law enforcement, which makes them very valuable, as they are experienced with and not prone to panic, and can deal with them easily.
B. Fire Safety/First Aid Experience: For Guards that are responsible for guarding large areas or people, fire safety training, first aid experience (especially CPR) can be a huge value add, for obvious reasons.
C. Technology Skills: In the world of IoT, CCTV, and interconnected devices, a security guard that understands the world of cyber security can be a huge benefit to modern organisations.
D. Interpersonal Skills: Most of the job is about people, and being great at dealing with people can be a boon for the escalating conflict, and making people feel at ease and secure.
E. Physical Fitness: A security guard is the first face many people see when they enter the premises of an organisation. In addition, their physical prowess will make it easier for them to carry out their duties with efficiency and ease.
Cherries on top!
Well, you’ve taken care of the minimum requirements, and you’ve picked some qualities that add value to that. To finish them off, for the complete package, here are some attributes that are neither necessary, nor command a premium, but are just great additions to an already great package!
Work Ethics: Security guards in California are often left unattended and alone in the course of duty. In situations like that, peace of mind is ensured with a security guard who is honest, and has a good work ethic!
All of these put together make for the ultimate security guard, a dependable, trusted member of any organisation that can be relied upon to step in times of need, and give his best to whatever task is at hand, in the pursuit for safety and security for all. A security guard agency will be quite happy to send you profiles of their guards to assist you in making a decision.