Security Guards

It's a boring job but -- who knows -- you might like it. Mall security basically consists of telling people there's no smoking allowed except in designated areas and keeping the kids from raising hell. You'll be on your feet a lot. It's an honest way to make a living.

I remember the time where the company I was working at was downsizing and most of the employees were obviously concerned about losing their jobs.

There were a bunch of us around the receptionist's desk talking one night. I asked the receptionist if she had any concerns. "Of course I do. I think everyone does."

Murmurs of approval all around. Much hand-wringing and furrowed brows.

Just then the security guard walked in. He was this comical character that believed he was Wyatt Earp.

I asked him if he was concerned about losing his job.

He looked at me with disdain and replied, "Nope...not one bit. World's always got a need for a security guard."

He hitched up his pants and strolled away in a very haughty fashion.

Main thing is to remember to keep your temper because quite a few of the mallrats will taunt you with insults such as "rent-a-cop". Being a security person is not being a cop although the two roles are somewhat complementary. So if you keep the mindset of a person concerned wth protection of private property for a client rather than someone who is concerned with public peackeeping or law enforcement you shouldn't have too many problems.

I don't know what the law is in MD. but in my jurisdiction a security officer gains his or her authority from the proprietary authority of the owner of the premises. Again I don't know what the MD law is but where I live a mall is private property (there is condition permission to enter) so people can be asked to leave the premises (paradoxically under our law they can also be charged with certain offences that occur in a public place but that's because we have a very wide definition of "public place"). Whatever the owner wants is the policy (provided it isn't unlawful or illegal).

Also remember that mallrats and professional shop thieves very quickly work out security personnel and are not averse to giving you trouble off duty or when you are finishing up to go home so remember to give no information in a conversation that tells them anything about you apart from what's on your nametag.

If you can get some formal training then do so (if you haven't already). And remember it's an occupation that allows you to get ahead if you're good at your job so look for other opportunities for your own development.

Good luck.

Thank you very much for your imput, goodfielder. You've provided me with lots of information and caused me to think about things I otherwise would not have. I'm not sure what I want to do. I was offered a job at a Target store (floor duty, stocking, etc) and the pay is similar to what I was offered as a security guard. I have interviews early next week so I will keep you posted.

oh, thanks for your imput gus. It wasn't worth much but it did give me a laugh.

You're welcome doglover, hope it works out. And do heed gus - every security person (every cop too) needs to learn about wisdom and for mine wisdom is common sense framed so that we can all see it. gus frames it nicely

Hi doglover,

I manage a security guard firm. We employ former soldiers (ex-army) from the Indian and Nepal army.

This is becuase local people do not find the job challenging and rewarding.

Our clients are mostly the foreign embassies in Kuala Lumpur. Since September 11 the demands for guards increased whereas our supply is limited.

In my opinion, the job itself is not challenging unless you are willing to learn more about security. Security also includes firearms (as you mentioned), alarm systems, bodyguarding, central monitoring and several others.

You can expand your knowledge and you will find that you can upgrade yourself from a static guard to more challenging positions.


Anyway from your last post, looks like you have turned it down.

Regards
Fatimah

Thanks for your response Fatimah. I didn't get the job at Target so I'm looking into Security work again.

Good advice there Fatimah.

As Fatimah pointed out Doglover - get in on the ground floor and then take every opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills you can because there are definitely chances to do well in the security industry. Again as Fatimah indicated, you can specialise. Close Personal Protection (CPP - sometimes called "bodyguarding") is a specialisation that appeals to many people and offers a great career target. However you need to go through the basic stuff first. Education and training is essential. Get as much good, accredited education and training in the industry as you can and you will make yourself employable and definitely a potential for promotion to supervisory/management ranks or to a specialist role.

Join your local security industry body and read the literature and generally keep up with the news and keep improving your skills. It's definitely a growth industry now in fact I'd say it offers more than policing in terms of career advancement for people who are willing to put the hours in and develop themselves.