Specialties and career as a security guard
From stationary guard and rounds to control room, service and management
Security guard is not one job but a trade with many directions. Because the need for security exists everywhere — in companies shops at events in transport and in public space — there are many paths to take.
§The typical areas
Security work covers inter alia stationary guarding (fixed post in one place), patrol work (driving or walking patrols between multiple locations), reaction to alarms, control room (surveillance of cameras and alarms centrally), retail security, and guarding at events. Each direction requires slightly different competences, but is based on the same basic skills: observe, communicate, document and know your authority.
| Area | What it entails |
|---|---|
| Stationary guard | Fixed post: access control, surveillance, and presence in one spot. |
| Roving patrol | Rounds between multiple locations; supervision, control and emergency response |
| Control room | Central monitoring of cameras and alarms, coordination |
| Shop and event security | Prevention, service and conflict handling with many people |
| Specialty areas | E.g. personal protection requiring further training |
§To specialize
With experience you can specialise in an area and take supplementary courses. Some directions — such as personal protection or certain types of tasks — require special education and approval. Specialisation can also lead to more responsibility e.g. as team leader shift supervisor or in a coordinating role in a control room.
§Further education and advancement
The security trade can be a gateway to a broader career in the security industry. You can take further training in, for example, conflict management, fire fighting, first aid, security technology or management, and you can move towards planning, operations or management in a security company. The person who builds knowledge on top of experience has good opportunities to advance.
§The technology changes the profession
Camera surveillance, alarm systems, access control and data analysis are becoming increasingly important. It does not eliminate the need for guards, but shifts some of the work towards operating, monitoring and assessing technology — especially in control rooms. A guard who understands both people and technology is increasingly sought after. At the same time, human judgment and physical presence are still difficult to replace.
§A trade with increasing demand
Safety has risen higher on the agenda in society, and the need for qualified, certified guards is steady. Because the trade is regulated and requires training and certification, it is not something anyone can do — and that makes the trained security guard valuable. For those who enjoy responsibility, people and staying calm under pressure, it is a craft with a future.
“The security industry grows because safety is demanded everywhere — and because a certified trained guard is not something everyone can become.”