Security Licensing

In almost every country the security industry is regulated by law which lays down how individuals working in the industry must be licensed to operate. In most instances, all security guards, security guarding companies or guards with as security role must register with the authorities and obtain a license to practice. In the majority of cases, before a license will be issued, as security guard must have:

Appropriate and Approved Training

The licensing authority will normally decide what is appropriate and approved training and sometimes licenses training providers to deliver the courses. Although courses in a particular country may slightly differ in delivery from training provider to training provider, the content is more less the same. It is very important that security guards receive sufficient training in appropriate subjects to be able to operate within the law and with due regard for the safety of themselves and others with whom they may come into contact during their duties. It is also important that security guards receive some practical training in topics such as first aid, fire safety and self-defence. Knowing the theory is fine but useless without some pracitce.

Criminality Check 

More often than not each security guard must undergo a criminality check which is conducted by the local police.

Renewing of license

licenses will be renewed as laid down by the local authorities.

Revocation of License 

licenses may be revoked by the local authority because, for example, a security guard commits a criminal offense or the security guard is outside the proscribed age limit for security guards or they have not received the required training.

Key Personnel within Your Own Organization

It is also important that a security guard knows and can identify the key personnel within their own and the client's organizations. It is your responsibility to ensure you have this information and learn it so that embarrassing situations do not arise. Although you must be able to identify key guard such as supervisors, line managers, contracts managers and operations managers, they should not receive any special treatment from you in relation to your duties. Your role and responsibilities applies as much to them as any other guard

Risks to Security

There are numerous risks faced by the security industry as a whole. An experienced Security Guard understands these risks. While the risks are explained throughout the course, a list of the risks that may be faced by Security Guards will better prepare you for eventualities.Below is an outline of the major risks faced by Security Personnel on a daily basis.

• Prevention of internal and commercial fraud.
• The protection of confidential information, material or processes.
• The threat of bomb damage for criminal or political motives.
• The physical security of computers and software and the threat from data infringement.
• The special problems in relation to vandalism.
• The security aspects of internal or external disaster plans or other contingency plans involving the protection of people and property.

Overview and Purpose of the Security Industry

The security industry has one main purpose that is to provide personnel and systems to protect people, property and premises. This is the perspective taken by the security industry. To achieve this goal of protection, the industry can be divided into three sectors. The three main sectors are:-

Manned Services: Includes the provision of uniformed or plain clothed personnel to commercial, industrial and retail outlets. The role of these Guards are to ensure the safety and security of people, spaces and property under guard (often called cash in transit or CIT), store detection, door supervision, close protection, dog handling, aviation security, maritime security and private investigation.
Systems: The systems sector comprises intruder alarms; CCTV, fire systems and access control systems. Simply put this aspect of security is supported largely by technology.
Physical Security: Includes alternative/additional security measures such as locks, grills, barriers. It is all about the physical characteristics of the building and surrounding areas and how they can be used to enhance the security of premises. Again there is less emphasis on personnel, however more so than security systems, there is a stronger relationship between security personnel and physical security. As a security guard you will therefore have a role in a significant part of the whole industry and this will become clearer as the course progresses. The role of the security guard has changed significantly overtime, involving increasing responsibilities and the use of high technology.