Ask the....Security Guard!

[newo]

Weeeellll, I thought I'd get on the bandwagon and start a new 'Ask The' topic. So any questions, ask away!

[ucwepn]

What do you guard? are you armed?

[Shifty1]

Have u had to hit anyone? (honest question)

Been bashed before? (i was considering this career at one point and am curious)

[newo]

No I haven't had to hit anyone. Security these days is more about customer service, not about smashing heads. Unfortunately, many people see guards as people who want to start trouble. Don't get me wrong; there are guards out there who will do that, plus there are the people out there who will want to try and provoke guards. Then when a guard applies force when necessary, and it is applied within the law, the media get hold of it and the guard is made to look like the bad guy eg: the David Hookes incident.

Don't forget that security guards are only civillians doing a civillian job. We aren't Police members, we follow the same legal Acts that civillians follow. We also undergo training - security isn't a job you can just start the next day. You need to be licensed, which isn't cheap, which is the same as the courses.

And no, I haven't been hit before.

We have a large responsibility, and aren't looked upon as a profession. However there is a large range of fields, and the work can be, and is, very rewarding.

[Troy711]

do you hate it when people call you a failed police officer and a rent-a-cop?

[newo]

I have got a firearms license, and I do armed work occasionally. Don't usually get called a rent a cop, or failed police officer. Not that it bothers me, I haven't even tried yet to become a police officer.

[Shifty1]

Interesting response.. do you work for say an angency which assigns you to various locations?

[kowan]

A Security Officer average count for being hit is once a year if you are working at clubs and pubs. If your not getting hit on this average % then your either not doing your job right and the place your working at is at complete chaos or your born lucky.

A "key swinger" (Mobil patrol officer) may walk up to 10 kms per night and may check 200 doors or more 3 times per shift.

There are really easy jobs where you have to guard and stand beside an object. Have you ever stood in one place for more then 4 hours at one time and make out that your really interested in your job? Sometimes you have to ask people to move their cars from a parking lot and they go off their lil sweet heads at you and you have to take this abuse on the chin. Sometimes there is violence, where the person/people may come back at you while your not looking and belt you with something.

The best part of being a Security Officer/Guard you get paid $16-$18 per hour. if your lucky!!! You may receive a few broken bones here or there too.

My advice is "Get a better career"

[pro_gmh]

What sort of authority do gaurds have etc?

[newo]

Yes, I do work for an agency and we receive various contracts to work. And I don't consider security a career, unless I were somewhat higher up in the Chain of Command in a company. If a person doesn't get hit, then they are doing their job properly. Does it matter if you walk up to 10 kms per night and check doors? And dealing with people, sure some are abusive, but what does it matter? It's not suited to everyone, but there are some people who enjoy the work. Are you a security guard kowan? Or were you? Just curious as to where you got your info. Honestly, I don't mind security. I'm a bit of a people person and like interaction.

I'm hoping this year to get into the Police Force, and it is security which has given me this interest.

[kowan]

Yes Newo, I did the hard yards for 7 years, been there done that and moved on. Being a father and having the chance to watch your children growup and have their own kids is my cup of tea in life. One false move and you could lose it all being in that game newo.

[Camz]

I am also a Security officer & have been for 10yrs with one company this October.
I am waiting for October with anticipation as I intend to take long service & change careers.
10yrs in this game should be enough for anyone!

Camz

[newo]

That's cool, at least you've been in security. Depends on what contracts you pick up, or your company picks up. I'm only young, single and for now am trying my hand at whatever comes along.

I don't mind the gigs we do. It depends on what work you enjoy. I want to leave though because I want more action in work. Plus I like to see what other jobs there are out there.

[drewins]

Can u take my alcohol if i bring it into a pub. Cos one security guy did last weekend. He probably sold it too.