What does an unarmed security guard do?
The primary responsibility of an unarmed security guard is to monitor and protect properties against damage or criminal attack. They must be alert, patrol the premises, and respond to emergencies. They also monitor alarm systems and video surveillance cameras. In cases of security breaches, they are expected to bring in law enforcement agents.
Unarmed security guard responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real unarmed security guard resumes:
- Train and certify in CPR and in properly using an a
- Experience in route management, ATM replenishment, and vault inventory, processing currency deposits (large amounts).
- Replenish ATM's, remove paper jams - money jams, make sure that assign ATM locations are working properly.
- Conduct daily activity reports; monitor the CCTV system; sign visitors in/out; conduct daily rounds (perimeter check).
- Monitor CCTV cameras for suspicious activity.
- Patrol premises regularly and complete accompanying reports of findings or unusual activities.
- Operate surveillance systems during routine patrol of assign areas to secure against larceny, defacement and illegal entry.
- Maintain a standard of punctuality and dependability of attendance and retain myself cleanliness, tidiness, neatness and appropriately attire.
- Qualify with weapons as M9, Glock 19, M4 , 240B, .50 CAL, MK 19
- Maintain weapons qualifications on M4, M9, M240B, M2HB, MK19.
- Maintain punctuality and personal appearance.
- Arm with a side arm Glock 9MM weapon in the performance of duties and maintain require level of proficiency.
- Exhibit alertness in identifying unusual circumstances.
- Maintain all paperwork necessary while maintaining a level of alertness and responsibility necessary to ensure security of all areas of duty.
- Perform personal escorts, VIP services, and experience in controlling and deescalating physical altercations and accidents among customers and personnel.
Unarmed security guard skills and personality traits
We calculated that 28% of Unarmed Security Guards are proficient in Unarmed Security, Patrol, and Law Enforcement. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Good judgment, and Observation skills.
We break down the percentage of Unarmed Security Guards that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Unarmed Security, 28%
Unarmed Security Guard* I received my Private Security Officer license from the Alabama Security Regulatory Board.
- Patrol, 21%
Operated surveillance systems during routine patrol of assigned areas to secure against larceny, defacement and illegal entry.
- Law Enforcement, 16%
Conduct preliminary investigations to assist local law enforcement officers regarding various matters, i.e.
- Medical Emergencies, 6%
Handled medical emergencies, accidents and other threats effectively.
- Unarmed Guard, 6%
Provided unarmed guard services for the protection of employees, patients, visitors and property within company standards.
- Security Services, 3%
Provided security services for a condominium complex.
"unarmed security," "patrol," and "law enforcement" are among the most common skills that unarmed security guards use at work. You can find even more unarmed security guard responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for an unarmed security guard to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "security guards and surveillance officers must communicate effectively with others, even in stressful situations." Additionally, an unarmed security guard resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "used effective communication skills necessary to communicate with transients and local law enforcement agencies. "
Observation skills. This is an important skill for unarmed security guards to perform their duties. For an example of how unarmed security guard responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "security guards and surveillance officers must be alert and aware of their surroundings, and be able to quickly recognize anything out of the ordinary." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an unarmed security guard: "front desk concierge duties and visual observation secured and monitored parking lot on premises concert event staff and escort".
The three companies that hire the most unarmed security guards are:
- Allied Universal48 unarmed security guards jobs
- Sanford Health21 unarmed security guards jobs
- AutoZone14 unarmed security guards jobs
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Compare different unarmed security guards
Unarmed security guard vs. Officer
An officer is responsible for managing the daily operations of the assigned area, ensuring its peace and security by monitoring and reporting unusual and suspicious activities. Officers are the ones enforcing strict safety protocols and procedures to maintain the order within the premises. They also coordinate with law enforcement agencies in conducting appropriate investigations for any violating cases. An officer must be highly-knowledgeable of the law policies, as well as possessing excellent leadership skills to manage the members under the officer's patrol.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between unarmed security guards and officer. For instance, unarmed security guard responsibilities require skills such as "unarmed security," "english language," "law enforcement," and "unarmed guard." Whereas a officer is skilled in "customer service," "public safety," "powerpoint," and "law enforcement agencies." This is part of what separates the two careers.
The education levels that officers earn slightly differ from unarmed security guards. In particular, officers are 9.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an unarmed security guard. Additionally, they're 1.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Unarmed security guard vs. Protective officer
A protective officer is in charge of preventing theft and damages in stores and other establishments. Among their responsibilities include monitoring alarm systems and surveillance cameras, patrolling areas, keeping an eye on suspicious activities and behavior, developing strategies to enforce security protocols, and responding to distress. There are also instances where they must conduct inspections and produce reports. Furthermore, as a protective officer, it is essential to coordinate with law enforcement should the situation require.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, unarmed security guard responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "unarmed security," "law enforcement," "unarmed guard," and "fire hazards." Meanwhile, a protective officer has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "patients," "security procedures," and "criminal justice." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Protective officers earn a higher average salary than unarmed security guards. But protective officers earn the highest pay in the professional industry, with an average salary of $38,169. Additionally, unarmed security guards earn the highest salaries in the utilities with average pay of $31,285 annually.In general, protective officers achieve similar levels of education than unarmed security guards. They're 4.1% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Unarmed security guard vs. Petty officer
A petty officer is a non-commissioned navy officer who is responsible for supervising the day-to-day activities of junior sailors and making sure that they have a productive day. Petty officers with more experience are expected to provide training in basic skills to their junior petty officers. Once a petty officer is reprimanded, first-class petty officers may conduct discipline by ordering those reprimanded to do extra military instruction or extra work within the division. Petty officers are also required to meet all the requirements for surface warfare qualification.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from unarmed security guard resumes include skills like "unarmed security," "patrol," "english language," and "medical emergencies," whereas a petty officer is more likely to list skills in "preventative maintenance," "logistics," "sailors," and "coast guard. "
When it comes to education, petty officers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to unarmed security guards. In fact, they're 3.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Unarmed security guard vs. Non-commissioned officer
A non-commissioned officer (NCO) is responsible for maintaining peace and order during military operations and training. Non-commissioned officers' duties include leading soldiers' training for military operations, responding to the soldiers' concerns that involve their physical and mental well-being, and utilizing military equipment and tools properly while following strict regulatory procedures. An NCO is in charge of leading unit activities, performing corrective actions as needed, and coordinating closely with the troop members. A non-commissioned officer must display excellent leadership and critical-thinking skills to guide the military troop efficiently.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between unarmed security guards and non-commissioned officers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an unarmed security guard might have more use for skills like "unarmed security," "patrol," "english language," and "medical emergencies." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of non-commissioned officers require skills like "combat," "logistical support," "nco," and "professional development. "
In general, non-commissioned officers earn the most working in the finance industry, with an average salary of $103,557. The highest-paying industry for an unarmed security guard is the utilities industry.non-commissioned officers reach higher levels of education compared to unarmed security guards, in general. The difference is that they're 5.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of unarmed security guard
Updated January 8, 2025
