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Guards patrol and inspect property to protect it against fire, theft, vandalism, and illegal entry. They protect buildings and grounds, merchandise, art work, money, or other valuable property.

Job Duties 

Guards may:

Patrol the buildings and grounds at scheduled times

Check doors/windows/gates/fences/locks/lights/heating equipment

Direct visitors or customers and give routine information

Warn persons breaking company rules

Check for proper identification at entrances to buildings or gates

Watch for and report fire hazards, leaking pipes, and damages

Perform janitorial services

Maintain desired building temperature by adjusting controls

Tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Guards may specialize in these areas:

372.667-034 SECURITY GUARDS are responsible for guarding property against fire, theft, vandalism, and illegal entry. They protect buildings and grounds, merchandise, art work, money, or other valuable property.

372.677-010 AIRLINE SECURITY REPRESENTATIVES screen passengers and visitors for weapons, explosives, or other forbidden articles to prevent articles from being carried into restricted areas of air terminals or onto aircraft.

372.667-030 GATE TENDERS stand guard at entrance gates to control traffic entering and leaving grounds.

372.667-038 MERCHANT PATROLLERS tour an assigned area to protect buildings and property of clients.

372.567-010 ARMORED-CAR GUARDS provide security for armored cars as they travel to and from business establishments to pick up and deliver money and valuables. In addition to providing security, they must keep records of the number of items received, destination, contents of packages, and delivery time at scheduled stops.

379.667-010 GOLF-COURSE RANGERS patrol the golf course to prevent unauthorized persons from using the facilities, ensure that play runs smoothly, and assist injured or ill players.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

In large organizations, Guards may work under a supervisor who is in charge of the security force. Guards may be solely responsible for the security of smaller organizations. Guards may work indoors or outdoors. Outdoor patrols must be made in all kinds of weather. Indoor Guards are exposed to various hazardous conditions depending on the type of activity in the building. The hazards of guard duty vary greatly depending on the type of establishment and its location. Some hazards include patrolling dark buildings, parking lots, and deserted areas.

The working hours of Guards depend on employer needs. The average workweek for Guards employed by private guard agencies is 48 hours. Many work up to 60 hours per week. Special cultural or sports events or seasonal rush periods may require overtime work. Guards who work for employers other than guard agencies generally work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Shift, holiday, and weekend work is usually required. Two-thirds of all guards work at night.

Some small organizations may require Guards to supply their own uniforms. Firearms are usually supplied if required.

Guards may belong to The International Union United Plant Guard Workers of America or to the union representing other employees where they work. Guards belonging to unions pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities involving business contact with people

• Activities of a routine, organized nature

You Should Be Able To:

• Get along well with others

• Remain mentally alert in spite of the hour

• Think and act quickly

• Maintain self-control in emergency situations

• Work under stressful situations

• Work alone or on a small team

• Follow written and oral instructions

• Perform the same work continuously

• Sit, stand, or walk for long periods

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

Cartridges have a retail cost of $3.85 per box of 20. The wholesale cost is $3.10 a box plus $0.20 a hundred shipping charge. How much is saved if 19,000 cartridges are purchased wholesale?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Various law enforcement terminology and procedures.

For example, latent sole prints, letter of transmittal, physical surveillance, henry system of classification, entrapment, culpable negligence.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written report of any observations obtained on a night patrolling.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Analytical skills in assessing areas under watch and decision-making skills in determining proper courses of action in the case that a problem arises.

Most Guards are bonded. A Guard carrying a gun must obtain a license, and training in the use of firearms may be required. Many employers require physical exams. Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some prefer Guards with military experience. Private Security Guards must be licensed by the Michigan State Police. Requirements for a license are: pass a fingerprint check, be at least 18 years of age, have no felony conviction within the last 5 years, have completed the eighth grade, be a U.S. Citizen, and have not been dishonorably discharged from military service.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2700 PHYSICAL EDUCATION , 3100 STUDY & WORK OPTIONS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

028 LAW ENFORCEMENT

Approved vocational education programs in Law Enforcement prepare students in theories, principles, and techniques of developing, administering, and managing services for the safety and protection of people.

Trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

052 PUBLIC SAFETY/PROTECTIVE SERVICES

Approved vocational education programs in Public Safety & Protective Services prepare students in security, corrections, law enforcement, firefighting, and/or emergency medical technology. The 2 phase program teaches foundation skills as well as a set of common public safety & protective service skills that are generic to all like occupations.

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

159 SECURITY TRAINING

Programs in Security Training offer opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills used in protecting property against fire, theft, vandalism, illegal entry, and other unauthorized or illegal occurrences.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***

Please check the Military web site at http://www.myfuture.com

LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SECURITY SPECIALISTS

What They Do

Law enforcement and security specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Investigate criminal activities and activities related to espionage, treason, and terrorism

• Interview witnesses and question suspects, sometimes using polygraph machines (lie detectors)

• Guard correctional facilities and conduct searches of inmates, cells, and vehicles

• Perform fore and riot control duties

Training Provided

Job training consists of 5 to 12 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes:

• Civil and military laws

• Investigation procedures and techniques

• Prisoner control and discipline

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in law enforcement and crime prevention

• Willingness to perform potentially dangerous work

• Ability to remain calm under pressure

Work Environment

Law enforcement and security specialists in the military work mainly indoors; they may work outdoors while conducting investigations or guarding prisoners in exercise yards.

Physical Demands

Normal color vision is necessary to enter some specialties in this area. Some specialties have minimum age and height requirements.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian law enforcement and security specialists work in federal, state, and local prisons, intelligence and law enforcement agencies, and private security companies. They perform similar duties to those performed in the military. They may be called detectives, private investigators, undercover agents, correction officers, or guards.

Opportunities

The military has about 5,050 law enforcement and security specialists. On average, the services need about 250 new law enforcement and security specialists each year. After job training, they work under the direction of more experienced specialists. In time, they may supervise and train new workers or lead investigations. Eventually, they may become chiefs of detectives or superintendents of correctional facilities.  

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Summer work as a Guard in parks and golf courses and part-time work elsewhere are ways to gain experience as a Guard. A co-op portion of secondary vocational education programs in law enforcement or public safety/protective services as well as postsecondary programs in security training provide experience. Experience may be gained in the military also.

                School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Guard employer

internships

volunteer work with a Guard employer

community service work with an agency

Persons interested in working as Guards should apply directly to employers, to guard agencies, or to a civil service personnel office. Assistance may be available through local unions, a local office of Michigan Works!, or school placement offices. Newspaper want ads often list openings. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:  

Michigan Talent Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings vary by employer, geographic area, and union affiliation. Wages in manufacturing industries are generally the highest of all wages for Guards.

Nationally, the earnings of all Security Guards are $375 per week or $19,500 per year in 1998.

Some inexperienced Guards employed by the federal government in 1996 began at a rate of $15,023 per year (GS-2). However, most began at $16,392 (GS-3). With experience, they began at $18,401 (GS-4); supervisory Guards began at $31,195 (GS-9). The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

According to a 1998 survey, unarmed Guards working for private firms in Michigan earned an average of $25,700 per year. Earnings generally increase with experience. Guards working for large metropolitan Detroit private employers in 1999 averaged $23,902 per year, with most earning between $20,529 and $28,119.

The annual wages of Guards working for private employers in early 1999 were:

Annual wages of Guards employed by government agencies in Michigan were (early 1999):  

Depending on the employer, Guards may receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, dental, and hospitalization insurance; retirement and profit sharing plans; and sick pay. Guards may receive a cost-of-living allowance and/or extra pay for evening or night shift work.

Guards usually learn their work on the job. Opportunities are limited, but with experience some advance to crew leaders and to supervisors. In large firms, experienced Guards may perform more responsible tasks, such as working with electronic security equipment. Guards with some college education may advance to administrative jobs or to specialized jobs that deal with the prevention of espionage or sabotage.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 954,644 Guards were employed in 1996. Employment is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006. The industry distribution for Guards looked like this:

Many companies are hiring private security firms to aid in reducing their vulnerability to crime. Private uniformed Guards are the mainstay of the security industry. Opportunities for employment will be best in private guard and security agencies and on the night shift.

There are about 23,925 Guards employed in Michigan. Most of them worked in urban areas. They worked for detective and private security guard agencies, industrial plants, department stores, banks, supermarkets, hospitals, government agencies, schools, and other establishments. Although jobs for Guards are found throughout the state, most of them are located in metropolitan areas.

Job openings will be concentrated mostly among contract security agencies who have a high percentage of part-time workers and officers who perform this work as a second job. Job openings will be fewer in plants that employ in-house security officers. These workers usually enjoy higher earnings and more stable employment.

Employment of Guards in Michigan is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. An average of 700 openings is expected annually, with 250 due to growth and 450 due to replacement of Guards who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur to replace workers who transfer to other jobs or occupations, especially in private security agencies, which have a high turnover rate. Opportunities are expected to be favorable in both the near term and the long term as the security industry grows rapidly.

Growth is expected because of increased concern about crime and vandalism and the resulting need for security in and around plants, stores and recreation areas. Additional guards will be needed to monitor the remote cameras, alarm systems, and other electronic surveillance equipment being installed in banks, manufacturing plants, and federal, state, and local government facilities. However, the amount of business investment in new facilities that require security services will have a major influence on the number of Guards needed. The greater the investment in these new facilities, the greater the growth in the number of guard jobs.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Guard can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development