To succeed in security, guards need more than just a uniform, they need the right skills and habits. Understanding the 10 rules of security guard success, like prioritizing continuous training and education to help you advance in your career, can help give you a better idea of what you can do to improve your job performance.

In this article, we’ll cover: 

• 10 rules to remember
• More helpful tips for success

Let’s dive into the top 10 rules.

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10 rules for security guard success

A security guard’s job comes with a lot of responsibility. Staying alert, communicating clearly, and knowing how to handle different situations all make a big difference. The best guards follow a set of rules that help them stay prepared, effective, and respected. Let’s take a look at the rules below: 

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1. Prioritize continuous training and education

Security work is always evolving, which is why learning never stops. Most security guard licenses also require continuing education for renewal.

Taking courses on de-escalation, emergency response, or cybersecurity keeps your skills sharp. Knowing what security guards can and can’t do keeps you out of trouble. Plus, the more you know, like tactical driving or surveillance monitoring, the better prepared you’ll be for whatever comes your way.

It’s also a good idea to earn additional certifications since they can make you more attractive to potential employers (and qualify you for more advanced positions).

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2. Develop advanced communication skills

The way you talk to people can prevent problems before they even start — after all, good communication builds trust with the people around you and helps you stay in charge. Work on giving clear instructions and detailed reports. The ability to calm tense situations also helps keep things under control. 

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3. Maintain physical and mental fitness

Long shifts and stressful situations take a toll. Staying active improves endurance, and mental resilience helps you handle pressure without hesitation. Establish a few simple habits like regular exercise, proper sleep, and stress management to stay sharp on the job.

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4. Uphold ethical standards and integrity

Security guards are often the first people that visitors and employees go to for assistance. That’s why people rely onthem to enforce rules fairly and act with honesty. Avoid cutting corners or misusing authority, because it damages trust and can lead to bigger issues.

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5. Utilize technology proficiently

As a security guard, you’ll do more than just stand watch at an entrance. Surveillance cameras, access control systems, and mobile reporting apps are quite often part of the job. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the technologies commonly used in the industry because knowing how to use them properly helps you monitor threats, respond faster, and work more efficiently.

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6. Conduct regular risk assessments

When it comes to security, spotting risks early prevents bigger problems. As a guard, part of your job should always be conducting regular risk assessments — even if it may not always be part of your responsibilities. You can always do easy things like:

• Checking for weak spots, like a broken lock or a window that doesn’t shut all the way.
• Making sure security equipment works, like checking whether security cameras are working and recording.
• Looking for environmental hazards, like bad lighting or trip hazards.

With your reports, you can make upper management aware of these risks for them to address.

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7. Foster collaborative relationships

Security is stronger when people work together, so good relationships with coworkers, property managers, and local law enforcement can help to improve response times and make handling emergencies easier. 

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8. Adapt to diverse situations

No two shifts are the same. Some days involve helping lost visitors, while others require handling aggressive individuals. Thinking quickly, staying calm, and adjusting your approach based on the situation are key skills for you to have so you can handle unpredictable moments.

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9. Document incidents accurately

Reports protect both you and the business since they help you cover your bases. Whether it’s a minor disturbance or a serious security breach, detailed and accurate documentation using a tool like Belfry’s mobile app makes it easier for everyone to make informed decisions (and the right moves). Good reports also help in legal cases and future investigations.

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10. Stay vigilant and avoid complacency

Security risks increase when guards let their guard down. Even during slow shifts, staying alert and following safety tips can help you avoid overlooking suspicious things or important incidents. Guards who stay engaged and proactive contribute to a safer environment for everyone.

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10 extra tips for becoming the best security guard

Security guards who go beyond the basics usually become more effective and more valuable in the industry. Stronger skills lead to better job opportunities, and security businesses benefit from having highly capable guards on their teams. These extra tips for private security can help you improve:

1. Develop a commanding but approachable presence: Stand tall, stay observant, and exude confidence. Having a firm but friendly demeanor earns respect and deters trouble. Plus, visitors and employees will still feel like they can approach you for assistance if they need it.
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2. Improve memory and observation skills: Train yourself to notice details and recognize patterns. Being sharp helps you spot threats early and recall information that could be important later on.
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3. Learn to stay calm during high-stress situations: Adrenaline can cloud judgment. It’s a good idea to practice breathing techniques and mental exercises to stay focused under pressure.
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4. Enhance your night vision and low-light awareness: Avoid bright screens before patrolling dark areas to make it easier for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. 
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5. Familiarize yourself with layouts and escape routes: As a security guard, knowing every entry, exit, and emergency route makes you more effective in any situation.
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6. Master non-confrontational conflict resolution: The right words can prevent sticky situations from getting worse. Stay calm, use strategic phrasing, and control the energy of the situation.
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7. Learn basic cybersecurity awareness: Physical security now involves digital threats. Even if you aren’t a cybersecurity expert, it’s a good idea to learn password safety, recognize phishing, and understand smart security systems.
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8. Improve tactical driving: If your job involves patrols, defensive driving helps you stay safe and react quickly in high-pressure situations.
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9. Build professional relationships with local law enforcement: Strong connections with police and emergency responders may speed up assistance when you need it.
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10. Use technology to your advantage: Security guards use all sorts of technology on the job nowadays. Master surveillance tools, reporting apps, and real-time alert systems to improve efficiency and response times.

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Take your security business to the next level with Belfry

If you own or run a security company, or if you’re a business running your own security operations, hiring officers that follow the 10 rules of security guard success is just one part of the equation. Making sure that your operations run smoothly is one of the best ways of ensuring that your security strategies succeed. That’s where Belfry can help.

Belfry is an all-in-one security guard software that helps you get a broader view of your operations while making it easier to manage your guards.

Here’s how:

• Lessen downtime: Belfry’s automated scheduling assigns shifts based on site requirements, officer certifications, and training so you can fill shifts with qualified guards.
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• Easier time and payroll management: Avoid extra administrative work — Belfry automates time and attendance tracking to ensure accurate payroll, as well as ACA compliance.
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• Simpler incident reporting: Belfry’s mobile app allows guards to submit incident reports using detailed forms with evidence attachments.
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• Easy communication: Communicate easily with your guards and dispatchers using the instant messaging feature on Belfry’s mobile app.
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• Licensing compliance: Stay on top of your guards’ licenses and certifications. You can input and track them within Belfry and get timely notifications when they’re up for renewal.

Curious to see how our software can help simplify your security operations? Schedule a demo with Belfry today.