Did you know that over 1.1 million security guards are employed across the U.S.? These dedicated professionals play a vital role in safeguarding property and information across various industries. 

But what are the different types of guards, and how do their roles differ?

Read on to learn:

• The core duties and responsibilities of security guards
• 9 types of security guards and their areas of expertise
• Factors to consider when choosing the right security guards for your needs

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What are security guards, and why do we need them?

Let’s be honest — if you run a security firm, you already know that security guards are the backbone of safety, protecting people and property across various settings. They deter crime, maintain order, and respond to emergencies as highly trained professionals.

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Their duties often include:

• Patrolling buildings and grounds
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• Monitoring surveillance equipment
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• Controlling access to restricted areas
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• Responding to emergencies and incidents
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• Reporting suspicious activity

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Security guards are important in many different environments, such as:

• Corporate settings: Protecting employees, confidential information, and valuable assets.
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• Residential communities: Deterring theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access.
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• Events and entertainment venues: Managing crowds and ensuring the safety of attendees.
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• Retail stores: Preventing shoplifting and maintaining a secure shopping environment.
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• Hospitals and healthcare facilities: Protecting patients, staff, and visitors.
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• Schools and universities: Maintaining a safe learning environment.

Remember: The specific responsibilities of security guards can vary depending on the setting and their employer's needs. Some guards may be armed, while others aren’t. Their duties may range from basic observation to more active roles like seizing suspects or giving first aid.

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What are the different types of security guards? 

The truth is, there's a whole range of roles within the field, each with its own unique set of responsibilities. 

Here's a closer look at 9 popular types of security guards:

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1. Unarmed security guards

Unarmed security guards are often the friendly face of security, providing a visible deterrent without the presence of weapons. Their typical duties include:

• Patrolling: Regularly walking or driving around assigned areas to monitor activity and identify potential security risks.
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• Monitoring access: Controlling entry and exit points, verifying identification, and ensuring only authorized individuals access restricted areas.
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• Assisting visitors: Providing directions, answering questions, and offering general assistance to visitors and employees.

You'll commonly find unarmed guards in retail stores, corporate offices, residential communities, and other settings where a less imposing security presence is desired.

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2. Armed security guards

Armed security guards take on a more serious role, providing a heightened level of protection in higher-risk environments. Their responsibilities often include:

• Responding to threats: Taking decisive action to neutralize potential threats and protect people and property.
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• Deterring crime: The visible presence of a firearm acts as a strong deterrent to criminal activity.
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• Enforcing security protocols: Strictly adhering to and enforcing security procedures to maintain a secure environment.

Becoming an armed security guard requires additional licensing and rigorous training in firearm handling and use-of-force procedures. They often work in banks, government buildings, high-value retail stores, and locations where the risk of armed robbery or violence is higher.

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3. Mobile patrol security guards

Mobile patrol security guards are the eyes and ears of large properties or neighborhoods. They conduct patrols in marked vehicles, providing a visible security presence and rapid response capabilities. Key duties include:

• Random patrols: Conducting unpredictable patrols at varying times to deter criminal activity and maintain a high level of vigilance.
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• Checking premises: Inspecting buildings, fences, and other infrastructure for signs of damage, intrusion, or suspicious activity.
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• Rapid response: Quickly responding to alarms, disturbances, or calls for assistance.

Mobile patrols are common in industrial parks, construction sites, residential communities, and other expansive areas that require comprehensive security coverage.

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4. Event security guards

Event security guards are specialists in managing crowds and ensuring safety at large gatherings. Their duties at concerts, sporting events, festivals, and other public events typically include:

• Crowd control: Managing the flow of people, preventing overcrowding, and ensuring safe movement within the venue.
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• Guest verification: Checking tickets, verifying credentials, and controlling access to different areas within the event.
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• Emergency response: Assisting with medical emergencies, evacuations, and other unexpected situations.

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5. Corporate security guards

Corporate security guards focus on protecting employees, sensitive information, and valuable assets within a business environment. Their responsibilities often include:

• Surveillance: Monitoring surveillance systems, identifying potential security breaches, and investigating incidents.
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• Access management: Controlling access to restricted areas, such as server rooms, executive offices, and research and development facilities.
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• Enforcing security policies: Ensuring employees and visitors comply with company security protocols.

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6. Residential security guards

Residential security guards provide peace of mind to residents in gated communities, apartment buildings, and other residential properties. Their duties often include:

• Monitoring entry points: Controlling access to the property, verifying visitor identities, and monitoring surveillance systems.
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• Assisting residents: Responding to resident requests, providing assistance with security concerns, and fostering a sense of community safety.
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• Patrolling the property: Conducting regular patrols to deter crime, identify maintenance issues, and ensure the overall safety of the neighborhood.

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7. Personal protection officers (AKA bodyguards)

Personal protection officers provide close protection services to high-profile individuals such as executives, celebrities, and dignitaries. Their duties are highly specialized and demanding:

• Close protection: Maintaining a constant presence around the client, assessing potential threats, and intervening to protect them from harm.
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• Route planning and security advances: Planning secure travel routes, conducting advance security checks of locations, and coordinating with local law enforcement.
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• Handling high-security situations: Responding to potentially dangerous situations, managing crowds, and ensuring the client's safety in various environments.

Personal protection officers undergo extensive training in self-defense, threat assessment, and emergency response to provide the highest level of protection.

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8. Access control security (AKA gatekeepers)

Gatekeepers are the first line of defense for many organizations, controlling access at entry points to industrial facilities, corporate offices, and other secure locations. Their key responsibilities include:

• Verifying identities: Checking identification cards, verifying credentials, and ensuring only authorized personnel gain access.
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• Monitoring entry and exit: Keeping detailed records of all individuals entering and leaving the premises.
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• Managing visitor logs: Registering visitors, issuing temporary passes, and maintaining accurate records of all guests.

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9. Remote or virtual security guards

Remote or virtual security guards leverage technology to provide surveillance and security services from a central location. Their typical responsibilities include:

• Monitoring CCTV footage: Observing live video feeds from multiple cameras, identifying suspicious activity, and responding to potential security breaches.
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• Responding to alarms: Receiving and responding to alarms triggered by sensors, motion detectors, and other security systems.
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• Notifying local authorities: Contacting police, fire departments, or other emergency services as needed.

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Checklist: Choosing the right type of security guard for your needs

Whether you're a business owner protecting assets, a homeowner seeking peace of mind, or an event organizer managing crowds, selecting the right security personnel can help create a more secure environment. To help you navigate this process, consider the following key factors:

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The nature of your environment

First, think about the specific characteristics of the location you need to secure. Is it a retail store bustling with customers, a quiet residential community, or a sprawling corporate campus? Each environment presents unique security challenges. 

A shopping mall, for example, may need guards who are adept at preventing shoplifting and managing crowds, while a gated community might prioritize access control and resident assistance.

Beyond the physical space, consider the potential risks and vulnerabilities. Are you primarily concerned about theft, vandalism, unauthorized access, or maintaining order? Identifying your core security concerns will guide you toward the right type of guard.

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The level of security required

Next, assess the level of security needed to address those concerns. In some cases, a visible deterrent and a calm, reassuring presence might be sufficient. In other situations, a more authoritative presence, perhaps even armed protection, may be necessary.

Consider the image you want to project as well. An unarmed security guard in a friendly uniform can create a welcoming atmosphere in a hospital or residential setting. On the other hand, an armed guard in a more tactical uniform might be more appropriate for a bank. 

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On-site personnel vs. Remote monitoring

Determine if your security needs require on-site guards, remote monitoring, or both. While a physical presence offers immediate response capabilities and a strong visual deterrent, it can also be more costly. 

Remote video surveillance and alarm monitoring, on the other hand, can be more cost-effective but may have a delayed response time in the event of an incident.

For some locations, a hybrid approach might be the ideal solution. Imagine a warehouse that utilizes remote video monitoring during the night, supplemented by on-site patrols during the day when employees are present. 

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Give your security workforce the right tools for success with Belfry

Understanding the different types of guards is just the starting point. The key is to match each type with your specific security needs and requirements.

Security companies need a flexible and complete platform to manage their workforce effectively — from unarmed guards and mobile patrols to corporate security and remote monitoring.

That's where Belfry comes into the picture. 

Belfry is an all-in-one security management platform designed to empower security companies and optimize their operations, no matter the type of guard they employ. Here's how Belfry can help:

• Scheduling and dispatching: Belfry's automated scheduling features simplify the dispatching process. Whether it's an armed guard or an unarmed guard for a residential community, Belfry provides efficient deployment while minimizing scheduling conflicts.  
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• Real-time communication and coordination: With real-time communication tools and a dedicated mobile app, security companies can respond to incidents, relay critical information, and coordinate guard activities, regardless of their location or specialization.
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• Better situational awareness: With real-time GPS tracking and location monitoring, Belfry provides a bird’s-eye-view of guard activity. Belfry helps security companies maintain situational awareness and confirm adherence to safety protocols.  
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• Frictionless operations and reporting: Belfry simplifies administrative tasks, allowing security companies to manage timesheets, track expenses, and generate custom reports with ease. 
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• Improved officer accountability: With NFC-based tours, security companies can ensure that their officers are making their rounds as required, and geofencing capabilities allow companies to confirm that officers are on-site and prevent time theft.

Schedule a Free Demo Today.‍