Security guards play a vital role in maintaining safety and protecting property, assets, and people. But not all guards perform the same duties or operate in the same environments. There are many different types of security guards, each trained for a specific kind of protection. Understanding what sets them apart can help you choose the right solution for your business or site.

Some guards are defined by how they operate, such as mobile patrol officers who cover multiple sites or CCTV operators who monitor remotely. Others are trained to work within particular industries. These guards understand the day-to-day risks and challenges of the environments they protect, from busy retail stores to active construction sites. Their training is shaped by the specific needs of the sector they serve.

In this blog, we’ll break down the types of security guard roles you’ll commonly find, what their responsibilities are, and where they’re typically used.

Why Are There Different Types of Security Guards?

Security isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. A security guard working in a high street shop is going to need very different training and skills compared to one patrolling a construction site or monitoring CCTV footage in a control room.

This is why the security industry is split into a range of categories. It ensures guards are matched with the specific needs of the site they’re protecting.

Factors such as location, type of property, potential risks, and even business hours all all influence which types of security guards will be most effective.

Manned Guarding Security

Manned guarding is one of the most common types of security guard roles. These guards are physically present on-site and carry out duties such as patrolling, access control, and monitoring for suspicious behaviour.

Manned guards can be deployed across a wide range of settings including:

• Office buildings
• Warehouses
• Schools and universities
• Hospitals
• Construction sites

Their main responsibility is to prevent crime through their visible presence. However, they’re also trained to react quickly in emergencies. This includes situations like theft, vandalism, or fire alarms.

Mobile Patrol Security Guards

Mobile patrol guards don’t stay in one place. Instead, they travel between multiple locations to carry out routine checks and inspections.

As one of the different types of security guards, this role is ideal for businesses with multiple sites, or for larger areas where a constant static presence isn’t necessary.

• Mobile patrol services can include
• Locking and unlocking buildings
• Checking windows and doors
• Responding to alarm activations
• Carrying out welfare checks

Mobile patrols are often a more cost-effective solution for businesses that don’t require full-time on-site security. If you’re considering which option best suits your business, take a look at our comparison of Mobile Patrol Security vs. Static Guarding.

Security Dog Handlers

Security dog handlers are a unique type of security guard, providing extra protection in high-risk or large outdoor areas. They work with trained dogs to patrol areas such as construction sites, warehouses, and vacant properties.

Security dogs can pick up on sounds, scents, or movement that may be missed by human guards. As one of the most effective types of security guards, dog handlers excel in areas hard to monitor with cameras or static guards. Their ability to cover large spaces and respond rapidly makes them a valuable part of any security strategy.

The National Association of Security Dog Users (NASDU) sets industry standards for training and certification in this field.

CCTV Monitoring Operators

As one of the different types of security guards, CCTV operators play a critical role in remote surveillance and incident response. They help identify potential threats, assess risks, and coordinate with on-site security teams or authorities when necessary.

CCTV monitoring involves:

• Watching live video feeds from multiple cameras
• Identifying and responding to suspicious activity
• Notifying police or on-site guards when needed
• Keeping detailed logs and reports

Many businesses combine CCTV operators with on-the-ground guards to create a more complete security setup.

Key Holding & Alarm Response Security

With key holding services, a security company keeps a secure copy of your building’s keys and responds to any alarm activations on your behalf. This is usually through trained alarm response guards. These are just one example of the many types of security guards available to provide protection for your premises.

If your premises’ alarm goes off in the middle of the night, these guards will be dispatched immediately to check the site, look for signs of forced entry, and liaise with police if necessary.

This type of guard is especially useful for businesses that don’t have 24/7 staff on-site but still need protection outside of working hours.

Retail Security Guards

Retail security covers a variety of guard roles, including static guards, store detectives, and mobile patrol officers. These different types of security guards are specifically trained for protecting shops, shopping centres, and retail parks. Their focus is on loss prevention, which means reducing shoplifting, internal theft, and antisocial behaviour.

Retail security officers are usually stationed at store entrances, helping to warn off potential thieves. They may also patrol the shop floor, monitor CCTV footage, and deal with aggressive customers.

In addition to loss prevention, a retail security guard often strengthen the overall customer experience by providing a sense of safety to staff and shoppers.

Construction Site Security Guards

A construction site security guard is specially trained for high-risk environments. These sites are often vulnerable to trespassing, theft, and vandalism. This is especially true after hours. These guards carry out duties such as:

• Monitoring vehicles and equipment
• Patrolling the perimeter of the site
• Checking access passes for workers
• Preventing unauthorised access

Construction sites hold valuable materials and expensive machinery. Choosing the right types of security guards can reduce costly disruptions.

Event Security Guard

Event security guards are trained to manage large crowds and keep events running smoothly. They’re commonly seen at concerts, festivals, sports matches, exhibitions, and private functions.

Their responsibilities typically include:

• Checking tickets and passes
• Searching bags
• Controlling access to restricted areas
• Managing crowd control and emergency evacuations

Event guards need strong communication and conflict-resolution skills, especially when dealing with intoxicated or disruptive individuals.

Industrial and Warehouse Security Guards

Warehouses, factories, and distribution centres often deal with high-value stock and a lot of daily activity. Different types of security guards are needed in these environments to focus on:

• Preventing unauthorised access
• Logging deliveries and shipments
• Checking staff IDs and contractor access
• Ensuring health and safety protocols are followed

Because of the size and scale of industrial sites, these guards need to be highly vigilant and physically active, often patrolling both interior and exterior areas.

Reception & Concierge Security

Concierge or front-of-house security guards are one of the types of security guard that blend security responsibilities with customer service. You’ll find them in:

• Corporate buildings
• Hotels
• Apartment complexes
• Business centres

While their primary job is still to keep the premises secure, these guards also answer questions, direct visitors, and act as a welcoming face for your business. They need to be approachable, well-presented, and professional.

Door Supervisors

Often seen outside pubs, nightclubs, and bars, door supervisors are responsible for maintaining order and safety in nightlife settings. As well as being SIA licensed, they must also meet strict criteria due to the nature of the job.

Unlike other different types of security guards, door supervisors focus on managing entry, monitoring crowd behaviour, and handling specific situations like intoxication or aggression. Our article on Door Supervisors vs. Security Guards explores the differences between the two roles and the benefits they offer.

• Door supervisors manage:
• ID and age checks
• Refusing entry to intoxicated or aggressive individuals
• Monitoring behaviour inside the venue
• Breaking up fights or disturbances

They often work in teams and are trained in conflict de-escalation and physical intervention when necessary.

Choosing the Right Type of Guard for Your Needs

When it comes to hiring security, the first step is understanding what types of security guard your site needs. Consider factors including:

• Is your site vulnerable to theft, trespassing, or vandalism?
• Do you require 24/7 coverage or just overnight protection?
• Are you looking for a visual deterrent, emergency response, or access control?

Once you know what you’re protecting and what threats you’re trying to prevent, it becomes easier to choose from the different types of security guards available.

Some businesses opt for a layered security approach. For example they combine CCTV with mobile patrols, or concierge guards with access control systems. However, if you’re unsure of what services you need for your business, our blog on What Security Guard Services Do I Need for My Business? can help guide you.

Final Thoughts On The Different Types of Security Guard

There’s a wide range of types of security guard roles, each tailored to suit different environments and threats. From manned guarding to event security, mobile patrols, and construction site specialists, each type of guard brings unique skills and services to the table.

Choosing the right one can make a huge difference in keeping your property safe, your operations running smoothly, and your staff and customers secure.

If you’re unsure which of the different types of security guards is best for your site, our team at Region Security Guarding is here to help. We provide tailored security solutions across a wide range of industries and can help you find the guard that best fits your needs. Contact the team today!