The security guard industry is a crucial part of the economy and has seen significant growth in recent years. According to Statista, over 262,800 individuals were employed in this sector last year alone. However, many people mistakenly believe that all security services are essentially the same. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Businesses have access to a wide range of specialised security services tailored to meet diverse needs.

But what are the different types of security services available to businesses, and how do you choose the right one?

If you’re looking to understand the options and determine what’s best for your organisation, this guide has you covered. We’ll delve into the various services offered by security firms, examine the roles and responsibilities of different types of security guards, and highlight why these services are essential for business today.

What Are Security Services?

Before exploring the different types of security services available, it’s essential to understand what these services truly encompass. Security services are professional solutions offered by specialised firms to help businesses protect themselves from potential threats.

Companies often face risks such as theft, vandalism, and other criminal activities. To reduce these risks, businesses rely on security services to enhance the safety of their properties, deter criminal activity, and safeguard their assets and personnel.

What Are the Different Types of Security Services?

The security industry is highly diverse, offering a wide range of roles and responsibilities. Because of this variety, not all security officers receive the same training or perform identical duties. Instead, their responsibilities are tailored to the specific needs of the clients they serve or the unique demands of their assigned environments.

Despite these differences, many security officers work with a broad spectrum of businesses and deliver an array of specialised services. To provide a clearer understanding, we’ve compiled a quick overview of some of the key security guard services that may be offered.

Retail Security

Retail security guards play a vital role in ensuring store safety and preventing theft. Their primary duty is loss prevention, which involves monitoring shoppers to identify and deter shoplifting or other suspicious activities. This is achieved through two primary methods, which are maintaining a visible presence on the sales floor as a static guard, or observing store activity from a dedicated CCTV surveillance room.

Beyond their security responsibilities, retail guards often assist customers by providing directions or answering questions, contributing to a safer and more pleasant shopping experience. Their presence not only protects store assets but also enhances overall customer service.

Event Security

Event security guards are among the most visible and well-known professionals in the security industry, primarily due to their presence at large public gatherings. Their main responsibility is crowd control, ensuring order and safety during events such as concerts, sports games, conferences, and other major events.

In addition to managing crowds, event security guards are tasked with ensuring that attendees stay in authorised areas and do not bring prohibited items into the venue. They are also prepared to handle physical altercations, particularly at events where alcohol is involved or emotions run high. In these situations, event security guards must act quickly and effectively to maintain safety, prevent disturbances, and ensure that the event runs smoothly for all participants.

Construction Security

Construction security guards play a vital role in safeguarding construction sites from theft, vandalism, and unauthorised access. Their main responsibility is to control access to the site, ensuring that only authorised personnel are permitted entry. By maintaining a visible presence, they serve as a strong deterrent to potential criminals.

Additionally, construction security guards often collaborate closely with site managers to ensure the entire site is properly secured. This teamwork helps identify and address any security vulnerabilities, ensuring that safety measures are in place to protect both the site’s assets and its workers. Their role is essential in preventing theft and maintaining a safe, secure working environment.

Logistics Security

Logistics security guards are essential in protecting the flow of goods and materials within the supply chain. They are responsible for monitoring warehouses, distribution centres, and transport routes to prevent theft, vandalism, and unauthorised access. These guards ensure that shipments are securely stored and properly documented throughout the entire process, from storage to transportation.

In addition to physical security, they may oversee surveillance systems, conduct regular inspections, and collaborate with logistics managers to identify and address potential security risks. Their role is critical in maintaining the safety of inventory and ensuring the smooth, secure operation of the supply chain.

Warehouse Security

Warehouse security guards are crucial in protecting both the inventory and assets within a warehouse. Their main responsibility is to prevent theft, vandalism, and unauthorised access. They monitor access points, verify the identity of personnel, and patrol the premises to deter suspicious activity.

Additionally, they may also monitor CCTV systems, conduct routine stock inspections, and ensure that safety protocols are followed to protect both the goods and employees. Their presence is essential for maintaining a secure and effective environment, safeguarding valuable inventory, and minimising potential risks.

Student Accommodation Security

Student accommodation security guards are key to ensuring the safety and well-being of students in both on-campus and off-campus housing. Their main duties include monitoring entrances and exits of student housing buildings, checking the identity of visitors, and controlling access to ensure only authorised individuals can enter the premises.

These guards may also patrol the property to deter criminal activity and maintain a peaceful environment. They are also trained to respond to emergencies, offer assistance to students, and collaborate with accommodation managers to address any safety concerns. Overall, their presence fosters a secure living environment, giving students peace of mind.

Security Dog Handling

Security dog handlers are specialised security professionals who work with trained dogs to provide enhanced security. These guards and their canine partners are often deployed to high-risk areas such as large events, industrial sites, or sensitive locations. The dogs are trained to detect threats like drugs, explosives, and other dangerous items, while the handler directs the dog’s actions and ensures its safety.

The presence of a trained dog also serves as a powerful deterrent to potential criminals. In addition to guarding property and assets, security dog handlers assist with crowd control, search operations, and emergency responses, making them a highly effective part of any security team.

CCTV Monitoring

CCTV monitoring security guards specialise in overseeing security camera systems to detect and respond to potential threats in real time. Positioned in control rooms, these guards monitor live footage from various cameras placed throughout a property, such as on buildings, parking lots, or public areas. Their primary responsibilities include identifying suspicious behaviour, tracking movements, and alerting onsite personnel or law enforcement if necessary.

CCTV guards are also responsible for reviewing recorded footage when incidents occur, helping to provide evidence or clarify events. Their role is essential in ensuring the security of large or complex properties, as they can detect potential risks that might go unnoticed by those on the ground.

Mobile Patrols

Mobile patrol security guards are responsible for securing large areas or multiple locations by conducting regular patrols and addressing any security concerns that arise. Unlike static guards, mobile patrols cover a variety of sites, typically travelling in a marked vehicle to monitor for signs of theft, vandalism, or other suspicious activity. They inspect perimeters, access points, and interior areas, using their visible presence to deter potential criminals.

Mobile patrol guards are also trained to quicky respond to alarms or emergencies, offering a flexible and dynamic security solution. Their ability to cover expansive areas efficiently makes them an essential component of many security operations.

Vacant Property Security

Vacant property security guards are responsible for safeguarding unoccupied buildings or land that may be vulnerable to vandalism, theft, or squatting. Their main duties include monitoring the property, preventing trespassing, and ensuring that no damage or illegal activity occurs. These guards conduct regular patrols, inspect security systems, and verify that all access points are secure.

In some cases, they may also oversee the installation of temporary security measures like fencing or alarms. By maintaining a visible presence, vacant property security guards act as a strong deterrent to potential criminals, ensuring the property remains protected until it is occupied or sold.

Reception and Building Security

Reception and building security guards are responsible for managing access and ensuring the safety of officer buildings, residential complexes, or commercial properties. Stationed at entry points, their main duties include greeting visitors, verifying their identities, and granting access only to authorised individuals.

Additionally, these guards monitor security systems like CCTV cameras and conduct regular patrols to detect any suspicious activity. They also assist with customer service tasks, such as providing directions or answering inquiries. Overall, their role is essential in creating a secure and welcoming environment for tenants and visitors, while protecting the property from potential threats.

What is the Role of Security Services?

The ultimate goal of security services is to enhance a business’s protection and prevent threats such as theft and vandalism. According to Newgate, over 606,282 crimes were committed against businesses in England and Wales in recent years. Given these alarming figures, it’s clear why many businesses choose to invest in security services to protect their assets and reduce the risk of criminal activity.

Beyond providing direct security, these services also help business owners and improve their existing security measures. Many security companies offer risk assessments, which allow business owners to evaluate their current security systems and identify areas that may need additional protection. These assessments provide valuable insights, helping businesses make informed decisions about strengthening their security and ensuring comprehensive protection.

How Many Types of Security Guards Are There?

The list above offers a relatively comprehensive snapshot of the security and guard industries, which are vast and encompass many specialised roles. For example, there are security officers focused on providing close protection services, as well as those trained to maintain order in healthcare environments.

It’s challenging to define an exact number of security guard types, as the industry is constantly evolving to meet changing demands. For instance, traditional entry-point security guards at buildings are gradually being replaced by advanced technologies like motion sensors, biometric systems, security robots, and keypads. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increased demand for security officers in retail environments and healthcare facilities, highlighting how the industry adapts to new challenges.

So, What Are the Different Types of Security Services?

In conclusion, security companies offer a variety of services designed to meet the unique needs of businesses. When choosing a security guard service provider, it’s important to evaluate your business’s specific security requirements and select a company that aligns with those needs.

For more insights into security services, check out our news and insights page, where you can learn about topics such as How Much Do Security Guards Cost? and How to Hire Security Guards.