Popular culture, film, and television seem to have provided a clear picture of what Security Guards spend their day doing while on the job. While some of what we see is what we get, we should remember that films like Paul Blart, Mall Cop, are strictly satirical.  
 
There are dedicated professionals in this industry, minding safety matters with precision and skill. We owe it to this group to highlight the best of what this position will offer, starting with the fact that this is a stable career, often with great pay and benefits.  
  
A typical day for Security Guards truly depends on the timing of their shift or schedule. Security measures are needed around the clock, so anyone taking over the night shift may need to start their day making rounds and patrolling the property, checking cameras before settling in to complete any additional tasks such as comprehensive reports outlining what they observed while on patrol. On the other hand, the day shift could include an entirely new set of responsibilities when the work environment changes from night to day, and there are visitors to check in and monitor. Security Guards may also find themselves in positions that require driving to and from destinations to transfer large sums of money and other valuables.   
  
Security Guard roles are often very nuanced, with plenty of opportunities for actively busy workdays and downtime. Finding the right security career depends on the level of responsibility and variety you’re looking for when entering this career path.   

Roles and responsibilities of a Security Guard
There is no shortage of tasks available for Security Guards. Exactly how the day will play out depends on the individual and their employer. Still, it's safe to say that the following list of everyday tasks provides a real glimpse into the average day of security professionals.  

• Preventing theft, vandalism, and trespassing of private property. 
• Watching over a specified location to prevent misconduct.   
• Patrolling the area looking for suspicious behaviors, and observing the area through security cameras and Closed-Circuit Television systems.  
• Writing entries into a security log.  
• Reporting all events that happened during a shift and reviewing past log entries to stay updated with events.  
• Scheduling shifts and patrols.  
• Providing 24-hour protection when necessary and scheduling random patrols to reduce predictability.  
• Observing visitors and people passing by work stations or areas covered by security.  
• Reporting any unusual activities.  
• Escorting people outside the premises, detaining offenders, and calling local law enforcement or other authorities as needed.  
• Granting access to restricted areas to authorized people.  
• Verifying visitor's IDs and credentials when necessary.  
• Escorting assets (e.g., money or other valuables) when transferred from one location to another.  
• Driving armored cars, planning routes, and taking evasive actions when necessary.  
• Assisting with emergencies (e.g., fires, earthquakes, and crimes) and providing first aid to people as required.  
• Handling security equipment and weapons when necessary:  
• Using monitoring systems, such as alarms, video cameras, and motion sensors.  
• Handling non-lethal weapons (e.g., batons, pepper sprays, and Tasers) as needed.  
• Operating lethal weapons as needed (e.g., handguns and shotguns).