Many Security Guards work for Security Agencies, who are then hired by third parties to protect and guard the assets of the hiring company (e.g., property, people, equipment, or money). As a whole, the security field functions to mitigate unnecessary security breaches on or of the paying companies' property.  
 
They can either be armed or unarmed, depending on the job description and use specialized equipment and tactics to do their job. Security Guards use various types of equipment (e.g., video cameras, motion sensors, alarms, and lethal or non-lethal weapons, always in compliance with regulations). The level of security required and the means to protect an asset will depend on the client’s profile and which assets they are paying to watch and protect.  
   
Some companies are large enough to add regular security staff to their payroll. To help staff and community members correctly identify Security Guards stationed in their area, they will often wear uniforms, some with the agency they work for, which adds to their image of authority while on the job. 

Personality of a Security Guard

• They are observant  

Some Security Guards spend a great deal of time surveying their posts, whether in person or on video. It takes a very observant individual to stay focused on the activity and goings-on on any particular day and be able to suss out any suspicious activity.   
  

• They are alert  

Security Guards may spend a good deal of time working the night shift throughout their career, and anyone that's ever worked a night shift will tell you that it's challenging to stay alert throughout your shift. Alertness is also handy during daytime hours when the job may seem repetitive and lacks action. The right candidate will withstand the events of their shift while maintaining a heightened level of sharpness and skill.  
  

• They are quick thinking  

Monitoring for criminal and prohibited activity is one thing, but reacting to it with enough time to effectively intervene, is another. Security Guards must think quickly on their feet and spring into action at a moment's notice.