20 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
You usually start with a shift briefing, check schedules in Microsoft Outlook, and inspect radios and keys. Then you patrol designated areas, check doors and alarms, and monitor surveillance cameras and video recording systems for anything unusual.
Most shifts mix patrols (walking or driving), sitting at a desk watching cameras, answering phones, helping visitors, and writing incident reports in Microsoft Word or Excel. Breaks and handoffs with the next guard happen at set times.
Common tools are Microsoft Outlook for shift emails and schedules, Microsoft Word for incident reports, and Microsoft Excel for logs or inventory. Some sites store documents on Microsoft SharePoint or use other parts of Microsoft Office.
For camera review you’ll use the site’s surveillance camera software (sometimes a vendor app), plus video recording systems. Expect to export clips and attach them to reports when needed.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports 1,283,470 people employed as security guards. The median annual wage is $38,020. The lowest tenth earn about $30,210 and the top tenth about $58,840, according to BLS (2025).
Pay varies by location, employer, and duties (armed, driving escorts, or building systems control). Overtime and shift premiums can raise earnings.
Most entry-level roles require a high school diploma or GED and a background check. Many employers require state guard licensing or training; some need firearms or use-of-force certificates if armed.
Training often includes patrol procedures, report writing, first aid, and how to operate surveillance cameras and building controls. Employers sometimes train you on site-specific systems like alarm panels and video recording software.
Security guards protect property and people for private employers, enforce site rules, and call law enforcement when needed. They monitor surveillance systems, control access, and write incident reports, but they don’t have full police powers unless specially deputized.
Police officers enforce the law city- or state-wide and make arrests. Private investigators investigate cases for clients, not usually patrol the premises or operate building systems the way guards do.
You can use AI to draft incident reports or summarize camera logs, but never to replace your judgment. Always verify facts and timestamps from surveillance cameras and video recording systems before including them in reports.
Follow employer policy and privacy laws: don’t upload sensitive footage to public AI services. Use AI tools only on approved systems (for example, to format a Microsoft Word report saved on SharePoint), and keep a human in the loop for decisions and contacts with law enforcement.
Solid observation skills—noticing details on surveillance cameras or during patrols—and clear written English for incident reports in Microsoft Word or Excel matter most. Basic computer literacy with Microsoft Outlook and SharePoint helps you manage schedules and documents.
You also need calm communication under stress (calling police, dealing with aggressive behaviour), basic first-aid knowledge, and the ability to check IDs and control access without escalating situations.