Security guards are responsible for maintaining safety and security in their workplace, and to do so effectively, they need to have a thorough understanding of their company’s policies and procedures, as well as their clients’ policies and procedures. This is because policies and procedures provide guidelines and directions for how security guards should act in certain situations, and failing to understand these guidelines could result in serious consequences.
First, it is important for security guards to understand the difference between policies and procedures. Policies are broad statements that provide guidance on how to achieve specific objectives. For example, a security company may have a policy that requires all employees to follow safety protocols when handling hazardous materials. Procedures, on the other hand, are specific steps that need to be taken to achieve the objectives set out in the policies. For example, a security company may have a procedure for how to properly store and transport hazardous materials.
When it comes to knowing their company’s policy and procedure, security guards need to understand how to follow these guidelines when carrying out their duties. For instance, they need to know what to do in the event of an emergency, how to properly use equipment, and how to report incidents. By understanding their companies’ policies and procedures, security guards can perform their duties effectively and safely.
In addition to knowing their company’s policies and procedures, security guards also need to understand their clients’ policies and procedures, especially if they are working in a contractual environment. This is because clients may have their own specific policies and procedures that need to be followed while on their premises. For example, a hospital may have specific policies around patient confidentiality and the use of force by security guards. By understanding their client’s policies and procedures, security guards can work effectively with the client and provide the necessary security services.
Lastly, proprietary policies and procedures refer to those developed by the security company, while contractual policies and procedures refer to those developed by the client. Proprietary policies and procedures are developed to ensure consistency in the services provided by the security company. On the other hand, contractual policies and procedures are developed to meet the specific needs of the client. Understanding the differences between these policies and procedures is crucial for security guards, as it allows them to provide the necessary security services effectively while meeting the requirements of both their company and the client.