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Top 10 Security Guard Gear You Can’t Live Without
Security guards carry lots of gear, and any good security guard will have the equipment required to protect not only themselves, but the property they are assigned to. Here’s a list of the top 10 pieces of equipment that most security officers will have.
1. Flashlight
A flashlight is one of the most important pieces of equipment that a security guard can carry.
Even if you’re assigned to a day job where a flashlight may not seem necessary, it’s still important to be equipped with one because certain scenarios may require some extra light to help you see, and you never want to go into a dark location without one.
Furthermore, a flashlight can be used for protection. Many flashlights that security officers carry are heavy duty, long metal flashlights that could potentially be used as a striking device.
No special training is needed in order to carry a flashlight, although there are training programs that you can enroll in that may teach you how to effectively use one in a combat situation.
Most security officers (and police officers too!) carry a Maglite flashlight because of their durability, bright light, and solidness.
2. Security Guard Baton
Security guard batons are another important piece of equipment that security guards use to protect themselves. More importantly, however, they are a weapon that can keep a property safe without even being used. Just the fact that you have one in your belt that people can see will usually be enough to make sure things stay calm. People know that if you were to pull this weapon out, it could definitely do some damage.
In most states, however, you will be required to complete a training course specialized for handling a baton before you can legally carry one while on duty. Some companies may require that you complete this training before you are hired.
3. Boots
A good pair of security guard boots is extremely important.
Most security guards I’ve spoken to say that a good pair of boots can make the difference between coming home with sore legs and a sore back, and coming home comfortable without any aches and pains.
Because most security guards spend their shifts walking around on patrol, a pair of durable boots will last a lifetime. A cheap pair will not only end up hurting you, but will also wear out and you’ll find yourself having to buy a new pair at least twice a year.
Most uniforms require a pair of black boots, but you’ll want to check with your employer first before investing in some quality boots for yourself and your feet.
4. Security Guard Belt
The security guard belt is another important piece of equipment for any serious security guard. It makes carrying all of the pieces of equipment listed here (and more) much much easier.
The last thing a security officer wants to do is fumble around looking for his/her flashlight or pepper spray when they need it most.
Belts usually come with extra pieces that slide or clip on so you can attach additional pieces of equipment on it.
5. Pepper Spray
A security guard should definitely look into being equipped with pepper spray because it is one of the best ways to temporarily repress an attacker or unlawful individual, without actually causing any permanent damage to that individual.
Although civilians are allowed to purchase pepper spray for protection (i.e. for students and hikers), police officers and security guards may need to undergo pepper spray training in order to understand how and when to properly use it while on duty. Please check with your employer as far as requirements in order to use pepper spray.
There are many types, however it’s been said that the UDAP brand of pepper sprays are the best that you can get. Here are a few pepper sprays that you can look at from the UDAP brand.
6. A Cell Phone
All security guards should carry a cell phone. Although much of the communication you will do as a security officer may be through a walkie-talkie or other radio type device, a cell phone will give you the ability to quickly call the proper authorities or fire department when required to.
Before your first day on duty, put all of the most important numbers into your address book on your phone, or even better, into speed dial so they can be dialed almost immediately.
7. A Heated Vest
Many security guards work in colder climates where it can be uncomfortable to work and function properly. Even if you live in a warmer climate, you may need to work at night at times where the temperature can drop drastically and make you very cold.
A heated vest can take care of this for you and keep you comfortable and focused even on the coldest of nights.
8. Digital Camera
A digital camera can be a security guard’s best friend, especially if it has video capabilities. The pictures and videos that you take can make it so much easier for you to describe different events and situations that arise, especially if you’re forced to go to court to testify.
You can take pictures of property, people, vehicles, crime scenes – almost anything you can think of that is pertinent to your job and the reports that you write up.
9. A Handgun
Obviously, you’re going to need specialized armed security guard training if you want to carry a firearm while on duty, but a gun, much like a baton, can be a great way to keep an area secure without ever having to use it. Just the fact that it’s there in your belt in a holster can keep an area under control.
Of course, if you do need to draw your gun and use it at any point, you’re going to want to make sure you abide by the law and this is why training is so intense, long and important.
Furthermore, many times carrying a handgun will actually yield a higher paycheck.
10. A Mini-First Aid Kit
A mini-first aid kit is perfect for security guards to have, not only for themselves, but for the people in and around the location that they are assigned to.
For example, if you’re working in a retail area and someone comes up to you asking for a band-aid (which they will do – you are the most visible person who people can easily walk up to for help), the last thing you want to do is waste time trying to find one. If you have a kit on hand, you can help out any person in need, and get back to your duty and patrol as soon as possible.
You forgot donuts! 😛
that is a good one. though i think youre talking about a police officer
lets not forget, all police and security officers must have good judgment and common sense,
Pen, pencil and note pad, the number one tool at your disposal for most guards
So exhaustive and instructive. Good tips
so does a security officer have the right to hit someone while two people are engaged in a fight at an appartment complex. another question is dont they have to identify themselves as security befor action can be taken…
No you as a guard must observe and report, you never resort to physical violance. If two people are fighting unless of course you are defending yourself, what you do is call the cops and let them take it out on each other, if you get in between chances are they are will turn and hit you.
i do mean with a colapsable baton more than 3 times..
I like this post a little bit, but lets not forget you as a security officer and or a security guard your main objective is to observe and report. all weapons are to be used as a last resort for self defense, when situtations get out of your hands. Besides the normal “Pen and paper” another best tool for a security officer is your personality and how you approach and treat people. The way we communicate with people will determain most out comes.
This list of equipment is all well and good, a good list that is. However… This list only caters for night time operations!
The camera is a good shout though!
Great information too.. Thanks!
we should not neglect the security kit because we safety too we love our family just the way they care for us
how about a bullet proof vest….
Great list! How do you see mobile devices being incorporated into security guard work in the future?
Body armor (bulletproof vest) is, after a guard’s gun and Sam Browne belt, is an important piece of gear. Whether one “stand post” armed, baton-armed or unarmed, security officers may be subject to attack by assailants. Specifically, three types, based on their levels to resist bullets, shotgun blasts and to a certain degree sharp-pointed weapons, should be worned. These are Level II, which can stop rounds up to a .45 bullet and birdshot, Level II-A, which can stop medium and large caliber bullets and a Level III, resistant to most handgun rounds, buckshot and some knife attacks.
I handle money carrying a large sum to and from the bank on a daily basis. My Store got robbed recently and has put me on alert. I work in the Fast Food business and was looking for some things to carry with me for security and protective purposes. I looked at this list and liked the camera idea. But what about a tazer? I thought for certain it would be on the list. Just for future reference I was trying to find something for my key chain and my pocket.
I also think a good pair of dark tint sunglasses that can help protect your eyes from bright UV light with
polarization will help with 2 things:
1) It helps your eyes from fatigue if you are in a bright settings.
2) Hiding your eyes helps prevent people from seeing where your focus is, possibly preventing them from bypassing you as a guard.
Great list of gear! Thanks.
I like your comments ,its so enlighten and educative hope to get more tips on issues concerning security.Thank’s
ThanksGood advice an good to know
I have found that several times when making contact with patron or others while on duty having a uniform camra or lapel camera available to record your interaction with subjects and witnesses is a grat way of protecting your self and securing information during interviews that may be forgotten in the process of time.
I agree with Chris on the sunglasses tho i do have to add a third reason. One of my trainers stated that it is always better to to wear sunglassess to protect your eyes in case somone throws somting in your face. there are also glassess that are designed to be worn at night to help with glare and improve night vision(not night vision goggles).
is a security guard required to carry his or her perc card on their person at all times??
To anyone who is wondering yes as a level 1 security guard you are only to observe and report but as a level 2 and 3 security guard you have the right to use physical violence as long as its in a self defense manner for yourself or someone else and depending on the situation no you do not have to identify yourself before getting physical
Hey can a security guard that a level 2 carry a taser graded gun. On the job. And papper weapons on the job