Security Guards

SOC 33-9032.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers security guard practice in commercial, industrial, and public-access environments, spanning patrol operations, access control, emergency response, incident reporting, and guard team leadership calibrated to Job Zone 2 preparation levels.

Sources:O*NET v30.2 SkillsCrosswalk

Emerging

Entry / Apprentice

Door and gate locking procedures — follow step-by-step under direct supervision to secure building entrances and exits at the end of each shift.
Patrol routes — complete assigned walking rounds on a commercial or industrial site following a prescribed schedule provided by a supervisor.
Alarm signals — recognize and report basic alarm activations to a supervisor or dispatch center according to posted emergency protocols.
Visitor and employee access logs — record arrivals and departures manually or in an office suite application under close supervisory guidance.
Basic first aid supplies — locate and apply under direction when responding to a minor medical incident on site.
Daily activity reports — document routine observations and shift events using a word processing template provided by the site supervisor.
Rule infraction notices — deliver verbal warnings to individuals committing minor violations using scripted language reviewed with a supervisor.
Radio or telephone communication — use to relay routine messages and status updates to a dispatch center following standard operating procedures.
Surveillance camera feeds — monitor assigned screens for unusual activity and flag anomalies to a senior guard for evaluation.
Post orders and site maps — read and reference to understand assigned coverage areas and applicable security policies before beginning solo patrols.

Developing

Mid-level / Established

Building perimeter security — conduct independent patrol rounds on a commercial or industrial site, checking doors, windows, and gates for signs of intrusion without constant supervision.
Access control decisions — evaluate and authorize or deny employee and visitor entry based on established credential policies at a staffed security desk.
Alarm response procedures — investigate disturbances triggered by alarms, assess the situation on arrival, and coordinate with emergency services when warranted.
Medical emergency assistance — administer basic first aid or CPR to an injured patron or employee and contact paramedics in line with site emergency response plans.
Incident reports — write clear, factual shift reports documenting property damage, theft, or unauthorized persons using office suite or document management software.
Crowd circulation management — move among visitors or employees in a retail or event environment to maintain order and deter opportunistic misconduct.
Conflict de-escalation — apply social perceptiveness and active listening techniques to calm a disruptive individual before physical intervention becomes necessary.
Violation enforcement — warn rule violators, request compliance, and escalate to removal or apprehension when a subject refuses to comply on assigned premises.
Network and video monitoring software — use to track real-time camera feeds and entry logs, identifying suspicious patterns across multiple access points.
Shift handover communication — brief the oncoming guard accurately on open incidents, access changes, and site conditions using spoken and written summaries.

Proficient

Senior / Expert IC

Complex perimeter assessments — evaluate physical vulnerabilities of an industrial or commercial facility during patrol and recommend corrective measures to site management.
Multi-entry access control — independently manage authorization protocols for high-traffic entrances, applying critical thinking to flag credential anomalies or tailgating attempts.
Emergency coordination — serve as on-site point of contact during a medical or security emergency, directing paramedics or law enforcement to the correct location while maintaining crowd safety.
Thorough incident investigation — gather witness accounts, review surveillance footage, and compile detailed written reports suitable for law enforcement or insurance review.
Behavioral threat recognition — apply deductive reasoning and problem sensitivity to identify patterns of suspicious behavior across repeated observations in a commercial environment.
Force continuum decisions — exercise sound judgment to determine appropriate response levels — from verbal warning through physical apprehension — when enforcing trespass or violation policies.
Technology-integrated monitoring — correlate data from network monitoring software, electronic alarm systems, and camera feeds to detect security gaps and respond proactively.
Policy interpretation — read and apply law, government regulations, and site-specific post orders to novel or ambiguous situations without supervisory input.
Mentorship of new guards — guide newly assigned security personnel through site-specific procedures, post orders, and patrol expectations during their initial weeks on post.
Customer and stakeholder communication — interact professionally with building tenants, executives, and law enforcement representatives, balancing security requirements with customer service obligations.

Advanced

Lead / Principal / Executive

Security program oversight — design and implement comprehensive patrol schedules, post orders, and access control policies for a multi-site commercial or industrial security operation.
Risk assessment leadership — conduct systematic vulnerability analyses of premises and translate findings into actionable security improvement plans presented to organizational leadership.
Emergency response planning — develop and rehearse site-wide emergency protocols covering medical events, intrusions, and evacuations, coordinating with local law enforcement and paramedic services.
Guard force development — establish training curricula and performance standards for a security guard team, building competency in first aid, conflict management, and reporting practices.
Technology strategy — evaluate and recommend procurement of surveillance, access control, and network monitoring platforms aligned with organizational security objectives and budget constraints.
Cross-functional coordination — collaborate with facilities management, HR, and legal teams to align security policies with compliance requirements, employment law, and risk management goals.
Performance metrics and reporting — design shift reporting frameworks and key performance indicators, analyzing trend data to reduce incidents and demonstrate security program value to executives.
Regulatory and legal guidance — interpret public safety statutes, trespass law, and use-of-force regulations for the organization, ensuring all security practices maintain legal compliance.
Crisis communications leadership — direct internal and external messaging during a significant security event, maintaining calm, accuracy, and coordination with public safety agencies.
Culture of integrity and dependability — model and institutionalize professional standards of conduct, self-control, and ethical decision-making across the entire security workforce.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic Index Jadhav & Danve, 2026 WEF Skills Taxonomy

Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging

AI-assisted incident logging — uses an AI tool to transcribe and format basic incident reports from verbal notes, reducing manual paperwork at the end of a shift Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..

Developing

AI-supported surveillance review — directs an AI-enabled camera system to flag motion anomalies or unusual access patterns, then personally investigates each flagged event before escalating Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Shift briefing preparation — prompts an AI assistant to summarize recent incident logs and outstanding security concerns, using the output as a starting point for handover communication with the incoming guard Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..

Proficient

Real-time monitoring augmentation — operates AI-powered video analytics dashboards to extend perimeter awareness across multiple entry points simultaneously, while retaining personal judgment on whether to respond or request backup Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Visitor screening workflow — integrates AI identity-verification tools into the front-desk check-in process, cross-referencing credentials against watchlists and escalating discrepancies through direct human assessment WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Incident pattern recognition — queries an AI reporting tool to surface recurring trespass or disturbance patterns across prior shift logs, then adjusts patrol routes based on those findings Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..

Advanced

AI tool evaluation for site operations — assesses new AI monitoring or access-control technologies against site-specific risk profiles, recommending adoption or rejection to site management based on operational fit rather than vendor claims Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Human-AI response coordination — designs post-order protocols that define precisely which alert categories the AI system handles autonomously (logging, notification) and which require immediate guard intervention, maintaining clear accountability boundaries Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Cross-site threat intelligence synthesis — directs AI aggregation tools to compile incident data across multiple facilities, translating the output into updated security briefings and procedural recommendations for supervisory review Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..

Evidence pack

AEI usage: Task observations: 17
Augment share: 1.7%
Time saved: 96.9%
AI autonomy: 3.00
SAFI positioning: Top skill: Active Listening
Score: 42.2 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster: Technology Use, Monitoring and Control
technology_use_monitoring_control

Sources:Anthropic Economic Index Jadhav & Danve, 2026 WEF Skills Taxonomy

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable Skills O*NET v30.2

Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication12 statements

Emerging

Visitor inquiry response — answers basic questions from visitors and employees regarding access procedures and facility rules using clear, direct language Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Incident log entry — records observable daily activities and routine irregularities in written security logs using standard formats O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Radio protocol basics — transmits location and status updates over radio to dispatch or supervisors using approved call signs and brevity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.

Developing

Rule infraction warning — communicates violations to individuals clearly and firmly while de-escalating tension through measured tone and word choice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Incident report writing — documents property damage, theft, unauthorized presence, and unusual occurrences in structured written reports with accurate detail O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Emergency instruction delivery — conveys evacuation routes and safety directions to building occupants during drills or incidents using audible, calm commands Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

Applying

Witness interview — elicits factual accounts from employees, visitors, or bystanders following security incidents through focused, open-ended questioning Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Multi-agency coordination communication — relays accurate incident information to police, fire, or paramedic responders upon their arrival to ensure seamless handoff O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Patrol debrief — provides verbal shift summaries to incoming security personnel covering access events, anomalies, and outstanding concerns with precise sequencing Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.

Exceeding

Security briefing facilitation — leads pre-shift briefings for guard teams covering post assignments, threat intelligence, and procedural updates with authority and clarity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Stakeholder incident reporting — composes comprehensive written incident narratives for facility management and law enforcement that withstand legal and investigative scrutiny Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Cross-functional communication leadership — serves as primary liaison between security operations, building administration, and emergency services during complex multi-agency incidents O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

2Leadership10 statements

Emerging

Post responsibility ownership — takes personal accountability for assigned patrol zone coverage and access control duties without requiring constant supervisor direction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Self-initiated hazard reporting — identifies and reports unlocked gates, broken lighting, or suspicious conditions proactively rather than waiting for supervisor prompts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

Developing

Peer guidance on procedure — explains correct access control or patrol protocols to newly assigned guards during shared shifts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Situation command initiation — assumes initial incident command posture when first on scene, directing bystanders and preserving scene integrity until supervisors arrive Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

Applying

Shift leadership coverage — manages post assignments and guard positioning across a facility during a shift when a supervisor is unavailable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Crowd control direction — leads orderly movement of visitors or patrons during emergencies or high-traffic events by positioning personnel and issuing authoritative guidance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Violator apprehension decision — makes real-time judgment calls on when and how to confront, detain, or evict rule violators using appropriate force levels O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

Exceeding

Security team mentorship — coaches junior guards on patrol technique, report writing, and interpersonal de-escalation through direct observation and structured feedback Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Emergency response leadership — coordinates the security team's actions across multiple posts during active emergencies, maintaining span of control and communication with external responders Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Policy influence — develops or recommends revisions to access control and patrol procedures based on pattern analysis of incidents and near-misses observed over time Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.

3Metacognition8 statements

Emerging

Self-assessment of situational awareness — recognizes personal blind spots in patrol coverage or monitoring attention and adjusts focus during a shift Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Learning from post orders — reads and self-quizzes on facility-specific post orders and emergency procedures to confirm accurate understanding before assuming a post Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

Developing

After-action self-review — evaluates personal response decisions following an incident or alarm investigation to identify what was effective and what should change Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Patrol pattern adjustment — notices when a fixed routine creates predictability and self-directs variation in timing and route to improve deterrence effectiveness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

Applying

Cognitive load management during incidents — monitors own stress response during emergencies and applies deliberate pacing to maintain accurate perception and sound decision-making Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Skill gap identification — identifies specific knowledge areas such as first aid protocols or legal authority limits where performance is inconsistent and seeks targeted practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.

Exceeding

Reflective practice modeling — demonstrates structured self-evaluation habits to junior guards, explaining how to review incident decisions against policy and outcome standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Strategic learning planning — sets personal development goals around emerging security threats, surveillance technology, or legal updates and tracks progress through deliberate study Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.

4Critical Thinking9 statements

Emerging

Alarm triage — distinguishes between likely false alarms and signals warranting investigation based on available context such as time of day and prior pattern Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Access credential verification — identifies discrepancies between presented identification and authorized access lists using systematic checking rather than assumption O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

Developing

Disturbance cause analysis — investigates the source of a disturbance by gathering observable evidence before determining the appropriate response action Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Behavioral anomaly detection — identifies persons whose movement patterns, demeanor, or responses to questions deviate from expected norms in the facility environment O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

Applying

Incident evidence evaluation — assesses physical evidence, witness statements, and surveillance footage to construct an accurate account of a security event Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Force level judgment — weighs situational factors including threat level, legal authority, and available alternatives before deciding to apply physical intervention O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Security vulnerability assessment — identifies systemic weaknesses in door, gate, or perimeter security during patrol and reasons through their potential exploitation scenarios Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

Exceeding

Pattern-based threat anticipation — analyzes logs of incidents across time periods to detect recurring vulnerabilities or escalating threat actors and develops preventive recommendations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Legal and ethical reasoning under pressure — evaluates complex situations involving competing authorities, ambiguous rules, and civil rights considerations to reach defensible decisions in real time Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

5Collaboration8 statements

Emerging

Shift handover participation — communicates relevant post information to the incoming guard during shift change to ensure continuity of coverage Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Emergency services support — follows directions of paramedics, police, or fire personnel on scene and provides requested facility access or information O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

Developing

Team patrol coordination — synchronizes patrol timing and coverage zones with fellow guards to eliminate gaps and avoid duplication Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Joint incident response — works alongside a partner guard during disturbance response, dividing perimeter control and subject engagement roles effectively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

Applying

Multi-department collaboration — coordinates with facilities management, human resources, or reception staff on access control decisions, visitor management, and security policy compliance O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
First responder integration — integrates smoothly into a multi-agency emergency response by fulfilling the security team's role without duplicating or conflicting with responder functions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

Exceeding

Cross-functional security planning — partners with facility management, law enforcement liaisons, and event organizers to co-develop security plans for large-scale or high-risk events Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Collaborative incident review — facilitates post-incident debriefs with all responding parties to extract shared lessons and improve joint response protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.

6Character8 statements

Emerging

Access control integrity — applies entry and exit authorization rules consistently to all individuals regardless of personal familiarity or social pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Uniform and conduct standards — maintains professional appearance and behavior throughout a shift, representing the employing organization with appropriate decorum Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.

Developing

Impartial enforcement — enforces facility rules without discrimination based on race, gender, age, or status while treating all individuals with baseline dignity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Incident honesty — reports all security events accurately in written logs and verbal briefings, including events where personal errors or delayed responses occurred Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

Applying

Ethical use of authority — exercises legal detention and force authorities only within established boundaries and documents all uses of force truthfully and completely Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Confidentiality maintenance — protects sensitive information about facility operations, employee matters, and incident investigations encountered during the course of duty Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.

Exceeding

Accountability modeling — holds self and team members accountable to professional conduct standards, addressing policy violations directly and escalating appropriately when necessary Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Ethical escalation — identifies and reports systemic misconduct, corruption, or policy violations within the security operation through appropriate channels with integrity and courage Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.

7Creativity8 statements

Emerging

Patrol variation initiative — devises informal route and timing changes within assigned patrol zones to reduce predictability without compromising coverage Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Improvised emergency response — adapts available materials and resources on hand to address an unexpected medical or security situation before specialized help arrives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

Developing

De-escalation strategy adaptation — generates alternative verbal approaches in real time when a standard warning or request fails to gain compliance from a difficult individual Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Reporting innovation — develops clearer or more efficient personal templates for incident documentation that capture required detail more accurately than standard formats alone Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.

Applying

Security gap solution design — proposes creative procedural or physical solutions to identified access vulnerabilities when standard controls are insufficient or unavailable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Event security adaptation — modifies standard patrol and crowd management approaches creatively for non-standard venue configurations or atypical event formats Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.

Exceeding

Proactive deterrence program design — creates novel patrol strategies, signage placements, or visitor management processes that measurably reduce incident frequency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Threat scenario exercise design — develops realistic and creative training scenarios for security teams that expose procedural weaknesses and build adaptive response capability Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.

8Growth Mindset8 statements

Emerging

Policy update absorption — reads and applies revised post orders, legal authority updates, or procedural changes without resistance when site requirements change Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Feedback receptivity — accepts constructive feedback from supervisors on patrol technique or report quality and applies corrections on the next shift Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.

Developing

First aid skill maintenance — pursues continued practice of CPR and basic first aid techniques to sustain certification competence beyond the minimum renewal requirement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Incident learning application — extracts a specific behavioral or procedural lesson from each significant incident and deliberately applies it in subsequent situations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.

Applying

Cross-training pursuit — voluntarily learns adjacent security functions such as surveillance monitoring, access system operation, or alarm management to expand post flexibility Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Challenge post acceptance — willingly takes on high-traffic, high-risk, or unfamiliar post assignments as opportunities to build capability rather than sources of avoidance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.

Exceeding

Continuous improvement leadership — models persistent learning by publicly sharing lessons from difficult incidents and encouraging peers to treat mistakes as development data Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Advanced certification pursuit — independently seeks higher-level security training, legal authority certifications, or emergency management credentials to expand professional capacity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

9Mindfulness8 statements

Emerging

Attention anchoring on patrol — maintains focused environmental awareness during routine patrols by systematically scanning for changes rather than allowing attention to drift Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Emotional baseline maintenance — recognizes signs of personal fatigue or frustration during a shift and applies deliberate breathing or physical reset to restore attentiveness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.

Developing

Trigger recognition in confrontation — identifies personal emotional reactions rising during tense encounters with violators or agitated individuals and pauses before responding Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Prolonged post endurance — sustains focused monitoring attention during extended stationary observation assignments by applying structured attention management strategies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

Applying

Intentional de-escalation presence — projects deliberate calm through controlled voice, posture, and pace during high-tension confrontations to influence the emotional trajectory of the encounter Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Surveillance monitoring discipline — maintains sustained, non-habituated attention across multiple camera feeds or sensor outputs during long monitoring shifts without lapses in coverage Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

Exceeding

Team emotional regulation modeling — demonstrates and coaches composure under pressure techniques to junior guards facing their first significant incidents or confrontations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
High-stakes decision presence — operates with full situational clarity and deliberate intentionality during rapidly evolving emergencies, preventing reactive errors driven by panic or tunnel vision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

10Fortitude8 statements

Emerging

Lone-post persistence — fulfills assigned patrol and monitoring responsibilities reliably through full shift duration including late-night, inclement weather, or low-stimulation conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Confrontation follow-through — completes a required rule enforcement interaction even when met with verbal resistance or social pressure to back down Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

Developing

Physical environment endurance — maintains full patrol coverage and vigilance during extended shifts in physically demanding outdoor, industrial, or high-traffic environments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Post-incident return to readiness — resumes normal patrol and monitoring duties promptly after responding to a distressing incident without allowing residual stress to degrade performance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.

Applying

Sustained threat environment operation — maintains consistent, professional security performance during periods of elevated threat, active criminal activity, or organizational crisis at the facility Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Unpopular decision courage — enforces access denials, evictions, or apprehensions involving socially powerful or verbally aggressive individuals without yielding to intimidation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.

Exceeding

Resilience under extended crisis — leads security operations effectively across multi-day or multi-incident crisis periods while sustaining personal performance and supporting team cohesion Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Traumatic incident recovery leadership — returns to effective duty and supports teammates following violent or traumatic incidents, modeling professional resilience and facilitating team recovery Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.

Sources:Pathsmith Durable Skills O*NET v30.2

Show O*NET source anchors52 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles

Security Guard · Access Control Security Officer · Alarm Investigator · Armed Guard · Armed Security Guard · Armed Security Officer · Armored Car Driver · Armored Car Guard · Bag Checker · Baggage Inspector · Baggage Screener · Baggage Security Checker

RAPIDS apprenticeships

0237 · Security Guard

O*NET skills

Active ListeningMonitoringSpeakingCritical ThinkingCoordinationSocial PerceptivenessJudgment and Decision MakingReading Comprehension

Knowledge domains

Public Safety and SecurityCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageComputers and ElectronicsAdministration and ManagementEducation and TrainingTelecommunicationsAdministrativeLaw and GovernmentTherapy and CounselingPsychologyMedicine and Dentistry

Abilities

Problem SensitivityFar VisionOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionSelective AttentionNear VisionSpeech RecognitionDeductive ReasoningSpeech ClarityFlexibility of Closure

Work styles

DependabilityIntegrityCautiousnessSelf-ControlStress TolerancePerseverance

Technology

Office suite softwareVideo conferencing softwareSpreadsheet softwareTransaction security and virus protection softwareElectronic mail softwareDocument management softwareWord processing softwareNetwork monitoring software

Tasks · seed anchors for statements

Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.

CIP education codes

43.0109