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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 v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Door and gate locking procedures — follow step-by-step under direct supervision to secure building entrances and exits at the end of each shift.
  2. Patrol routes — complete assigned walking rounds on a commercial or industrial site following a prescribed schedule provided by a supervisor.
  3. Alarm signals — recognize and report basic alarm activations to a supervisor or dispatch center according to posted emergency protocols.
  4. Visitor and employee access logs — record arrivals and departures manually or in an office suite application under close supervisory guidance.
  5. Basic first aid supplies — locate and apply under direction when responding to a minor medical incident on site.
  6. Daily activity reports — document routine observations and shift events using a word processing template provided by the site supervisor.
  7. Rule infraction notices — deliver verbal warnings to individuals committing minor violations using scripted language reviewed with a supervisor.
  8. Radio or telephone communication — use to relay routine messages and status updates to a dispatch center following standard operating procedures.
  9. Surveillance camera feeds — monitor assigned screens for unusual activity and flag anomalies to a senior guard for evaluation.
  10. 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
  1. 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.
  2. Access control decisions — evaluate and authorize or deny employee and visitor entry based on established credential policies at a staffed security desk.
  3. Alarm response procedures — investigate disturbances triggered by alarms, assess the situation on arrival, and coordinate with emergency services when warranted.
  4. 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.
  5. Incident reports — write clear, factual shift reports documenting property damage, theft, or unauthorized persons using office suite or document management software.
  6. Crowd circulation management — move among visitors or employees in a retail or event environment to maintain order and deter opportunistic misconduct.
  7. Conflict de-escalation — apply social perceptiveness and active listening techniques to calm a disruptive individual before physical intervention becomes necessary.
  8. Violation enforcement — warn rule violators, request compliance, and escalate to removal or apprehension when a subject refuses to comply on assigned premises.
  9. Network and video monitoring software — use to track real-time camera feeds and entry logs, identifying suspicious patterns across multiple access points.
  10. 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
  1. Complex perimeter assessments — evaluate physical vulnerabilities of an industrial or commercial facility during patrol and recommend corrective measures to site management.
  2. Multi-entry access control — independently manage authorization protocols for high-traffic entrances, applying critical thinking to flag credential anomalies or tailgating attempts.
  3. 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.
  4. Thorough incident investigation — gather witness accounts, review surveillance footage, and compile detailed written reports suitable for law enforcement or insurance review.
  5. Behavioral threat recognition — apply deductive reasoning and problem sensitivity to identify patterns of suspicious behavior across repeated observations in a commercial environment.
  6. Force continuum decisions — exercise sound judgment to determine appropriate response levels — from verbal warning through physical apprehension — when enforcing trespass or violation policies.
  7. Technology-integrated monitoring — correlate data from network monitoring software, electronic alarm systems, and camera feeds to detect security gaps and respond proactively.
  8. Policy interpretation — read and apply law, government regulations, and site-specific post orders to novel or ambiguous situations without supervisory input.
  9. Mentorship of new guards — guide newly assigned security personnel through site-specific procedures, post orders, and patrol expectations during their initial weeks on post.
  10. 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
  1. Security program oversight — design and implement comprehensive patrol schedules, post orders, and access control policies for a multi-site commercial or industrial security operation.
  2. Risk assessment leadership — conduct systematic vulnerability analyses of premises and translate findings into actionable security improvement plans presented to organizational leadership.
  3. Emergency response planning — develop and rehearse site-wide emergency protocols covering medical events, intrusions, and evacuations, coordinating with local law enforcement and paramedic services.
  4. Guard force development — establish training curricula and performance standards for a security guard team, building competency in first aid, conflict management, and reporting practices.
  5. Technology strategy — evaluate and recommend procurement of surveillance, access control, and network monitoring platforms aligned with organizational security objectives and budget constraints.
  6. Cross-functional coordination — collaborate with facilities management, HR, and legal teams to align security policies with compliance requirements, employment law, and risk management goals.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Crisis communications leadership — direct internal and external messaging during a significant security event, maintaining calm, accuracy, and coordination with public safety agencies.
  10. Culture of integrity and dependability — model and institutionalize professional standards of conduct, self-control, and ethical decision-making across the entire security workforce.

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Sources: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.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Sources: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.
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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
  1. Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
  2. Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
  3. Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
  4. Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
  5. Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
  6. Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
  7. Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
  8. Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.
CIP education codes
43.0109

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.