As with all careers, it’s hard to summarise your entire job role into five duties or less.
But for those interested in joining the essential and skilled workforce of retail security, it can be beneficial to know what to expect day-to-day, even if it is more general.
So, what can retail security expect to do on their average day?
The five biggest tasks for retail security
In no particular order, the most common responsibilities for security guards includes, but is not limited to:
1. Remaining visible to deter criminals
Criminals will use any opportunity to commit theft, vandalism, or worse if they feel they can get away with it.
As such, remaining visible is the most effective method of deterrent. Plus, as a secondary benefit, it makes members of the public or other staff members feel they can approach you if they have concerns, limiting the likelihood of criminality occurring under your nose.
2. Taking prompt and reasonable action
Within a retail security role, you will be expected to take prompt and reasonable action and even carry out citizens arrests to prevent crimes that are deemed serious and would be tried in a Crown Court, including:
- Assault (including physical injury to themselves or others)
- Burglary
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Terrorism
- Trafficking
- Rape
- Criminal damage (if worth over £5,000)
- Anyone attempting to escape before a police officer is able to assume responsibility for them
As verified by section 24A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE).
To be deemed reasonable, all force should be justifiable and be easily explained to the emergency services when they arrive on-scene, as explored by Section 3 of the Criminal Law Act 1967.
Want to know more about what constitutes reasonable force and the legalities of restraints? Explore our blog Can Retail Security Restrain Wrongdoers?
3. Contacting and communicating with the emergency services
Although not hoped for, if an emergency situation occurs, contact with external bodies and the emergency services is essential and helps to ensure all the necessary information is gathered and members of the public are kept safe from harm.
Similarly, as trained security professionals, you can be a knowledgeable resource and point of contact for the authorities while also helping to keep the area secure or help with evacuations.
4. Identifying suspicious behaviours or visitors
Thanks to your specialist training as part of your SIA licencing, you will be able to covertly observe and identify suspicious activity or shoppers who are looking for an opportunity to commit crimes.
Helping to stop the crime before it can occur.
5. Monitoring access
Entry from unauthorised or even banned visitors can be simplest way to increase criminal activity.
As such, by monitoring access, checking credentials, maintaining visitor logs, or even refusing entry to barred visitors, you can ensure the site stays secure.
Apply for a position in retail security today
Highly trained and approachable, good retail security staff are a valuable asset to any environment – and a real advantage for employers.
If you are looking for a position, why not see how T-Class Security can help?
To get in touch today, give us a call on 0203 7948182 or fill in our online contact form and our team of experts will be in touch as soon as they can.
