Helpful tips for Retail Security Guards

When arriving to the retail site a security guard must be properly dressed with all pendants, name tags and security labels visible.  Every part of the uniform exists for a reason.  These uniform accessories convey authority.  Uniform shirts should be clean, pressed and correctly tucked in.  Shoes should be a style appropriate to the environment of the store and be shined to the point that they have a visibly reflective finish.  Some choose to wear patent leather shoes to save the time needed to shine shoes.   While on duty, stand tall with your head up and eyes forward.  Look alert and aware at all times.  Your posture and appearance should be sharp to the point that they convey that you are a security guard who is about your business.  Nothing short of that is acceptable.  Guards should keep their hands down to the side, to the front or behind their back but never in their pockets. You want to always be ready for anything that happens so in this case keep your hands active but out of your pockets.

  Communicating and using common sense has always been a key component in being an excellent retail security guard. While in a retail environment the guard must be able to communicate with the employees of the retail store in addition to customers.  Professional security guards use employees as a resource for loss prevention.  On some occasions guards can direct employees to certain areas to use a customer service approach to deter individuals who are behaving in a suspicious manner but have not been seen stealing merchandise.  One should also be able to communicate with the customers.  Customers often ask guards questions about merchandise, restrooms or other store information.  Security guards should not engage in lengthy conversations with customers nor should they become overly involved with helping customers locates items within the store.  Guards must be able to refer the customer to the appropriate store employee while making the customer feel welcome in the store.  A firm, polite demeanor must be maintained to make customers feel comfortable. This same demeanor deters would be criminals from underestimating your commitment to professionalism.

  The ability to lead and follow also plays a significant part in the development of becoming an excellent retail security guard. In most cases the security personal is expected to work as a team with the retail store which means in certain scenarios this guard must know when to take charge of a situation. When incidents occur guards must reflect on their training, law and understanding of the post orders for the site to take charge and make the right decision.  A security guard works and trains for years to be prepared for that one incident that seldom occurs.  When that rare incident occurs, the guard must be ready to lead.

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