Some people tend to confuse them, and it's quite common to think they're the same thing. However, the truth is that there are several differences between a security guard and a security officer, which are definitely worth considering. If this is something that interests you, this article is for you. Let's take a look at the details that will help you distinguish between these two professions.
Understanding the differences between a security guard and a security watchman
To understand how the two professions differ, it is important to know exactly what each one entails.
What is a security guard and what do they do?
As the name suggests, a security guard is an expert dedicated to protecting people and property. Typically, a guard works in areas such as concierge services, reception, and security. While they are not considered subordinates of law enforcement agencies, their authority includes the power to detain individuals who have committed crimes.
What is a security guard and what do they do?
On the other hand, security guards also perform protective activities, but their duties are more focused on protecting movable and immovable property. They can provide specialized services depending on the type of property they are guarding. Furthermore, they prevent these assets from being compromised in any way. Similarly, security guards are authorized to conduct searches of objects, vehicles, and identities to ensure the security of the property they are protecting.
How to distinguish between a security guard and a security watchman?
If you're not entirely sure you can tell the difference between a security guard and a security officer, having some of their differences at hand can be helpful. The following are the most obvious distinctions between these two professions.
Carrying weapons: While a security guard is required to provide protection services, they are not authorized to carry a firearm. However, security officers, being considered subordinates of the Security Forces, may carry a firearm with prior authorization from the State and the Ministry, provided it is used only in cases where expressly required.
Recording capacity: A security guard is authorized to check identity credentials, vehicles, and belongings in order to preserve the security of the protected property and for justifiable reasons. Otherwise, security guards are not permitted to perform these types of checks.
Qualification: To fully perform their duties, security guards need authorization from the Ministry of the Interior; without it, they cannot work. On the other hand, security personnel can carry out their functions without this type of authorization.
Training: While a security guard requires passing exhaustive theoretical and physical tests administered by the National Police Corps, a security officer does not require such evaluations to perform their duties.
Scope: A security guard is responsible for protecting people and property in public spaces, such as reception areas and concierge desks. A security officer, on the other hand, is responsible for protecting real estate and valuables. Therefore, the latter is commonly found in facilities such as businesses, factories, and so on, even when they are not in operation.
Stopping ability: Both security guards and security watchmen have the full authority to detain any individual who has committed a crime and poses a risk to what they are protecting. However, a guard is not obligated to do so, while a security watchman is obligated to do so while on duty, and must also hand them over to the police.
Legal considerations: The security service falls under the Private Security Regulations. The work of security guards is not regulated by these regulations.
Were you aware of all these differences?
There's no doubt that these two professions are completely different, although they essentially share the same purpose: protection. Both security guards and watchmen are capable of providing protection services; however, their scopes differ. If you weren't aware of these differences, we hope this article has been helpful. And with this information now available, we hope that you understand when one of these professionals is performing their duties in accordance with the law.
