Who Is a Security Guard?

A security guard is the foundation of any private security company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He represents the company’s image and plays a vital role in ensuring safety and protection within any facility.

The guard is responsible for safeguarding all individuals within the premises and creating a sense of security and reassurance.
Due to the critical nature of this role, top security companies invest heavily in recruiting qualified personnel who meet professional and physical standards.

Key Responsibilities of a Security Guard

Security guards have two primary responsibilities:

1. Protecting Individuals and Property

   • Prevent theft, break-ins, and sabotage

   • Secure the facility’s physical and moral assets

   • Ensure the safety of employees and visitors

2. Preserving Facility Safety

   • Monitor and safeguard equipment, tools, and all property contents during duty hours

Scope of Security Coverage

1. External Security

• Guarding the facility’s outer perimeter

• Monitoring gates, fences, parking areas, and building surroundings

2. Internal Security

• Securing internal units such as:

  • Corridors, offices, meeting rooms

  • Storage areas, warehouses

  • Ensuring the safety of workers and visitors from internal hazards

Direct Operational Responsibilities

• Securing the facility against security breaches

• Managing on-site operations and movement

• Issuing vehicle and visitor entry permits

• Monitoring the behavior of employees, contractors, and guests

• Reporting any suspicious activity

Response to Incidents and Violations

In the event of an incident or breach, the security guard must:

• Interrogate suspects and report them to authorities if needed

• Submit any lost items found to supervisors without tampering

• Accurately report all relevant information to supervisors

In Emergency or Fire Situations

The guard is responsible for:

• Prompt evacuation of individuals to a safe area

• Activating the alarm system

• Notifying emergency services

• Cutting off electricity and gas supplies

• Using available firefighting tools

• Activating the sprinkler system

• Maintaining order, preventing crowding, and securing entry points

Appearance and Professional Conduct

• Wearing the official uniform and carrying an ID badge

• Maintaining a clean, presentable appearance

• Demonstrating polite and respectful behavior with the public, supervisors, and colleagues

• Following company policies and national regulations

• Maintaining cleanliness of the facility

• Conducting regular checks on electrical, water, and drainage systems

• Monitoring entrances, exits, and all sections of the site

• Adhering to punctual attendance and break schedules

• Staying within designated work zones

End-of-Shift Duties

Before leaving the premises, the guard must:

• Ensure all doors and access points are locked

• Shut down electricity and gas systems

• Remove or report any flammable or hazardous materials

• Submit an official security report to management

Behavioral Guidelines and Security Ethics

• No eating, drinking, or smoking during duty hours

• Maintain full focus on assigned tasks

• Absolute confidentiality regarding duties and client information

• Professionally manage interactions with employees, visitors, and clients

• Deny access to any unauthorized individuals

• Be ready to work extra hours when needed

• Be available to work in any location and on a 24/7 basis

Security Tools Used by Guards

Security guards may use a range of equipment to ensure protection, such as:

• Licensed defensive weapons (as permitted)

• Bulletproof gates and secure barriers

• Surveillance cameras and alarm systems

• Security patrol vehicles and trained guard dogs

Conclusion

By fulfilling his duties with professionalism, a security guard acts as the first line of defense in protecting clients, employees, and property. With the proper training, equipment, and operational protocols, guards help create a secure and trustworthy environment—critical to any organization’s success.