Security guards: what are the different types of profiles and how do you choose them?
Depending on the specific features of your sites and the nature of your risks (business sector, working environment, site configuration, regulations, data security, etc.), your security requirements will vary. In order to provide you with an appropriate response, there are different security guard profiles with different skills. What are these profiles, and how can you be sure you're making the right choice? Here are a few points to consider.
They now outnumber the police in France: today, there are almost 180,000 private security guards in France, compared with 150,000 police officers[1].
Terrorist threats, cyber-attacks, increasing numbers of burglaries and damage, incivilities... So many reasons that have led to definite growth in the security-security market, particularly since the attacks of November 13, 2015 (+4.2% overall growth in 2016, +3.7% in 2019 vs 2018[2]).
Today, private security companies operate in a wide range of fields: guarding, remote surveillance, video protection, cash in transit...
Security guard, a regulated profession and training course
After long and unfairly suffering from a poor image, since 2011 the profession has been supervised and regulated by the Conseil national des activités privées de sécurité (CNAPS), and directly attached to the Ministry of the Interior. Private security guards are therefore an integral part of the French Internal Security Code, ensuring the safety of people and property within their sphere of competence.
In addition to recognized professional training (Certificat de Formation Professionnel, CQP APS) and ongoing training provided by the employer, which validate the acquisition of know-how and interpersonal skills essential to the exercise of the profession, the possession of a professional card is mandatory to exercise any private security activity. Issued by the CNAPS for a period of 5 years, this card is proof of the agent's professional aptitude and is subject to an investigation into the applicant's character. Basic diplomas are required, in addition to various qualifications recognized by the national collective bargaining agreement. It is important to note that security professionals must be of legal age and have a clean criminal record to obtain their professional card.
Security guarding, fire safety... the different security guard professions:
There are many different profiles ofsecurity guard orfire safety officer, with different roles and missions depending on their qualifications.
- Security agents (rondier, mobile agents).
- SSIAP 1 fire safety agent
- SSIAP 2 and 3 fire safety agent
- Dog handlers
- Prevention agents
- Technical prevention agent
- Surveillance agents
- Event security agents
- Remote surveillance operators
- Theft prevention agents
- Bodyguards
- Management position
- Security agent for open spaces...
What is the role of a security guard?
The primary role of security guards is prevention. By their visible and continuous presence, security guards reassure the occupants of the sites where they work, dissuade and prevent attacks on property and people, as well as on information and data, and alert first aid in the event of an incident. They are also the guarantors of the proper application of safety and security rules in force (instructions, safety protocol, etc.).
Whether they work on tertiary, industrial or mass retail sites, in high-rise buildings or in places open to the public (companies, shopping malls...), which are subject to specific safety regulations.Whether they work day or night, on public holidays, indoors or outdoors, on foot or by vehicle, alone or as part of a team, or as a complementary pair with their dog, Onet Security teams carry out a wide range of missions, effectively meeting the most demanding requirements of the guarding profession.
How to choose the right security personnel and agency?
Entrusting the security of your premises and employees to a private security company is a major decision. It is therefore crucial for the company manager to rely on the expertise of a professional in the field and a trusted partner.
An audit of your safety and security needs
First and foremost, it's important to retrace your safety and security history: have there ever been incidents at your company (malicious acts, intrusions, social unrest, digital threats, staff accidents, etc.)? Have you ever called in security guards?
This assessment will enable you to highlight your company's strengths and vulnerabilities.
It is then essential to carry out an audit of your business. The layout of the premises, the number of buildings, the number of people on the site (whether employees or visitors), the opening hours of your premises, the value of the assets to be protected, etc., are all questions to ask in order to gain a better understanding of your specific current and future needs. It's also a question of taking stock of the tasks to be carried out: static or mobile surveillance rounds, access control and screening, fire safety, etc.
Assessing needs in relation to the risks involved requires the expertise of a specialist surveillance company.
Because your safety and security issues and needs differ according to your sector of activity and the type of site you operate in, our teams, with a wide range of skills (from SST to ATEX to SSIAP) and specialized in each type of risk (companies, high-rise buildings, ERP, industrial sites, etc.), will be able to take into account and understand the threats you face, so as to measure the risks and their effects.
Compliance with the legal and contractual obligations of the security guard profession
As a regulated profession, private security companies must be accredited and comply with current legislation, offering financial, social and civil liability guarantees.
The length of time they've been in the market will also be an indicator of their durability and financial stability. Their customer references will be indisputable proof of their know-how.
With over 50 years' experience in the security industry, Onet Security is a key player in the guarding market. The satisfaction of our customers (nearly 9 out of 10 are satisfied with our services) and the quality of our operating systems approved by certifications such as NF Service, MASE, Apsad, label Origine France Garantie, Qualifelec...demonstrate the effectiveness and seriousness of our actions.
The surveillance company's expertise: selection of profiles and skills
How are security guards selected? Do they receive specific training for the tasks involved? Does the private security company carry out quality control?
The safety and security professions are based on people, where, more than anywhere else, the quality of services is founded on the reliability of teams and qualified management, supported by standardized tools and processes.
Rigorously selected and trained in compliance with legislation and in line with the mission to be carried out, the men and women of Onet Security efficiently meet all the requirements of the business and, in the event of a problem, are able to take all emergency measures and alert the appropriate services.
Our local management structure also ensures constant control over human resources management, sales follow-up, etc. Our local managers, experienced and experts in the fields of safety and security, are constantly on hand to support on-site personnel. Finally, our security company has a motivating social policy that guarantees the efficiency and motivation of our teams.
Onet security: a company and qualified security and prevention agents for effective responses
All experts in their field, our security guards are qualified Onet Security are qualified and continuously trained.
Surveillance and guarding, first aid, fire safety, dog teams, incident management, personal assistance, event security and airport security - they carry out a wide range of missions on a daily basis, meeting the most demanding requirements.
Professionals in safety and security, these men and women in the field operate efficiently, while conveying your company's image in a positive light.
See our private security agency in action:
The interpersonal skills of our security guards, their composure, their welcome missions presented by one of our customers :
Sources :
[1] According to the Security White Paper published in November 2020
[2] According to Atlas 2020 - En Toute Sécurité
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Our experts Onet Security are at your disposal to answer all your requests for information or quotes.