What are the different types of guards? Some guards are there to watch doors and check IDs. Others carry a firearm or patrol large areas. And then you’ve got specialists, like school security or executive protection, who are trained for very specific situations.

In this article, we’ll cover: 

• What security guards do and where they work
• Types of security guards
• Choosing the right type for your needs

Let’s start by talking about what security guards do.

What do security guards do? 

Guards help people feel safer and help stop problems before they start by keeping an eye on things, preventing trouble, and stepping in when something goes wrong. Some monitor cameras while others check bags, patrol parking lots, or respond to alarms.

As threats have changed, so has the job. Years ago, a guard might’ve just locked up at night. Now, they handle access control, crowd management, emergency response, and even basic tech support if they're monitoring digital systems. They also use different types of security equipment.

Where do security guards work? 

You’ll typically find security guards pretty much anywhere there’s something worth protecting. That could be people, property, equipment, or information.

Remember: The setting plays a big part in what the guard’s day looks like. A hospital guard might deal with visitors and patient safety, while a construction site guard is watching for trespassers and checking delivery trucks.

What are the different types of guards? 

There are unarmed guards, which are more common. However, some businesses that deal with higher risks may need armed guards. There are more requirements for armed guards, especially since they handle firearms.

Today, there are 10 different kinds of security guards, who can be armed or unarmed. Let’s take a look at them below:

1. Corporate security guards

Corporate guards focus on keeping office buildings, business parks, and company campuses safe. They’re often the go-to for handling everything from visitor check-ins to emergency situations. Here’s what they do:

• Duties and responsibilities: Their jobs include checking employee badges, monitoring entry points, different types of patrolling, and reporting any suspicious behavior. In bigger companies, they may also help with access control systems, safety drills, or incident reports.
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• Required training and certifications: Most need a basic security license. Some companies also want guards with CPR training, good computer skills, or experience working in customer-facing roles. If the company has sensitive data or high-value property, it may require extra screening or advanced training.
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• Typical work environments: You’ll find these guards in lobbies, control rooms, office hallways, parking garages, and near loading docks. They often work closely with reception staff and building management.
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• Challenges faced in the role: Corporate guards have to stay alert in places that seem quiet. They also have to be good with people, especially in situations where they’re denying access or responding to emergencies during business hours.

2. Residential security guards

Residential guards help protect people where they live. Here’s what they do:

• Duties and responsibilities: They often check IDs at gates, monitor who comes and goes, walk the property, and respond to noise complaints or suspicious activity. Some also handle package deliveries, parking issues, or late-night lockouts.
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• Required training and certifications: A basic security guard license is usually required. Some communities prefer guards with customer service training or experience. Although it’s rare, there are also some communities that may want to have armed guards.
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• Typical work environments: You’ll see them at entrance booths, walking the grounds, sitting in lobbies, or patrolling parking lots. Many work overnight shifts when residents are asleep and the property is quiet.
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• Challenges faced in the role: Residential guards often deal with frustrated residents, neighbor disputes, or unwanted guests. They need to balance being friendly and approachable with staying firm.

3. Event security guards

Event security guards handle safety at concerts, festivals, sports games, and other large gatherings. Here’s what they do:

• Duties and responsibilities: They check tickets, screen bags, control access to restricted areas, and help manage crowd flow. They also monitor for fights, emergencies, or anything that feels off during the event.
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• Required training and certifications: Most event guards need a basic security license. Some events may also require crowd control or first aid training, especially if the crowd is expected to be large or rowdy.
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• Typical work environments: You’ll see them at concert venues, stadiums, convention centers, parades, and public gatherings.
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• Challenges faced in the role: Event guards deal with unpredictable situations like rowdy guests, medical emergencies, or people trying to sneak in.

4. Mobile patrol guards

Mobile patrol guards move around in a marked (or sometimes unmarked) vehicle, checking on different properties during a shift. Here’s what they do:

• Duties and responsibilities: They drive from location to location, check gates and doors, respond to alarms, and look for signs of break-ins or other issues. Some also write reports or call law enforcement if needed.
  
  
• Required training and certifications: Along with a basic guard license, mobile patrol guards usually need a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. Some companies might also require defensive driving or emergency response training.
  
  
• Typical work environments: You’ll find them at shopping centers, warehouses, business parks, and gated neighborhoods. They usually cover a set route during their shift.
  
  
• Challenges faced in the role: Mobile patrol guards work independently and have to stay alert while driving. They also need to be quick thinkers, since they may be the first to respond to emergencies at remote or unattended sites.

5. Loss prevention officers

Loss prevention officers work mostly in retail, keeping an eye out for theft, fraud, and suspicious behavior. Here’s what they do:

• Duties and responsibilities: They monitor cameras, watch for shoplifters, check receipts, and sometimes walk the sales floor in plain clothes. If they catch someone stealing, they may detain them (depending on store policy) and call the police.
  
  
• Required training and certifications: Most need a basic security license. Some stores give extra training in things like theft detection, report writing, and how to safely detain suspects without causing a scene.
  
  
• Typical work environments: You’ll find them in department stores, grocery stores, big box retailers, and malls. Some are in uniform, but many work undercover to make it easier to trail shoplifters.
  
  
• Challenges faced in the role: Loss prevention officers need to spot suspicious behavior without being obvious. Approaching someone for theft can turn confrontational, so staying calm and following company rules is important.

6. Construction security guards

Construction sites have a lot worth protecting, such as equipment, tools, materials, and even copper wiring. Here’s what construction guards do:

• Duties and responsibilities: They patrol the site, check for open gates or broken locks, monitor deliveries, and keep an eye on who comes and goes. At night, they’re often the only ones on-site, so they’re also responsible for reporting fires or other hazards.
  
  
• Required training and certifications: A basic security license is usually enough, but guards working on high-value or government-funded projects might need extra clearance or safety training like OSHA certification.
  
  
• Typical work environments: They work outdoors at construction sites, often in temporary guard stations or while walking the perimeter. The job can include overnight or weekend shifts when the site is empty.
  
  
• Challenges faced in the role: These guards deal with bad weather, uneven terrain, and limited lighting. They also need to be on the lookout for trespassers.

7. Executive protection agents

Executive protection agents, also known as bodyguards, focus on protecting individuals rather than property. Here’s what they do:

• Duties and responsibilities: They plan safe travel routes, escort clients to and from locations, check venues ahead of time, and stay close during public appearances.
  
  
• Required training and certifications: This role usually requires advanced training in defensive tactics, firearms, emergency driving, and risk assessment. Many agents have military or law enforcement backgrounds.
  
  
• Typical work environments: You’ll find them traveling with celebrities, executives, politicians, and other high-risk clients. They work in hotels, airports, vehicles, private homes, and at public events.
  
  
• Challenges faced in the role: The job can be high-stress and physically demanding. Agents need to think fast, adapt to changing situations, and protect their clients without drawing too much attention.

8. Cybersecurity guards

Cybersecurity guards protect digital systems instead of physical spaces. They focus on keeping hackers out, spotting online threats, and protecting sensitive information. Here’s what they do:

• Duties and responsibilities: They monitor networks for suspicious activity, respond to security alerts, set up firewalls, and help companies avoid data breaches. Some also educate employees on safe online habits.
  
  
• Required training and certifications: This role usually needs IT experience or certifications like CompTIA Security+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), or similar. It’s more technical than most guard jobs.
  
  
• Typical work environments: You’ll find cybersecurity guards in control rooms, IT departments, or working remotely. Common workplaces include banks, hospitals, tech companies, and government offices.
  
  
• Challenges faced in the role: The threats are always changing. These guards need to stay updated on new scams, viruses, and hacking tricks (and move fast when a threat pops up).

9. Hospital security guards

Hospital security guards protect patients, staff, and visitors in medical settings. Their job is part safety, part customer service, and part emergency response. Here’s what they do:

• Duties and responsibilities: They watch entrances, check visitor badges, respond to disturbances, and help during medical emergencies. They may also escort patients, protect restricted areas, or help de-escalate tense situations.
  
  
• Required training and certifications: A basic security license is needed. Many hospitals also want guards with CPR certification, first aid training, and experience handling stressful or sensitive situations.
  
  
• Typical work environments: They work in hospital lobbies, emergency rooms, parking areas, and sometimes inside patient wings.
  
  
• Challenges faced in the role: Emotions run high in hospitals, and guards often deal with scared or upset people. They have to stay calm, think clearly, and know how to respond when things escalate.

10. School security guards

School security guards help keep students, staff, and school property safe. Here’s what they do:

• Duties and responsibilities: They check visitor credentials, monitor hallways, respond to disturbances, and keep an eye on entrances and exits. Some also help with traffic during drop-off and pick-up hours.
  
  
• Required training and certifications: A basic guard license is usually required. Many schools also ask for background checks, CPR certification, and training in conflict resolution or working with youth.
  
  
• Typical work environments: You’ll find them at public and private schools, charter schools, and sometimes on college campuses. They may be stationed at a front gate, walk the halls, or work in a security office.
  
  
• Challenges faced in the role: School guards deal with everything from minor fights to real emergencies. They need to be firm but friendly, especially when working with teens or kids.

How to choose the right type of security guard for your needs

Picking the right kind of guard depends on what you’re protecting and where. Here’s how to figure out what you need:

Assess the security environment

Every location comes with its own set of challenges. Think about the kind of place you're securing:

• Retail stores and shopping centers: Focus on loss prevention and customer safety.
  
• Residential communities and gated neighborhoods: You’ll want guards who are friendly but alert, usually unarmed.
  
• Corporate offices and business parks: Look for guards who understand access control and know how to deal with employees and visitors.
  
• Event venues and stadiums: Go for guards trained in crowd control and emergency response.
  
• Construction sites and warehouses: Choose guards who can cover large spaces and work independently, especially overnight.
  
  

Evaluate specific risks and vulnerabilities

Are you mainly worried about theft, vandalism, or crowd issues? Think about what you're trying to prevent. This will help you determine whether you need an armed or unarmed guard, or if you need a specific type of guard.

Determine the required level of security

Not every situation needs a guard with a weapon or advanced training. Here's a quick way to think about it:

• Unarmed security guards: Best for general safety and customer-facing roles.
  
• Armed security guards: Necessary when there’s a higher risk of violence or large amounts of cash or assets.
  
• Off-duty police officers: Ideal when you need a strong law enforcement presence on-site.

On-site vs. remote guards:

You don’t always need someone physically there 24/7. Consider:

• On-site security guards: Good for locations with regular foot traffic, access points, or emergencies.
  
• Remote video surveillance and alarm monitoring: Better for sites where regular presence isn’t needed, but quick response still matters.
  
• Hybrid security approach: Some businesses use both. For example, a warehouse might use on-site patrols during business hours and remote monitoring overnight.

How Belfry can help you manage all types of guards

Knowing what the different types of guards are is a great start. However, managing them all is another. Whether you’ve got unarmed guards at an apartment complex, armed officers at high-risk sites, or patrol teams covering multiple properties, Belfry can help keep everything running smoothly.

Belfry is an all-in-one security guard software that puts everything in one place, making it easier to manage your team.

Here’s how:

• Easy scheduling: Minimize scheduling conflicts and avoid unmanned shifts thanks to Belfry’s automated scheduling features that assign shifts based on site requirements, officer certifications, and training.
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• Increased officer accountability: Belfry has GPS tracking and NFC-based guided tours to help you make sure your guards are adhering to their post orders. Geofencing alerts help alert you if a guard leaves their designated area.
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• Digital incident reporting: Goodbye pen and paper — guards can more easily keep you up-to-date by sending digital incident reports through the Belfry mobile app. They can even attach any evidence if needed.
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• Track certifications: Prevent license compliance lapses by inputting your officers’ licenses and certifications. Belfry tracks renewal dates automatically and sends notifications when they’re coming up.
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• Custom reporting: Need to create reports? Belfry allows you to design tailored reports, including incident documentation, patrol activities, and compliance status.
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• Simplified payroll: Belfry automates time and attendance tracking to make payroll easier. It also tracks overtime, labor expenses, and timesheets to make financial reporting a breeze.

See how Belfry can help you manage your guards efficiently. Schedule a Free Demo Today.