Security Guard Services NYC

Security guards are a vital part of life in New York City in our office buildings, residential complexes, and event venues. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the state of New York has the second highest employment level of security guards in the nation and that the New York/White Plains/Wayne, NY-NJ Metropolitan Division is the top metropolitan area with the most employed security guards.

Let’s take a closer look at the role of security guards in NYC and how Citadel can assist you with all of your security needs in the city.

What Do Security Guards Do?

The job of a security guard is to guard, patrol, and monitor areas to prevent theft, damage, violence, and other unlawful conduct.  According to the New York State Department of Labor, a security guard is a professional who is not employed as a police officer or private investigator that performs one or more of these duties:

  • Protection of persons and/or property from harm, theft, and/or unlawful activity
  • Deterrence, observation, detection, and/or reporting unlawful or unauthorized activity;
  • Street patrol service
  • Response to, but not installation or service of, a security system alarm

Who Do Security Guards Protect?

In NYC, security guards keep many different kinds of people safe while they go about their daily lives. Security guards are entrusted with the safety of the people and property that they are hired to patrol and monitor. This means that they frequently protect government workers, political candidates, museum staff, military personnel, sports fans, concertgoers, truckers, bankers, executives, and celebrities.

Prevention is the #1 goal of Citadel security guards, who work hard to prevent incidents and offenses before they occur.

Where Do Security Guards Work?

Security guards work in a wide variety of industries and in many different settings in New York City. You will commonly find security guards working in hospitals, schools, transportation hubs, and government agencies. Security guards are also needed to keep crowds safe and under control at concerts, sporting events, political rallies, and activist demonstrations.

Depending upon the security task you need, guards can be put on patrol to supervise the front door for large organizations, oversee transportation security, or guard cash or valuables. We can also assist you with security services for neighborhood patrols, shopping malls, religious institutions, universities, gated communities, parking lots, apartment buildings, art galleries, and many more important venues. Certain jobs may warrant the use of closed circuit television (CCTV) or guard dogs to aid security guards in their work.

How Are Security Guards Trained?

Security Guards go through extensive training to ensure that they are prepared to handle whatever comes their way while on duty. New York law (Section 89-G of Article 7A) requires all security guards to be registered with the New York Department of State and complete a set of training courses unless otherwise exempt.

The training courses for unarmed security guards often include an eight-hour pre-assignment introductory training course and a 16-hour on-the-job training course, as well as an eight-hour annual in-service training requirement. Armed security guards must undergo additional training, which typically includes a 47-hour firearms training course and eight-hour annual training requirements for both in-service work and firearms.

Some security guards are trained to operate metal detectors and x-ray equipment to screen baggage for dangerous items. Equipment and technology commonly needed on the job includes flashlights, handcuffs, handguns, first aid kits, and software for database queries, word processing, and spreadsheets. Citadel security guards are also highly skilled in active listening, critical thinking, problem sensitivity, and collaborative teamwork.

The Importance of Security Guards in NYC

New York City is a vibrant global city that is home to many corporate headquarters, prominent events, and famous residents. To keep business assets, properties, people, and crowds safe, it takes highly trained security professionals to get the job done right.

At Citadel, our security guards do much more than just monitor entrances and exits to establish a presence of safety and authority. In addition to those vital tasks, we are prepared to write up reports of irregularities in daily activity, investigate disturbances, interact with visitors, and work with the local police and fire departments in case of emergency.

Why Choose Citadel for Your Security Guard Needs?

At Citadel, we proudly employ a team of licensed, certified, and dedicated security guards who know New York City well. Regardless of what industry you’re in or what you need to protect, we can provide professional security personnel to meet your needs. From the expertise of a retired NYPD employee or military specialist to the tact of a trained security guard our clients are consistently satisfied with our personnel. When our staff is on site, you can rest assured that your security needs are being met in New York City.

Our security guards not only deter crimes like vandalism, theft and trespassing, but they also secure entrances and exits, verify identification and sales slips and welcome and direct customers. Citadel security guards protect your business, property, employees, and customers so that you can concentrate on your event, business, and daily life.

Contact us today at 212-509-5570 or fill out our online form to learn how we can serve and protect the people and properties you care about most.