Guards: Worst to Best

There are only four security officers. Worst, Average, Good and Best:

The worst guards are those who avoid work, avoid any confrontations, they run the other way when anything happens, simply cannot be counted on. They are useless and all too common . They are a waste of air and salary. They have attitude problems. They revel in having people fear them. They are good at getting your firms sued.

The average guard is trying to make a living, they are poorly trained and have no interest in the field. It is just a job that they try to do well enough to avoid being fired. They are usually nice. They don't mean any harm but don't put much if any thought into their job.
They may also follow illegal orders without thought.  
They do not believe that anything will happen at their site but if it does they will roll with it and try to do an adequate job.
They may disappear or just stand there waiting for orders if the situation is too unusual.
They are worth what they are paid.

Good guards go significantly beyond the minimum requirements of their job.
They try to learn more about security and how to do their job better.
They are hated by the worst guards and tolerated as naive by average guards.  
They believe it is possible that something might happen to require them to take action and will think it through before they are called upon to act. But they will act!
They will try not to make the situation worse.
They pay attention.
They are worth more than they are paid.

The best guards are those who take their jobs seriously. (Not necessarily humourlessly)
They learn much more than the site client, their company or other security personnel require of them,  
They know something will happen during their shift and game it and its variations out in advance.
If it doesn't happen today, it could happen tomorrow and they are ready.
They make decisions that benefit the organization and their contract firm.
They respect people.
Understand that it takes more than law enforcement training to be their best and do a great job.
The best guard remembers it takes just 2 seconds for everything to change for the worst. He or she is ready for it, without stress or paranoia.
It is not about ego. Just quiet competence.
Regular guards and citizens find this guard to be a "good guard". The idea of "best guard" is incomprehensible to them.
You may find these people working executive protection for low profile millionaires, but you could find them anywhere.



Guards: Which type of guard are you?
Clients: What type are you willing to pay for as a client? Really?
Guard companies: Can you identify the good and best? Do you care?
Security Executives: Are you willing to invest the time, money and thought necessary to get the best?