Security guard do’s and don’ts come down to one idea: observe, report, and protect without overstepping your authority. Good guards stay alert, document incidents, follow post orders, communicate clearly, and treat every person with respect. Bad guards get complacent, act like cops, ignore protocols, and create liability for everyone involved.
The U.S. employs roughly 1.27 million security guards as of May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The industry hit $48.8 billion that same year per IBISWorld. And 42% of security leaders ranked high turnover as their top problem in 2025, per the Trackforce Benchmark Report. Much of that churn traces back to guards who never learned these basics, or companies that never bothered teaching them.
This won’t cover armed guard regulations or executive protection. Those are different worlds with different rules and responsibilities. This is about the day-to-day conduct that applies to the majority of unarmed officers working commercial, retail, and residential posts.
What Should Every Security Guard Do on Shift?
Start with your post orders. I’ve seen guards show up to a new site and never read them. Post orders tell you patrol routes, access control procedures, emergency contacts, and what the client expects. If you don’t know your post orders cold, you’re guessing. And guessing in security gets people hurt.
Communication is the second non-negotiable. That means verbal (calm, clear, professional tone with every person you interact with) and written (incident reports filed the same shift, with times, descriptions, and facts, not opinions). One mid-size security provider told me poor documentation was behind roughly 60% of their liability disputes.
Stay physically present and mentally engaged. Scan the environment. Notice patterns. A vehicle circling a property twice isn’t normal. A door that’s usually locked being propped open isn’t normal. Your job is to catch what cameras miss, and that takes specific observational skills most people don’t develop without training.
Build relationships with the people on site. Employees who trust the guard are more likely to report something suspicious. Guards who know the building manager by name and keep a clear line to local law enforcement are doing the job well. Companies that invest in regular de-escalation and ongoing professional training see fewer incidents on site.
What Should Security Guards Never Do?
Don’t get comfortable. Complacency kills. The quiet Thursday night shift is exactly when something goes wrong, because the guard on duty stopped paying attention two hours ago.
Don’t overstep your legal authority. This is the mistake that costs companies real money. A single improper detention can run over $50,000 in legal fees, according to industry practitioners. Security guards aren’t police. In most states, you have citizen’s arrest authority only for felonies in progress, and even that has strict limitations. Your job is to observe, report, and be a visible deterrent. If a client tells you to “grab that guy,” and you do it without legal justification, you and your company own the lawsuit.
Don’t touch your phone during rounds. Don’t wear earbuds. Don’t sit in your car scrolling social media. These seem obvious, but high turnover (averaging over 100% annually at many posts) means companies constantly have entry-level guards who haven’t learned these standards yet.
Don’t skip incident reports because “nothing happened.” If you noticed something and didn’t write it down, it didn’t happen. That gap in your log becomes a gap in the client’s legal defense if something goes wrong later.
And don’t act like the badge gives you license to be rude, aggressive, or dismissive. ASIS International’s 2025 report noted that security’s role is shifting from a cost center toward a strategic business function. Guards who treat people poorly undercut that shift every time they open their mouths. If your provider can’t train guards on these do’s and don’ts, working with a team that understands security staffing from the marketing side can help you find one that does.
The security guard do’s and don’ts in 2026 aren’t complicated. Stay sharp, know your post, document everything, treat people well, and don’t pretend you have authority you don’t. If your security provider can’t hold guards to those standards, they’re costing you more than they’re saving.
FAQ Section
What authority do security guards actually have?
Security guards have citizen’s arrest authority in most states, but only for felonies observed in progress. They can’t detain people indefinitely or use force beyond self-defense and company policy. Over 90% of guards are unarmed and restricted to observe-and-report duties. Guards who exceed this authority expose themselves and their employers to lawsuits.
What happens if a security guard uses excessive force?
The guard faces internal review, potential termination, and personal legal liability. The security company faces civil suits that average tens of thousands in settlements. A single improper detention has cost companies over $50,000 in legal fees. Most trained guards follow a use-of-force continuum: verbal commands first, then hands-on only if trained and authorized.
How much training do security guards need in 2026?
State minimums vary widely, from 8 hours in some states to 40+ hours in others like New York and California. Armed guards require additional firearms certification. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports over 1.27 million guards nationwide, but the Trackforce 2025 report shows 42% of security leaders cite turnover as their top challenge, partly driven by inadequate ongoing training.
Are security guards required to call the police for every incident?
No. Many post orders require on-site resolution before dispatch. Whether a guard calls police depends on company policy, client instructions, and the severity of the incident. The outdated advice to “always call police first” doesn’t reflect how most commercial security posts operate. Guards should follow their specific post orders and escalation procedures.
Can a security guard detain someone for shoplifting?
In most states, guards can briefly detain a suspected shoplifter under merchant’s privilege or citizen’s arrest statutes, but only if they directly witnessed the theft. The detention must be reasonable in length and force. Improper detentions are one of the most common sources of security company lawsuits.
What is the biggest mistake security companies make when hiring guards?
Hiring unlicensed or undertrained guards to save on billing rates. Entry-level guards in many markets earn $15–$18 per hour, which attracts candidates who may not stay long or invest in the role. The industry averages over 100% annual turnover at many posts. Companies that pay more and train consistently see fewer incidents and lower liability costs.
Do security guard do’s and don’ts change by state?
Yes. Licensing requirements, use-of-force rules, and permitted equipment vary by state. California and New York have stricter standards and higher guard wages (30–50% above the national median). Texas requires specific licensing through the Department of Public Safety. Always verify your state’s current regulations before assuming national guidelines apply locally.
