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Q I am interested in working as a guard. Can you tell me about the profession and its prospects? — Amitabh Sehgal
Security guards, both men and women, are employed by the security agencies for the security of housing societies, offices, commercial complexes, hotels, auditoriums and even government establishments. With the mushrooming of security agencies across the country, security personnel are much in demand. Your duties as a guard may be either stationary manning the entry of a large multiplex, bar, bank etc or on ‘patrol’ where you will be in charge of a specific geographic zone like the parking lot of a mall. In both cases, you must be prepared to stay on your feet for long hours and always remain on high alert. Apart from the stipulated height, weight and chest size requirements you must be in peak physical condition. Depending on how techno savvy you are, you may also be stationed at a guard desk inside a building to monitor electronic security and surveillance devices. Most of the guard agencies are run by ex-army men or police officers. You can browse through the local yellow pages to locate agencies that you would like to apply to. As far as the remuneration is concerned, if you are from a non-defence or police background, then you will have to settle for a salary of Rs 3000 to Rs 5000 per month, while those of you who are adept at handling firearms will be paid a handsome Rs 5000 to 10,000 per month. However, there is one little glitch that you need to watch out for. Most guards are asked to carry their own licensed firearm. A 12-bore gun is usually priced at Rs 20,000-25,000 and getting the licence itself can take quite a while. This is just half the story. Surveys reveal that most licence holders have no idea how to use the weapon. For this the current training provided is woefully inadequate, especially when it comes to handling emergency situations. The writer is a noted career consultant. Please send in your query, preferably on a postcard, along with your full name, complete address and academic qualifications to: Editor, Jobs and Careers, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh-160030, or at careers@tribunemail.com
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A With the growing
threat of terrorism and crime, security officers / guards are being
increasingly called upon to protect their employer’s investment,
enforce laws on the property and deter criminal activity.
