Becoming a licensed Security Guard in South Dakota is different then most states. The difference is that there is no state wide Security Guard license department in SD.
To become licensed as a Security Guard in South Dakota you will apply via your city:
City Clerk
So, to begin your journey as a Security Guard in South Dakota, you should first contact your jurisdiction's City Clerk. Most jurisdictions will have similar processes on obtaining security licensing, if any at all.
What Does a South Dakota Security Guard Do?
South Dakota Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
South Dakota Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a South Dakota Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
South Dakota Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (South Dakota Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in South Dakota document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many South Dakota security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
South Dakota Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. South Dakota Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
South Dakota Security Guards will respond to alarms and act accordingly as per the Emergency Response plan set in place by supervisors. This may include,
Evacuation of the security site.
Checking alarm system on the way out for information about where the problem is occurring.
Contacting supervisors.
Responding to incidents and completing all reports as necessary.
South Dakota Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a South Dakota Security Guard is working in a team environment, they will usually meet for a pre-shift briefing at a set location. Once the meeting has been completed the South Dakota Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In South Dakota security site locations with customers, Guards will do a lot of patrolling. This can be in a building or outside in places such as parking lots.
South Dakota Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a South Dakota Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a South Dakota Security Guard’s job. This will be on a continuous basis with follow ups on issues seen.
When it comes to security sites in the service industry, South Dakota Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, South Dakota Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for South Dakota security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. South Dakota Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a South Dakota Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the South Dakota security site is a residence, responding to noise complaints will be a big part of the job.
Of course, catching shoplifters will be a constant for a South Dakota Security Guard in a site with customers.
South Dakota Security Guards Work at Security Gates
South Dakota Security Guards will patrol parking areas to make sure vehicles are registered at that security site.
Every person entering through the security gate will produce valid photo ID to the South Dakota Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the South Dakota Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for South Dakota EMS vehicles.
South Dakota Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a South Dakota security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all South Dakota Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
South Dakota EMS/ ambulances will often be called by South Dakota Security Guards.
The South Dakota Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
South Dakota Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other South Dakota Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
South Dakota Security Guards will always remain calm and professional. Furthermore, they will assist however they can.
About the Author
Peter Sandru is an Instructor & Co-Founder of NDIL with over 15 years working in security. Peter has spent more than a decade conducting security operations throughout the world, primarily for corporations, law firms, and government agencies. Peter has assisted in the creation of numerous security training programs in various capacities.