It is the role of a security guard to protect people, property and information. This may involve but is not limited to:

• Ensuring premises and property are protected in an appropriate and effective fashion against a variety of natural and man-made threats.
• Preventing, detecting and reacting appropriately to the commission of criminal and quasi-criminal actions on or against the property of the client.
• Interacting with law enforcement officials and the justice system, where necessary, such as apprehending and detaining someone who has committed a criminal offence. Security may be able to supplement the efforts of police by securing crime scenes until the police can arrive. Security personnel may also be a valuable source of information to the police.
• Providing leadership and direction in emergencies and assisting emergency personnel in times of crisis, e.g. directing fire fighters to the easiest/best way to get to the scene of the fire.
• Controlling access to a site, including monitoring entrance & gate passage, escorting people & valuables, inspecting bags.
• Controlling or restoring order to a crowd.
• Preventing work accidents by being aware of potential dangers, reporting safety hazards and following directions to minimize the risk posed to others.

While there can be no doubt that some situations will involve physical intervention, the majority of tasks assigned require a security guard to observe, deter, record and report only.