What is a Tactical Security Guard? Roles and Importance
Businesses today face more security threats than ever, from theft to civil unrest and active shooter scenarios. Protecting people and property requires a strategic approach—one that combines advanced technology, such as AI-driven surveillance, with the expertise of trained security professionals.
While traditional security services include unarmed security personnel, more businesses are turning to a more specialized solution: tactical security guards.
A tactical security officer is a highly trained professional equipped to handle high-risk scenarios with advanced training. Learn more about the role of a tactical security guard and how they can help businesses in various industries.
Defining tactical security guards
A tactical security guard typically has more specialized knowledge, training, and equipment than the average security officer. They usually have a background in law enforcement or military operations to enhance their role in a high-risk situation.
Tactical security guards may be skilled in:
- Threat assessment
- Rapid response
- Emergency response
- De-escalation and physical control tactics
- Specialized equipment usage
While traditional security guards form the first level of protection with general surveillance and reporting, tactical security guards serve as an added layer of protection, determining how to react once a threat is detected.
For example, in the case of a concert or political rally, standard guards are deployed around the perimeter to observe signs of aggression, escalation, or potential threats. Once a threat is identified, relevant information is relayed to the tactical team, which determines if an intervention is necessary.
“Tactical security guards should be deployed in areas and scenarios where there is a higher risk of violence or criminality,” says Tom Taggart, CHPA, Associate Director of Program Development & Enhancements for Paladin Security. “Risk should be identified ahead of time through a comprehensive risk assessment completed by a qualified security professional.”
For these reasons, tactical security officers can be valuable for:
- High-profile corporate events
- Financial institutions
- Emergency departments in hospitals
- Forensic hospitals
- Critical energy infrastructure (nuclear power plants, wind farms, etc.)
- Events, organizations, or facilities that support civil demonstrations, political events or rallies, or geopolitical gatherings
Essential training and skills
Training and certifications are important when choosing the right security solutions, and it benefits businesses to work with a security company that’s a leader and innovator in the field.
While there’s no universally recognized tactical security guard license, professionals in this role tend to have a range of certifications and specialized skills that go beyond basic guard training.
Tactical training
While security guards are generally trained in skills like patrolling and surveillance, tactical security guard training is more advanced.
Tactical guard training may include physical fitness and self-defence techniques designed to nullify threats. This includes training and certification in firearms as well as non-lethal weapons like batons, tasers, and pepper spray.
“Standard security guards typically receive very basic training focused on ‘observe and report’ methodology, and they may have fundamental emergency response training,” says Taggart. For tactical security officers, “training may include tactical response, threat assessments, crisis management, edged weapons defence, and advanced physical control tactics.”
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Role of equipment
Because of the enhanced roles they fulfill, tactical security professionals are trained to use advanced equipment, such as body armour, specialized communication devices, and more. Their exact equipment will depend on the provinces in which they operate. Roles such as Cash Transport, Nuclear Energy, and VIP Protection include firearm training.
“In Canada, there are limitations on defensive and offensive equipment that can be carried. However, speaking in a general sense, tactical security guards could be trained and certified to carry such items as ballistic vests, handcuffs, and batons. However, regulations vary by province” says Taggart.
The right training and equipment could be instrumental to the success of security forces during active threat or other high-risk situations.
Industry applications of tactical security guards
While virtually any industry can benefit from some level of security services, certain venues are more likely to face potential threats.
Taggart notes the greatest impact of tactical security can be seen in nuclear energy facilities, emergency departments, and political rallies. It can also be essential in forensic hospitals, financial institutions, and large-scale events such as concerts.Here are a few other areas where strategic deployment of tactical guards might prove beneficial:
Retail security
Theft and aggression are two potential threats for which retail businesses turn to security services for assistance. Sometimes, the presence of security patrols might be enough of a deterrent. When it isn’t, however, tactical security officers could be called in to stop theft or de-escalate situations involving aggressive customers.
Hospitals
Violence in the healthcare setting has always been an issue, however in recent years hospitals across Canada and the United States have seen a stark increase in Workplace Violence events. Estimates from the US peg violence as accounting for 73% of all non-fatal workplace injuries in the Healthcare setting, more than any other industry. Employing tactical security officers in highly acute areas will add an additional layer of protection to the healthcare staff. Tactical security officers in care facilities are trained to assess threats, de-escalate conflicts and intervene physically with violent and disruptive patients and visitors.
Doctors, nurses, administrators, and other hospital staff have enough to worry about without dealing with the threat of disruptive patients or visitors. Tactical security officers in care facilities can assess threats, de-escalate conflicts, and even assist with potentially chaotic emergency scenarios like evacuations.
Airports and critical infrastructure
Travel hubs and other critical infrastructure can be prime targets for attacks. Tactical security officers don’t just respond to threats as they arise — part of their job is to assess and address weaknesses, anticipate potential risks, and create strategies to minimize danger and ensure safety.
With locations across Canada, Paladin Security has solutions for businesses in nearly every province and sector.
The Paladin Security Difference
Security guards can be a wise addition to businesses and events facing threats like theft or attack. Tactical security guards are a step up, boasting additional training and skills that allow them to address high-risk situations and provide more comprehensive safety coverage.
With Paladin Security, businesses of all types can take advantage of strategic security solutions that offer many distinct benefits.
Looking for tactical security solutions? Contact us for tailored services to meet your needs.
FAQs
What industries require tactical security guards?
Tactical security guards are often employed in industries that face higher risks of violence or criminal threats, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, travel, and event planning.
Are tactical security guards armed?
Because tactical security guards tend to be extensively trained and prepared for high-risk scenarios, they could firearms training and certifications, and many carry firearms on the job.
Do tactical security guards need special certifications?
What separates tactical security officers from traditional security guards is additional training.
These professionals may have training and certification in areas like weapons use, tactical response, advanced defensive and physical control tactics, threat assessment, crisis management, crowd control, active shooter training, and executive protection.
Can you share examples of how tactical guards have de-escalated high-risk situations?
In situations where a security guard force is on hand to observe and report, tactical guards can serve as a heightened security solution, determining intervention strategies and then stepping in to de-escalate threats for the safety of employees, guests, and the broader community.
Seeking expert tactical security? Get in touch for tailored solutions that fit your needs.
