A uniformed guard can be very effective in deterring customers and employees from thinking of theft. For example, a traffic warden who makes regular rounds and investigates car alarms can cause a thief to go elsewhere. A guard checking departing employees at a warehouse has a damping effect on pilferage.
Plain clothes guards, on the other hand, are essential for stopping shoplifters. You have to either catch them or force them out of your shop. The security officer must be very good at reading people and behaviors in order to differentiate between regular customers and (potential) thieves. Experienced shoplifters, at least the ones who are more cautious, can be deterred by the presence of plainclothes security. Many times security people will make their presence obvious in order to scare off the thief. Casually following the person is usually effective. These type of guards tend to be more physical since their job also includes catching, subduing, and arresting the thief once he or she has left the shop.
The decision to hire a uniformed guard or a plain clothes guard should be based on whether it is more important to deter people or to catch them. Keeping people honest is cheaper and much less time consuming than catching them in an act of dishonesty. Deterrance is preferable. If you catch an employee stealing, you will have to hire and train a replacement. If you decide to have them prosecuted, you will spend many hours not making any money.
The uniform makes the guard. If you look sharp, you feel sharp.
In a museum or concert hall, a blazer with shirt and tie gives an appearance of civility and says “I’m here to help you”. Fleeces or shirts with SECURITY written on the back and front are best for crowd control since you want them to be noticed. A police-type uniform for officers patrolling a shopping mall is a must to convey the feeling of security.
In all cases the uniform should be clean and pressed and worn with pride. It represents your job and your responsibilities and goes a long ways towards earning the respect your position deserves. More and more businesses are using uniformed guards who look sharp and attentive. No more slouching, ill-fitting uniforms with the shirttail hanging out, unkempt hair under a crooked hat, and a bored look.
Because of the phenomenal growth of the security industry, the job opportunities are more plentiful than in other industries. It is probably best to seek direct employment rather than working for an agency since you are more likely to work fulltime. Keep your CV updated and do not exaggerate or lie — you must be above reproach if you want to be in a position to monitor other people’s honesty.
Honesty is not just the best policy, it is the only policy.