The profession of the week: the guard

The guard profession appeared officially on March 11^th, 1992 with the adoption of the law “On private detective and security activity in the Russian Federation”. Today, more than a million people guards different objects.

What is a PSE?

The PSE stands for a private security enterprise – a non-governmental organization, which provides security services.

When private security guards appeared in Russia?

In the USSR the function of maintaining law and order was entrusted to the police. The first private security companies appeared in the “perestroika” period, after signing the law “On cooperation in the USSR” on May 26^th, 1988. Security activity was not reflected or regulated in the law, but in practice was shown in protection of personal client’s safety and his interests in private by “security cooperatives” in accordance with the contract.

On May 25^th, 1989 in Leningrad the first cooperative private detective bureau in the USSR  - “Alex” – was established, which included protection of the client’s identity in the list of services.

How many guards are in Russia?

According to representatives of the security business, taking into account unlicensed personnel, the number of guards in Russia exceeds 1 million people.

In early 1993 in Russia there were about 100 thousand employees of private security structures and security services. In mid-2012 in Russia there are about 24 thousand private security organizations, 74 security holdings and associations, where 654 300 licensed security guards and 1 650 private detectives work. 94 500 weapons – are armed with security structures.

What is the guards’ efficiency?

In 2010 663 thousand “securities” prevented 11% of crimes and encroachments on protected objects (282 of 2538 cases). For comparison: in the same 2010 157 employees of a private security police prevented more than 86 thousand crimes.

What is needed to become a security guard?

To get a guard certificate, it is necessary to undergo training and pass a qualifying exam. It consists of:

• testing of theoretical knowledge
• testing of practical skills of using special means, civilian and service weapons (with the appropriate qualifications*).
• In addition, the guard should know the laws and be able to provide the first aid.

In order to get a license, all the guards are mandatory to pass a fingerprint registration - to be fingerprinted.

Can guards carry weapons?

Firearms and ammunition are given  only to the guards, who have the special permission to keep and carry specific kinds, types and models of weapons while on-duty.

Who is not suitable for the guard profession?

• Foreigners
• Minors
• People with serious diseases

The dismissed from the civil service and authorities for disciplinary offences and other violations, if such a dismissal is less than three years.

Employees of private security organizations are not permitted to combine security activity with state service or an elective paid post in public associations.

What clothes and an emblem should a guard have?

By law, the uniform of guards should not be similar to the form of law enforcement and military personnel.

A personal card should be on the guard’s form that can be used to determine the identity of employees of private security to a particular organization.

The color, inscriptions and signs on vehicles of private security organizations are coordinated with bodies of internal affairs. Color schemes shouldn’t repeat the coloring of fire protection cars, the police, ambulance and other public services.

What is forbidden for guards?

Guards are forbidden to use special means against women, pregnant women, disabled people and minors. Exceptions are the cases, if people, mentioned above, are armed or attack by a group, threaten the lives of guards or can harm the protected property.

Also the law doesn’t allow a guard to scour citizens – it should be done by the police in the presence of witnesses. Besides, a guard has no right to detain without cause.

Can a guard shoot people with a hidden camera?

If video cameras are used to protect the object, staff and visitors should be informed about it. Information should be posted in a prominent place to the entrance to the protected area.

*Guard’s qualifications:

 - 4th category – protection without weapons and special equipment, attestation is every four years;

 - 5th category – protection with special equipment, but without using firearms, attestation is every two years;