Security Gun For Hire

The TASER X26P represents a significant evolution in conducted electrical weapon (CEW) technology, building upon the decade-long legacy of the original X26 while incorporating modern smart weapon capabilities. Manufactured by Axon (formerly TASER International), the X26P has become a trusted tool for law enforcement agencies worldwide and is also available for civilian self-defense in most jurisdictions.

Technical Specifications and Design

The X26P is Axon's smallest and most compact Smart Weapon, featuring a single-shot design that maintains compatibility with standard TASER cartridges. The device utilizes Shaped Pulse Technology combined with Charge Metering to calculate the current output to ensure incapacitation using the lowest effective electrical charge.

Key specifications include:

• Effective range: 15 feet for civilian models (law enforcement has access to longer-range cartridges)
• Power output: Delivers approximately 50,000 volts
• Battery life: The Performance Power Magazine provides approximately 500 five-second firings
• Weight: Compact and lightweight design for comfortable carry
• Weather resistance: IPX2 rating for improved resistance to rain and humidity

Smart Weapon Platform

One of the X26P's most significant advances is its all-digital platform, allowing for health checks and firmware updates over the web. This integration with Axon's Evidence.com platform enables law enforcement agencies to manage weapon data, track deployments, and maintain accountability records seamlessly.

The device features universal compatibility with several accessories from the TASER Smart platform, including the TASER CAM HD recorder and various power magazine options (PPM, APPM, XPPM).

Performance and Effectiveness

The X26P employs Neuro-Muscular Incapacitation (NMI) technology, which temporarily overrides the body's neuromuscular system for approximately 5 seconds per trigger pull. This provides sufficient time for de-escalation or escape while minimizing the risk of permanent injury.

The weapon includes a Class 3A laser targeting system paired with a powerful LED flashlight, enhancing accuracy in various lighting conditions. The device can penetrate clothing and jump up to two inches of combined distance between the probes and skin, maintaining effectiveness even through thick garments.

Improvements Over Previous Models

Compared to its predecessor, the X26E, the X26P offers several enhancements. The X26P features an XPPM that helps protect the cartridge blast doors from damage during field use, with a forward-facing design that makes for more efficient reload. The improved battery performance provides approximately 300 more firings than the X26E, significantly extending operational readiness.

Practical Considerations

Advantages:

• Proven reliability with extensive field testing
• Compact size ideal for concealed or duty carry
• Smart technology integration for accountability
• Long battery life reduces maintenance concerns
• Backup stun gun capability after cartridge deployment
• Weather-resistant construction

Limitations:

• Single-shot design requires reload for multiple targets
• Cartridges are single-use (though multiple electrical cycles possible per cartridge)
• Civilian access limited to 15-foot cartridges
• Higher initial investment compared to basic self-defense options
• Requires proper training for effective deployment

Verdict

The TASER X26P successfully bridges traditional CEW reliability with modern smart weapon technology. For law enforcement agencies, it offers an excellent balance of familiarity, accountability features, and performance. The device maintains the trusted form factor of the original X26 while delivering enhanced safety, weatherproofing, and data management capabilities.

For civilian users, the X26P represents a professional-grade self-defense option that's identical to tools used by law enforcement worldwide. While the investment is substantial, the device's effectiveness against aggressive threats, including those under the influence of substances, makes it a serious consideration for personal protection.

The X26P earns its reputation as a reliable, field-proven less-lethal option that prioritizes both effectiveness and accountability in critical situations.

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful security work. While physical presence and vigilance are important, a security guard's ability to communicate clearly and professionally often determines whether a situation escalates or resolves peacefully.

Active Listening: The Foundation of Good Security Work

Security guards encounter people from all walks of life, often in stressful situations. Active listening means giving someone your full attention, acknowledging their concerns, and responding thoughtfully rather than reactively. When an upset visitor approaches with a complaint, taking time to truly hear them out can defuse tension before it builds. Simple techniques like maintaining appropriate eye contact, nodding to show understanding, and paraphrasing what you've heard demonstrate respect and often calm agitated individuals.

Clear and Concise Verbal Communication

In emergencies, every second counts. Security professionals must convey critical information quickly and accurately to colleagues, emergency responders, and the people they're protecting. This means avoiding jargon when speaking to the public, using simple direct language, and staying calm under pressure. Whether you're giving directions during an evacuation or explaining policy to a confused visitor, clarity prevents misunderstandings that could compromise safety.

Professional Written Communication

Incident reports serve as official records that may be reviewed by management, law enforcement, or even presented in court. Guards must document events accurately, objectively, and thoroughly. This includes noting specific times, describing what you observed rather than assumed, and using professional language. A well-written report protects both you and your employer while providing valuable information for investigations.

Non-Verbal Communication Matters

Your body language speaks volumes before you say a word. Standing with an open, confident posture projects authority without aggression. Crossed arms or aggressive stances can escalate situations unnecessarily. Being mindful of personal space, especially in tense moments, shows respect while maintaining necessary boundaries.

Conflict Resolution Through Dialogue

Most security situations don't require physical intervention—they require skilled conversation. Learning to de-escalate through calm tone, empathetic language, and offering choices gives people a way to comply without losing face. Phrases like "I understand your frustration" or "Let's see how we can resolve this together" invite cooperation rather than confrontation.

Mastering these communication skills transforms security work from simple observation to genuine protection. Guards who communicate effectively don't just respond to problems—they prevent them, building safer environments through professional, respectful interaction with everyone they encounter.

Starting a career in security can be challenging, especially when you're still learning the ropes. New security guards often make predictable mistakes that can compromise safety, damage their professional reputation, or even result in termination. Understanding these common pitfalls and how to avoid them will help you succeed in your new role.

Overstepping Authority

One of the most serious mistakes new guards make is exceeding their legal authority. Unlike police officers, security guards have limited powers and must operate within specific boundaries. Attempting to detain someone without proper cause, conducting unauthorized searches, or using excessive force can lead to lawsuits and criminal charges.

How to avoid it: Thoroughly understand your jurisdiction's laws regarding security guard authority. Know exactly what your employer's policies allow. When in doubt, observe and report rather than intervene directly. Your primary role is to deter crime and document incidents, not to act as law enforcement.

Poor Report Writing

Inadequate or inaccurate incident reports create liability issues and undermine your credibility. New guards often write reports that are too vague, include opinions rather than facts, or omit critical details. A report that states "suspicious person acting weird" is far less useful than one that describes specific observable behaviors.

How to avoid it: Write reports immediately after incidents while details are fresh. Stick to factual observations using clear, specific language. Include the who, what, when, where, and how of every incident. Describe what you saw, heard, and did without inserting assumptions or conclusions. Review your reports before submission to ensure they're complete and professional.

Complacency and Inattentiveness

Long, quiet shifts can lull guards into a false sense of security. Spending excessive time on personal phones, falling asleep, or failing to complete patrol rounds are serious breaches of duty. Most security incidents occur precisely because perpetrators notice guards aren't paying attention.

How to avoid it: Develop strategies to stay alert during slow periods. Vary your patrol routes and timing to remain unpredictable. Use downtime productively by reviewing post orders, checking equipment, or studying the property layout. If you're struggling with fatigue, address it honestly by adjusting your sleep schedule or discussing shift changes with your supervisor.

Inappropriate Conduct

Maintaining professionalism is essential, yet new guards sometimes make the mistake of being too casual with clients or visitors, getting involved in workplace gossip, or failing to maintain proper appearance standards. Others may become overly aggressive or confrontational, creating unnecessary conflicts.

How to avoid it: Always present yourself professionally through your appearance, language, and demeanor. Be courteous but maintain appropriate boundaries with everyone you encounter. Stay neutral in workplace politics and avoid discussing sensitive matters with unauthorized individuals. Approach every situation with a calm, professional attitude, using de-escalation techniques before situations escalate.

The Path to Success

Avoiding these common mistakes comes down to staying professional, remaining vigilant, communicating effectively, and operating within your authority. Remember that security work requires patience, attention to detail, and sound judgment. Learn from experienced colleagues, take your training seriously, and never stop improving your skills. With an effective approach, you'll quickly move past the rookie stage and establish yourself as a trusted security professional.

The first shift back always hits different. You spend a week living like a normal person, sleeping past sunrise, wearing whatever you want, forgetting what a flashlight feels like on your hip. Then Sunday morning rolls around, and you're laying out the uniform again, charging the radio, setting three alarms because you don't trust yourself anymore.

Sunday morning comes too fast. The site looks the same as you left it, but somehow unfamiliar. You walk the perimeter like you're learning it again, even though you could do it blindfolded. Your replacement did fine, nothing burned down, nobody broke in, but you still check everything twice. It's just what you do.

The coffee tastes worse than you remembered. The chair in the security office feels harder. That one flickering hallway light that maintenance still hasn't fixed? Still flickering.

But something shifts around hour three. Your body remembers the rhythm. Your brain stops fighting the boredom and settles into that alert-but-patient state that makes an effective guard. You catch yourself actually caring again when someone tries to tailgate through the employee entrance. You're back in it.

The truth is, vacation makes you appreciate the job more, even if you'd never admit it out loud. There's something steady about this work. You know what's expected. You know your rounds, your responsibilities, your role. While you were gone, the world kept spinning, but this building, your post, was waiting for you.

A coworker stops by, asks how the time off was. "Too short," you say, because that's what you're supposed to say. But you're already thinking about the next one, already counting down. That's how you survive the grind.

One shift down. Many more this week. Then you do it all again.

As a security guard, encountering a DIY mechanic working on a broken-down car at the fuel pumps at a grocery store near closing time presents both a customer service challenge and a safety concern. Your role is to balance compassion with maintaining property security and safety standards.

Initial Assessment

Approach the situation professionally and observe before engaging. Note whether there are any immediate safety hazards: fuel spills, smoking, open flames, or tools creating trip hazards. If you see any dangerous conditions near active fuel pumps, address those first. A calm, "Evening, sir. I'm with security. What's going on with your vehicle?" establishes your authority while opening dialogue.

Safety First

Active fuel pumps are not repair bays. Politely but firmly explain that working on a vehicle at the pumps creates liability issues and blocks access for other customers. "I understand you're in a tough spot, but for safety reasons, we can't have repairs happening at the fuel pumps. Let's figure out how to get your car moved."

If they can get the vehicle running briefly, direct them to a parking spot away from high-traffic areas. If not, ask if they can put it in neutral so you can help push it to a safer location.

Know Your Boundaries

If the person becomes hostile, refuses to cooperate, or the situation escalates, maintain your distance and call for backup or police assistance. Your job is to protect property and people, not to force compliance physically.

The Human Element

Remember, this person is likely stressed and embarrassed. A breakdown isn't planned. Treating them with respect while enforcing policies usually leads to cooperation. "I know this isn't how you wanted your night to go. Let's work together to get this resolved safely."

Most DIY mechanics will appreciate a security guard who's firm but fair. Your professionalism in these moments reflects on the entire property.

We'd been grinding away at SEO, pumping out blog posts, tweaking keywords, editing nerd-like coding and obsessively checking our rankings. And then one morning, it finally happened: our security gun for hire landed on Google's first page. I wish I could tell you wine bottles popped and we threw a party. The reality? I stared at my screen for a solid minute, refreshed twice to make sure it wasn't a glitch, then immediately thought we weren't ready for what came next.

Magic With a Mix of Skill and Luck

First-page visibility doesn't just increase traffic, it transforms perception. Suddenly, we weren't just another security website. We were the security website people found when they needed guidance.

The Pressure Is Real

Here's what nobody tells you about ranking on page one: you can't afford to mess up anymore. Every click matters. Every process needs to be sharp. Every move becomes a referendum on whether you deserve that coveted position.

We had to level up everything, faster load times, more polished content, better communication. Google put us in the spotlight, but staying there meant proving we belonged.

What We Learned

If you're still grinding away in the SEO trenches, here's my advice: prepare before you rank. Make sure your process is bulletproof. Train to handle increased volume. Have your systems ready to go.

Because when you finally crack that first page, the real work begins. The leads will come. The question is whether you're ready to convert them.

That first-page ranking didn't just change our website traffic. It changed what we had to become to deserve it.

"How's it going?" they ask as they grab their shopping cart. "You know," I say with a slight grin, "just chillin like a villain." I've said this probably 100 times in the last month. Every single time, people love it. Something about a security guard at a grocery store claiming villain status while standing next to a pyramid of discount avocados really lands.

The Art of Villainous Chilling

Here's what people don't understand: I'm not just a security guard at a grocery store. I'm the gatekeeper between you and those suspiciously inexpensive avocados. I patrol my domain, which happens to smell like rotisserie chicken and floor cleaner, with the casual menace of someone who knows where all the cameras are.

When customers see me leaning against the shopping cart corral, they think I'm just hanging out. Wrong. I'm strategically positioned. I'm watching. Waiting. Observing that guy who's been in the cereal aisle for twenty minutes trying to decide between Frosted Flakes and off-brand Frosted Flakes. Suspicious? Maybe. My problem? Not yet.

Villain Activities at the Grocery Store

My villainy knows no bounds. Sometimes I walk the entire perimeter of the store. Slowly. Making eye contact. Nodding at the elderly ladies comparing pasta sauce prices. They think I'm being friendly. Little do they know I'm also mentally calculating how many times that kid has lapped the candy aisle while his mom shops.

I've also mastered the villain's most important skill: looking intimidating while doing absolutely nothing threatening. I stand near the entrance, arms crossed, watching people wrestle with shopping carts that have one wheel that spins sideways. Do I help? No. I'm a villain. I observe chaos. Sometimes I am the chaos, like when I have to tell someone they can't return a half-eaten watermelon.

The Customers Strike Back

Some customers play along beautifully. There's one regular who sees me and goes, "Uh oh, the villain's here. Guess I better not steal any grapes today."

"That's correct," I tell him. "I've got eyes everywhere." I don't, actually. One of the cameras near the dairy section has been broken for three weeks. But he doesn't need to know that.

Then there's the lady who always responds with, "Well if you're the villain, what does that make me?"

"A valued customer," I say. "Even villains respect good people."

She buys it every time.

But my favorite interaction was the kid, maybe seven years old, who asked his mom, "Is that guy a bad guy?"

Before she could answer, I crouched down and said, "Only to bad guys." His eyes went WIDE. I might have just created a future security guard in the produce section.

Living My Best Villain Life

The truth is, telling customers I'm "chillin like a villain" is the perfect response to their small talk. It's funny, it's memorable, and it beats the alternative of explaining that I'm actually just counting down the hours until my shift ends while mentally ranking which cashiers are most likely to get into an argument today.

Do I stop shoplifters? Yes. Do I help people find the restroom? Also yes. Do I do both with the swagger of someone who just said their catchphrase for the 303rd time? Absolutely.

So next time you're at the grocery store and you see your security guard posted up near the doors looking like they run the place, ask them how they're doing. And if they tell you they're chillin like a villain, just know they absolutely are. We all are.

Someone's gotta guard these groceries, and it might as well be someone with style.

Flight Time: I'm more used to the automatic doors at the store entrance, the squeak of shopping cart wheels, the constant hum of refrigerator units. My post is usually near the main doors watching for the subtle signs: someone checking over their shoulder too often, a jacket bulging in the wrong places, teenagers daring each other to pocket candy bars.

But today I'm in comfortable pants and a button-down shirt that's been hanging in my closet for months. Today, I'm the one being watched as I fumble with my boarding pass at the check-in kiosk.

The gathering is this week. There will be people I haven't seen in years, conversations that need to happen face-to-face instead of over scratchy phone connections, moments that can't be captured in a text message or a hurried call during my lunch break.

I requested the time off months ago. My manager looked surprised, I never take vacation days, usually just cash them out at the end of the year. But something this year made me think differently. How many more chances would I get?

The security line snakes back and forth. I'm behind a businessman typing furiously on his phone and a college kid with headphones nearly falling off his head. Nobody's trying to steal anything here, but I still catch myself scanning faces out of habit, reading body language, looking for what doesn't fit.

"Next," the TSA officer calls, and I step forward.

She barely looks at me as she checks my ID against my boarding pass. I'm just one of thousands passing through today. At the store, I know the regulars by name, Mrs. Chen who comes in every Tuesday, the construction crew that buys lunch at noon, the kid saving up his allowance for trading cards.

Here, I'm nobody. And somehow, that feels like freedom.

I make it through the metal detector without incident, gather my belt and shoes, and head down the concourse. Gate 13. Minneapolis. Two hours and forty minutes until I land in a city I haven't visited in far too long.

My phone buzzes with a message confirming the rental car reservation. Then another with the address and a note about road construction near the venue.

I feel something loosen in my chest that's been tight for years.

For months, I've been the one making sure people don't take what isn't theirs. I've watched thousands of people rush through those sliding doors with their groceries, heading home to dinners and celebrations and ordinary evenings.

This week, I get to be one of them, someone going somewhere that matters, someone with plans that don't involve monitoring camera feeds or walking the perimeter one more time before closing.

The departure board flickers. On time. I find a seat by the window and watch planes take off, one after another, all of them carrying passengers toward reunions and gatherings and the kind of moments you can't get back once they're gone.

I settle into my seat and close my eyes for a moment, letting the unfamiliar sounds of the airport wash over me. No beeping registers. No overhead announcements about cleanup in aisle seven. No radio crackling with someone asking me to check on a suspicious customer.

Just the quiet hum of anticipation, and a flight to catch.

Working as a security guard at a sports and entertainment stadium requires more than just individual vigilance, it demands seamless teamwork across multiple zones, shifts, and security functions. When thousands of excited fans converge on a venue for a game or concert, the security team becomes the invisible safety net that ensures everyone enjoys the event without incident. Here are the key aspects of teamwork that make stadium security effective.

Coordinated Zone Coverage

Large stadiums are divided into security zones, with guards assigned to specific areas like entrances, concourses, seating sections, backstage areas, and parking lots. Effective teamwork means understanding not just your own zone, but how it connects to adjacent areas. When a situation develops in one section, guards must quickly coordinate to provide backup, redirect crowds, or seal off areas. No guard operates in isolation, your zone is one piece of a larger security puzzle.

Clear Communication Protocols

Radio communication is the lifeline of stadium security teams. Guards must master concise, clear radio etiquette to report incidents, request assistance, or relay information without clogging the channels. During peak moments like entry rushes or event conclusions, dozens of guards may need to communicate simultaneously. Teams that establish communication protocols—using codes, designated channels for different priorities, and disciplined radio discipline—can respond to situations much faster than those where everyone talks over each other.

Trust During High-Pressure Situations

When an intoxicated fan becomes aggressive, a medical emergency unfolds, or a suspicious package is reported, security guards must trust their teammates to respond appropriately. You might need to handle a confrontational individual while trusting that backup is en route, or evacuate a section while another team secures the perimeter. This trust is built through training exercises, consistent professionalism, and knowing that every team member takes their role seriously.

Diverse Team Roles

Stadium security teams include various specialists: front-line guards, surveillance operators watching camera feeds, K-9 units, supervisors coordinating response, and sometimes plainclothes personnel monitoring for specific threats. Effective teamwork means respecting each role's contribution and understanding how to leverage different capabilities. A guard on the floor who spots something suspicious should know exactly how to alert surveillance to track an individual or when to escalate to specialized units.

De-escalation and Backup Timing

When dealing with unruly guests, teamwork involves knowing when to step in and when to hold back. Sometimes multiple guards descending on a situation escalates it unnecessarily, while other times immediate backup prevents violence. Experienced teams develop intuition about reading situations and supporting each other's de-escalation efforts. A good teammate knows when to stand visibly nearby as deterrence versus when to give space for verbal de-escalation to work.

Mutual Accountability and Professionalism

Great security teams hold each other accountable for maintaining standards. If a teammate appears distracted on their phone, shows up unprepared, or treats guests disrespectfully, it affects the entire team's reputation and effectiveness. Constructive accountability—addressing issues directly but respectfully—strengthens the team and prevents small problems from becoming major liabilities.

Conclusion

Stadium security may not seem as dramatic as other security fields, but protecting thousands of people in a confined, emotionally charged environment requires exceptional teamwork. Communication, coordination, trust, and mutual support transform individual guards into a cohesive defensive unit. When security teams work together seamlessly, fans enjoy memorable experiences, and that's the ultimate measure of success. Every member matters, every role counts, and every shift depends on the strength of the team behind it.

BMO Stadium selected Allied Universal as its preferred event services provider in March 2024, marking a significant partnership between one of Los Angeles' premier sports and entertainment venues and the world's leading security services company.

The 22,000-seat stadium, located south of the University of Southern California campus, serves as home to both the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) and Angel City Football Club, while also hosting concerts featuring world-renowned music artists. Allied Universal provides comprehensive consulting, event services and security services that enable BMO Stadium to focus on ensuring successful concerts and sporting events.

A Major Employment Opportunity

The partnership created more than 500 positions to support stadium operations, offering opportunities for members of the Southern California community to work at one of the region's most exciting venues. These positions provide community members with a unique opportunity to not only attend concerts and sports events but get paid to experience the excitement surrounding their favorite artists and sports teams.

Available roles include event security personnel, supervisors, and custom protection officers. No prior experience is necessary, as training is provided. Job responsibilities include checking bags, enforcing access control, screening guests during entry, and implementing safety policies while delivering superior customer service.

Industry-Leading Employer

According to Ty Richmond, president of Allied Universal Events Services, the company brings decades of expertise in event services to support BMO Stadium and the community it serves. The company notes that many individuals who began careers as security professionals have advanced to senior leadership positions.

Aisha Vincenti, Allied Universal Marketing & Communication Leader states BMO Stadium is raising the bar for how venues should operate. By bringing together safety, hospitality, and event operations into one cohesive strategy, they're transforming what it means to attend an event. We're honored that our integrated security approach helps ensure consistency, strong communication, and a smooth experience for every guest. It's a testament to what's possible when teams work together with a shared vision for innovation.

Employee satisfaction surveys show that more than 80% of employees are proud to be part of the Allied Universal team, while more than 75% are satisfied with their jobs. Full-time positions include benefits such as medical and dental coverage, life insurance, 401(k) plans, and holidays.

The partnership represents Allied Universal's commitment to delivering safe, fan-focused experiences through collaboration and technology-forward security solutions at one of Los Angeles' most dynamic entertainment destinations.

But the most important lesson I've learned here has nothing to do with construction and everything to do with people: when everyone's voice matters, everyone goes home safe.

The Day Everything Changed

Three months ago, we had a close call that changed how this site operates.

I was doing my mid-morning rounds when I passed Miguel, one of the newer laborers, standing near the loading zone looking concerned. He was young, maybe his second or third construction job, and I could tell he wanted to say something but was hesitating.

"Everything okay?" I asked.

He glanced around, then said quietly, "That pallet of rebar, the straps look frayed."

I looked. Miguel was correct. The straps were worn, and the pallet was stacked high. One wrong move from the forklift and dozens of steel bars could come loose.

I could have walked away. After all, I'm "just security." But Miguel's concern was genuine, and something told me to trust his eyes.

I radioed the site safety officer directly. Within fifteen minutes, the pallet was re-secured with new straps. The safety officer thanked both of us and later told me that one of the straps likely would have failed during the next lift.

At the next morning's safety huddle, the project manager did something unexpected. He called out Miguel by name, thanked him for speaking up, and thanked me for listening and escalating. Then he said something I'll never forget:

"On this site, everyone has permission to stop work if they see something unsafe. I don't care if you've been in construction for thirty years or thirty days. Your eyes and your voice matter."

Why Every Voice Matters

Construction sites bring together an incredible diversity of people: seasoned foremen and first-day apprentices, union tradespeople and contract workers, engineers and equipment operators, delivery drivers and security guards like me. We have different roles, different expertise, and different perspectives.

That diversity is our greatest safety asset, but only if we actually listen to each other.

The apprentice electrician notices the extension cord with exposed wiring because she's working right next to it.

The delivery driver sees that the temporary fencing has a gap because he walks the perimeter looking for the best access point.

The veteran ironworker recognizes the sound of a bolt gun misfiring because he's heard it a thousand times.

The cleaning crew member spots the spilled hydraulic fluid in the stairwell because she's the one mopping it.

And I, the security guard, notice the pattern of workers entering a restricted area because I'm the one checking.

None of us sees everything. But together, we see it all.

The Barriers We Build

Despite this reality, construction sites, like many workplaces, often have invisible barriers that prevent voices from being heard:

Hierarchy: The assumption that only supervisors and managers have valuable safety insights, while newer or lower-level workers should "stay in their lane."

Pride: Experienced workers who dismiss concerns from less experienced ones, or who feel that admitting they didn't notice something is a sign of weakness.

Fear: Workers worried about being seen as troublemakers, slowing down work, or facing retaliation for speaking up.

Assumptions: The belief that "someone else probably already noticed" or "it's not my job to say something."

I've seen these barriers cost time, money, and almost cost lives. And I've seen what happens when we break them down.

Building a Culture Where Every Voice Is Heard

Our site isn't perfect, but we've made real progress. Here's what's working:

Daily safety huddles include everyone. Not just supervisors, but crew members from different trades. We rotate who shares observations, and everyone from the crane operator to the site cleaner has spoken up.

"See something, say something" actually means everyone. The project manager regularly reminds us that stopping work for safety concerns is never punished—it's expected.

We acknowledge contributions publicly. When someone's observation prevents an incident, we recognize them by name. It reinforces that speaking up is valued.

Multiple reporting channels exist. You can tell your supervisor, tell safety officers, tell security, or submit anonymous reports. No concern is too small to raise.

We follow up and close the loop. When someone reports something, we investigate, take action if needed, and report back. People keep speaking up because they see their voices lead to real change.

To Everyone on Site

If you're a supervisor or manager: create space for every voice. Ask questions. Listen without defensiveness. Thank people for speaking up, even when their concerns don't pan out.

If you're a skilled tradesperson: mentor newer workers not just in technique, but in the importance of safety communication. Your experience is invaluable, but so are fresh eyes.

If you're new to construction: your lack of experience doesn't make your observations less valid. If something seems unsafe, say something. Your different perspective might catch what experienced eyes have learned to overlook.

If you're in a support role like me: you're part of this team. Your observations from the gate, the cameras, or your rounds are just as important as observations from the scaffolding.

The Bottom Line

Construction is dangerous work. But it's less dangerous when we work together, communicate openly, and genuinely value every voice not just in theory, but in practice, every single day.

That pallet of rebar with the frayed straps? It didn't care whether Miguel was a new laborer or a senior foreman. It didn't care that I'm "just" security. Physics doesn't respect hierarchy.

Safety doesn't either.

So let's keep listening to each other, trusting each other, and speaking up for each other. Because at the end of the day, we all want the same thing: to finish the job and go home to the people we love.

A security guard's ability to maintain a poker face and composure under pressure can mean the difference between defusing a volatile situation and escalating it. Your facial expressions communicate volumes before you ever say a word, making emotional control a critical skill in security work.

So you've just received your security guard card, congratulations! That laminated piece of plastic represents more than just a job credential. It's your ticket into a profession that demands vigilance, professionalism, and street smarts. But getting the card is just the beginning. Here's how to actually stay alive and thrive in security work.

Know Your Limits

Your security guard card doesn't make you a superhero. In fact, most security positions are about observation and reporting, not confrontation. The best security guards understand that their primary job is to be the eyes and ears of a property, not to engage in physical altercations. If a situation escalates beyond your training or comfort level, calling law enforcement is always the smart move.

Stay Alert, Stay Alive

Complacency kills. It's easy to get comfortable on routine patrols or during quiet overnight shifts, but that's when you're most vulnerable. Keep your head on a swivel, vary your patrol patterns, and never assume "nothing ever happens here." The moment you let your guard down is precisely when an incident can occur.

Communication is Your Superpower

Many potentially dangerous situations can be de-escalated with good communication skills. A calm voice, respectful demeanor, and active listening can defuse tension before it becomes physical. Your mouth can be more effective than any defensive tool in your arsenal.

Maintain Your Professionalism

Your security card comes with responsibilities. Showing up on time, staying sober on duty, maintaining your appearance, and treating everyone with respect aren't just job requirements, they're survival skills. The security guard who's known as reliable and professional is the one who keeps their job and advances in the field.

Never Stop Learning

Security threats evolve constantly. Take advantage of additional training opportunities, whether it's first aid, defensive tactics, or learning new security technologies. The more skilled you become, the more valuable you are and the safer you'll be.

Your security guard card opened the door to this profession. How you conduct yourself from here determines whether you'll just survive or truly thrive in security work. Stay sharp, stay humble, and remember: the best security guards are the ones who prevent problems before they start.

The decision to discharge a firearm is the most serious choice a security guard will ever face. Unlike in movies where heroes fire warning shots or aim for limbs, real-world use of force carries profound legal, ethical, and practical implications. Understanding when and when not to take the shot can mean the difference between protecting lives and facing criminal charges.

The Legal Framework

Security guards operate under the same legal standards as private citizens when it comes to using deadly force. You must reasonably believe that you or another person faces an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm. "Imminent" is the key word, the threat must be happening now, not potentially in the future.

Most jurisdictions require three elements before deadly force is justified:

• Ability: The attacker has the means to cause death or serious injury
• Opportunity: The attacker is positioned to use that means immediately
• Jeopardy: The attacker's actions demonstrate intent to cause harm

A suspect running away, even after committing a crime, almost never justifies deadly force. Property crimes, vandalism, or theft do not meet the threshold for lethal response, regardless of what your employer might prefer.

The Practical Reality

Taking a shot under stress is nothing like range practice. Your heart rate spikes, fine motor skills deteriorate, and tunnel vision sets in. Studies show that even trained police officers hit their intended target less than 30% of the time in actual confrontations. Every round you fire has a potential backstop; a wall, a vehicle, or an innocent bystander.

Before drawing your weapon, ask yourself: Can I retreat? Can I use cover? Can I de-escalate verbally? Armed security doesn't mean you must engage, sometimes the most professional response is creating distance and calling for police backup.

When You Must Act

There are scenarios where hesitation costs lives. An active shooter targeting civilians, a violent assault in progress, or an imminent threat against someone unable to defend themselves may require immediate action. In these moments, your training should take over:

• Identify your target and what's beyond it
• Use available cover
• Issue verbal commands if time allows
• Fire center mass until the threat stops
• Immediately call for emergency services

Remember that "stopping the threat" means exactly that, once the person is no longer capable of causing harm, you must cease fire. Continuing to shoot an incapacitated person transforms self-defense into homicide.

The Aftermath

If you discharge your weapon, your life changes instantly. You'll face investigation, potential civil lawsuits, and psychological trauma regardless of whether your actions were justified. Many guards who've been in shootings struggle with PTSD, guilt, and professional consequences.

This isn't meant to discourage necessary action, it's meant to ensure you understand the weight of the decision. Document everything, cooperate with investigators through legal counsel, and seek professional mental health support.

The Bottom Line

Your firearm is a last resort, not a first option. The best security guards are those who prevent violence through vigilance, communication, and smart positioning, not those who've fired the most rounds. Train regularly, know your legal limits, and remember that your primary job is protecting life, including your own.

If you're in a situation where you're unsure whether deadly force is justified, it probably isn't. When it truly is necessary, you'll know, because no other option exists to prevent imminent death or grievous harm.

In the security world, not all guards approach the job the same way. Some clock in, follow the checklist, and keep things moving, that’s your basic PCMP (Passive, Compliance-Only, Minimum-Presence) guard. They do what’s required, nothing more, nothing less.

But then there’s the next level: the P.I.M.P. Security Guard (Proactive, Impactful, Motivated Professional) This style of guard doesn’t just stand around; they elevate the role and bring real value to the sites they protect.

1. Proactive (P) Instead of Passive

A PCMP guard waits for something to happen.
A P.I.M.P. guard anticipates issues before they become problems—checking blind spots, assessing odd behavior, and staying aware of patterns. Prevention is their specialty.

2. Impactful (I) Instead of Invisible

The PCMP guard blends into the background.
A P.I.M.P. guard brings a commanding but approachable presence. Tenants, employees, and visitors know they’re in good hands because the guard communicates clearly, stays visible, and handles situations with confidence.

3. Motivated (M) Instead of Minimum-Effort

Where the PCMP guard may settle for the bare minimum, the P.I.M.P. guard is driven. They’re on time, sharp, and dedicated to representing their company and site with pride. Motivation shows—it leads to better performance and better outcomes.

4. Professional (P) in Every Sense

Professionalism sets the standard. Appearance, demeanor, communication, report writing, and crisis handling all reflect a guard’s level of training and pride. A P.I.M.P. security guard carries themselves like their role matters—because it does.

Final Word

Being a P.I.M.P. security guard isn’t about the title, it’s about showing up with a higher standard. While a PCMP guard does what’s required, a P.I.M.P. guard brings initiative, presence, and pride to the job. In a field where trust and awareness are essential, that difference really matters.

If you've noticed a deduction labeled "PCMP" on your security guard paycheck, you may be wondering what it means and why your employer is taking money out of your pay. The good news is that this deduction doesn't actually reduce your take-home pay.

PCMP stands for Preventive Care Management Program, a tax-advantaged wellness benefit that many security guard companies and other employers are implementing. Here's how it works and why it appears on your paycheck.

How PCMP Works

The program involves a pre-tax deduction from your paycheck, but the same amount is reimbursed to you post-tax on the same paycheck. Essentially, money is deducted and then immediately returned to you, leaving your net pay unchanged. You receive the same amount of money you would have received without the program.

Why Employers Use PCMP

Security guard companies implement PCMP programs primarily to reduce their payroll tax burden while simultaneously providing employees with access to preventive health services. The structure is compliant with IRS regulations including Sections 105(b), 106(a), and 213(d), making it a legitimate tax strategy.

For employers, this arrangement reduces FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) taxes. For employees, it provides access to qualifying preventive health services such as wellness checks, health screenings, and other preventive care benefits at no actual cost.

What It Means for You

The key point to understand is that PCMP deductions are revenue-neutral for your paycheck. Your employer automatically processes these deductions and reimbursements as part of their payroll system, which is why they appear on your pay stub without your needing to opt in. In exchange, you gain access to preventive health services that can help you maintain your health while working demanding security shifts.

If you have questions about the specific health benefits available through your employer's PCMP, contact your company's human resources or benefits department for details on how to access these services.

Preventive Care Management Solution

In the shadowy world of Gotham's underworld, there exists a peculiar breed of operative, those who've absorbed the methodologies of two masters: the Riddler's cerebral cunning and Deadshot's lethal precision. These hybrid security guards represent a fascinating convergence of intellect and execution, creating a unique approach to protection that's as much chess match as firefight.

The Riddler's Influence: Security Through Puzzles

Drawing from the Riddler's playbook means transforming every security protocol into an elaborate puzzle. These guards don't just lock doors, they design multi-layered access systems where each checkpoint requires solving increasingly complex riddles. Intruders find themselves not merely blocked by walls and gates, but ensnared in psychological mazes where every corridor presents a question, every alarm system a conundrum.

The intellectual approach manifests in predictive thinking. Like Edward Nigma himself, these operatives obsess over patterns, anticipating threats through logic and deduction rather than brute force alone. They plant false clues, create deliberate vulnerabilities as traps, and leave breadcrumbs that lead nowhere or worse, somewhere the intruder desperately doesn't want to be.

Deadshot's Legacy: When Words Fail, Aim True

But puzzles alone don't stop determined threats. That's where Deadshot's influence becomes vital. These guards train relentlessly in marksmanship, understanding that sometimes the only answer to a threat is a precisely placed round. They embody Floyd Lawton's philosophy: one shot, one solution. No wasted ammunition, no collateral damage, just surgical precision when the situation demands it.

The Deadshot methodology brings a cold pragmatism to the role. While the Riddler side might orchestrate elaborate defensive schemes, the Deadshot side ensures there's always a final, definitive answer to any problem. It's the safety net beneath the tightrope walk of intellectual security, knowing that when all clever solutions fail, raw skill remains.

Living the Contradiction

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of this hybrid approach is balancing two fundamentally different philosophies. The Riddler craves recognition, wants adversaries to appreciate his genius. Deadshot simply wants the job done, efficiently and without fanfare. Guards walking this line must suppress ego while maintaining pride in their craft, must think ten steps ahead while staying focused on the present moment.

They become living paradoxes: patient yet decisive, theatrical yet practical, verbose yet silent when silence serves better. It's exhausting, maintaining this duality. Some nights they're arranging laser grids in Fibonacci sequences; other nights they're on a rooftop, scope to eye, breathing steady.

The Result

What emerges is perhaps the most formidable type of security professional imaginable, one who can outthink most opponents and outshoot the rest. They turn protection into performance art without sacrificing effectiveness. Clients don't just get guards; they get chess masters with trigger fingers, riddlers with rifles.

In Gotham's ecosystem of escalating threats and theatrical villainy, maybe that's exactly what's needed: protectors who understand that security is both science and art, puzzle and solution, question and answer delivered at 3,000 feet per second.

The Perfect Digital Work Setup

Sunday construction security offers a unique combination: you're getting paid to be present, but the actual security demands are minimal. Most sites are locked down on Sundays, with little to no activity. This creates hours of uninterrupted time to work on your laptop, whether you're building a side business, taking online courses, or freelancing.

Premium Pay, Minimal Interruptions

Many construction security positions pay weekend premiums, Sunday shifts. You're earning more per hour while the site sits dormant. The occasional perimeter check takes minutes, leaving you free to focus on your laptop work between rounds.

Skill Building on Company Time

Security guards have used these quiet shifts to earn degrees, learn coding, write novels, and launch online businesses. The job provides structure and income while you invest in your future. One guard can complete a certification course; another might be developing an app or building their portfolio.

Peaceful Environment

Unlike weekday shifts with constant interruptions from contractors and deliveries, Sundays offer a meditative workspace. No traffic noise from the street and no coordinating site access. Just you, your laptop, and the hum of your productivity.

The construction security Sunday shift isn't just a job, it's paid time to build your future, one quiet hour at a time.

Sherine Assal has established herself as a prominent business leader through her role as Founder, President, Chairwoman, and CEO of American Guard Services and Chairwoman of Worldwide Sourcing Group. Co-founding American Guard Services in 1997 with her brother, she grew the company to $43 million in sales, building a nationwide security operation from the ground up.

Career Journey

With over 20 years of experience in security services ownership, management, and operations, Assal has been involved in every aspect of the business, from operations to accounting. She began her career as Operations Manager at American Guard Services before ascending to executive leadership. Her focus on existing client accounts ensures contract requirements exceed normal expectations, contributing to the company's steady growth and client retention.

American Guard Services

American Guard Services has evolved into a comprehensive security provider operating across the United States. The company delivers uniformed security officers, mobile patrols, risk management, video surveillance support, maritime operations, and special event security to government, commercial, residential, and retail clients. Based in Gardena, California, the firm maintains a significant presence with hundreds of active security officers deployed throughout Southern California and beyond.

Worldwide Sourcing Group Leadership

Since 1997, Worldwide Sourcing Group has provided services in security, real estate, and enterprise change management to international Fortune 500 and government customers. Under Assal's chairmanship, WWSG expanded to more than 6,000 employees internationally. The company provides technology-based monitoring, professional services, real estate acquisition, and facility management to more than 178 industrial, commercial, and public-sector customers.

Working alongside her brother Sherif Assal, who serves in senior operational roles, Sherine has built a family enterprise that encompasses multiple service divisions and maintains operations across numerous states and international markets.

Industry Connections

Assal maintains strong professional relationships with the Maritime Security Council, American Society of Industrial Security, and Cruise Line International Associations, positioning her companies at the intersection of multiple security and business sectors.

Through strategic leadership and operational expertise, Sherine Assal has built a multi-faceted business empire serving diverse industries while creating thousands of employment opportunities across the United States and internationally.

Look, I get it. Nobody likes being stopped at the exit, receipt in hand, wondering if they look suspicious. But having watched countless unnecessary confrontations unfold, most grocery store security drama is completely avoidable and yeah, it's usually on you.

Just Show the Receipt

The number one cause of grocery store meltdowns? Refusing to show your receipt when asked. I understand you paid for your items. I understand you're in a hurry. But that security guard is doing their job, and turning a five-second interaction into a constitutional debate helps nobody.

They're not accusing you of theft, they're following store policy. The dramatic "Am I being detained?" routine might feel empowering, but it mostly just makes everyone uncomfortable, including the other shoppers trying to leave.

Keep Your Receipt Accessible

Don't shove it deep into your wallet or crumple it into your pocket while you're still in the store. If you're carrying items that aren't bagged—especially high-value electronics or cases of water—have that receipt ready. This isn't about guilt or innocence; it's about making life easier for everyone, including yourself.

Don't Act Weird

Here's the thing: security guards notice behavior, not faces. Constantly looking around? Lingering near exits without shopping? Stuffing items into your jacket when there's a perfectly good cart? These actions trigger attention.

If you're doing something innocent that might look suspicious—like taste-testing grapes or opening a drink you plan to pay for—just mention it to staff or pay for it immediately. Most stores don't care; they just want to avoid confusion at checkout.

Remember: They're People Too

Security guards deal with actual thieves, aggressive customers, and tedious policy enforcement all day. A little basic courtesy goes a long way. A simple "no problem" when asked for a receipt, or "sorry, one second" while you find it, transforms the interaction entirely.

The bottom line? Most grocery store security drama happens because someone decided to make a point instead of taking the easy route. Save your energy for things that matter. Show the receipt, smile, and get on with your day.

When it comes to managing security guard schedules, choosing the right tool can mean the difference between smooth operations and constant headaches. While specialized workforce management software exists, many security companies and supervisors still rely on spreadsheets for their flexibility and low cost. The two major contenders, Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, each offer distinct advantages for security scheduling. Here's how they compare.

Real-Time Collaboration: Google Sheets Takes the Lead

For security operations requiring constant schedule updates, Google Sheets shines with its real-time collaboration features. Multiple supervisors can edit the schedule simultaneously, guards can view their shifts from any device with internet access, and changes appear instantly for everyone. When a guard calls out at 3 a.m. and a supervisor needs to quickly reassign coverage, that update is immediately visible to the replacement guard checking their phone. This live connectivity eliminates the confusion of multiple schedule versions floating around via email attachments.

Excel, while offering collaboration through Microsoft 365, doesn't quite match the seamless, instant synchronization that Google Sheets provides natively through cloud storage.

Accessibility and Cost Considerations

Google Sheets offers a significant advantage for smaller security companies or those watching their budgets: it's completely free with a Google account. Guards can access their schedules from any smartphone, tablet, or computer without needing special software. This universal accessibility is particularly valuable in an industry where not all employees may have access to paid software licenses.

Microsoft Excel requires either a Microsoft 365 subscription or a one-time software purchase. However, many established companies already have Microsoft 365 licenses, making Excel readily available at no additional cost. The mobile Excel app does exist, though some users find Google Sheets more intuitive on smaller screens.

Power and Functionality: Excel's Strength

When scheduling becomes complex—tracking certifications, calculating overtime, managing pay differentials for various sites, or creating intricate formulas—Excel's advanced capabilities become invaluable. Excel handles larger datasets more efficiently, offers more sophisticated conditional formatting options, and provides powerful analytical tools through features like pivot tables and advanced macros. For companies managing hundreds of guards across multiple locations, Excel's processing power and feature depth can be essential.

Google Sheets covers basic to intermediate spreadsheet needs admirably but may struggle with very large schedules or highly complex formulas that Excel handles smoothly.

Practical Features for Security Scheduling

Both platforms support color-coding shifts, creating dropdown menus for site assignments, setting up automated alerts, and building templates for recurring schedules. Google Sheets integrates seamlessly with Google Calendar, allowing supervisors to push schedules directly to guards' calendars. Excel integrates well with Outlook and other Microsoft products, beneficial for companies already invested in that ecosystem.

Google Sheets' commenting and suggestion features facilitate communication directly within the schedule, guards can request shift swaps, and supervisors can approve or deny without leaving the spreadsheet. Excel offers similar functionality through Microsoft 365, though many find Google's interface more straightforward.

Version Control and Change Tracking

Google Sheets automatically saves every change and maintains a complete version history, allowing supervisors to see exactly who modified what and when. This audit trail is invaluable when disputes arise about schedule changes or when you need to recover accidentally deleted information.

Excel through Microsoft 365 offers version history, but standalone Excel files require manual saving and version management, which can lead to lost work or confusion about which file is current.

Offline Access Considerations

Security operations can't always rely on consistent internet connectivity. Excel's traditional strength is offline functionality—you can work on schedules anywhere, anytime, without an internet connection. Google Sheets requires internet for most functions, though limited offline editing is available if set up in advance. For supervisors who frequently work in areas with poor connectivity, Excel may be the more reliable choice.

The Verdict: Choose Based on Your Needs

For small to medium security operations prioritizing accessibility, real-time updates, and budget consciousness, Google Sheets is likely the better choice. Its collaboration features are unmatched, and the zero cost makes it accessible to companies of any size.

For larger operations dealing with complex scheduling scenarios, extensive data analysis, or working within a Microsoft-centric environment, Excel's power and functionality justify the investment. Its robust features handle sophisticated scheduling demands that would strain Google Sheets.

Many savvy security supervisors actually use both: Google Sheets for the live, day-to-day schedule that guards access constantly, and Excel for complex payroll calculations, historical data analysis, and long-term planning that requires advanced features.

Ultimately, the best tool is the one your team will consistently use correctly. Consider your specific operational needs, budget constraints, technical comfort level, and collaboration requirements before making your choice. Both platforms can effectively manage security guard scheduling—the key is matching the tool to your team's workflow.

The automatic doors whoosh open and closed in an irregular rhythm. Someone forgot cranberry sauce. Someone else needs a last-minute pie. You're standing near the entrance in your security vest, watching the controlled chaos of Thanksgiving day grocery shopping, and you might be wondering how you ended up here instead of around a table with family.

But here's the thing, you're exactly where life needs you to be right now. And this moment, with all its fluorescent lighting and beeping scanners, has its own kind of grace.

You're Witnessing Humanity at Its Realest

Look at the faces coming through those doors. The stressed parent who burned the turkey and needs another one. The elderly man buying a single serving meal. The young woman grabbing ingredients to cook her first Thanksgiving dinner. You're seeing people in their unfiltered moments, rushed, grateful, desperate, relieved.

Take a second to really see them. Not just as potential shoplifters or policy violators, but as humans living their own complicated stories. That frazzled mom? You're keeping the store safe so she can fix dinner. That's not nothing.

Ground Yourself in the Sensory Details

What does this moment actually feel like? The commercial chill from the refrigerated section mixing with warmer air near the bakery. The smell of rotisserie chicken wafting from the deli. The particular squeak of cart wheels on linoleum. The garbled intercom asking for a price check on aisle seven.

These aren't distractions from your experience, they ARE your experience. Don't wait for some other, "better" moment to start being present. This is it. Feel your feet on the ground. Notice the weight of your radio on your hip. You're alive, aware, here.

Recognize Your Quiet Contribution

Your presence changes the atmosphere of this store. Because you're here, people feel safer. Parents shop a little more relaxed. Elderly customers move through the aisles with less worry. Employees handle difficult customers knowing backup is nearby.

You're not just watching for theft, you're holding space for an entire community to do what they need to do. That's a form of service as real as any volunteer work or family caregiving.

Connect in Small Ways

You have dozens of micro-opportunities today. Hold the door for someone juggling too many bags. Smile at the kid riding in the cart. Help someone find the canned yams. Tell the exhausted cashier you appreciate them working today.

These moments cost you nothing, but they anchor you in shared humanity. You're not separate from the Thanksgiving happening around you, you're woven right into it, thread by thread.

Make One Thing Special

Bring something that makes this shift feel intentional. A thermos of coffee you actually enjoy. A sandwich from home that reminds you of family. Take your break and actually savor it, don't just scroll your phone wishing you were elsewhere. Call someone you love and tell them you're thinking of them.

Claim this day as yours, even though it's not the day you would have chosen.

See the Stories You're Protecting

That elderly couple carefully selecting a small turkey? You're giving them a safe place to maintain their traditions. The college kid grabbing instant stuffing because it's their first holiday away from home? You're part of the backdrop of their growing up story. The family loading up their cart with enough food to feed fifteen people? Your watchfulness is one small thread in the fabric of their celebration.

You may not be at the table, but you're helping set dozens of them.

Find the Quiet in the Chaos

Even in a busy grocery store, there are pockets of stillness. Maybe it's during a lull between rushes. Maybe it's that weird quiet moment right at closing time. Maybe it's just the space between your thoughts when you stop resisting where you are and simply breathe.

This moment, this exact, irreplaceable, never-coming-back moment, is your life happening. Not the meal you're missing. Not the shift that will end eventually. This. Right here. Right now.

You're standing guard over something more important than merchandise. You're protecting a community's ability to gather, to feed each other, to continue the small rituals that make us human. That's not a consolation prize for missing Thanksgiving.

That's Thanksgiving itself, just wearing a different face than you expected.

Feel your breath. Feel the ground. Feel the strange privilege of being the one who shows up. You're here, you're present, and you matter.

Happy Thanksgiving, guardian of the aisles. Your table might look different, but you're still at the feast.