When you think about a security guard, you may think of an individual with a uniform and being firm and well-built and sometimes bearing a weapon in their hands. In India, almost all commercial spaces and residential societies appoint a security guard despite having other security systems in place like a CCTV camera, vandalism alarms, etc. This is because no technology can replace the need for a security guard. 

Being a security guard is a challenging job, and it requires you to carry out special duties and it requires specific skills. In this write-up, we discuss all about security jobs. 

First, let us understand who is a security guard?

A security guard is an individual who patrols and inspects against various threat to the human and property like vandalism, fire, terrorism, theft, and illegal activities. The primary task of a security guard is to monitor people and property, ensure their safety and prevent crime and damages. 

Duties and responsibilities of a security guard

Depending on the workplace, the duties, and responsibilities of a security personnel change. However, in general, they carry out the following duties. 

•     Protect the building and the occupants and enforce law
•     Monitor the alarms and CCTV systems
•     Control and restrict access within for employees, visitors, and outsiders
•     Conduct a thorough security checks 
•     Prevent unsolicited visits within the building
•     Detain criminal violators
•     Check the credentials of the vehicles entering and leaving the building premises
•     Do crowd control
•     Maintain order at all times

Skills required to be a security guard

When you think of security jobs in Mumbai, you may think it is too easy as it requires you to stand guard on the premises. However, the truth is, it is a very challenging and responsible job, and it requires you to have several skills, apart from being physically strong and mentally tough. 

•     Be able to operate and handle different types of arms and safety equipment
•     Have a valid license to operate and use the arms when required
•     Be aware of the various security-related laws
•     Good communication skills. You must be polite yet firm with everyone
•     Think critically and have the ability to make quick decisions, especially during an emergency
•     Good judgement qualities during potentially dangerous situations
•     Work independently and in a team
•     Be able to follow and give orders correctly during a threat

What are some of the job titles for security jobs?

Different organisations have different designations for the security personnel, most used titles are:

•     Security officer
•     Security guard
•     Protection officer

Places where you can find a job as a security guard

Almost all business entities and residential premises require security guards to safeguard the inhabitants and the building. So, if you are looking for a job as a security, you can find job in:

•     Public places like airports, railway stations, malls, cinema halls, etc. 
•     Cruise ships
•     Be a personal security guard to VIPs, celebrities
•     Commercial buildings like corporate offices, amusement parks, public monuments, bank, etc

Final Word

Now that you know about the different aspects of security guard jobs, if you are looking to pursue a job in the field, make sure that you focus on developing your skills and you will surely find the job you want. 

The question, ‘Should a criminal defendant testify?’ has brought up numerous debates on how it alters the trajectory of criminal cases in courts. Some insist that it is not a good idea, while others believe it is excellent. Though accused of a crime, a criminal defendant has the right to either testify or not in a case. Should a defendant refuse to testify, it will not be held against them and cannot be used as an inference of guilt. However, the fact that a defendant can testify does not always make it a viable idea.

However, getting a little information about criminal cases can help many change their minds on this issue.

Criminal Defendants are Innocent until Proven Guilty

All criminal defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty. As simple as the statement is, the prosecution has to prove that a criminal is guilty beyond any reasonable doubt. Proving guilt involves calling witnesses to testify against the criminal defendant. In most cases, the defendant’s testimony adds very little ‘power’ to prove the defendant’s guilt. 

The Defendant’s Testimony can be Detrimental

Criminal defense lawyers often advise their clients against testifying in court. This is so because the defendants may bring up evidence that might go against them in some cases. Once a defendant agrees to testify, they open themselves up to having prior bad deeds used as evidence against them. The jury may take up these misdeeds, which might be unrelated to the crime, to conclude that the defendant committed the crime in question. 

A defendant has the right not to testify

Indeed, according to many state laws, the defendant reserves the right not to testify. The defendant’s choice not to testify cannot be held against them in any court of law, and the jury cannot use it to infer that the defendant is guilty. The defendant remains innocent until proven guilty, even when they refuse to testify. 

Why a Defendant Should Not Testify

A criminal trial can be highly stressful, with so much being investigated in detail. Many defendants fail to handle the stress well and end up agitated or nervous. Even when they are not guilty, the jury might wrongfully interpret their body language as signs of guilt and further use them in their verdict. Criminal defendants always have little to no experience in testifying, unlike the police, who are trained to do so. Cross-examination is often a difficult situation, especially where a zealous prosecutor has undergone training to draw out information from criminal defendants. 

The idea of criminal defendants testifying is not a walk in the park. The guidance of their attorneys plays a vital role in determining whether they should testify or not. However, the defendant has the right to decide whether to testify or not. In most cases, defendants should refrain from testifying in court as it has the potential to bring up issues and new evidence against them, putting them at a higher risk of losing the case. With all these in mind, should a criminal defendant testify?