What is difference between a watchman and a security guard? A watchman is a historical term for the person who keeps an eye on an area designated to him. A security guard is an advanced version that aims to protect and secure the designated area. An armed security guard is another equipped version of a security guard.
Key differences
- Training
- Registration
- Card
- Legal authority
- Response to Emergency
- Role
Training
A watchman generally gets no training. He is employed to keep an eye on the area. His working hours are often at night or when there is less movement of people. There is a likelihood of theft, vandalism, and other illegal activities.
A security guard gets proper formal training as directed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). This training includes various subjects, such as Public relations, mass psychology, crowd control, etc. He is also instructed on how to perform in emergency situations. Basic first aid and handling of emergency situations are part of security guard training. He provides personal security guard services.
Registration
A watchman is a community—and individual-based service. Generally, a community or an individual hires a watchman to observe the area’s security. No proper registration process is involved in hiring a watchman, except to inform the local police station or law enforcement.
A security guard cannot perform his duty unless he is registered with the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). This bureau processes the application submitted by the aspirant. When the necessary procedures are completed, he is registered with the bureau.
Card
A card bearing the name and registration with employment status is issued to the person who performs a specific job. No bureau issues a watchman card to any watchman.
When his registration process is complete, a security guard receives his security guard card. This card enables him to apply for security jobs and is authentic documentation regarding his profession, competence, and qualification as a guard.
Legal Authority
A watchman has limited legal authority compared to a security guard. Though a watchman’s role is similar to a security guard’s role up to some extent, when it comes to legal authority, a watchman has less authority than a security guard. For example, a security guard can detain a person, but a watchman cannot. Security guards fall in the commercial security guard services category.
Response To The Emergency
Response to an emergency for a watchman is not a role to perform. He is supposed to perform observatory and protection duty, but to expect him to respond in an emergency is not a rational approach. He is not trained to perform in crisis-like situations.
A security guard is trained to respond to an emergency and has first aid training. He can handle an emergency better than a watchman.
Role
A watchman’s role is to protect the area. He is an observatory. A security guard is an intermediary between people and law enforcement. He observes and reports. He makes arrests and detains till the law enforcement members come.
Final words
What is difference between a watchman and a security guard?There is a significant difference between them. Apparently, both play their roles for protection. But the role of a security guard is more extensive and encompasses the realm of safety, too. California Security Service is a key security provider. Our guards are highly trained and experienced. Our services also cover fire watch security guard service.