Working Conditions for Security guards and gaming surveillance officersMost security guards and gaming surveillance officers spend considerable time on their feet, either assigned to a specific post or patrolling buildings and grounds. Guards may be stationed at a guard desk inside a building to monitor electronic security and surveillance devices or to check the credentials of persons entering or leaving the premises. They also may be stationed at a guardhouse outside the entrance to a gated facility or community and use a portable radio or cellular telephone that allows them to be in constant contact with a central station. The work usually is routine, but guards must be constantly alert for threats to themselves and the property they are protecting. Guards who work during the day may have a great deal of contact with other employees and members of the public. Gaming surveillance often takes place behind a bank of monitors controlling several cameras in a casino, which can cause eyestrain. Guards usually work at least 8-hour shifts for 40 hours per week and often are on call in case an emergency arises. Some employers have three shifts, and guards rotate to equally divide daytime, weekend, and holiday work. Guards usually eat on the job instead of taking a regular break away from the site. More than 1 in 7 guards worked part time, and many individuals held a second job as a guard to supplement their primary earnings. More information on Security guards and gaming surveillance officers from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Security guards and gaming surveillance officers occupation Number of Security guards and gaming surveillance officers in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Security guards and gaming surveillance officers Working conditions for Security guards and gaming surveillance officers Significant points for Security guards and gaming surveillance officers Training requirements for Security guards and gaming surveillance officers Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |