More than just a security guard

Security guards range from the night watchmen to personal bodyguards and daytime security personnel who lurk diligently at different premises.More often than not, regular people tend to ignore security guards and barely greet or give them the classic nod of nothingness. Patrick Nkurikiye, a security guard at the Ministry of Justice, says their role extends beyond securing premises. “We are responsible for availing basic information to clients who necessarily don’t require to enter the office premises and talk to a staff member,” Nkurikiye says adding, “…and we make it easy for those that have appointments by directing them to where they should go as well as restoring calm whenever there is disorder.”However, Nkurikiye says it is uncommon for people to politely treat or even greet them, unless they know them personally. “When something goes wrong, we are the ones that are shouted at first,” he says. Jacky Kanyange, a resident of Kicukiro, attributes her secure home environment to the silent but professional work of her night watchman.“These are people that could do anything to you at night but they don’t. Why not treat them with respect just like they do when you are away or at your home?” Kanyange said.Hellen Mukiza a shop owner at Union Trade Centre, says the time to hire guards has come, as more rogues are roaming residential areas in search for places to rob.“With today’s tough economic reality, a lot of desperate people and angry men can be scary and threatening towards our lives and property. So the role of a guard extends to protecting our lives, indirectly. They should be respected more,” Mukiza said.The presence of security guards silently patrolling the premises cannot get any better than making the average home and premise secure from robbers and potential people who might disturb the peace of your home, family and world premises.