When you think of a security guard you probably imagine someone in a military-style uniform, complete with two-way radio and possibly some form of weapon such as a truncheon. However, there are different types of security jobs, all of which require a different type of attire, depending on where, and when, the work takes place.

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Although we tend to think of security personnel as being akin to the police or military, they actually have very few formal powers. According to a report in the Independent, in 2011 Scotland Yard granted a number of security guards a limited range of police powers to combat petty crime in and around Victoria train and coach stations, but generally security personnel have very little real authority. This is one reason why uniform is so important, as it creates the impression of authority, even where none exists.

In general, security uniforms can be divided into four distinct categories, as follows:

1 Casual wear

Security personnel working in office environments such as IT, for example, don’t usually have to worry about chasing criminals, and therefore their uniforms tend to be casual affairs. Casual trousers and shirts, or even T-shirts, are perfectly acceptable for these types of security workers, although a company logo helps to create a more institutional appearance.

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2 Smart wear

Bouncers and other security personnel working in shops, pubs and clubs need to create an altogether smarter impression. For this type of work, smart suits are the order of the day, with shirts and ties in either white or black, as these help to create an authoritarian look. Many people in this industry also include a body worn camera as part of their uniform, as these can be invaluable in the case of legal action by customers. Suitable equipment can be found from companies such as https://www.pinnacleresponse.com/.

3 Military wear

In government sectors, security personnel tend to adopt a more military style, with epaulettes, security patches and badges on jackets and shirts. These all help to convey a stronger message to the public, implying a greater level of authority.

4 Construction site wear

Building sites are full of potential hazards, and so all security personnel working on construction sites need to wear PPE, such as hard hats, hi-viz clothing and safety footwear. They usually carry high-beam torches too, particularly when working at night.