What does "situational awareness" refer to for security personnel?

Situational awareness refers to being alert to one’s surroundings, which is crucial for security personnel. This concept emphasizes the ability to perceive, understand, and anticipate potential threats or unusual activities in the environment. For security guards, maintaining situational awareness allows them to identify risks before they escalate, respond effectively to emergencies, and ensure the safety of the people and property they are protecting.

While knowledge of laws, combat skills, and budget planning are important aspects of a security professional's role, they do not encapsulate the essence of situational awareness, which is fundamentally about perception and vigilance in the immediate environment. By being aware of their surroundings, security personnel can assess situations accurately, make timely decisions, and take appropriate actions to mitigate threats.