Security guards --- why do business establishments allow them to multi-task?

The only example that I can think of is at the bingo hall that I used to go to. There was always a police officer there, but you would never know it. He would always sit in the back of the hall typically reading a book or something like that. The way that I finally discovered that it was in the fact that I saw my best friend's father back there several times and I knew that he was a police officer. I think that it was good that they were there though because so much money goes through that place.

I've never noticed this in the US. However, I wondered, "Why not, if you can get them to do that."

I have noticed security guards many times and was thiking to start a discussion about them for a long time. It is sad that the secuirity guards are asked to clean tables in a resturant. That is not their job. I haven't seen such an incident till now. I honestly think that the job of a security guard is very easy. But, the only difficult thing about their job is that they have long working shifts.

Hi moneymakingtoday! A security guard should just do jobs related to their job description which I think cleaning tasks are not included. Protecting the establishment and the people inside it is not an easy task. They also risk their life everyday. Then why should they be having other tasks besides the one they should really do. So it could also be.... The waiter or the cashier could do the guarding task while the guard cleans the tables. hahaha .. Happy mylotting!

Yup, I see them too. I think is one effect of the streaming of service crews in fast food chains. These guards though cannot do anything but to obey the new policies this establishments had implemented. Its either do it or lose your job thing. I know its not appropriate for them to clean tables but thats the way management is keeping their stores open.

With the name "security guards", they should not do multitasking activities. The purpose of their presence is for security not for something else. Now if, the reason for doing another job such as cleaning the table has connection to the security of the establishment or the people around, well there's no problems on it. We should have to determine what's the reason behind this. Did those guards take orders from their superiors?, or, they are just doing those jobs because of the sense of kindness,or, they might just get bored in their duties as guards,and they are just making some extra activities as their form of past time activities. If the guards just do this jobs because of personal intentions,such as being kind to other employees,or just to have an extra activities to avoid getting bored, well, there's nothing wrong about it,if the area is not really prone in danger and those guards makes sure that it will not affect greatly their works as guards. If the guards do these jobs because of the system that, they are required by the management to do different task besides from guarding the establishments, well this not a healthy scenario considering that the guards might affect their duty as security guards. It should not be tolerated. The first condition is acceptable considering that the guards has options to do some extra works if he wants,providing him to estimate when to do the works or not to do the works,thus, still he can serve and response to any emergencies. The second condition makes the guard pressured, and make him double his attention to two matters; guarding and doing some other task because it was being required by the management,thus making him less effective in responding in any emergencies.

I too notice some establishments allow guards to do other tasks. Yes, I've seen one also clean tables. At times, there were also security guards in banks who are helpful when it comes to filling out forms because there's no one else to ask. I actually don't know what to say about it. On one hand, their job is to maintain security in the area and it would be difficult if they are doing other tasks. Also, I think that a moment the guard is doing something else, it would be a crucial time as there might be people who will take advantage of the situation. On the other hand, I think guards usually work 12 hours a shift in our country. It's quite a boring job and I guess doing something else at times would help keep their sanity and maybe even keep them from noticing the tiredness of standing up for hours.

Yes, i also observed guards doing or assisting in other tasks in establishments where they are assigned. My reaction on this is, security guards are vital in assuring safety to customers or clients or employees and they should only focus on their duties and responsibilities as guards.