Security Guards: daily tasks & AI impact
This page breaks Security Guards into the top 14 daily O*NET tasks and scores each for Generative AI automation probability. Those task scores roll up to an overall vulnerability index of 24/100 (Moderate automation risk). Struck-through rows are ≥80% automatable; highlighted safer rows are under 30% or primarily physical.
High-automation exposure
No task in this set currently exceeds the 80% threshold, so risk is spread across moderate probabilities rather than a few catastrophic duties.
Durable human work
This profile has little “safe” task mass under our thresholds. Workers should treat AI fluency as mandatory and actively map transferable skills into lower-risk roles.
Importance comes from O*NET incumbent ratings. Automation probability is model-generated for current Generative AI capability (not speculative AGI). Digital / physical / mixed labels describe the modality of the work, which strongly correlates with near-term automation potential.
| Task | Importance | AI probability | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings. Core | 4.92 | — | — |
| Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates. Core | 4.77 | — | — |
| Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics. Core | 4.75 | — | — |
| Answer alarms and investigate disturbances. Core | 4.73 | — | — |
| Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property. Core | 4.71 | — | — |
| Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises. Core | 4.66 | — | — |
| Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences. Core | 4.6 | — | — |
| Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary. Core | 4.56 | — | — |
| Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed. Core | 4.48 | — | — |
| Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons. Core | 4.43 | — | — |
| Operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas. Core | 4.41 | — | — |
| Inspect and adjust security systems, equipment, or machinery to ensure operational use and to detect evidence of tampering. Core | 4.17 | — | — |
| Escort or drive motor vehicle to transport individuals to specified locations or to provide personal protection. Core | 3.66 | — | — |
| Monitor and adjust controls that regulate building systems, such as air conditioning, furnace, or boiler. Supplemental | 2.84 | — | — |
What remains human
No tasks currently fall under the safe threshold for this occupation.
FAQ
Which Security Guards tasks are most exposed to AI?
No task in this set currently exceeds the 80% threshold, so risk is spread across moderate probabilities rather than a few catastrophic duties.
Which Security Guards tasks are safest from Generative AI?
This profile has little “safe” task mass under our thresholds. Workers should treat AI fluency as mandatory and actively map transferable skills into lower-risk roles.
How should I read the Security Guards task table?
Importance comes from O*NET incumbent ratings. Automation probability is model-generated for current Generative AI capability (not speculative AGI). Digital / physical / mixed labels describe the modality of the work, which strongly correlates with near-term automation potential.