THE age of security guards that are employed by private security firms ranges from the late 20s all the way to the 70s.Many of these guards are from former military and paramilitary backgrounds, and are thought to bring the appropriate skills to an occupation that requires being disciplined, prompt, punctual, alert and responsible, given the critically precise nature of the profession.
But specifically, one will find security guards mostly in the 50 to 70 age group in the service of these firms, as they are perceived to be more matured, dedicated, and reliable than their younger counterparts.
But should very aged persons, irrespective of their commitment, be employed as security guards, especially being assigned alone to locations that are rated high risk? This question may be considered contradictory, given the reasons alluded to above, as to the reasons for such   employment consideration in the first instance.
However, the recent death of an aged security guard, set upon and brutally battered by assailants at his worksite in New Amsterdam, again highlights this issue.  One must hasten to be objective, and the fact is that security guards of various ages, some much younger, have been found murdered at worksites, particularly in this millennium. The case of a young female guard killed at the Uncle Eddie’s home, some years ago, is recalled.
Given the fact that aged guards would be less able-bodied in most cases, perhaps less alert, too, it would make good and rational sense for such a guard to be accompanied by another colleague. An observation was made that in all the cases where security guards have met tragic ends, they were the sole persons at their locations. This leads to the inevitable questions concerning the type of site to be protected, and the guard assigned.
It is a given that sites where there are on-going construction works, and those that are repositories for storage of materials, are natural targets for criminal attacks. It necessitates that these areas be properly secured and brightly illuminated, and that they be assigned appropriately armed guards, since the latter is going to be the first-line target in any robbery attempt. But such is far from the reality, and a   survey of such places will reveal that those requirements are either not met wholly, or are partially observed, or not at all.
How rational is it to place an inappropriately-armed single guard at a location where, for example, he/she is responsible for the safe-keeping of multi-million dollars worth of materials/goods? This is fodder for any criminal.
Another instance is referred to, of a guard who lost his life at an East Coast worksite a few years ago. Not only did the location store a significant quantity of material, but it was also improperly lit. Not so long ago, his widow reported in the media as to the difficult times she has been experiencing in providing for their five surviving children since his murder.
It is manifestly unfair to the particular guard, whom it seems was assumed to have been endowed with superpowers: Expecting him/her to defend against deadly attacks, while in the process of ensuring protection of the particular locale, is unconscionable. It is a non-starter for proper and efficient security, and renders that guard defenceless and open to being fatally harmed.  What resistance can an unarmed guard offer to criminal attacks, where guns, cutlasses, iron bars, etc. are used?
The brutal death of this septuagenarian security guard must serve as every good reason for all private security firms to re-examine their  security strategic plans, which must include the welfare of those guards whose lives are at  great risk each  time they are on duty. It must be emphasised that sites are now attacked by criminals with murderous intentions, and rarely by petty thieves. But even they can kill, once obstructed in the execution of their criminal act.
Finally, this editorial is not about discriminating against aged security guards, since there are practically varied social circumstances why so many of them are employed.  In fact, they bring a work ethic that should be emulated by their much younger counterparts.  But, as in the case of Frederick Minty, who so valiantly fought off his attackers at their initial attempt, had another guard been there, they may not have returned, much less to commit murder.