Security guards are often assigned additional duties outside the formal scope of their jobs that, over time, can become integrated into their regular operational tasks. For example, in a shopping mall guards may provide information desk services; on a university campus they may be responsible for lost and found; or, at a casino they may provide emergency automotive assistance.

Across the country, budgets for federal, state and local parks are taking a hit on operational expenses in an effort to reduce financial deficits. And while this usually means limited capital expenditures or no additional employees, it can also mean stepped-up measures throughout the parks to help protect premises and assets.