Who Are The Guards Who Do The ATMs?

Who are the guards who do the ATMs and how can you become one of them?

When you’re out and about and you may have noticed some security guards loading copious amounts of cash in and out of the ATMs. They’re often in armoured vehicles and they are sometimes armed too.

You may have wondered who these guards are? What training do they have? And what exactly do they do?

Who are those guards?

The guards who do the ATMs are called Cash-in-Transit guards and they are a type of trained security guard with a speciality in the transportation of cash and valuables.

Their primary duty is to safely transport these assets between various locations, such as banks, ATMs, businesses, and financial institutions.

Cash-in-transit guards typically work for private security firms that provide CIT services to clients. Often equipped with armoured vehicles, these guards adhere to strict security protocols and are highly trained in self-defence techniques to ensure the safety of both the valuable cargo and themselves.

They are trained to handle potential threats, such as robberies or attacks, and use surveillance systems and communication devices to maintain constant contact with their base and law enforcement agencies.

The presence of cash-in-transit guards serves as a deterrent to criminals and provides peace of mind to businesses and financial institutions, knowing that their valuable assets are in capable and secure hands during transit.

Where do they work?

Cash-in-transit (CIT) guards work in a variety of settings where the secure transportation of valuable assets is required. Their primary workplace is often in the transportation industry, employed by private security companies that specialise in providing CIT services. These guards are commonly seen operating in armoured trucks, which are specifically designed to protect the valuable cargo they transport.

CIT guards typically work for businesses, financial institutions, banks, and ATM management companies, where the movement of cash and other high-value items is frequent and critical. They may also be involved in transporting valuable items for jewellers, retail stores, casinos, art galleries and other establishments with significant cash flow or valuable and delicate items.

CIT guards’ expertise ensures that valuable assets are transported securely and that the risk of theft or other security breaches is minimised, making them an essential component of the security infrastructure in various industries.

What do they do?

Cash-in-transit (CIT) guards are responsible for the safe and secure transportation of valuable assets, primarily cash, between different locations. Their primary duty is to ensure the protection of the valuable cargo they are entrusted with during transit. Here are some specific tasks that cash-in-transit guards typically perform:

Secure Transportation: CIT guards are responsible for loading and unloading cash and other valuable items into armored vehicles for transportation. They carefully follow established protocols to minimize the risk of theft or unauthorized access during the process.
Security Checks: Before embarking on their routes, CIT guards conduct thorough security checks on their vehicles to ensure that all security features are functional, such as locking systems, alarms, and communication devices.
Vigilance and Alertness: CIT guards maintain a high level of vigilance throughout their journeys, constantly assessing their surroundings for any potential security threats or suspicious activities.
Emergency Response: In the event of an attempted robbery or security breach, CIT guards are trained to respond quickly and effectively. They may use defensive tactics, communication devices, or alarm systems to alert authorities and protect the valuable cargo.

Coordination with Law Enforcement: CIT guards are in constant communication with their base and, where necessary, law enforcement agencies, providing updates on their location and any potential security concerns.
Client Interaction: CIT guards often interact with clients and employees at various locations during their stops, maintaining a professional and courteous demeanor while ensuring the safety of the cash-handling process.

The role of cash-in-transit guards is vital in maintaining the integrity of cash movements and protecting valuable assets, instilling confidence in businesses, financial institutions, and the public that their funds are being transported securely.

How do you become a Cash-in-transit guard?

Cash-in-transit guards must complete a combination of certificates and skillsets to gain their licences and work in the industry.

The courses

As cash-in-transit guards are security guards they need to complete the basic security guard training first – Certificate II in Security Operations. This course is taught in a face-to-face intensive workshop. The length of the course depends on the location in which you are studying and the state or territory requirements, but it takes either two or three weeks to complete this intensive course.

In the course students are taken through theoretical and practical skills that will help them to excel as a security guard. You can learn more about the course here.

Once you have completed this course you can apply for a security licence but to add Cash-in-transit to your licence you’ll need to complete an additional course.

The Cash-in-Transit skill set is essential for cash-in-transit guards. In the course you are taught how to inspect and test industry specific equipment, how to implement security procedures and how to safely and discreetly load and unload valuables.

The cash-in-transit skill set course is taught over one day in an intensive, in-person workshop. As many cash-in-transit guards must also be armed on the job, it’s a great idea to also complete the security firearms training so that you can apply for an occupational firearms licence.

The firearms and defensive tactics course is the required course for guards to be able to apply for this extra licence.

The course delivery and licence requirements will vary depending on the state or territory where you are working but in Queensland, the course goes for one week in an accelerated workshop. In the course you will learn both theory and practice of safely using a firearm as a security guard. The course includes time at firing range with live weapons. You can learn more about the course here.

Final thoughts

Cash-in-transit guards are highly-trained, specialised security guards who serve a very specific role in our society keeping cash and valuables safe. It’s a specialised role that many security guards aspire to move into.

If you’re interested in knowing more about becoming a cash-in-transit guard you can check out the course here or get in touch with us.