A security officer (or security guard) is a person who is paid to protect property, assets, or people. They are usually privately and and mostly comprised with civilian personnel. Security officers are generally uniformed and act to protect property by maintaining a high-visibility presence to deter illegal and inappropriate actions, observing (either directly, through patrols, or by watching alarm systems or video cameras) for signs of crime, fire or disorder; then taking action and reporting any incidents to their client and emergency services as appropriate.