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Security Officer

The position of Security Officer can be performed in a wide variety of locations including hospitals, hotels, warehouses and retail establishments. The job may include shift work: day, evening or night work. An interesting variant of this job title is as Transportation Security Officer for the federal government providing counter-terrorism services at airports.

Here are some common duties that help to define the roles of security officers. Here are a few to consider:

Preventing security issues is one of the most important goals of security officers because they play a defensive rather than offensive role when it comes to securing the property and maintaining safety for the public. Unlike police officers, security officers' duties do not include offensive tactics, such as detaining assailants or apprehending criminals. Instead, security officers can take preventative measures to deter crime, including trespassing and burglaries. That's why it's critical for private security company managers to prioritize preventative measures and to teach security prevention best practices to their personnel. Your security officers must also be visible and observant to help prevent intrusion and crime from occurring on the property.

Security officers are also expected to observe the environment they are protecting. This can be accomplished by setting and monitoring equipment and building controls. It's also important for security officers to report incidents by completing detailed reports. These reports may include any surveillance activity, occurrences, observations, witness statements and signatures, and interviews that took place during an incident. To enhance these measures, a guard tour solution that includes software that provides accurate data regarding security officers' whereabouts can be instrumental for reporting and observation purposes.

Responsibility that your security personnel must achieve. It's crucial to control a situation in progress and prevent matters from escalating when possible. That's why it's key for security officers to be alert and know when to call for help when the situaton gets out of control.

To maintain the safety of the public and to keep everyone and the property secure, it's vital for security officers to communicate as effectively and efficiently as possible. Communication can take form in a variety of ways, including verbally expressing and enforcing the rules and procedures for guests to enter on the premises of a gated apartment complex, explaining procedures for checking hazardous material prior to entrance in a lobby or Responding to an incident quickly and in the right way is important.

Job Description

Administering first aid in the case of an emergency. Communication also calls for alerting the appropriate government officials or authorities when a crime occurs and directing traffic when necessary.

  • Secure safety and security of people in their designated area
  • Access control points and alarms
  • Physicallypatrol designated area
  • Act as first responder in emergency and non-emergency situations
  • May or may not carry a firearm
  • Comply with local, state and federal regulations

Collaboration and Cooperation

Working as a team is a crucial responsibility that your security guards should accomplish. This is especially important so that all of your security guards are practicing the same safety protocols no matter who is on duty. Cooperation among security team members can also call for relying on technology, such as guard patrol control systems, to ensure everyone is where they belong when securing the perimeter and other areas of the property.

Education

High School diploma or GED

CLEET certification desired or enrolled in CLEET classes

Unarmed Security License may or may not be required

Experience

  • Previous experience in security, law enforcement or military a plus
  • Familiarity with security equipment

Salary

$12-$17 per hour, more for federal government Transportation Security Administration

Career Progression

A Security Officer may progress to a Police Officer or join the Military. The job of Security Officer is a growth industry. As security becomes more of an issue, the importance of those entrusted to provide security expands accordingly.

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Last Modified on Mar 15, 2023
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