4 answers
4 answers
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Hi Lonnie,
The responsibilities of a Security Officer can vary from employer to employer. There are also many positions within security so it really depends on what you want and what company you work for.
Security Officer:
-Protect an employer’s property and enforce laws.
-Monitor closed-circuit TV cameras and monitor alarms.
-Respond to emergencies.
-Control visitor and employee building access.
-Conduct security checks for specified areas.
-Complete briefings (end of shift notes) on anything they observed while on duty.
-Complete security reports (on company policy and/or local law violations)
Security positions can also branch out to other areas (Investigations, Security Dispatcher, Fire Safety Director, etc.). It all depends on what you want out of the role and any additional responsibilities you may seek. The one thing you should ALWAYS ask, during an interview, is "Are their growth opportunities within Security/and organization?" and "What are they?"
Overall, depending on the company you work for, this profession is amazingly rewarding and worthwhile. Ultimately, as with any opportunity, it all depends on you! What do you want from the role and what effort are you willing to put in to it?
Good luck!
The responsibilities of a Security Officer can vary from employer to employer. There are also many positions within security so it really depends on what you want and what company you work for.
Security Officer:
-Protect an employer’s property and enforce laws.
-Monitor closed-circuit TV cameras and monitor alarms.
-Respond to emergencies.
-Control visitor and employee building access.
-Conduct security checks for specified areas.
-Complete briefings (end of shift notes) on anything they observed while on duty.
-Complete security reports (on company policy and/or local law violations)
Security positions can also branch out to other areas (Investigations, Security Dispatcher, Fire Safety Director, etc.). It all depends on what you want out of the role and any additional responsibilities you may seek. The one thing you should ALWAYS ask, during an interview, is "Are their growth opportunities within Security/and organization?" and "What are they?"
Overall, depending on the company you work for, this profession is amazingly rewarding and worthwhile. Ultimately, as with any opportunity, it all depends on you! What do you want from the role and what effort are you willing to put in to it?
Good luck!
Thank You, Steven! Just trying to get information filled in, have a great weekend, and so on!
Lonnie
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hi Lonnie,
It depends on what level of security guard and what type of company or facility you are charged with protecting. You could be stationed in a security booth working with access control and video surveillance technology all day or you could be a rover moving from checkpoint to checkpoint interacting with customers or employees helping with badge access, directions, lost and found, etc. You could also be armed vs unarmed which requires some additional training and licensing.
The important thing to know about a security guard role is that it can be repetitive so you need to be focused on how a specific security guard role will grow your career down the line and think of it as one step on a ladder. Don't get discouraged and use your downtime wisely to listen to educational webinars that will help you grow and get to the next level. Some guard roles within companies can also turn into full-time roles with your client so build those versatile soft skills, smile and be cordial always.
Think about what industries you would like to protect (e.g., retail, hospitality, sports, government buildings, etc.)
Search for a guard role that you prefer--stationed in a booth vs a rover, armed vs unarmed, etc.
Make a plan for how the security guard role will help you on your career path
Find ways to maximize your time and growth with educational webinars or learning from a mentor on-site
It depends on what level of security guard and what type of company or facility you are charged with protecting. You could be stationed in a security booth working with access control and video surveillance technology all day or you could be a rover moving from checkpoint to checkpoint interacting with customers or employees helping with badge access, directions, lost and found, etc. You could also be armed vs unarmed which requires some additional training and licensing.
The important thing to know about a security guard role is that it can be repetitive so you need to be focused on how a specific security guard role will grow your career down the line and think of it as one step on a ladder. Don't get discouraged and use your downtime wisely to listen to educational webinars that will help you grow and get to the next level. Some guard roles within companies can also turn into full-time roles with your client so build those versatile soft skills, smile and be cordial always.
Jason recommends the following next steps:
Updated
James’s Answer
Lonnie
Most of my career has been in the role of commissioned police officer. In that role I have taken on the duties of a security officer in both private locations including hotels, hospitals,nightclubs and private apartments. Sometimes duties include making rounds using a time clock ( not fun, too rigid a schedule for safety reasons and boring). Other times it has been securing either premises or events Each had their up’s and downs. The pay is much better as an armed, licensed security officer. If being a certified police officer is not your priority then seek out reputable companies who have been around a while and offer training. It’s invaluable in today’s environment. Also keep in mind as a contract officer it usually means in or out , rain or shine you are expected to do what they want done Just make sure what you’re exact duties will be but go get the training either way. I know a lot of security officers that went on to become commissioned officers for some agency or even open their own company. Anything is possible if you are dedicated to your goals
Most of my career has been in the role of commissioned police officer. In that role I have taken on the duties of a security officer in both private locations including hotels, hospitals,nightclubs and private apartments. Sometimes duties include making rounds using a time clock ( not fun, too rigid a schedule for safety reasons and boring). Other times it has been securing either premises or events Each had their up’s and downs. The pay is much better as an armed, licensed security officer. If being a certified police officer is not your priority then seek out reputable companies who have been around a while and offer training. It’s invaluable in today’s environment. Also keep in mind as a contract officer it usually means in or out , rain or shine you are expected to do what they want done Just make sure what you’re exact duties will be but go get the training either way. I know a lot of security officers that went on to become commissioned officers for some agency or even open their own company. Anything is possible if you are dedicated to your goals
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hello Lonnie,
Nice to meet you!
I am personally not a Security Guard, but I do know people who are.
It can be a rewarding career in terms of making people feel safe through public safety. Depending on the location you are monitoring, it can require long hours of standing and travelling to other locations. Also, you will see and meet lots of people from all walks of life, which makes it a good avenue for networking and learning from others.
Hope this information was helpful to you and wish you the best of luck in your career journey!
Kind regards,
Jennifer Bari
Nice to meet you!
I am personally not a Security Guard, but I do know people who are.
It can be a rewarding career in terms of making people feel safe through public safety. Depending on the location you are monitoring, it can require long hours of standing and travelling to other locations. Also, you will see and meet lots of people from all walks of life, which makes it a good avenue for networking and learning from others.
Hope this information was helpful to you and wish you the best of luck in your career journey!
Kind regards,
Jennifer Bari
Heyy , Jennifer, it's a pleasure having you reply to my question. It seems like security might be too much for this 22-year-old here . Thank You! :) People might be nicer in Canada so ill have to go check that out lol. THANK YOU AGAIN JENNIFER !
Lonnie
You're very welcome Lonnie :)
Jennifer Bari
SO KIND AND SWEET
Lonnie
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