What specific job duties does a security officer do?

Question

I am interested in becoming a security officer but I want to know what exactly I'll be doing on the job before I apply. The more specific you can be the better. If you can give me "for examples" and tell me actual job duties you perform that would be best. I am most interested in an observational/patrol type job during the graveyard shift. Do such security jobs exist?

Answer 1

Depends on where you're working.

For example: if you're working security for a factory or warehouse you will be walking a lot, maybe driving a golf cart if lucky, checking doors every few hours, watching the cars in the parking lots, maybe even be responsible for checking in employees--check their i.d. badges, what they're carrying with them, even their vehicles in some cases.

For example: if you're hired as a private security detail, then you'll be basically bodyguarding someone, though often you don't even see them, you're just part of an entourage.

For example: the patrol type job you're describing, atleast as far as ours goes, means you drive around to a designated # of sites and follow whatever procedures are required for each site: some just require you to drive by a certain # of times per night, others you will have to leave your car and walk a route, checking those doors ofcourse, and still others will just require you to check in with a guard on duty at that site. Almost all patrol jobs use radios or phones to check in with various sites during the night. There will be quite a bit of paperwork, but usually not too involved unless there's a problem. You will need to know codes, legal rights, how to physically defend yourself, etc. but there should be some kind of class offered by whatever company you apply with.

For example: most security firms do apartment complexes or housing developments where you have to deal with tenants, enforcing curfews, getting offenders reported to the management and local authorities, watching for maintnance problems and notifying the right people.

You may do security at a construction site, or a school, or a hospital. You may sit behind a desk all day or drive around all night or walk a mile of doors everyday. You may carry a gun or spray or handcuffs. They're all different.

There are lots of types of sites you can work at. What credentials you'll need and what duties you'll have to perform depend on the company, state, and site.

Answer 2

Security Jobs Duties

Answer 3

Its hard to answer your question directly as different security companies have different policies regarding promotions and what backgrounds they want. There is no gurantee an off duty cop or police cadet will get promoted to a supervisory security position. It depends on the individual person. Also each company has different policies so some may hire supervisors directly, while other it may take a year or two, or maybe a few months. The security industry is too broad to consider all the factors. The best way to get promoted is just do the best job you can. Probably police cadets and police officers are more driven and do a better job then ones that are not. So its their job performance and attitude that got them the promotion, not their status with the police department.

Answer 4

There are many different types of security officer jobs. Many people use the term officer and guard synonymously. That is appropriate in some cases. However, security personnel are sometimes referred to as guards when practically all that is required of the person is to sit at a post, and sound an alarm or "observe and report". However many security officers are required to do much more than that. In today's word, security officers are often expected to act as police patrol officers in some ways. For example, security officers are often expected to be proactive and interact with the community or business that they work for, be a deterrent to crime, make apprehensions, and write thorough reports in ways similar to police officers. If you want to become a security officer, consider jobs within the public and private sector.

Answer 5

Yes, those are possible options in Security work. There are many levels and types of security though, and the best way to know what you'll be doing is ask. Not all security assignments are the same although the previous poster mentioned the most important details of being alert and reporting what is going on (accurately).

Some companies only allow you to detect and report and under no circumstances have no physical contact with anyone. I call those types Courtesy Officers, and then there are those that actually enforce law, policies, etc on client property all the way up to making arrests, sometimes involving use of force and conducting investigations. That is actual security. Everything else is just perceived security.

Answer 6

They exist, but you take whatever position your employer gives you and it may well be rotating shifts.

The biggest part is standing at a post and being observant of what is happening. You need to keep detailed records of all that happens including who came and left. Checking of bags and parcels is also in. If you are on store or mall patrol, you keep an eye out for suspicious activities and call for backup or apprehend as necessary.

I suggest that if this is the carrier you want, you see if you can shadow a guard for a couple of shifts and if it still appeals, take the appropriate course at college.

Answer 7

I have been doing security for the past 6 yrs,different clients may require different things,but what they want is their premises protected&it all depends on where your site is located. I work at a condiminium,but I have worked at a parking garage&a meat plant. You have different posts where you could be standing or sitting,the standing is okay as long as you dont have to stand in one spot for 8 hrs&can walk around. I roam the premises&sit at the desk. I HOPE U HAVE A RELIEF WHO COMES ON TIME!

Answer 8

Those types of jobs do exist. Security usually walk around during their shift wishing they were police. That's what I found when dealing with any security.

Answer 9

well in general you will be in a specific place walking from place to place in the building, checking in at certain places.
Often you are sitting at a desk or security booth and watch things that pass you into a secure area.

But just to be honest each and every job will differ depending on the client .

Answer 10

A security officer oversee the overall performance of each guard by monitoring their activities, planning their shifts and personnel adminstration vis-a-vis labor laws.