4 answers
ARIANNA
Student
Bow, Washington
2
Questions
Asked
771 views
What does a Security Officer need to learn for the job?
I am in the Security Officer trade and I want to know what I need to know.
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4 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1663
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Arianna!
A security officer needs to learn how to stay physically fit for long hours of standing and walking. They need to learn to buy the best shoes they can afford, and, how to pick out those shoes (lightweight and good support). They need to learn how to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and to stay hydrated!
Beyond that! How to write good reports. Just the facts. What you observed (see, hear, feel, touch, smell). You will need to learn to treat people with respect, but not let them walk all over you. You will need to learn to be assertive - to take control of a situation, to quell disturbances, hopefully without escalating them. You will need to develop a sense of knowing when someone is lying to you or trying to get past you. This will come with experience. You will need to be observant.
You will need to learn the laws. You will need to understand that the property owner you are working for (i.e., a bank) may have their preferred way of handling something (like, not calling the police) and this will vary from client to client. In security, you are employed by a private entity - this is different than law enforcement. However, the private entity cannot tell you to do something illegal (arrest the VP's daughter's ex-boyfriend even though he did nothing wrong!). So you will need to develop self-confidence to make these decisions, and know when to call for backup or a superior.
And of course, you will need to develop a good working relationship with clients and fellow officers.
I'm sure there's more, but, that's the basics!
A security officer needs to learn how to stay physically fit for long hours of standing and walking. They need to learn to buy the best shoes they can afford, and, how to pick out those shoes (lightweight and good support). They need to learn how to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and to stay hydrated!
Beyond that! How to write good reports. Just the facts. What you observed (see, hear, feel, touch, smell). You will need to learn to treat people with respect, but not let them walk all over you. You will need to learn to be assertive - to take control of a situation, to quell disturbances, hopefully without escalating them. You will need to develop a sense of knowing when someone is lying to you or trying to get past you. This will come with experience. You will need to be observant.
You will need to learn the laws. You will need to understand that the property owner you are working for (i.e., a bank) may have their preferred way of handling something (like, not calling the police) and this will vary from client to client. In security, you are employed by a private entity - this is different than law enforcement. However, the private entity cannot tell you to do something illegal (arrest the VP's daughter's ex-boyfriend even though he did nothing wrong!). So you will need to develop self-confidence to make these decisions, and know when to call for backup or a superior.
And of course, you will need to develop a good working relationship with clients and fellow officers.
I'm sure there's more, but, that's the basics!
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
657
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I agree with Kim.
Writing skills are definitely mandatory. You must have skills in writing and observation, and be able to articulate a story based on your observations.
These are required for any evidence or probable cause elements, which are required for law enforcement and prosecutors to make a case against a criminal suspect.
Writing skills are definitely mandatory. You must have skills in writing and observation, and be able to articulate a story based on your observations.
These are required for any evidence or probable cause elements, which are required for law enforcement and prosecutors to make a case against a criminal suspect.
Sigrid Adameit
Risk Managment III
4
Answers
Harlingen, Texas
Updated
Sigrid’s Answer
I really can't understand what you are wanting to know but, with that said I hope that I can be helpful in answering your question(s).
First and foremost be proficient in communication whether it is verbal or written is a must. A majority of our work is documentation. Documenting is KEY! You need to be able to provide physical proof if an incident happened the way you say it happened. So, whatever you do always document everything even if it seems that it is irrelevant at the time.
Knowledge of how the psychosis of a human mind works. Our mind works in mysterious way no one can explain why we do what we do. So be aware of your surroundings. Memorize what you see while you are doing your rounds. For the reason that when you come back around you might see something that you may or may not remember it being there. Be vigilant to where your exit and entry points are in case of an emergency. Make certain that you have taken some special training in martial arts or hand to hand combat and also be certified to carry a weapon. In many states (I'm from Texas) you must be 21 and certified in Firearms training. Get up to date with your First Aid Certification on emergency response whether it is a drowning, heart attack or a vehicular accident you are trained and ready to render aid.
Whatever entity you chose to work with either the Private Sector, the State Level and even the Federal level there are different rules and regulations we all must adhere by. Follow your heart and I wish you well in your endeavor of choice.
Good Luck and most important HAVE FUN!!
High school diploma or equivalent
Registered security officer
Proven experience as security officer
Helpful, courteous attitude
Certification in first aid, CPR/BLS, and self-defense
MMPI - Psychological testing, if armed or otherwise required
First and foremost be proficient in communication whether it is verbal or written is a must. A majority of our work is documentation. Documenting is KEY! You need to be able to provide physical proof if an incident happened the way you say it happened. So, whatever you do always document everything even if it seems that it is irrelevant at the time.
Knowledge of how the psychosis of a human mind works. Our mind works in mysterious way no one can explain why we do what we do. So be aware of your surroundings. Memorize what you see while you are doing your rounds. For the reason that when you come back around you might see something that you may or may not remember it being there. Be vigilant to where your exit and entry points are in case of an emergency. Make certain that you have taken some special training in martial arts or hand to hand combat and also be certified to carry a weapon. In many states (I'm from Texas) you must be 21 and certified in Firearms training. Get up to date with your First Aid Certification on emergency response whether it is a drowning, heart attack or a vehicular accident you are trained and ready to render aid.
Whatever entity you chose to work with either the Private Sector, the State Level and even the Federal level there are different rules and regulations we all must adhere by. Follow your heart and I wish you well in your endeavor of choice.
Good Luck and most important HAVE FUN!!
High school diploma or equivalent
Registered security officer
Proven experience as security officer
Helpful, courteous attitude
Certification in first aid, CPR/BLS, and self-defense
MMPI - Psychological testing, if armed or otherwise required
William Nwaogu
Construction, CAD and BIM
156
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Arianna,
You need to know about the following as a security officer.
Have a college Criminal Justice or Forensic Science qualification for management role in security.
Learn operation and administration of active security systems like - access control, surveillance camera, biometric controls, intrusion alarm, information systems security, visitor management, and emergency communication systems like two-way communication, public address and audio-visual systems.
Know security phycology or behavioral safety and investigation techniques.
Know operation of passive security systems.
Have security reporting skills.
Learn about skills for evacuation and response during emergency.
You need to know about the following as a security officer.
Have a college Criminal Justice or Forensic Science qualification for management role in security.
Learn operation and administration of active security systems like - access control, surveillance camera, biometric controls, intrusion alarm, information systems security, visitor management, and emergency communication systems like two-way communication, public address and audio-visual systems.
Know security phycology or behavioral safety and investigation techniques.
Know operation of passive security systems.
Have security reporting skills.
Learn about skills for evacuation and response during emergency.