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What do I expect from Security and Protective services?
1: How Are the hours? Like OT, Holidays?
2: What type of education is needed to be successful?
3:How much stress is put on workers in your career
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Kelly’s Answer
Hello Jacob,
With over a decade of experience in the field, I am well-positioned to share some valuable insights based on my personal journey.
1: What's the work schedule like? Any overtime or holidays?
In my current role, our protective services operate around the clock, 24/7. This has been the case in many of my previous roles as well, as insurance and defense procedures often require a full team on duty at all times, even when a business is closed to the public. My first security job right after high school was seasonal, so holidays weren't observed. However, in most part-time or full-time, in-house (non-contractor) positions, you can expect to receive 1.5x or 2.5x the regular pay on designated holidays. The holidays that are recognized can vary significantly. For instance, my current workplace doesn't observe Veteran's Day, President's Day, MLK, Juneteenth, Columbus/Indigenous People's Day, but I know others in the field who receive extra pay for these holidays.
Regarding overtime, I've often had to stay late or come in early throughout my career. This became more frequent during the pandemic when staff retention was a challenge. This job isn't for those who prefer fixed hours and schedules. My family has been understanding, and we've often adjusted our celebrations to accommodate my work schedule, much like families of those in medical, fire, or power plant fields.
2: What educational qualifications are necessary for success?
In the public sector, state licensing is crucial. For instance, California has different levels of licensing. You can find the requirements, certification hours, etc., on the state website. https://www.bsis.ca.gov/industries/guard.shtml
In about half of my roles, CPR/AED/first aid training was a requirement. I believe every employee should be capable of performing CPR. Recently, there has been a slow but steady increase in the emphasis on mental health and addiction aid, as well as de-escalation techniques.
I'm close to completing my doctoral degree, but I've only ever met one other person in the field with a similar level of education! You can often distinguish between those with 4+ years of higher education and those without, based on the quality of their reports. In large companies that use these reports for loss recovery, it's critical that the reports are accurate and can stand up in court. In my current role, about half of the team members have education beyond high school (in fields like criminal justice, security, emergency management), and perhaps 1 in 5 hold an advanced degree.
3: How stressful is the job?
The level of stress can vary depending on the role and the level of support provided by company leaders to front-line officers and team leaders. I always strive to make ethical decisions in the field and to have a logical justification for my actions. In today's world, where people are quick to record incidents on their phones, your response can reveal a lot about you. Weather-related challenges and staffing issues are par for the course in this line of work.
With over a decade of experience in the field, I am well-positioned to share some valuable insights based on my personal journey.
1: What's the work schedule like? Any overtime or holidays?
In my current role, our protective services operate around the clock, 24/7. This has been the case in many of my previous roles as well, as insurance and defense procedures often require a full team on duty at all times, even when a business is closed to the public. My first security job right after high school was seasonal, so holidays weren't observed. However, in most part-time or full-time, in-house (non-contractor) positions, you can expect to receive 1.5x or 2.5x the regular pay on designated holidays. The holidays that are recognized can vary significantly. For instance, my current workplace doesn't observe Veteran's Day, President's Day, MLK, Juneteenth, Columbus/Indigenous People's Day, but I know others in the field who receive extra pay for these holidays.
Regarding overtime, I've often had to stay late or come in early throughout my career. This became more frequent during the pandemic when staff retention was a challenge. This job isn't for those who prefer fixed hours and schedules. My family has been understanding, and we've often adjusted our celebrations to accommodate my work schedule, much like families of those in medical, fire, or power plant fields.
2: What educational qualifications are necessary for success?
In the public sector, state licensing is crucial. For instance, California has different levels of licensing. You can find the requirements, certification hours, etc., on the state website. https://www.bsis.ca.gov/industries/guard.shtml
In about half of my roles, CPR/AED/first aid training was a requirement. I believe every employee should be capable of performing CPR. Recently, there has been a slow but steady increase in the emphasis on mental health and addiction aid, as well as de-escalation techniques.
I'm close to completing my doctoral degree, but I've only ever met one other person in the field with a similar level of education! You can often distinguish between those with 4+ years of higher education and those without, based on the quality of their reports. In large companies that use these reports for loss recovery, it's critical that the reports are accurate and can stand up in court. In my current role, about half of the team members have education beyond high school (in fields like criminal justice, security, emergency management), and perhaps 1 in 5 hold an advanced degree.
3: How stressful is the job?
The level of stress can vary depending on the role and the level of support provided by company leaders to front-line officers and team leaders. I always strive to make ethical decisions in the field and to have a logical justification for my actions. In today's world, where people are quick to record incidents on their phones, your response can reveal a lot about you. Weather-related challenges and staffing issues are par for the course in this line of work.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3918
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Jacob,
Guidelines for a Career in Security and Protective Services
1. Understanding the Work Schedule: The field of security and protective services demands flexibility in terms of work hours. Your role and employer will determine your schedule, which may include night shifts, weekends, and holidays. Be ready to step outside the typical 9-5 work routine, as overtime is often a part of this job, particularly during special events or emergencies.
2. Educational Requirements: The required educational qualifications in this field can differ based on the specific job role. For instance, entry-level positions might only require a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, for more specialized roles such as security management or cybersecurity, a bachelor’s degree in a related field like criminal justice, security management, or cybersecurity is typically required.
3. Managing Stress: The nature of jobs in the security and protective services industry can be inherently stressful. As a security professional, you'll be tasked with ensuring safety and maintaining order, which might involve handling challenging situations, potential threats, and high-pressure scenarios. The stress level can vary based on your role, work environment, and personal stress management techniques.
In summary, if you're considering a career in security and protective services, be ready for unconventional work hours, varying educational prerequisites based on the job role, and potentially high stress levels due to the responsibility of ensuring safety and security.
Top 3 Credible Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): BLS offers extensive data on job prospects, including information on job duties, educational qualifications, work environment, and salary expectations in the security and protective services sector.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA establishes workplace safety and health standards to protect employees from potential hazards in fields like security services.
International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO): IFPO provides training programs and resources to help security professionals improve their industry skills and knowledge. Their advice on stress management and career growth can be invaluable for those aiming for a career in security services.
These sources have been pivotal in providing trustworthy and precise information about what to expect from a career in security and protective services.
May God bless you!
JC.
Guidelines for a Career in Security and Protective Services
1. Understanding the Work Schedule: The field of security and protective services demands flexibility in terms of work hours. Your role and employer will determine your schedule, which may include night shifts, weekends, and holidays. Be ready to step outside the typical 9-5 work routine, as overtime is often a part of this job, particularly during special events or emergencies.
2. Educational Requirements: The required educational qualifications in this field can differ based on the specific job role. For instance, entry-level positions might only require a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, for more specialized roles such as security management or cybersecurity, a bachelor’s degree in a related field like criminal justice, security management, or cybersecurity is typically required.
3. Managing Stress: The nature of jobs in the security and protective services industry can be inherently stressful. As a security professional, you'll be tasked with ensuring safety and maintaining order, which might involve handling challenging situations, potential threats, and high-pressure scenarios. The stress level can vary based on your role, work environment, and personal stress management techniques.
In summary, if you're considering a career in security and protective services, be ready for unconventional work hours, varying educational prerequisites based on the job role, and potentially high stress levels due to the responsibility of ensuring safety and security.
Top 3 Credible Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): BLS offers extensive data on job prospects, including information on job duties, educational qualifications, work environment, and salary expectations in the security and protective services sector.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA establishes workplace safety and health standards to protect employees from potential hazards in fields like security services.
International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO): IFPO provides training programs and resources to help security professionals improve their industry skills and knowledge. Their advice on stress management and career growth can be invaluable for those aiming for a career in security services.
These sources have been pivotal in providing trustworthy and precise information about what to expect from a career in security and protective services.
May God bless you!
JC.
Michael W. Blanchette
Law Enforcement Professional - Experienced Auto Theft, Fire & Insurance Fraud Investigator
12
Answers
Updated
Michael W.’s Answer
1: How Are the hours? Like OT, Holidays?
* OT/Holidays depends on the particular company's benefits policy, location (state) and type of Security Position you hold.
-Retail Loss Prevention/Asset Protection positions are usually staffed during the hours that the retail store or distribution center is open. Their main objective is to prevent theft and fraud via shoppers and employees, and enforce/maintain safety programs/protocol at each retail location. Retail Security is particularly tough around the holidays, due to how busy it is, and the fact that some stores extend their shopping hours during holidays like Christmas. Also, most retail stores have inventory at least once a year, which might require security to be present if it is done during non business hours.
-Facility Security Officers ( warehouses, manufacturing plants, hospitals, Govt. locations, power plants ect) are usually manned 24/7. There is usually a minimum manning requirement per shift. Depending on the company's policy, you could be required to stay past your scheduled shift occasionally until they can get relief to meet the potential minimum manning scenario, for example due to people calling out sick ect...
2: What type of education is needed to be successful?
*Depends on the requirements of the position. This is especially important if there is an educational incentive pay-wise benefit based on if you have a college degree and if you do, what level degree do you have. Personally, I was hired with a high school diploma, and later attended college part time, and earned my college education. My employer (police department) paid 10% more per week if you had an Associates degree, 20% more for a Bachelors degree, and 25% for a Masters Degree.
3:How much stress is put on workers in your career?
* Not to sound like a broken record, but it depends on what type of position you hold.
-Retail Loss Prevention/Asset Protection has recently become very stressful and dangerous in many cases. As a result, some retail companies have recently told their employees (even plain clothes security) not to try to apprehend shoplifters, and in some cases to not follow them to get a license plate number ect, for the safety of their employees.
-If you work as a uniformed Shopping Mall Security Officer for example, you will be dealing with the general public in many ways. 95% of the public are in my opinion great. That other 5% will drive you CRAZY!
-If you work in a facility where you mainly deal with the employees and maybe a small amount of visitors, the stress most likely less.
-Hospital Security Officers are sometimes required to restrain combative patients due to alcoholism or mental illness, and are sometimes required to open the morgue during non operating hours for hospital nursing staff or funeral directors picking-up persons that have passed away.
I have personally worked in various types of security in the past. The only facet of security I did not work is in personal protection or in other words a "body guard". Each position helped me with my career in law enforcement in some way. Overall, I personally found hospital security to be the most helpful, with regard to preparing me for a career as a Police Officer.
Good luck with your journey!
Best Regards,
-Michael-
* OT/Holidays depends on the particular company's benefits policy, location (state) and type of Security Position you hold.
-Retail Loss Prevention/Asset Protection positions are usually staffed during the hours that the retail store or distribution center is open. Their main objective is to prevent theft and fraud via shoppers and employees, and enforce/maintain safety programs/protocol at each retail location. Retail Security is particularly tough around the holidays, due to how busy it is, and the fact that some stores extend their shopping hours during holidays like Christmas. Also, most retail stores have inventory at least once a year, which might require security to be present if it is done during non business hours.
-Facility Security Officers ( warehouses, manufacturing plants, hospitals, Govt. locations, power plants ect) are usually manned 24/7. There is usually a minimum manning requirement per shift. Depending on the company's policy, you could be required to stay past your scheduled shift occasionally until they can get relief to meet the potential minimum manning scenario, for example due to people calling out sick ect...
2: What type of education is needed to be successful?
*Depends on the requirements of the position. This is especially important if there is an educational incentive pay-wise benefit based on if you have a college degree and if you do, what level degree do you have. Personally, I was hired with a high school diploma, and later attended college part time, and earned my college education. My employer (police department) paid 10% more per week if you had an Associates degree, 20% more for a Bachelors degree, and 25% for a Masters Degree.
3:How much stress is put on workers in your career?
* Not to sound like a broken record, but it depends on what type of position you hold.
-Retail Loss Prevention/Asset Protection has recently become very stressful and dangerous in many cases. As a result, some retail companies have recently told their employees (even plain clothes security) not to try to apprehend shoplifters, and in some cases to not follow them to get a license plate number ect, for the safety of their employees.
-If you work as a uniformed Shopping Mall Security Officer for example, you will be dealing with the general public in many ways. 95% of the public are in my opinion great. That other 5% will drive you CRAZY!
-If you work in a facility where you mainly deal with the employees and maybe a small amount of visitors, the stress most likely less.
-Hospital Security Officers are sometimes required to restrain combative patients due to alcoholism or mental illness, and are sometimes required to open the morgue during non operating hours for hospital nursing staff or funeral directors picking-up persons that have passed away.
I have personally worked in various types of security in the past. The only facet of security I did not work is in personal protection or in other words a "body guard". Each position helped me with my career in law enforcement in some way. Overall, I personally found hospital security to be the most helpful, with regard to preparing me for a career as a Police Officer.
Good luck with your journey!
Best Regards,
-Michael-