As a security officer, it is your job to protect your employer’s building and other property. Security officers and guards work in many settings-;universities, banks, museums and other public buildings are all guarded. If you are considering becoming a security officer, read further for tips on what to expect.
Job Duties of Security Officers
Your daily job description depends on the type of facility which you’ll be protecting, be it an apartment complex, hospital or retail outlet, and whether you’re a stationary or mobile guard. In general, you’ll be responsible for the enforcement of rules, upholding public safety and responding to security issues. Your duties fall into three main categories: communication, response and prevention, which are described in greater detail below.
Communication
To be effective, Security Officers Kansas City must be able to communicate with citizens. For instance, you may have to help someone in trouble, offer directions to someone who’s lost, or render first aid to someone who’s hurt. Depending on your facility, you may be charged with checking people in and out of the building and searching them for dangerous or illicit objects.
Response
Your responsibilities and duties during an incident may vary depending on whether you’re allowed to carry a weapon, and on state licensure laws. You might be asked to remove a disruptive person from the building, manage a crowd, or sweep for intruders. If you are guarding by yourself, you’ll likely handle other problems such as medical emergencies and fires by notifying the appropriate service and helping to contain the problem to the best of your ability.
Prevention
Your presence may deter petty crimes such as assault, vandalism and theft. As a security officer, you will patrol the entire premises, watching for anyone behaving unusually or causing a security issue. You may also be assigned to a specific post, where you will watch security monitors; if you are protecting a closed facility, you might need a key card to prove that you’ve checked key areas, and you’re likely to be asked for a written report at the end of each shift.
Those wanting to become Security Officers Kansas City will need a high-school diploma or its equivalent, but in some cases you may need to pass an exam, complete training and submit to drug screens and background checks. Some employers seek applicants with prior military or law enforcement experience, but most offer on the job training to qualified people.
