How to work as a Private Security Officer or Security Guard

How to Work as a Private Security Officer or Security Guard

Security guard work is a great option for those with a criminal justice degree who don’t want to become a police force or work in a prison or probation setting. Private security guards can find work in a number of different settings, and serve an important function within society by helping to protect private and public property.

What Does a Private Security Guard Do?

The job description of a private security guard varies depending on the type of employment he obtains. Security guards aim to prevent crime from occurring to their employers. This can mean patrolling the grounds of a building, watching monitors for signs of trouble, or simply maintaining a presence to deter would-be criminals. Security guards can also be on the lookout for other signs of trouble, such as fires in a building.

Security guards are not typically permitted to arrest people, and generally are not armed (although at times they can be). Private security guards can, however, detain individuals until the police come

Where do Private Security Guards Work?

Private security guards can work in any number of settings. They are commonly employed to work in public buildings such as office buildings, retail stores, banks or any number of other related places. At times, private security guards can even be hired to work in private residences.

Private security guards normally have a set station by one of the doors of the building. This allows them to control access to the building and to observe who enters and leaves. Although a private security guard has a set station, he normally patrols the building at times during the course of his day.

What to Expect from a Career as a Private Security Officer or Security Guard

Private security guards may work unusual hours, especially if they are night watchman. However, a private security guard normally works on a set schedule. A security guard normally has a set of assigned duties or tasks he performs in the course of his shift. For example, he may patrol the building at regular intervals, or may be assigned to monitor a security monitor for a set period of time.

Private Security Officer or Security GuardEducation Requirements

The specific education requirements for private security guards vary. Generally, a criminal justice degree can help you find security guard work. A background in law enforcement or a military background may also be helpful in finding security guard work. Those with more advanced degrees in criminal justice, such as a bachelor’s or masters, may be able to become a security supervisor or rise in the ranks as a private security guard.

Some states require security guards to obtain state-mandated training or be licensed. This is especially true for armed security guards. For example, in Arizona, employer of private security guards must provide eight hours of training before the employee can actually act as a guard. In California, security guards have to be licensed by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, complete eight hours of training and undergo a background check before taking on security guard work. Other states have various other rules and regulations.

Private Security Officer or Security GuardSalary and Job Outlook

Those looking for security guard work can expect better than average growth in the job market, with a projected rate of growth of around 14 percent through 2018 (as compared to an average 10 percent rate of growth among all professions). The median average salary for security guards is $23,460 for those interested in work in the field, although this salary varies depending on the environment where you work.