Security Officer/Guard

Introduction

Security officers/guards protect property, people, cash and other valuables. Many officers/guards are permanently based at one site. Mobile guards patrol different locations by van or work on armoured 'cash-in-transit' vans.

From November 2007, all security officers/guards in Scotland must hold a licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA). You must be at least 18 to get this.

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Work Activities

Security officers and guards are responsible for protecting premises, cash and valuable products. Most security officers/guards work on individual industrial premises, offices or building sites. They:
• patrol inside and outside the premises
• check that windows, doors and gates are locked
• make sure no unauthorised people enter the grounds
• watch for hazards, to reduce the risk of accidents.

Some security officers use closed-circuit television or other surveillance equipment. Most have two-way radios so they can keep in touch with other guards or their security control centre. In an emergency, they can then get immediate help.

Some officers patrol with dogs.

Mobile security officers/guards protect several different properties. They do similar work:
• check the outsides of buildings
• make sure doors, windows are gates are secure
• check that nothing has been disturbed.

Cash-in-transit officers/guards take money and valuable items from one place to another, usually in an armoured van. They keep in regular radio contact with their headquarters.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a security officer/guard you must be honest and alert. You must have good observational skills and be reliable. You should be able to deal with aggressive people when necessary.

This job requires common sense and a practical approach. You must be able to react quickly to situations without putting yourself in unnecessary danger.

You must be physically fit and willing to wear a uniform, if required. You might need to wear protective clothing and a steel helmet.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for security officers vary depending on employer and duties.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Security officers earn around £12,000 a year, rising to around £18,000 - £25,000 for experienced officers.

Security officers/guards work a basic 39-42 hour week, including nights, weekends and public holidays. You might work only at night. If you transport money and valuables you will probably work only during the day. Overtime is fairly common for all security officers/guards.

There are jobs throughout the UK with private security firms, commercial and industrial establishments, property estate owners, local authority and government departments, shops and warehouses. They are advertised in the press and in Jobcentre Plus.

Experienced officers/guards may progress to supervisory posts or to central control duties. With further training they may become security managers.

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Adult Opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation.

Contracted security officers and guards must be at least 18 years of age to hold a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. This has been a requirement in England and Wales since March 2006 and will be necessary in Scotland from November 2007.

Some applicants have a police, prison officer, firefighter or an Armed Forces background.

Skills for Security offers two City & Guilds courses by distance learning: CG7295 Certificate of Knowledge for the Professional Security Officer and CG7296 Advanced Security Officer.

A list of training providers is available from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) website.

• 11% of security officers work part-time.
• 2% have flexible hours.
• 2% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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