The Work

Security officers, or security guards, ensure that buildings, valuables or people are safe and secure. They help prevent theft and damage, and deal with emergencies.

Work is usually in the following areas: door supervision in a large organisation; preventing shop lifting in retail outlets, patrolling property and securing premises; monitoring premises from a control room using closed circuit television; guarding cash or other valuables in transit in a security vehicle; airport security, which involves searching aircraft, passengers and luggage and guarding the airport boundaries.

Some security officers may use guard dogs. The work can also involve customer care, signing in visitors and giving directions.

Security officers need to keep accurate records and write short reports, which may be needed by the police or courts.

Work Environment

Security officers work long hours - up to 48 hours a week with additional overtime. Working hours vary depending on the type of security work involved but evening and shift work is very common.

Many jobs involve driving, and for cash-in-transit work you spend much of your time in a security van. Much of the work consists of sitting in one position most of the time, standing or walking around.

You may work on your own or in a small team. Uniforms are usually worn as well as protective clothing, especially for cash-in-transit work.

Skills & Interests

To be a successful security officer you should:

• be mature, responsible and honest
• a polite and helpful manner
• be healthy and physically fit
• be able to write short reports and follow written instructions
• have the confidence, to challenge or tackle people when necessary
• be able to use your initiative and make quick decisions, to deal with unexpected situations
• be good with computers and other technical equipment.

Entry requirements
There are no minimum entry requirements, but a good general education is helpful. You normally need to be over 18, and sometimes over 21, and you may need a driving licence for some jobs. Some firms prefer people with experience in the police or armed forces.

Many companies will check your personal and work history for up to ten years including any previous convictions.

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) have recently rolled out a new licensing scheme and it is a legal requirement for anyone involved in contract security activities to have a licence. A licence is awarded after successful completion of a security qualification, some existing qualifications may be used for full or part exemption.

Young people may be able to enter through an apprenticeship scheme.

Training
The training for the new security guard qualification and licence takes 30 hours and can be taken over four days or at evenings and weekends. The course is split into knowledge and practical scenario based training and assessment. For some jobs a more specific licence may be required, for example guarding valuables in transit and CCTV work require specialised licences.

Most companies offer a short training course when you join, and on-the-job training and supervision for several months. Extra training may be available, such as refresher courses, or training to learn new skills such as dog handling or using new technology. Many employers also expect security officers to train in first aid.

It is possible to work towards qualifications run by the Security Industry Training Organisation (SITO), which has recently been incorporated into Skills for Security. They provide the Level 2 Certificate of Knowledge for the Professional Security Officer and the Advanced Security Officer, in conjunction with City and Guilds. Employers of experienced security officers often prefer those who have SITO qualifications. You can study for these part-time or by distance learning.

Another qualification that security officers can work towards is NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Providing Security Services.

Pay & Conditions (Figures are for guideline use only)
£12,000 - £15,000 - Starting salary
£18,000 - £25,000 - Experienced security officers

Opportunities & Prospects
The demand for security officers is increasing all over the country. They work directly for an organisation, or for a private security company, many of which are small, local firms. It is important to look for a reputable company, who will give you training, and reasonable pay and conditions. Many good security companies are registered with the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and the International Professional Security Association (IPSA).

Some security officers, once they have enough experience and knowledge of the business, run their own security companies.

With experience, promotion would be to senior or chief security officer, then supervisor. With additional qualifications it may be possible to progress to security management or training.

Useful links
British Security Industry Association (BSIA)
http://www.bsia.co.uk
Useful for companies who have been inspected and approved

International Professional Security Association (IPSA)

http://www.ipsa.org.uk

Useful for companies who have been inspected and approved

Skills for Security (Incorporating SITO)

http://www.skillsforsecurity.org.uk

Useful for information on training courses

Security industry Authority

http://www.the-sia.org.uk

For details of approved training providers