Security Officer
On this page
- What's it like to be a Security Officer?
- How to become a Security Officer
- Top skills and experience for Security Officers
What's it like to be a Security Officer?
Security Officers play an important role in crime prevention and are employed in various settings, including private homes, government facilities, and business locations like malls, hospitals, warehouses, and offices. They ensure that facilities, staff, residents, visitors, and their belongings remain safe and secure. To do this, they patrol the grounds, monitor entry points, investigate and report suspicious activity, and detain trespassers until the authorities arrive. They typically work in shifts, with daytime Security Officers typically dealing with a larger volume of people. Meanwhile, those surveilling at night need to be alert against intruders.
Tasks and duties
- Securing the premises and implementing security measures.
- Checking specific areas on foot to ensure their security.
- Monitoring video surveillance cameras.
- Validating staff identity and giving passes to visitors before admitting them.
- Responding to alarms and emergencies.
- Collaborating with law enforcers to strengthen security procedures.
- Preparing reports on what they observed while on duty.
Security Officers may supervise Security Guards and their operations. Unlike Security Guards, Security Officers do not have a specific station. They are free to move around in an area, ensuring that all points are secure and guarded.
How to become a Security Officer
You need a licence to work as a Security Officer. Strong skills in observation, collaboration, and problem-solving may be beneficial.
Finish secondary education. This shows employers that you’ve developed sufficient communication skills and maths literacy for security duties. You can also take a Certificate in Security, open to those 16 years and above.
Obtain a licence from the Police Licensing and Regulatory Department (PLRD). To do this, you need to undergo and pass three compulsory courses in security management.
Get more training. Apply for entry-level Security Officer jobs to gain work experience. Skills and knowledge in first aid, automated external defibrillator (AED), and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can give you an edge over other applicants.
After gaining experience and completing higher education you may be able move up to managerial and supervisory roles.
