what is a security officer?
As a security officer, you usually work in a team to ensure the safety of your location, the people working there, and any valuables that are on site. You carry out active patrols in all weathers, maintain access controls for vehicles and foot traffic, and operate monitoring equipment. You are one of the public faces of your organisation, and you maintain its reputation by greeting staff and visitors politely and with authority.
You inspect your assigned site's buildings and equipment and make sure that all doors, windows, fence perimeters, gates and assets are secure. You work in shifts to maintain security round the clock, responsible for checking that exits are closed and locked, with equipment and valuables stored safely. You complete daily reports with observations of activities on-site, and are alert and attentive at all times.
what does a security officer do?
As a security officer, you are a first responder to incidents, dealing with distress calls, disruptive activities, or emergency alarms quickly and appropriately. You will deal with trespass, suspicious behaviour, accidents, safety and fire incidents and take the appropriate actions. You are responsible for managing traffic into and out of the site, permitting or refusing entry, and restraining intruders.
Would working as a security officer suit your teamwork and interpersonal skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a security officer role.
security officer salary
According to National Careers Service, security officers earn an average of £18,000 to £32,000. Your salary depends on hours and shift work, as well as experience and the type of company that you work for. Prior experience in the police or armed forces tends to be beneficial in salary negotiations. You could also earn more if you take training or development opportunities, for example, through the International Professional Security Association.
types of security officers
As a security officer, your options for roles and environments are varied:
- warehouse security: your primary responsibility is access control (of both vehicles and foot traffic) in order to protect whatever the warehouse holds. This role often requires close monitoring (CCTV surveillance) and coordination of patrol routes and schedules.
- general security: you protect public and commercial buildings, guarding against trespass and theft. You could be part of a team securing a single building or covering a large worksite. Alternatively, you could be working alone as part of a single-cover shift pattern.
- corporate security: you are as much of a public face of your employer as the reception staff. Skilled at dealing with both employees and customers, you may also have completed specialist training in dealing appropriately with high-value clients in stressful situations.
- hospitality security: your locations are entertainment and concert venues. You deal with attendees who are drunk or aggressive and medical emergencies that require fast action. You are responsible for crowd control, compliance with fire safety regulations, as well as maintaining a safe environment for all other individuals present.
- vehicle security: as a crew member of a vehicle transporting valuables, you might be working either directly or as a third party for banks, jewellers, and other organisations who require high-value goods to be protected.
working as a security officer
Want to know what it's like to work as a security officer? Read on to find out about your responsibilities, work environment, colleagues and schedule.
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security officer job description
- As a security officer, your duties would depend on where you are working, but in general, would cover the following:
- conducting regular patrols of the site, checking that all the entrances and windows are secure and that any perimeter fencing is not broken.
- monitoring site surveillance cameras and other security systems, responding to suspicious activities and alarms or dispatching your teammates to the location.
- guarding gates and entrances, checking identification if it is required, and operating search equipment.
- maintaining logs of people entering and leaving the site, as well as creating reports for patrols and daily incidents.
- responding to incidents and act to calm disturbances. You could be called on to detain intruders or to restrain troublemakers.
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work environment
As a security officer on a site, you spend a lot of your time on patrols, especially during closed shifts. You maintain a regular schedule in all weathers. During working-hours shifts, you spend more of your time at access points or being visible to members of the public. You generally wear a uniform, and you are in a public-facing role where your politeness and professionalism reflects on your employers. Working in a transport vehicle, you travel a regular route. Your uniform includes personal protective equipment, and you are transporting containers of cash or other valuables.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include, dispatcher positions, site staff, gateman roles, groundskeepers and security managers. You might also be working in close proximity to police officers and emergency services, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, event managers, festival crew and bands' road crews.
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work schedule
As a security officer on a site, you are expected to work shifts including nights, weekends and bank holidays. You usually work 37 to 48 hours a week, and you might have rotating shifts depending on the location. In event and venue security, you would be working evenings, weekends and bank holidays while the event is running. In a transport vehicle, you might work to banking hours as you transport cash, but out-of-hours and overnight shifts are not unheard of.
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job outlook
The security industry is naturally healthy, and with security officer skills and qualifications, you will always be able to find a position. You can progress your career by becoming a supervisor and, from there, a senior or chief security officer. Alternatively, you might go into management through a Security First Line Management apprenticeship. If you advance to an area security manager post, you would then have responsibility for your organisation's facilities across a region.
You could also move to specialise in more high profile security areas – for example, close protection, anti-terror, or conflict management. You could become a consultant and advise companies on their security measures, design and install security systems, or recruit security officers and manage contracts.
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advantages of finding a security officer job through randstad
Finding your security officer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a security officer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Although there are no specific educational requirements to be a security officer, some level of formal schooling will be an advantage as the role involves filling in reports and other reading and writing tasks. What you will need, however, is a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence to work legally as a security officer.
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SIA licenses
Before you can take SIA training, you'll require a first aid qualification. Additionally, there are two types of SIA: front line and non-front line. Each is relevant to a specific role. Non-front line licences cover keyholding and the management or supervision of employees. Front line licenses are specifically required for 'manned guarding' and cover the following activities:
- security guard license
- cash and valuables in transit licence
- close protection licence
- public space surveillance (Closed-Circuit TV) licence
- door supervisor licence
You can gain the qualifications you need for each licence from a number of officially recognised training providers, including City & Guilds or the National Open College Network (NOCN).
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skills and competencies
As a security officer, you need to be alert to both your immediate location and wider environment. You will demonstrate your skills through the following actions:
- observation and thorough attention to detail
- concentration and focus to remain aware of your surroundings
- knowledge of public safety and security
- the ability to remain calm and patient in stressful situations
- customer relations skills to challenge people firmly but politely
FAQs
FAQs about working as a security officer
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what does a security officer do?
A security officer ensures the safety and security of premises and staff by patrolling, monitoring surveillance equipment, and performing building inspections. They guard entry points, verify visitors, and respond to incidents.
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is security officer a good career?
A career as a security officer offers many opportunities for advancement and development. As requirements for entry are minimal, this is a good career for those who want to start at the bottom and work their way up.
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what is a professional security officer?
When you see a role advertised for a 'professional' security officer, this indicates that an employer is looking for someone with the proven ability to perform more than simple security checks. This might include experience in testifying in court and communicating with legal teams.
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what is a safety and security officer?
A safety and security officer differs from a security officer in that – as well as patrolling – they are also responsible for actively conducting inspections to identify safety violations and potentially hazardous conditions.
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what is the difference between a security guard and a security officer?
A security guard job has limited duties, which are usually restricted to foot patrols and watching cameras. Security officers, however, have a wider responsibility to ensure the smooth running of their assigned location's security measures.
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how do I apply for a security officer vacancy?
Applying for a security officer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
