You've seen them strolling around your local mall. In your more rambunctious years, you may have even tried to sneak past one for a bit of youthful mayhem. They are security guards, and they have the responsibility of keeping customers, property, possessions, and information safe from thieves and other attackers.
Safety and privacy are the major objectives of professionals in the security field, and when required to rise to the challenge, they can be an invaluable resource to law enforcement authorities. As with many jobs, a unique set of skills and characteristics is required to perform well. If you've thought about pursuing a security job, here are some considerations to keep in mind.
Training
Different companies have varying requirements for their available security job positions. Depending on size and formality, some companies may require very little from a new hire, while others will only accept people who have met applicable state requirements. Some businesses go one step further and require that all new hires participate in a mandatory in-house training program.
In a recent Quora post, retired police officer and criminal justice professor Tim Dees said store security guards must "have the minimum training required of any other security guard in the state, but this course is typically eight or fewer hours long," adding that in-house training programs usually focus on the "employer's policies on apprehension of thieves."
Physical Demands
For a typical security position, companies prefer a person who is in good health and will not have any difficulty following instructions or working demanding hours. A security job may require a great deal of walking, because the primary focus of the job is to observe and report. Other possible physical requirements include moderate running and lifting. Finally, and perhaps most obviously, security workers cannot suffer from sleep disorders that may interfere with the ability to keep a watchful eye on a job site.
Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, compensation for a security job will vary depending on geography, level of skill required, and total work experience. As of May 2013, there were 1,066,730 individuals employed in security-related positions in the United States. The average annual salary for these positions is $27,550.
