Security Officer – Job Description
Learn more about becoming a Security Officer in the UK.
Main Duties
A security officer’s main duty is to protect property and stock. In an office based role, they would normally work out of hours, to ensure the property is secure. They may be responsible for issuing passes and checking in visitors during office hours. In a retail environment they would work while the shop was open to make sure that items were not stolen.
The security guard may therefore have a variety of roles. They may need to patrol the building and carefully check passes of visitors or issue them. They will need to on the lookout for thieves and be prepared to take appropriate action should they spot any. There may be CCTV cameras and the security officer may have to keep a check on the footage to watch for any suspicious activity and then take appropriate action.
It is possible that the security guard will need to help customers or office workers and so they may have additional duties. There will also be a certain amount of paperwork including reporting of incidents that may need to be passed on to the police.
In most cases there will be a uniform unless there is undercover work. There may be shift work and this could involve anything from early morning starts to late night finishes for retail stores plus nights for those that are open all the time. For office security guards they will be expected to work night and weekend shifts.
Expected Salary
Starting salary is from £12,000 to £15,000 and this can increase to £21,000 after some years of experience.
Pros
Good salary prospects.
Can be interesting work in some positions as you get to meet a lot of people.
You do not need many qualifications.
Cons
There is the chance that the work could be dangerous.
You may need to do shift work which does not suit everyone.
Qualifications Required
A security guard licence from doing an SIA course.
There are no other qualifications required however a basic education and work experience is useful. Showing the ability to handle trouble is useful and so work experience in the armed forces or police work can help.
Required Skills
Good communication skillsAble to work as part of a teamQuick reactionsReport writing skillsAssertive and confident natureHappy using CCTV and similar equipmentPhysically fit and strong
