HAWA Security Systems Inc. Potential Jobs for Private Security Officers.
Job Outlook
Opportunities for security guards and gaming surveillance officers should be favorable. Numerous job openings will stem from employment growth, driven by the demand for increased security, and from the need to replace those who leave this large occupation each year.
Employment change. Employment of security guards is expected to grow, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Concern about crime, vandalism, armed robbery and terrorism continues to increase the need for security. Demand for guards also will grow as private security firms increasingly perform duties—such as providing security at public events and in residential neighborhoods—that were formerly handled by police officers.
Employment of casino surveillance officers and other agricultural security will be on the increase. The need for increased security to protect investors coming into the country is a matter of must.
Job prospects. Job prospects for security guards should be excellent because of growing demand for these workers and the need to replace experienced workers who leave the occupation. In addition to full-time job opportunities, the limited training requirements and flexible hours attract many people seeking part-time or second jobs.
However, competition is expected for higher paying positions that require longer periods of training; these positions usually are found at facilities that require a high level of security, such as government projects and NGO organization.
To be licensed as a guard, individuals must usually be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and complete classroom training in such subjects as property rights, emergency procedures, and detention of suspected criminals. Drug testing often is required and may be random and ongoing, criminal law, criminal procedural law, rules of evidence, constitutional law, the criminal justice systems to name but just a few. (see our course subjects)
Guards who carry weapons must be licensed by the appropriate government authority, and some receive further certification as special police officers, allowing them to make limited types of arrests while on duty. Armed guard positions have more stringent background checks and entry requirements than those of unarmed guards.
Other qualifications. Most jobs require a driver’s license. For positions as armed guards, employers often seek people who have had responsible experience in security duties.
Rigorous hiring and screening programs consisting of background, criminal record, and fingerprint checks are becoming the norm in the occupation. Applicants are expected to have good character references, no police record, and good health. They should be mentally alert, emotionally stable, and physically fit to cope with emergencies. Guards who have frequent contact with the public should communicate well.
Like security guards, work in casino surveillance and investigators must have keen observation skills and excellent verbal and writing abilities to document violations or suspicious behavior. They also need to be physically fit and have quick reflexes because they sometimes must detain individuals until local law enforcement officials arrive.
Advancement. Compared with unarmed security guards, armed guards and special police usually enjoy higher earnings and benefits, greater job security, and more potential for advancement. Opportunities for advancement are good for those who make a career in security. Most large organizations use a military type of ranking that offers the possibility of advancement in both position and salary. Some guards may advance to supervisor or security manager positions. Guards with management skills may open their own contract security guard agencies. Guards can also move to an organization with more stringent security and higher pay.
Employment
Security guards and casino surveillance officers will become a growing field as the country develops. More than half of all jobs for security guards were in uniform security services, including investigations and escort services. These organizations provide security on a contract basis, assigning their guards to buildings and other sites as needed. Most other security officers will be employed directly by educational services, hospitals, food services and drinking places, traveler accommodation (hotels), large stores, manufacturing firms, lessors of real estate (residential and nonresidential buildings), and government building. Guard jobs are being found throughout the country.
A significant number of former law enforcement officers work as security guards while some moolight when they are off duty, in order to supplement their incomes. Often working in uniform, they add a high-profile security presence to the establishment with which they have contracted. At construction sites and in and around residential areas, their presence often deters crime. More armed guards however are being asked for residential compounds.
