Uniform

 

 

 

HOW A PERSON DRESSES

The clothing a person wears and especially uniforms have been found to have a powerful psychological impact on those who view it.

WEARING THE SECURITY OFFICER UNIFORM

The uniform of a Security Officer conveys some authority of the person wearing it. It is common nature for a person who sees another person to subconsciously search for clues about another person so that they can evaluate them. One of the primary clues of that evaluation is what the person is wearing. Businessmen and women dressed in business attire give off a sense of professionalism.

POLICE AND SECURITY OFFICERS

The police officer and security officer uniform is a powerful indication that the wearer has authority, capabilities, and status. Obviously, the police officer has a lot more authority.

RESEARCH

Research has revealed that the uniform has a subconscious psychological influence on people, based on the person’s preconceived feelings about Security Officers. Another benefit is when a person wears the uniform, people who see them tend to be more cooperative with his or her requests. People also tend to curb their illegal or deviant behaviors when a police officer or a security officer is visible in the area.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE LASTING IMPRESSIONS

There is an old axiom; First Impressions are lasting impressions. Research has suggested that clothing has a powerful impact on how people are perceived, and this goes for the Security Officer as well. The uniform of a Security Officer has been found to have a profound psychological impact on those who view it. If a security officer is wearing a crisp uniform, he or she conveys authority and will always have a better first impression a sloppy messy security officer.

WHO DO THEY TURN TO?

When people in a shopping center are in need of help, they scan the crowd looking for that distinctive uniform of a Security Officer. On the other side, criminals usually curb their unlawful behavior when they spot a uniformed Security Officer in the area.

WHY WEAR A UNIFORM?

So why do security companies require their security officers wear uniforms? Here are five reasons which make the uniform an integral part of your work culture.

• INDUSTRY DEMANDS

The security industry is required to provide a professional service while their officers are on duty. Clients demand that the security officers look more united and eager to serve the client and their customers.  Therefore the role of the uniform becomes very important. When security officers are wearing an authoritative uniform the clients and customers will have more confidence in the capability of the security officer.

• PERSONAL BENEFITS

When you work for a security company you don’t have to choose again and again what clothes to need to wear to work. Another benefit is your company most likely provides their officers with uniforms which in turn saves them money.

• A SENSE OF BELONGING

When all security officers are wearing the same uniform to the work place, they share a feeling of belonging.

• A FEELING OF EQUALITY:

Uniform brings everyone to the same platform, no matter how rich or poor he or she is the uniform gives them a feeling of equality amongst all the other security officer wearing the same uniform.

• MUTUAL CONCERN

When you wear the uniform, you find yourself becoming more caring not only for the people you meet but for your fellow officers as well.  You’re part of the team.

SENSE OF PRIDE

Wearing your security officer uniform gives not only gives you a sense of pride, it also has an imposing effect on others.  Most of the time its positive and for those predisposed to criminal acts, its negative.  So, you see, just the presence of an officer in uniform, can change the mood of the people around you.

REASONS

Security uniforms let everyone know what the officers purpose is. And a few of those purposes are:

• PREVENT CRIMES
• LOOK FOR SAFETY HAZARDS
• ID SCREENING
• METAL DETECTION SCREENING

UNIFORM DETERRENT

Yes, the uniform is a deterrent.  Uniforms and marked patrols cars are deterrents. For example, when a police officer is present, criminals do not commit crimes unless of course they are not playing with a full deck. When a lost child sees a police officer she knows she can go to him for help. When a patrol car is on the highway people slow down. When a police officer tells people not to walk in a certain area he doesn’t have to say, “I am a police officer you can’t walk in this area” he just tells them they can’t walk in that area. They already know who he is and that he has the authority to enforce what he says.

Although a security officer does not have the same authority as police officers the security officer uniform makes a similar statement.  There are there to help, they are there to deter criminals, they are there direct parking in buildings and screen people trying to access buildings etc.

If you’re at a gate checking id’s you don’t have to tell everyone that you’re a security officer checking id’s, they know that when they see you. If someone needs directions in a shopping center and they see a security officer in a uniform, they know who he or she is and will have the answer.

PUTTING ON THE UNIFORM

When you put on your uniform, put it on thinking that you’re going to meet some very important people and those people will have a direct effect on your future. The truth is you will, and they will; you will be meeting your supervisor’s, customers and the public.

UNIFORM SHIRT

Your uniform shirts should be made of wash and dry material which reduces ironing.  Actually, when that wrinkle free shirt comes out of the wash it is not totally wrinkle free.  You should lightly go over them with an iron to take out any rough spots.

WEARING THE SHIRT

When you wear the shirt all the buttons on the shirt should be buttoned The only exception is if you are wearing a short sleeve shirt. All the buttons on the short sleeve shirt should be buttoned except the top button at the collar.

WHAT SHOULD YOU KEEP IN THE POCKETS?

You should carry your notebook and a pen in one pocket and your security officer pocket manual in the other.

COMPANY ARM PATCHES

Company arm patches should be placed on the top of the sleeves, centered where the sleeve is joined to the shoulder. Your company and state laws will determine if you have to wear one patch or two patches on each sleeve.

BADGES

The kind of badge you wear is usually determined by the jurisdiction that you are licensed in. If you are issued a metal badge treat it like the bill of your hat. Try to keep your finger prints off of it. In some jurisdictions only cloth badges are allowed.

TIES

Uniform ties are usually solid colored and have a four in hand knot. Ties should always be a clip style. If someone were to grab your tie, trying to pull you off balance, all they have is the tie, not you.

TROUSERS

Most uniform trousers are also made of wash and wear materials but if you want that sharp crease you’ll need to press them with an iron.

TROUSER CUFFS?

Unlike your everyday trousers uniform trousers do not have cuffs. The reason is that in addition to looking military, there is a safety factor to consider.  While on patrol you are less likely to catch your trouser legs on protruding objects.

KEEP YOUR HANDS OUT OF POCKETS

Walking around with your hands in the side pockets gives the appearance that you are being nonchalant and lazy. More important, if you were attacked suddenly you may not be able to protect yourself fast enough. Remember you are in the security business, not in the tour guide business.

GARRISON BELTS

Most companies use the standard black garrison belts with square metal buckles.  Garrison belts are wider so that they can support the equipment your required to carry. When fastened the buckle should be at the center of the waist, lined up with the shirts buttons and the fly of the trousers.

SOCKS

Uniform socks should be black. If your trousers are a light or dark brown in color, dark brown or black socks are acceptable. WHITE SOCKS ARE NEVER ACCEPTABLE.

SHOE STYLE

Shoe style is important.  As you know one of the most comfortable shoes are tennis shoes. Unfortunately, they don’t fit the image needed in the security industry. You can have the best looking uniform and be sharp as a tack, but if you have on a pair of sneakers regardless of the color you just lost it. Most professional security officer companies require plain black or dark brown shoes capable of being shined.