What is a Security Officer

A security officer is a person employed to help protect a client’s property, people, money, equipment, etc. As a security officer you also are attempting to protect the client’s property from a variety of hazards such as damaged property, unsafe behavior, criminal activity etc. by enforcing deterrent and preventative measures. Security guards do this by maintaining a high-visibility presence to deter illegal and inappropriate actions, looking for signs of crime or other hazards and taking action to minimize damage as well as reporting any incidents to their clients and emergency services (i.e. police, fire, ambulance), as appropriate.

Security officers are generally uniformed to represent their deterrent presence, and lawful authority to protect private property. Security guards are generally governed by state and/or county regulations, which set out the requirements for eligibility.  The authorities permitted to a security guard vary by state and jurisdiction. It is suggested that you study your states requirements for licensing procedures.  Security officers are hired by a range of organizations.

Although security officers differ from police officers, military personnel, federal agents/officers, and the like, the United States has a growing proportion of security personnel that has former police or military experience, including senior management personnel. On the other hand, some security officers, young people, in particular, use the job as a practical experience to use in applying to law enforcement agencies.