Have you ever considered becoming a Security Officer, but were not sure exactly what was involved?
If you’re over the age of 18, decisive in pressurised situations, and have excellent surveillance and observation skills, a career in the security industry could be for you. Read on to find out more about what is involved and how to become a Security Officer.
What key skills do I require to be an effective security guard?
- Surveillance and observation skills
- Decisiveness and the ability to use initiative in pressurised situations
- Ability to write short reports
- Good fitness levels
- Confidence when dealing with a variety of situations, including challenging people when required
- Competence in using technical equipment such as CCTV effectively
How do I become a security officer?
In order to undertake agency and contractor jobs, security officers must be over the age of 18 and hold an SIA licence. To qualify, applicants must complete the relevant SIA training, and pass identity and criminal record checks*
At Abbey Security, we can help direct you in the right direction for training providers in East Anglia. If you’re interested, please contact us through our contact form, or call 01284 768832. Alternatively, a list of SIA approved providers can be found on their website here.
Understanding the importance of teamwork, we are able to retain a group of exceptional officers by recognising and rewarding the commitment, skill and loyalty they bring to their work. As well as offering awards for excellent performance and long service, we also provide every member of staff with an ongoing personal development programme, allowing them to really grow their career at Abbey Security.
We care about our staff and aim to create a positive company culture to deliver an exceptional service to our clients, and also put on exciting events that will benefit people in our community. By creating this sense of teamwork, we, and our clients know that our officers will carry out their duties with total impartiality and loyalty.
A win-win situation.
* While the SIA do check your personal and work history, a criminal conviction may not necessarily stop you becoming a security officer. Depending on the offence committed, the sentence given and the date of the offence, you may still be allowed a licence.
What roles may I have to perform as a security guard?
- Static or Manned Guarding – Including security patrols, reception duties, full gate control, or machinery and plant monitoring.
- Mobile Security Patrols – Performing internal and external patrols, and unlocking/locking premises
- Keyholding & Alarm Response – Responding to alarm activations and dealing with the resulting situations
- Door supervision – Keep customers safe in licenced premises or at events
- Guarding cash/valuables in transit – Protecting property while in transit in a security vehicle
- Specialised Security – Including at an airport or close protection
Still interested? Here’s what to do next…
If you feel you have what it takes to be a security officer, the first thing to do is to get your SIA licence. The licence fee is non-refundable, so check you are eligible for a licence before undertaking a training course and applying for accreditation. If you’ve previously had a criminal conviction and are worried about your eligibility, you can check your eligibility using the indicator on the SIA website here.
Once you’ve completed your training and have attained your licence, you’ll be free to apply for jobs as a security officer. If you live in the Bury St Edmunds or Cambridge area and wish to apply for a job at Abbey Security, please visit our vacancies page to see our current openings.
Read More
‘The SIA: Officer licensing and Approved Contractors’ »
‘Abbey Security: We’re a team’ »
Posted on July 17, 2017