Security officers, or security guards, make sure that buildings, valuables or people are safe and secure. They help prevent theft and damage, and deal with emergencies. Their work will often include patrolling, securing and monitoring premises, sometimes with the aid of closed circuit television (CCTV).

Security officers can work for a range of organisations and their role may vary depending on the industry they work in. Areas of work include:

• supervising on the door for a large organisation (check the Door Supervisor profile for details)
• guarding cash or other valuables in transit in a security vehicle
• airport security, which involves searching aircraft, passengers and luggage and guarding the airport boundaries.

Officers need to keep accurate records and when necessary, write short reports for use by the police or courts. Their duties can involve customer care, signing-in visitors, giving directions and working with guard dogs (check the Dog Handler profile for details).

Hours and Environment

Security officers work long hours - up to 48 hours a week, sometimes with additional overtime. Evening and shift work is very common.

Some jobs involve driving, and for cash-in-transit work you will spend much of your time in a security van. You may work on your own or in a small team.

You will usually need to wear a uniform and protective clothing, especially for cash-in-transit work.

Skills and Interests

To be a security officer you should:

• be mature, responsible and honest
• have a polite and helpful manner
• be healthy and physically fit
• be able to write short reports and follow written instructions
• have the confidence to challenge or tackle people when necessary
• be able to use your initiative and make quick decisions to deal with unexpected situations
• be able to work with technical equipment, such as CCTV. 

Entry

You do not usually need to have formal academic qualifications to start work in this area, however, a good general standard of education would be helpful. Previous experience working in the police or armed forces will give you an advantage when looking for work.

To work as a contracted security officer or guard in England and Wales you need a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. Check the Training section for details.

Employers in this field will carry out checks on your personal and work history for up to ten years, and you will need to declare any criminal convictions. You need to be at least aged 18 for this work.

You may be able to get into this job through an apprenticeship scheme. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Training

As a new security officer, you will receive on-the-job training and supervision from your employer. Extra training may be available to help you gain skills in areas such as dog handling and first aid.

As a security officer or guard you may need to hold a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. This currently depends on whether you are an employee or a contractor.

Employee, working in-house
As a security officer directly employed to carry out duties for your employer, on premises managed and operated by your employer (not contracted out to a customer); you do not need to be licensed by the SIA. In this instance, you are an employee, working in-house. Licensing in this area is under review.

Contractor, working for a third-party
As a security officer employed by a contractor or agency to work for a customer of that agency, you need an SIA front-line licence. To qualify for this you need:

• to satisfy identity and criminal record checks 
• to have completed relevant SIA approved training.

SIA training takes around four days, and can be completed before you begin work or as part of your initial induction when you start in your first post. If you already have a security qualification you may be exempt from part of the course. Check the SIA website in Further Information, for details of approved training providers.

Other SIA licences
CCTV operation - If you use CCTV equipment as part of your work, you may need an additional SIA licence.

If part of your work involves guarding valuables in transit, you may need an SIA Cash and Valuables in Transit (CVIT) licence. Check the SIA website for more details.

Additional training
As a security officer you can work towards qualifications such as:

•  NVQ/SVQ levels 2 and 3 in Providing Security Services
• BTEC Award in Security Guarding
• City and Guilds Certificate for Professional Security Officers.

Skills for Security offer a range of courses relevant to the security industry, including a level two Security Practitioner Training Programme. To help you move into security management, they also run a security supervisor training programme. For details check their website listed in Further Information.

The International Professional Security Association runs security induction, supervisory management and specialist professional development courses. Check their website, in Further Information, for details.

Opportunities

As a security officer, opportunities for work are increasing throughout the country. Employers range from large organisations to small, local, private security firms. It is important to look for a reputable company, who will give you training, and reasonable pay and conditions. Many security companies are registered with the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and the International Professional Security Association (IPSA). Check their websites for details (see Further Information).

With experience, you may progress to senior or chief security officer, then supervisor. With additional qualifications it may be possible to get into security management or training. You could go on to set up your security company.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Security officers will often start on around £12,000 to £15,000 a year.
Experienced officers can earn around £20,000.

Further information

Security House
Barbourne Road
Worcester
WR1 1RS
Tel: 0845 075 0111 PO Box 9
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE82 6YX
Tel: 0870 243 0100 Security House
Barbourne Road
Worcester
WR1 1RS
Tel: 01905 21464 Northumberland House Business Centre
11, The Pavement
Popes Lane
Ealing
London
W5 4NG
Tel: 020 8832 7417