Security officer

Your duties will depend on where you work.

As a security officer you could:

• patrol premises and secure doors, windows and other entrances
•  monitor CCTV cameras and respond to alarms
•  check staff and visitors in and out of buildings
•  guard cash or other valuables in a security vehicle
•  operate scanning equipment and devices, for example at airports
•  guard important facilities, like power stations and hospitals

• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of public safety and security 
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• concentration skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

When you apply for an SIA licence, checks on your personal and work history will be made, including your criminal record.

The SIA has more advice on applying for a licence and criminal convictions.

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• an approved training course

With experience, you could become a supervisor or chief security officer.

You could take further qualifications, through an advanced Security First Line Manager apprenticeship to go into security management.

With management experience you could become an area security manager, with responsibility for offices, shops or other facilities across a region.

You could specialise as a consultant, advising businesses on certain types of security, for example close protection, anti-terror measures or conflict management.

You could also set up your own security recruitment agency, or work for companies that develop and sell security systems, like biometrics or surveillance equipment.