The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks numerous types of data on various occupations; this includes information about work environments. For many jobs, the work environment is relatively consistent; Security officers, however, have to deal with a wide variety of scenarios and be able to adapt and function in each of them.
In fact, security guards have one of the most diverse work environments of any industry. While a teacher typically practices her trade in the classroom, a lumberjack works in the woods, and a surgeon rules the operating room, just about any building or place could use a guard. Schools, shopping malls, casinos, hospitals, nuclear power plants, courthouses, and airports need different levels of protection.
In its official category of “Game Security Guard and Officer”, the BLS counts both private security officers and those working for the government; however, the agency makes a distinction between them and the police. The main difference between the two is that police officers are always government employees and have the power of arrest as well as much stricter training requirements.
The BLS identifies several industries that employ the largest number of security personnel. In 2012-13, more than half worked in “investigative and security services”, while 9 percent were employed by the government, 6 percent worked in educational establishments, both public and private; 5 percent in accommodation and food services, and 4 percent in protected hospitals.
Transportation security screeners and other security personnel provide services at transportation facilities such as airports, train stations, and marine terminals; They work for the federal government.
Gaming surveillance officers work in casinos and other gaming institutions; for that reason, this is an occupation that only exists in jurisdictions where gambling is legal. While many in gaming security work in observation rooms and maintain camera surveillance, others patrol the floor to quickly respond to incidents. Gaming security officers are, as a rule, better paid than generic security guards, with an average salary premium of $7,000 per year; however, they also face a higher than average injury rate.
The job is generally not physically challenging, with long periods of inactivity. Security officers man a station during a shift or make rounds to inspect a facility. Both of these situations require most officers to be on their feet for long periods of time, which is something to consider if you have lower back pain or other health issues that might be made worse by standing. or walk.
However, in the event of a robbery, break-in, altercation, or other incident, a guard will be required to deal with a potentially volatile or violent situation, in which case he or she must have both the personal skills to defuse a situation peacefully if possible, and the physical aptitude. to deal with a threatening individual if the first doesn’t work. This is why states require security officers to receive training and certification, although it varies; while Florida, for example, requires 40 hours of training, a Connecticut security guard license only requires an 8-hour course.
In conclusion, it is often difficult to predict in advance the nature and comfort level of a security guard’s workplace. The higher an officer’s skill and level of training, the more likely they are to land a comfortable and well-paying assignment, so if you’re considering entering this industry, be sure to thoroughly prepare and train for the skills you’ll need to ensure safety for you and for others.