Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance Officers
- Opportunities for most jobs should be favorable, but competition is
expected for higher paying positions at facilities requiring longer periods of
training and a high level of security, such as nuclear power plants and
weapons installations.
- Because of limited formal training requirements and flexible hours, this
occupation attracts many individuals seeking a second or part-time job.
- Some positions, such as those of armored car guards, are hazardous.
Guards, who are also called security officers, patrol and inspect
property to protect against fire, theft, vandalism, terrorism, and illegal
activity. These workers protect their employers investment, enforce laws on the
property, and deter criminal activity and other problems. They use radio and
telephone communications to call for assistance from police, fire, or emergency
medical services as the situation dictates. Security guards write comprehensive
reports outlining their observations and activities during their assigned shift.
They also may interview witnesses or victims, prepare case reports, and testify
in court.
Although all security guards perform many of the same duties, their specific
duties vary with whether the guard works in a static security position or on a
mobile patrol. Guards assigned to static security positions usually serve the
client at one location for a specified length of time. These guards must become
closely acquainted with the property and people associated with it and must
often monitor alarms and closed-circuit TV cameras. In contrast, guards assigned
to mobile patrol duty drive or walk from location to location and conduct
security checks within an assigned geographical zone. They may detain or arrest
criminal violators, answer service calls concerning criminal activity or
problems, and issue traffic violation warnings.
The security guards job responsibilities also vary with the size, type, and
location of the employer. In department stores, guards protect people, records,
merchandise, money, and equipment. They often work with undercover store
detectives to prevent theft by customers or employees, and they help apprehend
shoplifting suspects prior to the arrival of the police. Some shopping centers
and theaters have officers who patrol their parking lots to deter car thefts and
robberies. In office buildings, banks, and hospitals, guards maintain order and
protect the institutions property, staff, and customers. At air, sea, and rail
terminals and other transportation facilities, guards protect people, freight,
property, and equipment. Using metal detectors and high-tech equipment, they may
screen passengers and visitors for weapons and explosives, ensure that nothing
is stolen while a vehicle is being loaded or unloaded, and watch for fires and
criminals.
Guards who work in public buildings such as museums or art galleries protect
paintings and exhibits by inspecting people and packages entering and leaving
the building. In factories, laboratories, government buildings, data processing
centers, and military bases, security officers protect information, products,
computer codes, and defense secrets and check the credentials of people and
vehicles entering and leaving the premises. Guards working at universities,
parks, and sports stadiums perform crowd control, supervise parking and seating,
and direct traffic. Security guards stationed at the entrance to bars and places
of adult entertainment, such as nightclubs, prevent access by minors, collect
cover charges at the door, maintain order among customers, and protect property
and patrons.
Armored car guards protect money and valuables during transit. In
addition, they protect individuals responsible for making commercial bank
deposits from theft or bodily injury. When the armored car arrives at the door
of a business, an armed guard enters, signs for the money, and returns to the
truck with the valuables in hand. Carrying money between the truck and the
business can be extremely hazardous; because of this risk, armored car guards
usually wear bulletproof vests.
All security officers must show good judgment and common sense, follow
directions and directives from supervisors, testify accurately in court, and
follow company policy and guidelines. Guards should have a professional
appearance and attitude and be able to interact with the public. They also must
be able to take charge and direct others in emergencies or other dangerous
incidents. In a large organization, the security manager often is in charge of a
trained guard force divided into shifts; in a small organization, a single
worker may be responsible for all security.
Gaming surveillance officers, also known as surveillance agents,
and gaming investigators act as security agents for casino managers
and patrons. Using primarily audio and video equipment in an observation room,
they observe casino operations for irregular activities, such as cheating or
theft, by either employees or patrons. They keep recordings that are sometimes
used as evidence against alleged criminals in police investigations. Some
casinos use a catwalk over one-way mirrors located above the casino floor to
augment electronic surveillance equipment. Surveillance agents occasionally
leave the surveillance room and walk the casino floor.
Most security guards and gaming surveillance officers spend considerable time
on their feet, either assigned to a specific post or patrolling buildings and
grounds. Guards may be stationed at a guard desk inside a building to monitor
electronic security and surveillance devices or to check the credentials of
persons entering or leaving the premises. They also may be stationed at a
guardhouse outside the entrance to a gated facility or community and may use a
portable radio or cellular telephone that allows them to be in constant contact
with a central station. The work usually is routine, but guards must be
constantly alert for threats to themselves and the property they are protecting.
Guards who work during the day may have a great deal of contact with other
employees and members of the public. Gaming surveillance often takes place
behind a bank of monitors controlling several cameras in a casino and thus can
cause eyestrain.
Guards usually work at least 8-hour shifts for 40 hours per week and often
are on call in case an emergency arises. Some employers have three shifts, and
guards rotate to divide daytime, weekend, and holiday work equally. Guards
usually eat on the job instead of taking a regular break away from the site. In
2004, 16% of guards worked part time, and many individuals held a second job as
a guard to supplement their primary earnings.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement |
Most States require that guards be licensed. To be licensed as a guard,
individuals must usually be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and
complete classroom training in such subjects as property rights, emergency
procedures, and detention of suspected criminals. Drug testing often is required
and may be random and ongoing.
Many employers of unarmed guards do not have any specific educational
requirements. For armed guards, employers usually prefer individuals who are
high school graduates or who hold an equivalent certification. Many jobs require
a drivers license. For positions as armed guards, employers often seek people
who have had responsible experience in other occupations.
Guards who carry weapons must be licensed by the appropriate government
authority, and some receive further certification as special police officers,
allowing them to make limited types of arrests while on duty. Armed guard
positions have more stringent background checks and entry requirements than
those of unarmed guards because of greater insurance liability risks. Compared
with unarmed security guards, armed guards and special police typically enjoy
higher earnings and benefits, greater job security, and more potential for
advancement. Usually, they also are given more training and responsibility.
Rigorous hiring and screening programs consisting of background, criminal
record, and fingerprint checks are becoming the norm in the occupation.
Applicants are expected to have good character references, no serious police
record, and good health. They should be mentally alert, emotionally stable, and
physically fit to cope with emergencies. Guards who have frequent contact with
the public should communicate well.
The amount of training guards receive varies. Training requirements are
higher for armed guards because their employers are legally responsible for any
use of force. Armed guards receive formal training in areas such as weapons
retention and laws covering the use of force.
Many employers give newly hired guards instruction before they start the job
and provide on-the-job training. An increasing number of States are making
ongoing training a legal requirement for retention of certification. Guards may
receive training in protection, public relations, report writing, crisis
deterrence, and first aid, as well as specialized training relevant to their
particular assignment.
The American Society for Industrial Security International has written
voluntary training guidelines that are intended to provide regulating bodies
consistent minimum standards for the quality of security services. These
guidelines recommend that security guards receive at least 48 hours of training
within the first 100 days of employment. The guidelines also suggest that
security guards be required to pass a written or performance examination
covering topics such as sharing information with law enforcement, crime
prevention, handling evidence, the use of force, court testimony, report
writing, interpersonal and communication skills, and emergency response
procedures. In addition, they recommend annual training and additional firearms
training for armed officers.
Guards who are employed at establishments placing a heavy emphasis on
security usually receive extensive formal training. For example, guards at
nuclear power plants undergo several months of training before being placed on
duty and even then, they perform their tasks only under close supervision. They
are taught to use firearms, administer first aid, operate alarm systems and
electronic security equipment, and spot and deal with security problems. Guards
who are authorized to carry firearms may be periodically tested in their use.
Because many people do not stay long in this occupation, opportunities for
advancement are good for those who are career security officers. Most large
organizations use a military type of ranking that offers the possibility of
advancement in both position and salary. Some guards may advance to supervisor
or security manager positions. Guards with management skills may open their own
contract security guard agencies. Pay rates vary substantially with the security
level of the establishment, so there is also the opportunity to move to higher
paying jobs with increased experience and training.
In addition to possessing the keen observation skills required to perform
their jobs, gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators must have
excellent verbal and writing abilities to document violations or suspicious
behavior. They also need to be physically fit and have quick reflexes, because
they sometimes must detain individuals until local law enforcement officials
arrive.
Gaming surveillance officers and investigators usually need some training
beyond high school, but not a bachelors degree; previous security experience is
a plus. Several educational institutes offer certification programs. Training
classes usually are conducted in a casino-like atmosphere and use surveillance
camera equipment. Employers prefer either individuals with significant knowledge
of casino operations through work experience or those with experience conducting
investigations, such as former law enforcement officers.
Security guards and gaming surveillance officers held over 1.0 million jobs
in 2004. Over half of all jobs for security guards were in investigation and
security services, including guard and armored car services. These organizations
provide security on a contract basis, assigning their guards to buildings and
other sites as needed. Most other security officers were employed directly by
educational services, hospitals, food services and drinking places, traveler
accommodation (hotels), department stores, manufacturing firms, lessors of real
estate (residential and nonresidential buildings), and governments. Guard jobs
are found throughout the country, most commonly in metropolitan areas. Gaming
surveillance officers worked primarily in gambling industries; traveler
accommodation, which includes casino hotels; and local government. Gaming
surveillance officers were employed only in those States and on those Indian
reservations where gambling has been legalized.
A significant number of law enforcement officers work as security guards when
they are off duty, in order to supplement their incomes. Often working in
uniform and with the official cars assigned to them, they add a high-profile
security presence to the establishment with which they have contracted. At
construction sites and apartment complexes, for example, their presence often
deters crime. (Police and
detectives are discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Opportunities for security guards and gaming surveillance officers should be
favorable. Numerous job openings will stem from employment growth attributable
to the demand for increased security and from the need to replace those who
leave this large occupation each year. In addition to full-time job
opportunities, the limited training requirements and flexible hours attract many
persons seeking part-time or second jobs. However, competition is expected for
higher paying positions that require longer periods of training; these positions
usually are found at facilities that require a high level of security, such as
nuclear power plants or weapons installations.
Employment of security guards and gaming surveillance officers is expected to
grow as fast as the average
for all occupations through 2014 as concern about crime, vandalism, and
terrorism continues to increase the need for security. Demand for guards also
will grow as private security firms increasingly perform duties such as
providing security at public events and in residential neighborhoods that were
formerly handled by police officers. Casinos will continue to hire more
surveillance officers as more States legalize gambling and as the number of
casinos increases in States where gambling is already legal. In addition, casino
security forces will employ more technically trained personnel as technology
becomes increasingly important in thwarting casino cheating and theft.
Median annual earnings of security guards were $20,320 in May 2004. The
middle 50 percent earned between $16,640 and $25,510. The lowest 10 percent
earned less than $14,390, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $33,270.
Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of
security guards in May 2004 were as follows:
Elementary and secondary schools |
$25,030 |
General medical and surgical hospitals |
24,750 |
Local government |
23,690 |
Traveler accommodation |
21,710 |
Investigation and security services |
19,030 |
Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators had median annual
earnings of $25,840 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $20,430
and $33,790. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,710, and the highest 10
percent earned more than $42,420.
Guards protect property, maintain security, and enforce regulations and
standards of conduct in the establishments at which they work. Related security
and protective service occupations include correctional officers, police and detectives, and private detectives and
investigators.
Sources of Additional Information |
Further information about work opportunities for guards is available from
local security and guard firms and State employment service offices. Information
about licensing requirements for guards may be obtained from the State licensing
commission or the State police department. In States where local jurisdictions
establish licensing requirements, contact a local government authority such as
the sheriff, county executive, or city manager.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational
Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition,
Security Guards and Gaming
, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos159.htm
(visited April 06, 2006).
One reader of Security Officer's
Manual said, I would immediately recommend this book to anyone interested in or
has to train new security persons. Although it may not cover hostage situations,
terrorist attacks, etc., it does well, what any book can do: Cover the basics!
No security company that survives can rely on text or videos to fully train
their personnel. But Mr. Clede's book does cover those basics with detail. One
of my favorite features of the book is the legal research and inclusion of court
rulings. These are very important for the officer to understand what rights are
granted, why and by whom. I myself use this book to augment training within my
security curriculum. Although Mr.Clede may be a freelance writer, he has many
competent contributors listed within the cover. To Mr. Clede, you have done well
where others of lagged.
According to the book description
of Effective Report Writing for the Security Officer, Concise, well-written
security reports are the mark of a top notch security organization. As this
practical book points out, good report writing skills are key to professional
development. These skills require no special talent and are easy enough for
anyone to pick up. Officers, managers, and administrators alike can benefit from
the simple `how-to' guidelines and easy-to-follow samples offered here. Contains
a complete introduction to event reports, and includes sample reports for fire,
theft, and injury. Easy to follow format and helpful examples and exercises.
Uses practical tips for improving writing skills, including lists of commonly
According to the book description
of SOLO it answers the questions: How do I protect my client alone? How would I
handle a multiple attack situation? How would I manage my client during an
attack? These and many more questions are answered in this unique book on single
agent protection. When its just you, your client and the bad guy(s), seconds
count! The question: Will you know what to do? SOLO takes you through all
aspects of one-on-one protection, when its just you and your client. This book
will explain the special dynamics involved in single agent protection and why
you must be prepared to handle this type of protection detail. In addition, it
details the Proper Mindset.
According to the book description
of Security Officers And Policing: Powers, Culture And Control in the Governance
of Private Space, This volume examines how and to what extent security officers
make use of legal tools. The work identifies these tools and draws on two
case-study sites to illustrate how security officers make use of them as well as
how they fit in broader security systems to secure compliance. The study also
examines the occupational culture of security officers and links them into the
broader systems of security that operate to police nodes of governance. The book
provides insights for researchers and policy-makers seeking to develop policy
for the expanding private security industry.
According to the book description
of The Role of the Security Officer it is an excellent choice for individuals,
private consultants or college instructors searching for an appropriate student
textbook that covers the fundamentals of basic security guard training. It is
written in a lively and creative style that quickly grabs and holds the
attention of the reader while covering the full range of fundamentals of the
armed and unarmed security guard profession. The book was written to cover
requirements of Washington State Armed and Unarmed Guard licensing training
requirements but it meets or exceeds training needs in other states as well.
Topics covered include: Crime & Loss Prevention, Security Guards & the Criminal
Justice System, Legal Powers & Limitations, Security Observation & Awareness,
EEO, Diversity, Workplace Violence, Homeland Security, Safeguarding & Sharing
Information, Terrorism & Surveillance, Patrol Procedures, Access Control,
Emergency Response, OSHA Life Safety & Accident Prevention, Communication,
Report Writing, Armed Guard Firearms Safety & Training, Use of Deadly Force,
Marksmanship, Defensive Driving, Armored Truck Security, Diplomatic Security &
Blending In, Handcuffs & Handcuffing.
There are summaries & quiz
questions at the end of each chapter and a final exam that covers the entire
book. A power point CD version of the book is available to assist instructors by
contacting the author via his website. Michael Jaquish has nearly thirty years
of management and training experience in for the domestic and international law
enforcement and private security guard fields.
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