Private Security Officer Techniques

In the private security industry, different personnel complete specific objectives for their company. The types of companies range from sports crowd management services, apartment security, mall security, hospitals, government buildings, parks, and recreation. Private security officers must obtain licenses through the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Some companies have an unarmed and armed officers division that allows them to obtain different contracts for specific events or venues. The private security industry has expanded as more security officers are needed to cover posts in major cities.

General Rules when engaging with a suspect.

1. Avoid - You want to avoid any situation that can cause great bodily harm to you or the people you are engaging with. It is best to use excellent communication skills that can help you deter the situation. You want to compel your argument with the person in question and gather the information that can help resolve the situation peacefully.

2. Escape - If the situation gets critical, your priority is escaping the danger. Getting away from the hostile situation and calling for backup support. Law enforcement and other security officers can help you remain in control of the situation.

3. Defend - If there is no possible escape route, you must defend against a threat.

The last action plan is to defend because you must provide the personnel services. In the private security industry, you are the product. In a sense, you are selling yourself. You are a highly skilled individual who can provide a critical service not gained by a regular civilian. You have the expertise and the knowledge to identify the threat, prevent bad outcomes, and achieve a successful interaction. Customer service qualities are needed to become successful in the private security service industry. You must achieve rapport with the public that you are there to support and help them.

What is the difference between a good private security officer and an expert?

1. Consistency

2. Accuracy

3. Precision

Types of Security Guard Industries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational employment and wage statistics put private security officers estimated employment at 1,057,100 security guards. The highest levels of employment among security guards are:

• Investigation and Security Services

• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals

• Elementary and Secondary Schools

• Traveler Accommodation

• Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals

Depending on the type of secure employment, the annual salaries increase. Within these private security sectors, The top-paying industries for security guards are:

• Natural Gas Distribution

• Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

• Monetary Authorities - Central Banking

• Scientific Research and Development facilities

• Navigational, measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing

These top-paying security guard positions earn above the average American wage across the country in 2022. Not surprisingly, the states with the highest employment level of security guards are California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois. The top four states with the highest population employ the most private security guards to maintain crowd management and public response.

The metropolitan areas that have the highest employment level of security guards are:

• New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA

• Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA

• Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI

• Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL

• Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

It's evident that as population growth occurs and people move to more concentrated areas, there is a high need for public safety.

References:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes339032.htm