There are many different jobs for security personnel, but there are some common elements to all of these jobs. Security personnel need to know the legal principles governing their line of work; effective surveillance techniques; and how to assess and quickly handle threatening situations. Many security workers also need the strength and self-defense skills to restrain offenders. Some need basic first aid skills (this includes amusement park and concert security). Most officers spend a good portion of their time preparing reports and filling out other paperwork.
Security officers patrol and inspect the property to guard against vandalism, dangerous situations, and theft. These guards work in department stores, schools, for private businesses, government buildings, museums, on ships, in nightclubs and bars, and much more. Job duties vary, but these guards are there mostly to deter criminals and to keep the public or patrons safe.
The job outlook for security guards is quite good. The median annual earnings of guards in 2002 were $19,410. School guards earned the most - $24,470. Hospital guards also did well with $24,050. Gaming surveillance officers averaged $23,110.
Correctional and detention officers work with arrested and incarcerated individuals. These guards help keep the peace by preventing assaults, disturbances, and escapes. The work is stressful and dangerous, but does not require advanced training and offers good pay and job security. Median annual earnings in 2002 were $32,670. Federal employees earned an average of $40,900.
Police officers and detectives protect the lives and property of the public. Officers respond to service calls, respond to accidents, assist in investigations, and patrol. Sheriffs and their deputies enforce laws at the county level, and state troopers monitor state highways. Detectives and agents investigate and try to solve criminal cases. Agents also enforce federal laws.
Information security is performed by computer operators and systems analysts, among others. These workers build security into the computer systems, implement security procedures, and sometimes assist office or company staff when security issues arise. High-level workers may help governments or big businesses catch hackers, identity thieves, and more.
In 2002, police and sheriff patrol officers earned a median of $42,270. Supervisors averaged $61,010. Detectives earned an average of $51,410. Federal agents are paid on the federal pay scale; for example, GS-13 non-supervisory employees had a base salary of $61,521 (or $76,560 with overtime pay).
Most guards (security and correctional) work a regular 40-hour work week. Many facilities need to be watched 24-hours a day, on holidays and weekends, too. Police officers have more irregular shifts, and some work overtime (especially detectives). Police officers and agents are also expected to enforce the law or help out as needed when off-duty (for example, assisting at a traffic accident that they witnessed).
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