One of the fastest growing areas of new jobs in the United States is the security industry. The need for security guards is greater than ever before, as large companies and organizations seek the added protection for property and equipment that only a well-trained security force can provide. Because of this need for security personnel, security officer training is a growing industry as well. In fact, with estimates of job growth ranging as high as 15% over the next five years, the need for adequate security officer training is all but guaranteed.
Though security officer training is not a formal educational process comparable to many other fields of employment, it is no less important. In fact, adequate security officer training is crucial for the industry, since untrained security personnel would pose a danger not only to themselves but to others as well – particularly if they were armed. In their roles as protectors of various buildings and property, security officers encounter many of the same situations that many police officers see on a daily basis, including vandalism and attempted theft.
There are many different ways in which an aspiring security guard can receive security officer training. Many people begin with a formal degree in some type of criminal justice course, with the intent to eventually become police officers. However, no formal degree is necessary. There are other requirements that every candidate must meet, including training prior to being assigned, and informal training that takes place on the job. In many states there is also a requirement for background checks and training in firearms if the individual is expected to carry a weapon.
The key to understanding successful security officer training is o understand how it differs from police training. If you are thinking about becoming a security guard because you are looking for some feeling of control or power, look elsewhere. Security is a complicated profession, and not one that lends itself to people with little self-control. It was mentioned previously that security guards often encounter many of the same problems as police officers; it should also be pointed out that the methods with which security officers must cope with those issues are vastly different than those used by the police.
Because security guards are charged with protecting their employers’ property rather than the community at large, they have much less latitude with respect to the amount of force that they can use. These guards must often rely upon their ability to maintain their alertness and keep themselves under control as they perform their duties. Security officer training is focused on teaching you to manage crisis situations rather than getting swept up in whatever maelstrom may be occurring around you.
Quality security officer training is not an easy educational process, but it is a necessity if that is your chosen profession. There are facilities and programs designed to provide this training in many parts of the country. The easiest way to locate a training facility near you is to search online. Be sure to research any training options thoroughly before you make your final decision.
