You probably see security officers (or security guards, as they’re often called) in many different places, from patrolling shopping malls to managing access to office buildings to monitoring security scanners at the courthouse. But, have you taken the time to think about what this important job entails?
First, some interesting facts about the security profession. About 1.1 million security officers work in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2015 data. Security services like DPI Security employ the majority of these officers. And medical facilities, schools, tourist sites or local government may also employ security officers.
Annual wages vary based on the position, responsibility level and location. Oregon, for instance, had 7,920 security guards in 2015. They earned an average wage of just under $30,000 annually.
States license security officers, and each has slightly different requirements. For instance, Oregon requires that security officers are 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, do not have any criminal disqualifiers, and complete a 14-hour course taught by a certified private security instructor (such as DPI Security’s training course).
Some key responsibilities of security officers include:
- Monitor a premise to prevent theft, violence or rule infractions, and warn violators of rules and regulations.
- Thoroughly examine doors, windows and gates to ensure proper function and security.
- Observe and report or expel people engaging in suspicious or criminal acts.
- Report any facility issues such as fire hazards or leaking water pipes.
- Request emergency personnel for high-risk situations.
Interested in utilizing DPI’s security services, or becoming a security officer? We have three Oregon locations: Portland, Salem and Eugene. Contact us today.
