The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks numerous sorts of data about varied occupations; this contains info on work environments. For many jobs, the work atmosphere is comparatively consistent; security officers, nonetheless, should face all kinds of settings and be able to adjust and function in every of those.
In reality, security guards have some of the diverse job environments of any industry. While a instructor typically practices her craft within the classroom, a logger works in forests and a surgeon rules the operating theater, just about any building or location may wish a guard. Schools, malls, casinos, hospitals, nuclear power stations, courtroomhouses and airports all need varying ranges of protection.
In its official class of “Security guard and gaming surveillance officer,” the BLS counts both private security officers and ones that work for the federal government; however, the company makes a distinction between them and police. The primary distinction between the 2 is that police are at all times authorities staff and have the facility of arrest, as well as a much more stringent training requirements.
The BLS identifies a number of industries that make use of the greatest number of safety personnel. In 2012-thirteen, over half labored in “investigation and security companies,” while government employed 9 percent, 6 percent worked in education services, each public and private; 5 p.c had been in lodging and meals companies, and four percent protected hospitals.
Transportation security screeners and other safety personnel present providers in transportation amenities equivalent to airports, train stations and sea terminals; they work for the federal government.
Gaming surveillance officers work at casinos and other gambling establishments; for that reason, that is an occupation that solely exists in jurisdictions the place gambling is legal. Whereas many in gaming safety work in remark rooms and maintain surveillance with cameras, others patrol officer the ground with the intention to rapidly reply to incidents. Gaming safety officers are, as a rule, more highly paid than generic security guards, with an average wage premium of $7000 per 12 months; nevertheless, additionally they face a higher than common rate of injury.
The work is not usually challenging physically, with lengthy durations of little activity. Security officers both man a station for the duration of a shift or make rounds inspecting a facility. Both conditions require most officers to be on their ft for lengthy stretches of time, which is something to be taken under consideration if in case you have decrease back ache or different well being issues that could be exacerbated by standing or walking.
However, in case of theft, burglary, altercations or other incidents, a guard will be required to confront a probably volatile or violent situation, during which case they need to have each the personal skills to defuse a scenario peacefully if possible, and the physical health to cope with a threatening individual if the former would not work. This is why states require security officers to bear training and certification, though it varies – while Florida, for instance, mandates forty hours’ training, a Connecticut security guard license solely requires an eight-hour course.
