New security jobs have been opening up in the United States in response to the tragic attack of 9/11 and subsequent reported terror threats. There are a few questions to ask oneself and a potential employer prior to seeking employment in this growing field. The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates up to 175,000 new jobs to be created in this field by 2016. Guard security jobs may require carrying a weapon, entailing more responsibility and job specific training than unarmed positions.
The financial compensation for armed guards is higher than that for unarmed guards, a reasonable recognition of the heightened danger in such positions. Security jobs are categorized as contract or proprietary. A contract position entails working for a firm as part of a staff of security personnel. The employees of such firms are assigned to a variety of locations with duties unique to each contracted placement. Security vacancies with placement firms provide choice and an opportunity to work different schedules in diverse environments, with uniforms specialized for each contract position.
Proprietary security jobs are those created and filled by either a business or a building management company. These guard security jobs are permanent placements on location, with consistent duties, regular posts, and known shifts. Be prepared to submit to a drug test and background check when applying for security vacancies, and inquire whether industry-specific certification or license is a prerequisite for consideration. Some employers will provide the training at their cost, while other employers want those applying either to have certification or to obtain it at their own expense.
The types of certification for guard security work are broad. Perhaps firearms training and a concealed weapons permit will be necessary, in addition to shooting range time. State-mandated programs must be completed in many of the fifty states, with yearly or bi-annual refresher courses. An example is the curriculum mandated by the state of Arizona, with courses on ethics, first response, crime scene preservation, arrest laws, criminal law, communications, grooming, and uniforms.
Presenting evidence of basic CPR training and defibrillator training can make a candidate more attractive to the hiring agency. Security jobs are often the first step for a young adult wanting to pursue a career in law enforcement, gaining practical on-the-job experience to add to a resume. Retirees from the military and police agencies also fill security vacancies, offering experience and seasoned responses to any emergency or threatening situation. Those who have felony convictions or have been found guilty of committing a violent crime are almost universally denied employment.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics summarizes the job duties of security jobs as patrolling and inspecting property to defend against natural disaster and illegal activities. Protecting the site of their employer, they are law enforcement for the premises, staving off crime. Using various forms of telecommunication devices, they may work in conjunction with fire, police, and paramedic personnel. Extensive report writing is necessary as well as strong powers of observation.
Case reports may be requested in addition to interviewing victims of crime or witnesses of crime, and they may testify in court proceedings. Are you intrigued by the challenge inherent in new security jobs? Join this field with a growing presence in a security conscious world.
Author Resource:
This Author is a HUGE fan of Guard Security Jobs Distributed by Content Crooner