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Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an armed security officer. Feel free to use our armed security officer job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an armed security officer.

 

Who is an Armed Security Officer?

Security is non-negotiable; it is crucial for growth, survival, productivity, and development. As individuals, we all require one form of security or another. Even businesses and organizations need to secure their premises, properties, and investments. One of the essential components of owning a business or company is guaranteeing the safety of employees. Now, how do you ensure the safety of your staff, premises, or products?

Whether it’s a government institution, private firm, or a freelance venture, security measures must be put in place to guarantee and propel the smooth running of daily activities. An ideal way of safeguarding properties and lives is by hiring or employing armed security officers. The armed security profession or endeavor is present and needed in almost all facets of work. Remember, goods and services need to be protected and safeguarded so too markets. Also, religious and educational institutions need to be protected from sabotage and vandals; banks and premises must be fortified and secured since money and other values are kept there. Similarly, leisure parks, hospitality centers, and medical sites must be protected from vandalism and defacement. All these and more emphasize the importance of the armed security officer in the daily routine of individuals, enterprises, and institutions.

Therefore, an armed security officer is defined as a person employed by an individual, government, or private entity to protect assets, people, equipment, money, and other valuables from a series of hazards by enforcing preventive and combative measures. The hazards can be in form of criminal activity like theft, unsafe worker behavior, waste, and damaged property. The armed security officers perform their tasks by being vigilant and maintaining a high-visibility presence to deter and daunt illegal and inappropriate actions. Through patrols, video surveillance systems, or alarm systems, the armed security officer looks for signs of crime, delinquency, or other hazards including fire outbreaks. They respond and act immediately to combat and minimize damage as appropriate. Armed security officers reverse or reduce harm in an organization or setting by warning and escorting trespassers and offenders off the property, they also report any incidents to clients and emergency services such as the paramedics or police where necessary. Often, armed security officers are uniformed and kitted with protective gears to represent their lawful authority to protect government and private property. Depending on the organization, the armed security officers are stationed at strategic locations to protect the different departments and sub-sections within the enterprise.

As an armed security officer, you will be governed by legal regulations and must abide totally by them. In most cases, the legalities governing the armed security profession set out eligibility requirements such as a criminal record check and enumerating criteria to be fulfilled; these criteria are usually drafted in synergy with the permitted authorities in a particular jurisdiction and must strictly be adhered to by armed security officers. Significantly, the permitted authorities to armed security officers vary by territory, state, and country. At the request of a sheriff or police officer, an armed security officer might make a citizen’s arrest as a law enforcement agent. However, an armed security officer employed by a security firm and proprietary security department is responsible for deterring, detecting, observing, and reporting security breaches to the higher authorities. In relation, some private armed security officers protect their clients from criminal acts and insecurity as the case may be. Other armed security officers employed by businesses and firms enforce company rules and most times have a contractual obligation to act and protect lives and properties; they are the first port of call when a security breach or hazard is discovered.

Additionally, the armed security personnel is trained and equipped to perform specialized tasks aside from basic deterrence. These tasks include arresting and controlling nuisance and perceived criminal activity by handcuffing and restraining, operating emergency equipment, performing first aid and CPR, writing detailed reports, taking accurate notes, and executing other duties as required by the client or institute they work for. Also known as armed guards or security guards, the armed security officer is licensed and permitted by law to carry firearms and weapons to protect their employers or clients. These weapons can only be used when the client or jurisdiction to which they are assigned is under duress. The average working day of an armed security officer may include preventing damage and loss by reporting, combating, and detaining trespassers and violators. They might also record and keep daily reports of events to present as evidence when needed; armed security officers ensure the daily proficiency of weapons and protective gears assigned to them as well. Crucially, most armed security officers are familiar with standard procedures, concepts, and practices in a particular field and often rely on judgment to plan, accomplish, and undertake several tasks and goals. They mostly work under close supervision and report to the chief security officer and other management staff.

Furthermore, armed security officers patrol the interior and exterior of buildings and environs periodically and restrict access to properties to only employees, clients, and authorized visitors. Most armed security officers resolve disputes and disagreements between staff or visitors respectively; they use their observational skills to identify and safeguard potential entry points for trespassers, detect security threats, and establish a security presence in the designated area. Regardless of restrictions, most armed security officers use a firearm to combat hostilities, criminal activities, and potential attacks or concealment of tangible and intangible properties where necessary.

                                      

Armed Security Officer Job Description

Below are the armed security officer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an armed security officer job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

An armed security officer naturally safeguards individuals and premises and deters theft. They are required to perform several other functions as well. Depending on the facility or organization, an armed security officer’s duty may span across documentation, protection, and surveillance. Most employers enlist armed security officers to protect their clientele and thus, provide specific duties and responsibilities to be carried out. Though the tasks of armed security officers vary from employer to employer, there are general responsibilities that cut across all and sundry. These are;

• Protect stipulated individuals and climes from physical attack, harassment, vandalism, and other forms of unauthorized and abusive treatment.
• Utilize weapons and firearms to combat, defend, and de-escalate extreme attacks that supersede a non-violent approach.
• Ensure that weapons and other protective equipment are maintained and secured always.
• Attend refresher training on weapon use when necessary.
• Create a visitors register to record the details of all visitors to the facility.
• After noteworthy development, complete and submit incident reports to supervisors and management.
• Adopt and use the appropriate security measures and equipment at all times.
• Ensure uniforms and first aid boxes remain clean, tidy, and uncluttered always.
• Research and implement new security measures or revert to old ones if required.
• Regularly patrol designated areas to check for security or safety risks.
• Prevent unauthorized access to an asset, building, equipment, and item within an organization.
• Keep and monitor a closed-circuit television (CCTV) for potential hazards or issues.
• Respond to incidents and emergencies immediately and promptly.
• In extreme cases, coordinate with the police and other law enforcement personnel.
• Build and develop cordial relationships with fire services, ambulance services, and paramedics to handle emergencies.
• Detain violators and intruders to private or government properties.
• Draft and document shift activities.
• Use a sounding alarm to call for help.
• Inform intruders of policy and procedures and restrain trespassers.
• Complete preventive maintenance requirements to ensure the operation of security equipment and surveillance cameras.
• Maintain the company’s reputation and stability by complying with legal regulations.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Adhere to company or business service and operation standards.
• Follow the procedure for various initiatives such as fire prevention, traffic control, and accident investigations.
• Comply with local, state, and federal laws.
• Remain flexible in an ever-changing environment and adapt to different situations.

 

Qualifications and Requirements for Armed Security Officers

An armed security officer must be alert, vigilant, and heedful. They should constantly watch and survey for anything unusual. In emergencies, armed security officers must alert the relevant authorities or bodies and request ambulances, fire service, or police. To accomplish this, certain requirements and qualifications must be fulfilled and presented. This may be in form of training, educational certificate, relevant experience, and proficiency in using weapons and firearms. Thus, the required qualification of an armed security office includes but is not restricted to the following;

• Training: Training for armed security officers have evolved. Nowadays, professionalism and rigorous training are mandatory for armed security officers. The specific amount of training individuals need depends on the employer or organization. The ideal armed security officer must be adequately trained in covering emergency procedures, detention of suspects and trespassers, and proper communication. Training on how to use weapons and firearms is an advantage although employers and companies often provide additional instructions. Depending on the state, region, or country, most employers prefer individuals who have and will undergo 8 hours of training before the job, 8 to 16 hours of training on the job, and 8 hours of annual training. The components of this specialized training are related to first aid, report writing, deterring crisis, public relations, and protection.
• Education and Age requirements: A high school diploma or general education degree is the minimum educational requirement for the role of an armed security officer. Also, the prospective and preferred candidate must be at least 18 years old. In some climes, the minimum age is 21 years. Such individuals must undergo and pass a background check and present no criminal record. However, a college or associate degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, or police science can suffice.
• Work and relevant experience: Experience is key in the armed security profession. Security, law enforcement, or military experience is strongly preferred. Importantly, such experience must be sufficient to meet the minimum requirements for local, state, and federal licensing. Some employers prefer applicants with verifiable 2-5 years of working experience. In the gaming sector, the preferred individual must have previous work experience in casinos or surveillance.
• Licensing and certification: As with other professions, certain licensure and certificates must be presented to qualify for the position of an armed security officer. These include a firearms permit or BSIS Certificate, Baton and Pepper spray permits amongst others; these are all pluses and bonuses. Additionally, a CPR certificate and a drug test certificate, as well as a guard card, are required by most security firms.

 

Essential Skills

Whether you plan to work at a government or private security agency as an armed security officer, you must refine and sharpen some skills and adjust to the demands of the job. Remember, your primary duties revolve around protecting lives and properties and creating decorum in organizations. Hence, below are the important skills every serious, committed, and the qualified individual will need to succeed as an armed security officer;

• Physical fitness: Don’t enlist for the armed security profession if you have an underlining medical condition. The career is daunting and requires excellent physical stamina and fitness. An unhealthy and unfit armed security officer may not be able to protect employees and properties as well as a fit one. Physical fitness often enables the individual to be mentally alert.
• Alertness: An excellent armed security officer is always alert and focused on their surroundings. They should avoid distractions as best as they can. Similarly, an armed security officer needs sharp reflexes to notice and abort crimes. Also, being alert will enable the individual to quickly analyze the situation and react accordingly.
• Effective communication skills: Next, a well-armed security officer must possess excellent written and oral communication skills. This is essential when exchanging information with clients, employers, and visitors.
• Leadership skills and teamwork: Although most armed security officers tend to work alone, they still need teamwork and leadership skills. You might find yourself working in a group to ensure the perimeter of a corporation or business is completely secured; this necessitates teamwork and leadership.

 

How to Become an Armed Security Officer

The process of becoming an armed security officer usually takes a long time and has more requirements. Follow the following steps to start a career as an armed security officer;

• Firstly, the individual should have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent to cover the educational requirement.
• Secondly, the prospective armed security officer will undergo a security training regimen from an accredited institution. The training program should cover basic training on first aid and the use of weapons and firearms.
• Thirdly, get licensing, certificates, and permits to use a firearm and other protective gear and weapons.
• Fourthly, pass a background check and drug and medical screening, and fingerprint scan.
• Fifthly, hone your communication skills, interpersonal relations, customer service skills, empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Gain relevant experience in monitoring security cameras, control building access, and CCTV.
• Finally, apply for armed security officers roles.

 

Where to Work

Armed security officers can work for several businesses and corporations such as business parks, private homes, shopping malls, casinos, government buildings, hospitals, factories, warehouses, pharmaceutical plants, private security firms, insurance companies, markets, religious institutions, charitable organizations, educational institutions, hospitality centers, banks, community centers, dispensaries, and sports agencies.

 

Armed Security Officer Salary Scale

There are differences in the salary scale of armed security officers based on location and employer. However, the average hourly salary for an armed security officer in the United States of America is $16.62 according to research. Most common benefits attached to the salary include pet allowance, vision insurance, employee discount, dental insurance, and paid time off.

Government and Public Administration

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