Security officers protect people, property and other valuables, as well as maintaining crowd control. They patrol private premises and public venues, checking for unauthorised entry or people acting in a dangerous, unlawful or otherwise prohibited manner. They observe and report suspects to police, or when appropriate apprehend and detain them until police arrive. In some cases, security officers may be responsible for monitoring visitors to a site, recording their time of arrival and departure and issuing them with an appropriate pass once satisfied they have a legitimate reason for visiting.


ANZSCO ID & description: 442217: Patrols and guards industrial and commercial property, railway yards, stations and other facilities. Registration or licensing may be required.

Alternative names: Bodyguard, Bouncer, Security Guard, Security Officer and Guard, Loss Prevention Officer, Protective Service Officer, Security Provider,

Specialisations: 

• Air Security Officer - provides security at major airports as well as on domestic and international flights into and out of Australia. They are employed by the Australian Federal Police Protective Services (AFPPS).
    
• Australian Protective Service Officer - provides security at Australian Government premises. They are employed by the Australian Federal Police Protective Services (AFPPS).
•   
• Bodyguard - carries out the personal protection of another person.
•   
• Crowd Controller - maintains order at large gatherings of people such as at night clubs or concerts.
    
• Gatekeeper - makes sure that only authorised people or vehicles enter or leave particular premises. They may also check parking areas and vehicle loads.
    
• Mobile Patrol Guard - moves by car or motorcycle between a number of establishments such as building sites or factories in an industrial estate to prevent fire or flood damage, theft and vandalism.
     
• Railway Patrol Officer - Patrols and guards industrial and commercial property, railway yards, stations and other facilities. Registration or licensing may be required.
     
• Security Agent - performs all the duties of a security officer, but may also hire out and supply a guard dog for the purpose of protecting or guarding a person or property. A security firm must be licensed to carry out this additional security task.
    
• Store Security Officer - protects the property of retail stores by detecting and preventing shoplifting, investigating criminal offences and carrying out other security tasks.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A security officer needs:

• good communication and negotiation skills
• to be responsible and trustworthy
• to be observant and alert
• to be physically fit (may be required to pass a medical examination)
• good hearing and eyesight (may be corrected)
• a polite and helpful manner
• assertive with good interpersonal skills
• self-confidence and calmness under pressure
• the ability to follow written instructions
• Australian citizenship, or eligibility for citizenship, for Australian Protective Service Officer positions

(Source: Education HQ Australia)

Duties and Tasks

• patrolling property and checking doors, windows and gates for unauthorised entry
• watching for irregularities such as fire hazards, malfunctions of machines and equipment, lights left on, leaking water pipes and unlocked security doors
• issuing security passes to authorised visitors and giving directions
• monitoring alarms and contacting supervisors, police and fire brigades by radio or phone if security is breached or fire is detected
• picking up and ensuring the safe delivery of cash, payrolls and valuables
• operating coin and currency counting machines, and carrying out cash counting and packaging functions
• maintaining order at venues where there are large gatherings of people
• conducting investigations for clients and preparing evidence for court proceedings
• detecting and investigating theft and other unlawful acts carried out in retail establishments
• advising clients on security requirements and designing security specifications
• patrol and secure premises and public venues, inside and out
• monitor closed circuit television (CCTV) to check potential incidents
• guard and transport large sums of money or valuables
• observe and report suspects to police
• apprehend and lawfully detain suspects until police arrive
• act as personal security for a person or group of people
• work at an airport, screening passengers and guarding boundaries
• supervise the door for high end retail or large oganisations
• monitor visitors to a site, issue security passes and and record arrival and departure times
• operate crowd control services at concerts, rallies or events.

Working conditions

Security officers usually do shift work, which may include nights, weekends and public holidays. Some security officers work at a single location, while others travel between a number of sites in each shift.

Security officers usually spend long periods of time on their feet as they patrol the premises they are stationed at. Jobs that require driving are common, such as spending time in a security van. You may spend your time outdoors, in all types of weather, securing the perimeter or premises. They may have a high level of contact with the public, and at times may experience verbal or physical abuse. However, they receive training to deal with these difficult situations quickly and safely, to minimise the danger to all parties, including themselves.

Tools and technologies

Most security officers use radios and mobile phones to stay in contact with a partner or central office in case back up is needed. They also use electronic alarm systems and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) to assist in monitoring premises and identifying potential incidents. Security Officers who patrol more than one location will also have to drive between sites, often in cars fitted with spotlights.

With special licenses some security officers are also permitted to carry guns or batons in certain circumstances. Some security officers may patrol with specially trained dogs.

They are also usually required to wear a uniform, though some may patrol in plain clothes.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a security officer, you usually need to complete a formal qualification in security operations. The Certificate II in Security Operations is offered at registered training organisations throughout Australia. You can also complete a traineeship. The security officer (armed), (unarmed) and (with guard dog) traineeships usually take six months to complete.

To work as a security officer in Australia, you need to be at least 18 years old, hold a current Provide First Aid Certificate, and must obtain a Security Officer License, issued by the Licensing Services Division of the Australian Police. You will also need to undergo a reference check and National Police History Check conducted by Licensing Services (Security). If you work in a licensed venue where alcohol is served, you would also need a Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate.

Employment Opportunities
  
Employment of security officers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. An added emphasis on safety and security, along with roles across a broad range of industries, will mean excellent overall job opportunities for security officers.
   
The Australian Federal Police conducts recruitment for Protective Service Officers on an annual basis. Protective Service Officers undergo an intensive 13-week training course in Canberra. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and hold a manual drivers licence.

Security officers are employed by private security firms, banks, large department stores, industrial and commercial organisations and property companies that own office blocks and hotels.

Security officers may be promoted to supervisory or managerial positions or to central control duties, checking that visits or patrols have been undertaken. Opportunities for promotion are generally better with larger organisations, although it is possible to move from a small employer to a more senior position with another firm.

Alarm, security or surveillance monitors protect people, organisations and property and make sure they are kept safe. They observe security alarms and surveillance equipment to prevent crimes from happening and contact mobile security guards when problems occur. They also notify supervisors, police or fire brigades if security is breached or fire is detected. Alarm, security or surveillance monitors may also be required to respond in person or perform patrolling duties.


ANZSCO ID & description: 442211: Monitors security alarms, CCTV and other surveillance equipment, and contacts supervisors, police or fire brigades if security is breached or fire is detected. Registration or licensing may be required.

Alternative names: Control Room Operator

Knowledge, skills and attributes

​An alarm, security or surveillance monitor needs:

• good communication skills

• good negotiation and conflict resolution skills

• analytical and problem solving skills

• to be trustworthy and responsible

• the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

 

Did You Know? CCTV or Closed Circuit Television refers to a visible or covert video system intended for only a limited number of viewers. In Closed Circuit TV (CCTV), the picture is viewed or recorded, but not broadcast. It was initially developed as a means of security for banks and casinos; however, today it has been developed to the point where it is simple and inexpensive enough to be used with Home Security Systems, and for everyday surveillance.

Duties and Tasks

• Watches for irregularities such as broken water-pipes and fire hazards and takes action to prevent fire, accidental loss or criminal activity.

• Monitors alarms and contacts supervisors, police and fire brigades by radio or phone if security is breached or fire is detected.

• patrolling property and checking doors, windows and gates for unauthorised entry

• Watches for malfunctions of machines and equipment, lights left on, leaking water pipes and unlocked security doors

• issuing security passes to authorised visitors and giving directions

• monitoring alarms and contacting supervisors, police and fire brigades by radio or phone if security is breached or fire is detected

• picking up and ensuring the safe delivery of cash, payrolls and valuables

• operating coin and currency counting machines, and carrying out cash counting and packaging functions

• maintaining order at venues where there are large gatherings of people

• conducting investigations for clients and preparing evidence for court proceedings

• detecting and investigating theft and other unlawful acts carried out in retail establishments

• advising clients on security requirements and designing security specifications

Working conditions

Alarm, security or surveillance monitors may work in a control room located on site within a building, or in a central control room located off site where they may monitor numerous sites from the one office. They may work shiftwork, including weekends, public holidays and evenings.

Tools and technologies

​Alarm, security or surveillance monitors use closed circuit television (CCTV) systems and video and audio intercoms to watch over the premises they are monitoring. They may also monitor security and fire alarms at residential and commercial premises. They use radios to communicate with mobile security officers who then check on reported problem areas.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become an alarm, security or surveillance monitor you usually need to complete a formal qualification in security operations.

The Certificate II in Security Operations is offered at TAFE colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Australia.

You can complete a traineeship. The coordinator of control room operations traineeship usually takes six months to complete.

To work as an alarm, security or surveillance monitor in Australia, you need to be at least 18 years old, hold a current Provide First Aid Certificate, and must obtain a Security Officer licence, issued by the Licensing Services Division of the Australian Police. You will also need to undergo a reference check and National Police History Check conducted by Licensing Services (Security).

 

  

Security systems installers fit and repair security systems and devices, including alarms and closed-circuit television (CCTV). They inspect sites and talk with clients to determine security requirements and plan the equipment needed and where it will be placed for maximum effectiveness. They run cables and wires through walls and roof spaces, connecting systems to the electricity supply and telephone lines, so that alarms can be monitored. Once a system has been installed, these workers run thorough tests to ensure that it functions as intended, making any necessary adjustments to improve performance.

ANZSCO ID & description: 342313: Security systems installers fit and repair security systems and devices, including alarms and closed-circuit television (CCTV).

Alternative names: Security Systems Technician, Security Technician

  
Specialisations: Security Adviser

Knowledge, skills and attributes

A security systems installer needs:

• good communication skills

• the ability to follow plans and instructions, and solve problems

• good hand-eye coordination

• to enjoy and have an aptitude for technical and engineering activities

• to be honest and trustworthy

CCTV Nest via photopin (license)

 

Duties and Tasks

• Performing site inspections and discussing requirements with clients.

• Determining equipment and configuration to be used in installation.

• Providing quotes and estimates to clients.

• Routing cables through buildings including through roof spaces, under floors and through cavity walls.

• Connecting alarm systems to phone lines and internet connections.

• Mounting, calibrating and programming equipment.

• Testing equipment and diagnosing and repairing faults.

• Completing installation documentation and following established procedures.

• Connecting equipment to mains power.

Working conditions

Security systems installers work in a range of settings, including residential, commercial, industrial and public buildings and premises. They work both indoors and outside. When working indoors they may be required to work in roof spaces, which can be dark, cramped and dusty. When working outside they work in a range of weather conditions and may be required to work at heights. Most security systems installers work standard business hours during the week, however some on-call work may be required to deal with any faults occurring outside normal business hours, this may require working nights, on weekends and/or public holidays.

Tools and technologies

Security systems installers work with equipment designed to detect and monitor the presence of intruders, including motion sensors, closed-circuit television (CCTV), infrared and alarms. They also use cables, radio system links and/or fibre optics to connect the system to control panels, electricity supply and telecommunications networks. There are rapid technological advances in this field and security systems installers will need to continually update their knowledge to stay current. They use tools such as drills, pliers, wirecutters and other hand and power tools to install the system and make connections. They will also need to use ladders or elevated work platforms to carry out some work. Uniforms and company vehicles are often supplied.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a security systems installer you will need to complete a traineeship in Technical Security and hold the appropriate licences and registration.

A traineeship in Technical Security (Level 2) will qualify you to install CCTV systems and work effectively in the security industry. After completion of the level 2 traineeship you can begin a traineeship in Technical Security (Level 3). The level 3 traineeship covers more advanced skills, allowing you to design and program systems and install a wider range of security equipment. As a trainee, you enter into a formal training contract with an employer. You spend most of your time working and learning practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training with a registered training provider. They will assess your skills and when you are competent in all areas, you will be awarded a nationally recognised qualification. Each of these traineeships generally takes 6 months to complete.

As a security systems installer you will also need to be registered as a cabler with the Australian Security Industry Association (ASIAL) or another Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) approved registrar. Completion of the above Level 2 traineeship will qualify you for restricted registration, while the Level 3 traineeship qualifies you for open registration. For full details of the cabling registration requirements contact ASIAL or ACMA.

In Australia, a security systems installer must also be licenced by the Australian Police. Licensing will require you to complete a test to determine competency, provide a set of your fingerprints and pass a criminal history check.

You may also be required to hold a licence to carry out restricted electrical work.

(Source: Seek)

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

Armoured Car Escort	Electrician	Firefighter	Locksmith
Police Officer	Private Investigator	Transport Services Officer

Materials sourced from
the Job Guide;
Jobs & Skills WA [Security Officer; Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor; Security Systems Installer ]
CareersOnline [Security System Technician; Security Officer; ]
CareerHQ [Security Systems Technician; Security Officer;  ]
Acacia [Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor; ]
Seek [Security System Technician; ]
JobOutlook [Security Consultants; Security Officer; Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor; ]

 

 

 

Copyright © On the Job Online