Security Patrol Officer

Typical job description and responsibilities

This aspect of security requires that you are always alert and trained to quickly detect suspicious behavior. 

Security Patrol Officer Responsibilities:

• You will be directly responsible for the suppression of intruders 
• Detainment of those who try to steal from the company
• Making frequent patrols at designated areas throughout the company and the surrounding area
• You could be responsible for patrolling the inside or the outside of the compound
•  You are considered the first line of response for emergencies as well

In case of an emergency:

You should be familiar with how to interact with authorities in the event of an emergency. You should also become intimate with the building that you are protecting in case you need to help with the evacuation of it. 

You will also be expected to know all the muster points at a company in the event of an emergency. Most times you will work in a team and could be responsible for mobile patrols as well.

You should expect to be on your feet a lot as you will have to constantly monitor not only the building but the security systems and alarms in place as well. Another aspect of your job may entail monitoring CCTV for any form of suspicious behavior or threats to the building that you have been assigned.

Following training for this role, you will be equipped with the skills to:

• Patrol assigned areas on foot, by car or bicycle
• Be on the lookout for suspicious or illegal activity.
• Perform on-the-scene investigations.
• Complete all necessary paperwork and provide testimonies in court.

Security Patrol Officers are also responsible for:  

• Helping people in trouble and rendering other public services.
• Immediately responding to reports of emergencies or possible crimes and offering the necessary assistance.
• Regulating traffic, enforcing traffic laws, investigating traffic accidents, and assisting motorists in need.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with community members.

Working Conditions

You must be physically fit for this job. The job is one that will keep you busy and you will be expected to maintain a strong physical presence at all times. This is to help deter any criminal activities. If called upon you should also be able to deter intruders and other threats. You will most likely work as part of a team and will patrol in rotations so that you are always alert and ready to intercept any danger. The job has exciting elements and is financially rewarding for those who keep training and learning.

Skills and personal qualities required: 

A Security Patrol Officer needs to be:

• Physically fit
• A quick problem solver
• Able to quickly communicate with the rest of the team in the event of an emergency
• Able to quickly communicate with the relevant authorities in the event of an emergency
• Able to detain intruders
• Knowledgeable of licensing laws and health and safety regulations
• Able to write incident reports 

Education required

If you are considering a career as a Security Patrol Officer then all you need is to complete your SIA course. That means you do not need to have GSCEs. 

You should bear in mind however that this can make getting the job highly competitive. That's because you will have to stand out to employers and you will be competing with anyone from any country who has a right to work in the UK. 

Having a strong command of English can be a great asset as it means that you will be able to communicate with your team when needed and to write reports as required.

Benefits of the jobs/perks

• Increased earnings as you become more trusted at your assignment
• Learning more law enforcement techniques 
• Learning more about security monitoring systems
• Learning how to respond to emergencies

- Life skills they would acquire

The level of physical fitness you are expected to have will help you to maintain your health in your personal life as well. You will also develop thorough investigative skills which can help you while conducting day to day activities. The job will also help you develop techniques that help you improve your concentration levels. 

You can also expect to:

• Learn about new security techniques
• Learn about suppression methods
• Learn conflict management skills

This aspect of security requires that you are always alert and trained to quickly detect suspicious behavior.