Course
Description
This course introduces students to the private security guard profession in the United States. Topics include current trends and the role of private compared to that of police officers. Students explore specialized security fields and career opportunities in various industries. The course also explains computer security, the organizational role for security, risk analysis, litigation, and technological advancements. The course includes crime reporting, regulations
on authority to arrest, responding to terrorism and disaster, crime
investigations, civil liability and court procedures. Upon successful completion
of this course, students may obtain the California Guard Card as well as obtain
a baton permit through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services with
the State of California.
Why a Private Security Guard?
Security guards and officers
patrol and protect property against theft, vandalism, and other illegal
activity.
Security guard officers typically do the following:
- Enforce laws and protect an employer’s property
- Monitor alarms and
closed-circuit TV (CCTV) cameras
- Respond to emergencies
- Control building access for employees and visitors
- Conduct security checks over a specified area
- Write reports on what they
observed while
- Detain violators
Guards and officers must remain alert, looking out for anything unusual. In an emergency, they are required to call for assistance from police, fire, or ambulance services. A security guard’s responsibilities vary from one employer to another. In retail stores, guards protect people, merchandise, money, and equipment. They may work with undercover store detectives to prevent theft by customers and employees, detain shoplifting suspects until the police arrive, and patrol parking lots.Security guards, also called security officers, protect property, enforce rules on the property, and deter criminal activity. Some guards are assigned a stationary position from which they monitor alarms or surveillance cameras. Other guards are assigned a patrol area where they conduct security checks.
Career Outlook
Employment of security guards is expected to grow 6 percent
from 2016 to 2026 in the United States and 10% in California due to the need to
protect both people and property because of concerns about crime and vandalism.
Job opportunities are projected to be excellent and the large size of the
occupation each year should result in many job openings.
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Continuing Education Opportunities
- Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor’s degree Criminal Justice Bachelor’s degree in Behavior Science
Similar Job
Titles
- Casino Surveillance Officers
- Security Guards
- Security Agent
- Loss Prevention Officer
Security
guards are employed in retail outlets, malls, casinos, airports, dispensaries,
hospitals, amusement parks, sporting events, and other commercial or public
locations. Security guards may also protect residential areas such as gated
communities, apartment complexes or private nursing homes.
Median
Salaries for Security Guards by Industry*
Government $33,170
Educational services; state,
local, & private $32,010
Healthcare and social assistance $31,980
Investigation, guard and armored car $25,170