What is the Difference Between a Security Officer and a Security Guard, and Why Does it Matter?
To the casual observer, no distinction exists between a Security Guard and a Security Officer. The terms sound the same. To the untrained eye, all security people appear to do the same thing.
This confusion is understandable since the objective of both is the same. Both duties involve keeping something, or someone, safe. The public is accustomed to seeing security personnel guarding a gated community, a mall, or even a public figure. Both jobs work together to implement a unified security plan.
Apart from these similarities, though, there are many differences. Differences between Security Officer duties and those of Security Guards include:
· Scope of responsibility
· Training requirements
· Expectations
· Pay
Beyond these differences, the confusion exists at the state level, also. While most states require a distinction between the two roles, their terminology is not uniform, and the roles don’t have a universal definition.
Further complicating things, licensing agencies often don’t make a distinction between Security Officers and Guards. Agencies use the terms interchangeably. The blending of the names and duties occurs purposefully in some areas, since the term “officer” may lead to confusion with police officers.
What Does a Security Officer Do?
Security Officers often function in a management role. They are responsible for an overall security operation. To fulfill their duties, they will assign duties and tasks for Security Guards to carry out.
Since more responsibility falls to a Security Officer, they’re regarded as security professionals; security is a career to them. They’re expected to have a wide range of experience. From their experience, officers must exercise far more independent judgement than a Guard.
Many times, their duties will include training Guards. Having experience in the field, and knowing the scope of work needed, they can train Guards to fit seamlessly within the overall security operation. In addition to training and managing Guards, Officers are responsible for the smooth operation of security work at a location.
Rather than working one post, Security Officer duties call for them to be mobile. Officers will rotate through various security stations or checkpoints, checking in and assessing the status of the entire area. Fulfilling this role of security management requires experience, judgement, and tact.
With these greater responsibilities come greater pay and opportunity. A Security Officer is retained with an expectation that they will take ownership of the entire scope of operation.
What Does A Security Guard Do?
A Security Guard can be thought of as the face of the security operation. This is the person the public will see performing security duties. A door Security Guard will become familiar to those passing by regularly.
A Guard will work under the direction of a Security Officer. Guards are posted at various checkpoints like doors, gates, or other areas determined to be vulnerable. A Guard will usually stay at their assigned location. Less frequently, a Guard will patrol a limited area.
The mere presence of a Guard may be enough to deter unwanted activity. If deterrence fails, a Security Guard may be expected to report suspicious activity at their location. The distinction between a Guard and an Officer is primarily one of responsibility. A Guard will have limited responsibility, and not be expected to exercise independent judgement. A Security Guard follows the details of the security management plan.
As the face of the security operation, Guards may be expected to interact with the public. People may ask Security Guards for directions or help in places like museums, stores, or at public events. Candidates for Security Guard positions must be evaluated for their ability to interact with the public.
Because of the more limited nature of their work, the requirements for Security Guards are less stringent than for Security Officers. A Guard is not required to have as much experience as an Officer, and may even have no experience. Simple requirements like a fitness or IQ test may be the only criteria used for hiring a Security Guard.
Security Officers and Security Guards are Carefully Trained
Though there are important differences, both occupations require careful training. The Security Officer, as the one with more responsibility, obviously requires more training and experience. However, a Security Guard must be able to execute the security plan; neglecting Guard training, or hiring poorly trained Guards is a false economy. Even the best laid security management plan will fail if you’re not using the best trained Guards.
To make optimal hiring and staffing decisions, you’ll need to consider the true scope of the job you want done. Some tasks require the training and experience of a Security Officer. On the other hand, if your risk is deemed minimal, a well-trained Security Guard may be more than sufficient.
Regardless of which professional you need, it’s essential that they’re properly trained. The training required can depend on the type of risk to be managed. Specific training for Security Officers and Guards can include:
· Military service
· Risk management
· Hazard mindfulness
· Anti-terrorism
· Other niche areas
When sourcing security personnel, you’ll want to make sure candidates’ training matches your real-world needs. Working with a security solutions provider can greatly enhance the quality of your security personnel.
Look to an Expert to Help You Find the Right Security Personnel
The purpose of security is serious: to keep the most precious things safe from a multitude of threats. Working with a security solutions provider is a comprehensive way to consider all aspects of your security needs.
Since a security management plan is only as good as the people implementing it, getting quality people is essential. Strategic Security Corp is an expert in security solutions. We use our decades of experience to plan, source, and implement a security plan that can save you time, money, and worry.
We know the value of the people and assets you need protected, and we take that job seriously. Check out our security services to see why we’ve worked nearly two million man-hours for clients in the past year.
