How To Get a Career In Private Security
Working in private security shows a lot of potential career growth. This is especially true now as so many people across the world, as well as businesses and large corporations, are increasingly relying on private security in various ways.
So how can you work in private security, and what should you know?
Qualities of a Good Security Professional
When you work in the security industry in any capacity, there are certain things that will make you stand out from your competition.
First, honesty and integrity are critical. Of course, anyone hiring private security wants someone they feel they can trust. You’ll have to undergo rigorous background checks for most positions, and even once you’re hired, you’ll typically be monitored continuously to make sure you’re maintaining the highest possible standards.
You’ll also need strong communication skills, especially verbal skills but also written. You’re going to be coming in contact with a lot of people from all walks of life in your daily job, so you want to be able to effectively communicate with them as well as your client.
There may be situations where you have to de-escalate a confrontation, which, again, is going to require excellent communication skills and a sense of empathy with other people.
You also need to be able to stay calm and professional, no matter what’s going on around you.
Something else that you need to become successful working in private security is an appreciation of new technology and a willingness to learn about what’s available. Technology has become increasingly important in the security industry. As technology evolves, so do the ways companies use it.
Finally, your soft skills should include a dedication to self-improvement and nearly constant training.
Types of Private Security
There are a lot of specific types of private security jobs. Security guards and personal security guards (also known as bodyguards) are a couple of types. Covert surveillance experts are another of private security professional. There are also private investigators, computer security professionals, and people who specifically work in settings like casinos.
You can work as an employee of a company or individual or as an independent contractor.
Some security professionals work as armed guards, and others work to provide surveillance and monitor certain premises. In an unarmed guard position, if there is a security breach, you would likely alert and defer to local authorities.
It’s common for former law enforcement and military professionals to move into private security.
For a position where you’re providing protection to a celebrity, a political figure, or a high-level executive, you’ll need specialized training and an eye for detail. You may also need to be able to physically take charge in a dangerous situation.
On the other hand, if you’re hired for computer security, you might take on the role of monitoring sensitive data.
What Do You Need to Be a Personal Bodyguard?
When we talk about private security positions, personal bodyguards are what tend to come to mind first. Working as a personal bodyguard, particularly for a high-profile person, can seem glamorous, but it often means long hours and a highly stressful work environment.
Someone working as a personal bodyguard has to be prepared for long hours, and not much appreciation. You need to show yourself as having a positive attitude toward your client at all times.
You have to be physically strong and relatively healthy and realize that being on alert all day everyday can physically take a toll on you.
Personal bodyguards undergo protection training as well as some basic medical knowledge. At a minimum, to work in a security position where you’re providing personal protection, you should know basic first aid and CPR.
It’s even better if you’re thinking about pursuing a career in personal security, to get your certification as an emergency medical technician, or something similar.
If you’d like to explore a position where you carry a firearm, you’ll need to undergo formal firearm and tactical training.
Licensing
Finally, in many locations around the world, to work in security, you may need a specialized license. To get a license, requirements vary, but you might have to go through both classroom and field training. You might learn more about law enforcement communication, the use of force, how to handle evidence, and crime prevention.
Organizations like ASIS International also have voluntary certifications and classes for people who want to work in security, like the Certified Protection Professional certification.
Another option from ASIS is the Physical Security Professional certification, and these aren’t associated with any state or government licensing processes.
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