I have hired hundreds of security officers over the years. Knowing just how important they are to the safe and successful operation of a company, I tend to be really fussy about who I hire. I think I know by now who will shine in the role and who would be a potential disaster. Sadly, there are far more of the latter in the job market these days—making it all the more important to hire good security officers you can rely on.
The Importance of Good Security Officers
Security officers are the first line of defence, and their role extends beyond merely protecting physical assets. They contribute to creating a secure, welcoming environment, and help mitigate risks that could lead to financial and reputational damage.
Hiring the right people can never be an afterthought, because these are the individuals who can make or break your corporate reputation. It’s not difficult to find good security officers, either, if you know what to look for during the hiring process.
Recommended Reading: Learn how to hire the right people with our step-by-step security hiring guide.
Characteristics to Consider When Hiring Security Officers
Below are the key attributes that I look for when hiring corporate security officers.
1) Attention to Detail and Situational Awareness
The most fundamental skill for a good security officer is situational awareness. Front-line security officers must be highly observant, able to detect even the slightest irregularities in their environment. Whether monitoring CCTV footage, conducting patrols, or interacting with visitors, their attention to detail ensures potential threats are identified and addressed early.
Qualified security officers should be able to recognise patterns of behaviour that deviate from the norm. For example, they should spot someone loitering near restricted areas, identify suspicious activity, or notice unattended bags in crowded places. The ability to act on these observations, either by questioning individuals or reporting the matter to management, can prevent incidents from escalating.
2) Communication Skills
Clear communication is vital for all security officers. The ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, is essential for ensuring proper coordination with colleagues, management, and first responders when required.
On a practical level, good security officers must be able to provide concise and accurate reports of incidents, security breaches, or safety issues. They should also be able to interact professionally with a client’s staff, visitors, and contractors, conveying information regarding safety instructions or access control procedures.
Good communication skills are also crucial in de-escalating potential conflicts or threats. For example, if an individual is behaving aggressively, a well-trained officer must remain calm and speak in a way that defuses tension, potentially preventing violence or disruption.
3) Empathy & Conflict De-escalation Skills
In high-stress situations, conflict resolution and de-escalation are critical skills. Security officers often find themselves at the heart of potentially volatile situations, where emotions are running high. Disputes between employees and confrontations with members of the public can often escalate quickly.
A good security officer needs to approach these situations with calmness, patience, and authority. Empathy is important for a successful outcome. They must be able to assess situations quickly, and respond in a way that minimises confrontation. This may involve using verbal tactics to defuse a heated exchange or offering alternative solutions to resolve conflicts peacefully.
It is also important that a security officer should have the emotional intelligence to recognise signs of distress or agitation in individuals, allowing them to intervene in a way that avoids escalation. This involves active listening, empathy, and the ability to adjust their communication style to fit the situation.
4) Keeping a Cool Head Under Pressure
Security officers frequently face situations that require them to think critically and make decisions in high pressure situations. Whether it’s deciding how to respond to an alarm, handling a medical emergency, or managing access during a fire drill, the ability to think quickly and logically is vital.
Good problem-solving skills involve assessing the situation, understanding the risks involved, considering possible solutions, and making the best decision in the shortest time frame. In high-pressure environments, the decisions made by security officers can have a direct impact on the safety of employees, visitors, and physical assets. Security personnel need to act decisively and efficiently, using all the information available to them to select the most appropriate course of action.
5) Physically Robust
While intelligence and emotional intelligence are critical, physical ability is also an important factor. A security officer may need to respond quickly to emergencies, spend hours on their feet, or patrol large areas over extended periods. Being in decent physical shape is essential for performing these tasks effectively and maintaining energy levels throughout long shifts.
Moreover, physical fitness can have a direct impact on an officer’s confidence and ability to assert authority when required. Whatever the fitness level, a good security officer should be physically prepared to handle any emergency, from evacuations to dealing with unruly individuals.
6) Honesty & Integrity
Security officers must possess an unwavering sense of integrity. They are entrusted with the safety and security of people, potentially millions of pounds in physical assets, and sensitive information, so they must uphold the highest standards of honesty and ethical behaviour. Their conduct in every situation, whether in interactions with others or when managing security incidents, must reflect the values of the company.
A professional security officer understands the weight of their responsibility and the importance of confidentiality. They must always adhere to company policies, respect privacy regulations, and maintain the trust placed in them by the organization. In a high-profile company, where public relations are paramount, any lapse in integrity can result in significant reputational damage. So, a security officer must be aware at all times that they are an Ambassador for the client, their employer, the security industry and themselves.
Recommended Reading: Learn the importance of soft skills and why they should never be overlooked when hiring good security officers.
7) Tech Savvy
In today’s security industry, technology plays an increasingly critical role. Front-line security officers should be comfortable working with a range of security technologies, including surveillance cameras, access control systems, alarm systems, and communication tools. This requires not just basic technical knowledge, but also the ability to troubleshoot and resolve minor technical issues without relying on support staff.
Officers should also be able to interpret CCTV footage, use software systems to log incidents, and operate emergency communication tools. Their understanding of these systems enhances their ability to detect and respond to security threats efficiently and effectively.
8) Adaptability
The security needs of a large organisation are dynamic, and the environment in which security officers work can vary rapidly. Good security officers must be adaptable to these changing conditions. They may be required to switch between different roles, such as monitoring security systems, conducting patrols, performing staff searches, assisting in emergency evacuations, or responding to unexpected incidents.
Flexibility also means being able to adjust to changing shifts, work in various environments, and handle a range of tasks as required. Officers should be willing to learn new skills and take on additional responsibilities, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the security team.
9) Legally Knowledgable
A solid understanding of legal and regulatory issues is critical for security officers. They must be aware of the relevant laws surrounding access control, personal data protection (such as GDPR), health and safety, and the use of force. By being knowledgeable about these areas, guards are better equipped to act within the confines of the law, ensuring the company remains compliant with relevant regulations.
For example, if a security officer needs to detain an individual, they must know the boundaries of their authority and ensure their actions are legally defensible. A lack of understanding in these areas can lead to severe legal consequences for the security officer and employer, making legal literacy a key quality.
10) Attitude and Customer Service Skills
While security personnel are responsible for protecting an organisation’s assets and people, they also play a vital customer-facing role. Security officers are often the first point of contact for visitors, employees, or contractors. A friendly, approachable demeanour, combined with the ability to assist with directions, provide information, or help solve problems, is crucial in fostering a positive experience.
Security personnel should be trained to balance the enforcement of physical security with providing excellent customer service. This blend of assertiveness and helpfulness creates a secure yet welcoming environment, ensuring that the organisation’s public image is upheld.
Efficient Hiring with GuardPass
In conclusion, front-line security officers must embody a unique mix of skills and characteristics to do their job effectively. Vigilance, communication, conflict resolution, problem-solving, physical fitness, integrity, and adaptability are just a few of the many qualities required to succeed in this demanding role. By investing in the right training and support for our security personnel, we not only ensure the safety of our client’s operations but also build a trusted security workforce that reflects our company’s values and reputation.
Simplify your hiring process with GuardPass—an all-in-one job board that connects you with skilled, SIA-licensed, and qualified security professionals in the UK.