Security officers need to be highly trained, qualified, and regulated. The top security providers ensure their guards receive the most effective training and equipment. In our case, every officer who works with our agency must uphold the integrity and top skills of a security officer and be licensed in their state before being assigned to a client. This is standard among most top-quality security companies.
Knowing the top skills of a security officer is important for those looking for a security team or to join one. Understanding the technical knowledge and training of security guards to help you make better-informed decisions when choosing your team. On the other hand, obtaining the essential ‘hard skills’ of the career is necessary to become a security officer. We hope you find this valuable resource as you learn more about the vital skills of a security officer.
The Top 5 Skills of a Security Officer
At Silbar Security, we provide in-depth training to all our guards through the Silbar Academy. This in-house program includes criminal background tests, drug screenings, and continued education. Officers are taught how to use law-enforcement-grade equipment, weapons, and defense skills. This helps set the foundation of a professional security guard’s expertise. Here are the top 5 necessary skills of a security officer.
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The Ability to Use a Firearm Properly
Correct use of firearms is not merely a requirement but a significant liability. If you hire armed security personnel, you should have complete confidence in their ability to defend and protect correctly. This includes knowing proper firearm holstering, safety, and firing practices.
Officers must undergo proper training and certification practices in their state. They should also hold a valid firearm license and know how to use at least a level II holster. Holster retention ratings refer to how many steps it takes to free a weapon from its holster. Security officers should always have their weapons tightly secured, and a higher caliber holster gives them greater control and safety in any situation. Furthermore, security officers should know how to maintain their weapons correctly. Most guards carry handguns, and they should be well-versed in the proper safety regulations and maintenance procedures for the type of weapon they carry.
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Efficient Crowd Controlling
Crowd management skills allow a guard to work in various situations, ranging from a busy hotel lobby to an event with thousands of attendees. Even in smaller gatherings, crowds can quickly get out of hand and become a threat to themselves or others. The guard must know how to properly monitor, de-escalate, and control a group in any situation.
A highly trained security officer must know how to manage crowds depending on various factors such as location, group size, entrances, and exits. Security officers must have proper crowd intervention skills. They should know when to intervene, break up a crowd, and maintain order. Another vital element of being a good security guard is calculating escape routes. If there is ever a need to evacuate a crowd, officers must know how to give orders and maintain the peace while directing people to safety.
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Proper De-escalation Strategies
One of the essential skills of a security officer is de-escalation. De-escalation allows an officer to resolve a potentially violent or dangerous situation without needing to physically intervene. There are many de-escalation techniques for security officers, and a well-informed security guard will know how to choose the appropriate method for each situation.
Some of the most helpful de-escalation strategies include:
Showing empathy. The officer knows that relating to the individual’s situation can foster trust, making them more calm and cooperative. Avoid vulgar language and threats.
Asking questions. Angry people tend to feel misunderstood, so asking questions can redirect their attention and make them feel as though their emotions are being validated. Try to direct the conversation away from the cause of the outburst or event.
Active listening. Active listening gives full attention to the speaker through words of affirmation and positive body language that signals trust. As a result, it can help angry people vent their emotions and prevent them from becoming physically violent.
A de-escalation effort is a multi-stage approach to conflict resolution. Security officers must be able to identify the warning signs of conflict and escalation, such as verbal threats or displays of aggression; they also have to be able to quickly observe any potential risks, such as people nearby who someone else’s violent outburst could harm.
Knowing proper de-escalation strategies helps security officers keep the peace and maintain order, even in potentially dangerous situations. Even if a person does ultimately lash out, the officer can use de-escalation techniques to delay a reaction and decisively intervene.
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Physical Aptitude & Self Defense
Someone of small or large stature can be a security officer, but they must be in good shape overall. Physical aptitude refers to an officer’s ability to quickly and effectively perform their jobs. They must be able to run, jump, and lift objects; they may also need to use their strength to effectively control people and crowds at events, concerts, or similar events.
Even performing foot patrols and static patrols require good physical endurance. An officer has to be able to stand for long periods and physically respond to any potential issues quickly. This could include chasing a suspect or intervening during a violent encounter. Furthermore, when it comes to violent altercations, security guards must be able to defend themselves and the people around them with or without a weapon.
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Understanding of Security Technology
One of the most critical skills of a security officer in the current age is understanding modern technology. Examples include closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring, alarm systems, self-defense technology, and access controls. Officers rely on surveillance technologies, alarms, and other tools to secure areas and keep people safe. They should be well-versed in appropriately managing and monitoring any technology related to their job.
Silbar Security’s guards also use SilbarConnect, our state-of-the-art reporting software that allows officers to generate reports. They can access the software anytime via a mobile app or their police-grade vehicles.
What Skills Does a Security Officer Need?
In addition to the technical skills listed above, there are many more skills to look for in a security officer. For example, they should be an excellent communicator, have a professional demeanor, work well in teams, and have a keen attention to detail. Using the skills we have provided in this article as well as the soft skills that you require or desire, we hope you will have an easier time finding a suitable security partner or finding your next role as a security officer.
If you are looking to hire a professional security team, Silbar Security can help. We provide armed and unarmed security services for events, hotels, condominiums, and residential and commercial properties throughout the United States. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our representatives. Through a personalized assessment, we can deliver recommendations on the ideal security plan and setup for your needs.
