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How to Succeed As a Security Professional

 A Security Officer is a police officer, detective, or special agent who is responsible for investigating and preventing crimes that affect businesses and commercial facilities. These officers are typically hired by corporate security departments or government agencies and are trained in investigating crimes that could affect the company's finances or operations. A security officer may be responsible for investigating both obvious and hidden crimes. They may work in plain clothes or in uniform, and may carry weapons or wear body armor when working in a dangerous situation. If you are interested in this line of work, here are some resources that can help you get started: Pursue Further Education A security officer should be highly prepared and educated in a number of areas, including criminal law, security systems, and firearms handling. To gain an edge over your competition, consider pursuing further education in any of these areas. Keep in mind that some additional schooling may not be required to enter the field, but it certainly doesn't hurt. Join A Professionals' Guild While not required by law, you can increase your chances of finding work by joining a local professionals' guild. Most guilds have an active membership directory that you can use to search for members who are currently looking for work. Joining an organization that represents security officers in your area will also put you ahead of the competition. Seek Out Active Recruits It's a good idea to contact active duty and reserve forces to see if they are looking for people to join their organizations. Your chances of getting hired will be higher if they know you are actively seeking employment. Contact the nearest Army Reserve center or Navy Fleet base to see what recruiting opportunities may be available. Follow The Rules When applying for jobs, it is important to adhere to the rules set forth by the organization you are interviewing with. Many large companies have rules against drug use and some don't allow employees to wear tattoos. Be sure to research which rules these organizations favor before applying. It's also important to be honest and upfront about any criminal activity you have committed in the past. Your background check will include this information and it is important to have the full truth presented to the employer. Network And Build Relationships Once you have secured a steady stream of employment, it is time to start making connections. Meet with former colleagues, join professional organizations, and nurture existing contacts through networking events and social gatherings. Many professionals in the field identify themselves as ‘lifers' – people who stick around the profession their entire careers. By building good relationships with law enforcement officials, corporate executives, and other commercial security officers, you will be able to gain access to invaluable information and build a powerful support network. This is vital if you want to succeed as a security professional. Obtain A Licence And Carry Weapons In some jurisdictions, it is illegal to work as a security officer without having a permit. In most places, you will need a permit to carry a firearm, and some require you to have a license as well. Getting these permits and learning to use your weapon properly is an essential part of the job. Most organizations require their security officers to undergo firearm training and carry a gun with them at all times while on duty. It is also a good idea to attend additional training sessions that are offered by the police or another law enforcement agency. The key to a successful and professional career in security is to follow the rules and be honest about your criminal history. By doing so, you can be confident that you are taking care of your responsibilities and protecting your clients' and employers' interests effectively. Thanks for reading! We hope this article will help you navigate the world of private security and law enforcement agencies.

Security Officer