The Job Description of a Security Officer for a Parking Lot
By Qyou Stoval
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Security officers play a critical role in preventing and identifying potential threats in parking lots. Their very presence can cause criminals to think twice before breaking into cars, vandalizing them or committing other crimes. Security guards can also work with local law enforcement officers to help apprehend suspects after a crime has been committed in a parking lot.
Security officers ensure the rules governing the parking lot are followed, and report any suspicious activities when necessary to the local authorities. They also monitor and respond to any alarms. If the parking lot has an access gate, security officers may grant and deny access to vehicles. Depending on their training and licenses, they may detain criminals and write reports detailing criminal acts. Depending on the size of the parking lot, some security officers might have a vehicle to patrol the grounds.
Background Check and Licenses
Depending on the employer, you might have to agree to a criminal background check before being hired as a security officer for a parking lot. If the employer requires you to carry a firearm, you might need a weapons permit. You may also need a "guard card," which is a license you receive after taking an eight-hour course indicating you are proficient in security techniques and safety guidelines. You will need to pay a fee for the security guard card class, fingerprints, and license fees to receive the actual card.
Security officers must be able to pay attention to detail to properly monitor the parking lot. You also need observation skills to recognize as soon as possible when criminal activity might be taking place. You should be physically fit in order to stand or walk for extended periods, run in the event of an emergency, and apprehend suspects, if applicable. You should be able to communicate effectively and write detailed reports anyone can understand. You should also be able to multitask so you can watch multiple screens when you monitor parking lot cameras.
Most security guard jobs require that an applicant have a high school diploma or GED. Those interested in advancing into law enforcement positions with local or state police departments should consider pursuing a college degree in criminal justice. In addition, certification is available from organizations such as the American Society of Industrial Security, which offers a certified protection professional certification.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median income for a security guard in the United States was $24,380 a year as of May 2010. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $41,680 a year, while the lowest-paid 10 percent earned earned $17,210. Glassdoor puts the median salary at $21,660 a year as of February 2013.
Glassdoor.com: Security Guard Salary
Guardcard.net: California Security Guard Training
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Security Guards
Mymajors.com: Parking Security Attendant
Asisonline: American Society of Industrial Security
Qyou Stoval holds a bachelor's degree in communications/media studies from Clayton State University and a MBA with a concentration in marketing from Ashford University. He has more than 10 years experience writing articles, poetry, novels, and stage and screen plays. His writing career started professionally in 1997. He is also proudly serving the United States Air Force.
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1 How to Effectively Write Reports as a Security Officer
2 Responsibilities of a Video Surveillance Operator
3 Security Officer Rules
4 The Salary of Security Guard Positions in Night Clubs