Careers in Security and Protection Services

Typical Job: Security, Bodyguard, Private Investigator, Security Guard, airport security

Typical Work
A career in security will involve protection of people, places and goods. Security professionals work in a variety of fields all encompassing the same basic protection idea. There are a variety of security experts who work in various positions. Bodyguards protect people, while security guards may protect people, places and goods, such as in a mall. The service they provide is to usually ensure that no laws are being broken and that no one is being harmed or that a good is being damaged or stolen. They also ensure that a building or other site is not being damaged.

Education Needed
The education needed to enter the security field often requires training from a recognized facility. There are many facilities that offer diplomas or certificates in security services. Many bodyguards and security guards are retired army or police personnel. Security professionals are usually required to have some training that can be obtained from their employer. A great deal of security companies provide training to their officers/guards. The education encompasses how to deal with hostile individuals, how to operate a hand gun, how to subdue an individual, surveillance techniques and customer service techniques.

Skills and Interests
A career in security usually requires someone who is trustworthy, dependable, respectful, able to command respect, patient and able to observe crowds of people and determine minute details. Usually security professionals should be in good shape and should have some training in the fields of hand-to-hand combat or martial arts.

Salary Range
Security personnel can command a great salary in certain professions, while others may receive a typically low salary. The salary range given represents the gap.
$ 25, 000 (mall security) - $ 60,000 (personnel bodyguard)

Associations and Organizations
National Security Institute http://nsi.org/
International Association of Personal Protection Specialists http://www.iapps.org/

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