Security Industry Imperative: Attracting the Best and Brightest

Hollywood has not been kind or accurate in its comedic portrayal of the security officer. Films such as Mall Cop and Observe and Report depict far more fiction than fact. In reality, security officers are diligent, highly trained men and women who act as first responders. Security officers have a wide range of training and skills and must be prepared to respond to everything from a fire or a medical emergency to a lost child or a power failure. They are often put in high-risk situations as they confront and detain criminals engaged in unlawful behavior.

Attracting top talent is critical to the future of the security officer services industry. Sophisticated recruiting, screening and hiring processes drastically narrow the applicant pool so that only the best and most qualified candidates are hired. 

Through research, we determined that there are specific profiles of security officers which denote different personal characteristics and competencies that are important for their role. These profiles allow our hiring managers to match the ideal personality type with an open position. For example, the profile of a security officer in a customer-centric position at a commercial office building differs dramatically from a security officer who is on patrol at a maritime port checkpoint. 

By matching candidates to the roles for which they are best suited, we enhance employee engagement, leading to better security service. We also help security officers climb the ladder to a successful career. 

When a security officer’s experience, skills and personality are aligned with their assigned duties, they are in a position to excel. Examples of this success are seen every day across America as security officers make a critical impact in our workplaces, schools and communities. This industry needs our country’s best and brightest people to take a fresh look at this market as it presents meaningful career opportunities.

Read more about the impact of security officers in Security magazine and let us know – What type of security officer skill set or personality is most suited to your organization?

About the Author
Brent O'Bryan, the Vice President of Training and Development for Allied Universal, has delivered seminar presentations on various topics including Workplace Violence Awareness, Safety, HR Best Practices, Coaching, Developing Culture and The