Anyone work in basic security?

Tsal · #1 02-16-2009, 07:28 AM

Does any of you guys work in security business? I'm starting a evening course called Basics of Security Business, that should last for a few months, get me a licence to work as a security guard, and hopefully also a job for the summer.

I'm not planning to make a career out of it, but since I'm going to be at the University for a couple of years more to get my MSc in Bioscience, I need something to keep me occupied during the summer and the weekends, plus something to fall back on in case of academic unemployment later in life. I'm trying not to end up as a mall cop, as I would rather work as a security receptionist or something similar, where I'm bit more integrated into the business I'm working for.

Anyone with any insights about the field? I'm sure it differs a lot by country, but I'm sure there are similarities, also.

Baryonyx · #2 02-16-2009, 07:36 AM

In the UK at least, it's a pretty useless profession since the "security" has no more power than any other person. So, the best they can do to provide security is ask people to leave. If a security guard actually touches someone in the line of duty, they could be facing assault charges.

The same is true of bouncers, even bouncers who hold valid licences, they still can (and often do) get locked up for assault. The only people in the UK who really have the neccessary rights to provide real security are the police!

MJ5150 · #3 02-16-2009, 07:37 AM

I worked in security for a few years. I started out doing it at concerts and such, then it rolled into doing it for individuals.

I didn't have to go to school for it though. I also did not carry a gun or have one of those cool walkie talkie ear pieces that I could use to speak with my fellow security officers while on detail. I did however watch the Kevin Costner bodygaurd movie and felt some kind of connection wth him during the film.

-Mike

Tsal · #4 02-16-2009, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ5150

I didn't have to go to school for it though. I also did not carry a gun or have one of those cool walkie talkie ear pieces that I could use to speak with my fellow security officers while on detail.

The law here demands that personnel working in security take at least a 40 hour basic course and get licensed through a minor background check with the PD, so that they know at least something about what they're doing.

After that there are "advanced" courses, specializing in use of force, specific areas within security jobs, etc. Even carrying mace and a telescope baton requires a specific course, as they're considered as offensive weapons by the law. Guards don't carry anything heavier than that, because carrying handguns is extremely rare around these parts.

hbarcat · #5 02-16-2009, 05:12 PM

Consider taking martial arts - particularly one of the block/hold/throw martial arts like Judo. This would be of benefit to you not just in the field of security but also to you personally.

Jim Campbell · #6 02-16-2009, 05:44 PM

ive done it and i have a license.you really are only there to establish a presence and usually it is enough to deter most.getting involved w/ martial arts may bail you out sometimes but if you really lay a lickin on someone its you who goes to jail.......or worse,the guy may come back with some pals and play a little catch up....they know where to find you....
we do a lot of work in rough areas and deal with gang members and street people often but there are ways to handle things besides intimidation.....best thing for a guy like you would probably be the gate house or compound where you can study in between patrols,as there is usually lots of slow time at night,and thats when you will be working....nights and weekends.

id stay away from the club door gigs tho as its an easy way to get hurt

Baryonyx · #7 02-16-2009, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Campbell

id stay away from the club door gigs tho as its an easy way to get hurt

And not only that but it will probably see you arrested and charged with assault a couple of times too, even if you've not done anything!

Tsal · #8 02-18-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hbarcat

Consider taking martial arts - particularly one of the block/hold/throw martial arts like Judo. This would be of benefit to you not just in the field of security but also to you personally.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Campbell

.best thing for a guy like you would probably be the gate house or compound where you can study in between patrols,as there is usually lots of slow time at night,and thats when you will be working....nights and weekends.

id stay away from the club door gigs tho as its an easy way to get hurt

Yeah, I've done a couple of years of kickboxing and a bit of Judo. I'm not an expert, and am quite rusty, but I'm sure I have some basic skills and am not too afraid to wrestle a bit if I need to.

Jim, thanks for advice. You're right, some kind of industrial security would be the best job for me. I'm probably refusing the retail security gigs I might get offered, the worst thing I would accept is hospitals. I've worked as a cab driver, and I'm really trying to get away from working with drunkards and such people you face in retail/mall security. A security receptionist would be a good gig, but the money's not that good, since it would be just day shift. They are looking for males willing to work in reception, though, or that's what a certain security company woman told me, so I might be able to negotiate a slightly better pay.

Fortunately, the industrial security licence doesn't allow door gigs, you need a different paper for those around here.. Nightclubs and such fall under "public event" legislation, IIRC. I'm an average sized guy, too, so I'm better suited for industrial stuff anyway. Gangs or handguns are fortunately not a problem around here, but knives are pretty usual.