Private Security Jobs
If you’re not sure what private security means or what private security jobs are included in the private security sector, you might be surprised to learn that you already know more than you think. Private security contractors includes the security guards you see posted at the entrance of malls, kindergartens, and daycare, at the threshold of hotels and government buildings, and even the bodyguards featured in many blockbuster movies. There are also many other types of private security jobs, and some people make a lucrative career out of working in the security and/or investigative industry.
Who Can Work in Private Security?
Private security jobs are a good fit for anyone with a past military history or experience in law enforcement. They are also a great career opportunity for individuals who think fast on their feet, are hard-working and responsible, can learn advanced technical skills (like working with surveillance and security equipment), and aren’t afraid to carry a weapon.
Private Security Jobs Benefits
The perks of a career in the private security industry include:
- High job demand
- Health benefits
- Paid vacation
- Performance bonuses
- On-the-job training
- Life and/or Health Insurance
- Excellent pay
Private Security versus Law Enforcement
Don’t confuse private security jobs with law enforcement, as security guards are not policemen. However they do sometimes work closely with the police and their job assignments can include peace-keeping and regulation enforcement.
Basic Security Guard
The lowest-paying position in the private security contractors sector is a basic security guard. Security guard assignments range from routine perimeter walks, monitoring video surveillance, vehicle inspection, and bomb detection. Armed security guards bring home a bigger paycheck since they take on more risk and handle a wider range of case assignments. Places you might find armed private security guards include banks, prisons, detentions centers, armored cars, and government facilities.
Large Venue Security
Private security companies are also hired to work in large business complexes, transit stations, shopping malls/large retail centers, sporting events and concerts, and in top government offices and buildings. Some of these security personnel are in uniform, while other work undercover and pose as civilians to blend in with the environment and remain undetected.
Personal Protection Specialists (a.k.a. Bodyguards)
If you’ve ever been to the movies you probably know what a bodyguard is. What you might not know is that people protectors are also called executive protection specialists, personal protection specialists, or personal guards. The job might look easy, but to be assigned as a bodyguard requires intensive training and years of experience in the security business. Who do personal guards protect? The list includes celebrities, government officials, bank managers, and other bigwigs.
“The Bodyguard” Movie
If you want to see a fairly accurate depiction of what a personal guard does, go see the acclaimed movie, “The Bodyguard,” starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. Not only was Costner’s character as ‘the bodyguard’ responsible for keeping Houston’s character safe, but he was in charge of protecting her family, her house, and even her dog. Part of his security duties included routinely checking her car and making sure the property were equipped with most advanced alarm systems and surveillance equipment. Private security bodyguard jobs must also keep track of their subject’s daily schedule, travel with them, interact as part of their daily routine, and often live in their homes.
By the way, even if you’re not about to embark upon a private security career, you should go see “The Bodyguard.” It’s an action-packed yet warm-hearted movie, Costner andHoustonact well and look great, and best of all, Whitney belts out some of her most popular chart-topping hits.
Security System Contractors
These are the experts who design, set up, and service residential and business alarm systems. These professionals have to stay current on all the innovations in the rapidly expanding field of protective and investigative services, and secure locations against theft, fire, personal threats, gas leaks, and more
Paramilitary Contractors
Paramilitary contractors (a great career choice for former soldiers) protect businesses, private individuals, and government facilities against terrorism and high-level threats. They are trained in fully automatic weaponry, explosives, intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism tactics, crowd control, and severe-condition survival.
Private Security Jobs Eligibility
To apply for a private security job, you have to be a U.S. citizen, have a valid driver’s license, have no criminal record or misdemeanors in the areas of domestic or sexual abuse, and have no DUI’s or reckless driving convictions. You must also be at least 18 years of age and be able to read, write, and speak English.
Coming soon I will be writing on the following topics: How to interview private security firm jobs, what are the typical private security services offered from a private security agency, crucial questions to ask a private security guard company before hiring and if you are seeking a job, where are the best places to look for private security for hire, why high tech companies should hire corporate security jobs and more.






