A surveillance officer is responsible for securing premises and people by patrolling property, monitoring surveillance equipment, inspecting buildings, and ensuring compliance to policies and procedures. They prevent losses by reporting irregularities and document suspicious behavior which may indicate crimes.
Key Functions and Qualifications
Main Job Duties:
- Monitoring and analysis
- Identifying threats
- Incident response
- Investigation and apprehension
Skills needed:
- Attention to detail
- Observation
- Communication
- Working under pressure
Qualifications:
- High school diploma
- Security training
- Certification
Surveillance officers use various techniques such as technical analysis, fundamental analysis, and market sentiment analysis to identify trends and opportunities.
Becoming a Surveillance Officer
To become a surveillance officer, you should start with a high school diploma and consider gaining prior security training or military experience. Earning the necessary certifications and applying to surveillance officer roles is also important. Essential skills include attention to detail, strong observation, clear communication, and the ability to work under pressure. Familiarity with surveillance equipment and procedures is critical.
Surveillance Officer Skills for Your Resume and Career:
- Technical, fundamental, and market sentiment analysis
- Monitoring probationers and conducting investigations
- Identifying and assessing potential threats
A career as a surveillance officer can be rewarding and challenging. It requires a personality that is calm under pressure, excellent communication skills, and a readiness to help people. Good vision, hearing, physical fitness, and comfort with technology are also beneficial for this career.
Steps to Enter the Field:
- Earn a high school diploma.
- Gain security-related experience.
- Acquire necessary certifications.
Surveillance officers find employment across various industries, including government and private sectors. They play a critical role in preventing security breaches using surveillance technology.
Job Overview and Techniques
Surveillance Techniques:
- Visual observation
- Electronic monitoring
- Data analysis
To work efficiently, surveillance officers often use technology to monitor multiple locations simultaneously and receive alerts of any suspicious activities.
Surveillance in Public Health and Gaming Industry
Surveillance operators contribute to public health by collecting, testing, analyzing, and using information to improve public health and prevent disease. In the gaming industry, surveillance officers observe the activities of employees and patrons to protect the establishment’s assets.
Activities in Surveillance:
- Collecting and analyzing information
- Improving public health
- Preventing disease
Surveillance officers in the gaming industry, especially in casinos and resorts, are tasked with monitoring via security cameras and physical patrols to detect suspicious activities.