Differences Between Security Positions
The difference between the security supervisor and the security officer is the tasks. A security officer supervisor oversees a security guard. Security officer supervisors control the daily activities, appointments and tasks of the security team, including desk employees and guards. Their duties involve creating plans, selecting employees, and implementing protocols to guarantee facility, content and occupant security.
Security Roles Explained
In this article, we define Security Officer and Security Guard, explain differences and similarities between them, provide examples, and give a comparison table. We also discuss advantages and disadvantages of each role. A Security Officer is a trained professional responsible for ensuring safety and security of an organization’s premises, employees and visitors. They are usually employed by security companies, government agencies or businesses.
A security officer is responsible for premises security, while a supervisor manages a team of officers. A supervisor may also develop security plans and procedures, conduct audits, and investigate incidents. According to the British Security Industry Association, there are around 80,000 security guards in the UK. Security guards pay tax.
Career Progression and Salary
A common progression for a security guard is to move up to a supervisory role. Security supervisors oversee operations of security personnel, ensuring guards perform duties effectively. They handle scheduling, provide training, and may hire.
A public safety officer has more responsibilities and obligations than a security officer. Public safety officers have higher training requirements, including a college degree and law enforcement training. They receive higher pay.
Senior security officers have more experience and more training. They sometimes train other personnel but don’t usually manage others.
A security guard protects specific areas and properties. A security officer maintains safety and security in various settings. Security guards could be armed or unarmed depending on duties and qualifications.
Corporations have extensive security needs – security manager, team, awareness programs and technology to prevent attacks.
Training to be an officer is trickier than for guards. Officers manage, oversee, plan, and execute strategies, requiring more skill.
An officer’s average salary depends on experience. Entry-level officers earn around $14/hour. Facility officers earn around $60,000/year.
Information security managers earn slightly more than security officers, although company size and experience can narrow the gap.