Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Unarmed Security Officer

🎯 Role Definition

The Unarmed Security Officer protects people, property, and information by maintaining a visible, professional presence on assigned sites, enforcing access control policies, monitoring surveillance, responding to incidents and emergencies, and providing exceptional customer service. This role is ideal for reliable candidates with strong observational skills, basic first-aid knowledge, clear written and verbal communication, and the ability to follow established procedures and site-specific protocols. Common deployments include corporate campuses, retail centers, healthcare facilities, construction sites, parking structures, event venues, and residential properties.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Retail Loss Prevention Associate transitioning to professional site security.
Military veteran or ex-law enforcement entering civilian security roles.
Customer service or facilities associate moving into building security.

Advancement To:

Senior Security Officer / Lead Officer
Security Supervisor or Shift Supervisor
Site Security Manager or Security Operations Manager
Loss Prevention Manager or Corporate Security Specialist

Lateral Moves:

Facilities Coordinator or Building Services Supervisor
Emergency Services Dispatcher / 911 Telecommunicator
Customer Experience Manager for large properties

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct scheduled and random foot and vehicle patrols of assigned perimeter, interior, parking areas, and restricted zones to deter theft, vandalism, trespass, and unauthorized access while documenting observations and actions in daily activity logs and patrol reports.
Monitor closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems and remote video feeds in real time to detect suspicious behavior, verify incidents, and relay actionable intelligence to supervisors and emergency responders, ensuring recorded evidence is preserved according to chain-of-custody procedures.
Control access at entry points by validating credentials, issuing visitor badges, processing deliveries, denying unauthorized entry, and maintaining accurate visitor logs and electronic access-control records consistent with site policy.
Respond promptly to alarms, calls for assistance, safety hazards, medical incidents, and security breaches using established protocols; assess risk, secure the scene, provide initial incident stabilization, and coordinate with emergency services and site management.
Prepare clear, thorough, and timely incident, investigation, and daily activity reports using company templates or digital reporting systems; include chronology, witness statements, photographic evidence, actions taken, and recommended follow-up.
Enforce site safety rules, building policies, and client-specific procedures including workplace safety requirements, parking regulations, equipment restrictions, and contractor/vendor credentials; escalate repeat or severe violations to supervisors for corrective action.
Provide professional, courteous customer service to tenants, employees, vendors, and visitors by answering questions, giving directions, facilitating escorts, and resolving conflicts using de-escalation techniques and service-oriented communication.
Conduct building rounds to ensure doors, gates, windows, and other points of ingress/egress are secured and indicate maintenance issues (e.g., burned-out lights, damaged locks, HVAC leaks), then notify facilities or maintenance teams and document follow-up.
Perform crowd control and access management during events or shift changes by setting up perimeters, directing pedestrian flow, enforcing occupancy limits, and coordinating with event staff and local authorities when necessary.
Execute basic loss-prevention duties, including observing suspicious customer behavior, coordinating with retail managers or property managers on shrinkage trends, and capturing and preserving relevant evidence while following legal and company guidelines.
Operate and maintain two-way radios, telephone systems, electronic incident logs, and computerized dispatch systems; test and report equipment malfunctions and maintain accountability for assigned communication and security equipment.
Conduct periodic security sweeps for fire hazards, blocked exits, spilled chemicals, or other safety risks; initiate emergency shutdown or evacuation procedures and assist occupants during building evacuations while accounting for personnel at established muster points.
Escort high-risk individuals, VIPs, or sensitive deliveries across property while maintaining a visible deterrent, ensuring safe passage through parking areas and building interiors, and logging escort details and times according to site protocol.
Maintain professional appearance and demeanor, adhering to uniform and grooming standards, and complete shift handovers that include verbal briefings and written notes to incoming officers about ongoing incidents, system outages, and site-specific concerns.
Participate in scheduled training and certification renewals (e.g., OSHA, CPR/AED, First Aid, site-specific procedures), apply learned skills during incidents, and provide feedback to supervisors on operational improvements or recurring risks.
Assist law enforcement and regulatory agencies as needed by providing documented incident reports, recorded video clips, and witness statements; act as a reliable point of contact during investigations and court proceedings when required.
Perform vehicle checks and perimeter lighting assessments during night shifts to ensure parking lots and exterior exits are safe and well-lit; report vehicles that appear suspicious, abandoned, or obstructive and follow towing or impound procedures when authorized.
Support asset protection programs by conducting inventory spot checks, monitoring supply closets and delivery docks, and coordinating with procurement and operations teams to secure high-value materials or equipment.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, including incident details, personal information of tenants/clients, and corporate security plans; practice discretion when interacting with media or external stakeholders.
Carry out routine inspections of emergency equipment (fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, AEDs) and complete inspection checklists; report expired or missing items and follow up until equipment is replaced or serviced.
Utilize basic investigative techniques when incidents occur: interview witnesses, document observations, secure the scene, and preserve potential evidence while respecting legal limitations for unarmed security staff.
Implement and document corrective actions for recurring security vulnerabilities (e.g., propping doors, tailgating) by recommending access-control adjustments, signage, or tenant education campaigns.
Execute temporary lockdowns, shelter-in-place, or evacuation orders following established emergency procedures and coordinate with building management and first responders to restore normal operations as conditions allow.
Enforce drug- and alcohol-free workplace policies by identifying signs of impairment, removing risks from sensitive areas, reporting incidents to supervisors, and completing mandated incident documentation.
Maintain accurate timekeeping, shift logs, and post orders; report absenteeism, incidents of fatigue or impairment among team members, and ensure shift coverage consistency through approved channels.

Secondary Functions

Support facility teams by reporting maintenance and environmental hazards; provide escort and site access for approved contractors during off-hours.
Assist in security policy reviews and site-specific risk assessments by providing frontline observations and recommendations for improved procedures or technology.
Participate in community engagement initiatives and tenant safety briefings to enhance safety awareness and reduce preventable incidents.
Help maintain inventory and readiness of security supplies, signage, and PPE; notify supervisors when restocking or procurement is required.
Provide backup for reception or visitor check-in stations during high-volume periods or staff shortages.
Contribute to continuous improvement by recommending process changes, suggesting training topics, and participating in after-action debriefs following major incidents.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

CCTV/video surveillance monitoring and evidence preservation (download/clip/copy footage).
Access control system administration (badge readers, turnstiles, visitor management software).
Radio and incident communication protocols (clear, concise radio voice procedures and escalation matrices).
Incident and investigative report writing with attention to chronology, facts, and witness statements.
Basic first aid, CPR/AED certification and ability to provide initial medical assistance until EMS arrives.
Alarm response procedures and emergency evacuation execution.
Familiarity with security hardware: locks, gates, barriers, handheld and stationary metal detectors (if applicable).
Knowledge of local ordinances, site-specific policies, and private security legal boundaries relevant to unarmed officers.
Proficiency with digital logging tools, Microsoft Office (Word/Excel), and security workforce management platforms.
Crowd management and event security best practices for controlling pedestrian flow and maintaining safe occupancy limits.
Workplace safety and hazard recognition, including basic OSHA awareness and fire safety protocols.

Soft Skills

Strong situational awareness and observational acuity for detecting anomalies and early warning signs.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with the public, supervisors, and emergency personnel.
Calm decision-making and problem-solving under pressure with ability to prioritize actions in emergencies.
High integrity, discretion, and respect for confidentiality.
De-escalation and conflict resolution skills emphasizing non-violent techniques and empathy.
Customer-service orientation, demonstrating patience, helpfulness, and professional courtesy.
Reliability, punctuality, and strong work ethic, including the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
Teamwork and collaboration with security peers, facilities, and external responders.
Attention to detail for accurate reporting, documentation, and compliance with procedures.
Adaptability and continuous learning mindset to respond to changing site needs and updated protocols.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
High school diploma or GED. Equivalent combination of education and relevant security experience accepted.

Preferred Education:
Associate degree or coursework in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Public Safety, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Criminal Justice
Security Management
Public Safety / Emergency Management
Homeland Security
Law Enforcement Preparatory Studies

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
0–3 years for entry-level positions; 2–5 years preferred for higher-responsibility sites.

Preferred:
1–3 years of prior security, loss prevention, military, or law enforcement experience; experience with CCTV and access-control systems; demonstrated record of reliable attendance and professional conduct. Active state security guard registration or license and up-to-date First Aid/CPR certification preferred.

Other preferred qualifications: clean background check, ability to pass drug screening, reliable transportation, and flexibility for varied shift schedules.