How long have you worked security?

[3rd_shift]

I have worked 4 and a half years now at it and still love it! :D
Many of you reading this have worked far longer though, and I humbly tip my hat to you. :cool:

[Arff312]

I have been a security officer for 1 month. I spent 3 years as a police explorer and i have 4 yrs as a firefighter. I am only 20.

[Watchdog]

I have worked security for a year, left to try out some different jobs and just came back to security in the last couple months.

[The_Mayor]

Been in security for two months. Been a Security Officer-First Class for 3 weeks. :D

[N. A. Corbier]

I've been in security for 12 years, this is the first year that I am opening a security business up here in lovely Wisconsin.

[3rd_shift]

Hey, good luck with your business N.A.C :)

[Arff312]

AZ i was a junior firefighter. Sorry i meant to write i have 2 years as a fire explorer and 2 as a military firefighter. I was tired..

[N. A. Corbier]

Hey, good luck with your business N.A.C :)

Thanks. Hopefully, I can hire professional people who I don't have to throttle on a daily basis, and who realize that when I ask them to take 5 bucks out of their pay check for uniforms and duty gear, they're not getting a POS uniform from the dime store, they're getting good uniforms, and good duty gear - complete set. Those that don't want to... I expect my gear and uniforms back in working order.

And after you pay me what I paid for the gear, ITS YOURS. :)

[N. A. Corbier]

Have fun getting people to work for you if they have to purchase their own equipment. I would never work somewhere where I had to purchase equipment that was only going to be used at my job.

You are not from Florida, obviously. Every security officer, in most companies, purchase EVERYTHING. From their duty rig to their uniforms to their weapon. In Wisconsin, as well, most officers (There is such a thing in Wisconsin as a Private Police Officer, as well) are required to purchase their entire rig, their uniforms, everything on day one of employment.

You also seem that you would not work for a professional security company where you would be required to intervene on behalf of the client or a victim, as well. There are companies, I am told, that pay their employees to be "observers" without getting their hands dirty, however, I do not run such a company. I dislike being sued over vicarious liability.

[Arff312]

My company does supply uniforms to us. But they arent always new and sometimes not in the best of shape. Same goes for duty gear. So i have OPTED to buy my own pants and Tact shirts. I also have my own duty gear. I would rather have my own stuff cuz i know where it came from and that i will always have good gear that is always with me and not getting misused.

[N. A. Corbier]

State Law does not. The industry does.

[Bill Warnock]

For the "good of the order," the following is submitted. Sometimes we have a habit of forgetting the small things. I first was exposed to this while attending Air/Security Police training at Lackland AFB, TX in 1968.


Are the ?Ten Deadly Sins? or ?Ten Commandments of Security and Law Enforcement? understood by all members of the security force? Are these sins or commandments re-stated at ALL roll calls and/or guard mounts? If not, explain why not? In this business the trifles kill you, try to remember that.

*TEN DEADLY SINS

1. Your Attitude ? If you fail to keep your mind on the job while on patrol or you carry home problems into the field you will start to make errors. It can cost you or other fellow security force members their lives.

2. Tombstone Courage ? No one doubts that you are brave. But in any situation where time allows wait for the back up. There are few instances where alone, unaided, you should try and make a dangerous apprehension.

3. Not Enough Rest ? To do your job you must be alert. Being sleepy or asleep on the job is not only against regulations but you endanger yourself, the air base and your fellow security forces.

4. Taking A Bad Position ? Never let anyone you are questioning or about to stop get in a better position than you and your vehicle. There is no such thing as a routine call or stop.

5. Danger Signs ? As a security forces member you will get to recognize ?danger signs.? Movements, strange cars, warnings that should alert you to watch your step and approach with caution. Know your post, your workplace or air base and watch out for what is ?out of place.?

6. Failure to Watch Hands of A Suspect ? Is he or she reaching for a weapon or getting ready to strike you? Where else can a potential killer strike but from his or her hands.

7. Relaxing Too Soon ? The ?rut? of false or nuisance alarms is quite serious. Walking in and asking if the place is being held up is stupid. Observe the activity. Never take any call as routine or just another false or nuisance alarm. It?s your life on the line.

8. Improper Use or No Use of Handcuffs ? Once you have made an arrest or apprehension, handcuff the suspect properly! See that the hands than can harm or kill are safely cuffed and double locked.

9. No Search Or Poor Search ? There are so many places to hide weapons that your failure to search is a crime against fellow security forces. Many criminals carry several weapons and are able and prepared to use them against you.

10. Dirty Or Inoperative Weapon ? Is your weapon clean? Will it fire? What of your ammunition? When did you last fire so that you can hit a target in combat conditions? What is the sense of carrying any firearm you do not know how to use or may not work? (*Source: Air Force Security Police Academy)

A sheriff's deputy had the left side of his face disfigured by a handcuff ratchet.

Enjoy the day,
Bill

[wannabedafiveoh]

I've been in security since 1982. I have seen a lot change since i began my work, but I will tell you, police officers are so helpful to have around. It really is great that we, in the security industry, can work with the law enforcement community so well. The officers that I know are so appreciative of my work. They say that without our guys at this mall, that they would have a lot more work to do on a shift! Thanks guys! YOU COPS ROCK! :cool:

[N. A. Corbier]

10. Dirty Or Inoperative Weapon ? Is your weapon clean? Will it fire? What of your ammunition? When did you last fire so that you can hit a target in combat conditions? What is the sense of carrying any firearm you do not know how to use or may not work? (*Source: Air Force Security Police Academy)

A sheriff's deputy had the left side of his face disfigured by a handcuff ratchet.

Enjoy the day,
Bill
I knew a police officer who's weapon had a broken firing pin. She went to fire it on the range, and the weapon failed to discharge. It was a GLOCK, at that!

I also knew a security officer in Florida who was an ESI graduate, and rarely checked his weapon. I was bored, and asked him for his weapon, not an official inspection, just boredom, because it was a chrome personally owned Smith and Wesson .357. Upon looking at the firing pin, I noticed it was missing, it was one of the floater pins. He nearly deficated himself.

People - your partner, the general public, your client - all expect you to be able to do what your trained to do with that weapon. If it malfunctions due to stupidity or lack of forethought, then you have failed all three.

The State entrusts you with the power to take a life for the protection of another person when issuing you a license to carry an open firearm as a security officer. As the State of Florida has said numerous times: The duties of a security officer raise them to a higher standard, and therefore, the Concealed Weapons Permit standard does not apply. In the public interest, we regulate their duty weapons and authorize them to carry openly (Illegal in Florida) for those duties.

[Mr. Security]

There are companies, I am told, that pay their employees to be "observers"

My company allows physical intervention when an individual is being assaulted or the s/o is in imminent danger of being attacked and cannot retreat. Our duty is to deter, detect, and report. Depending on the site, this may be completely acceptable, in fact, preferred. There is a role for both types of security. It really depends on what provides the client with the security they should have. In some cases, I believe that to deter, detect, and report is the better choice. If a corporate site has sufficient security procedures in place (especially against workplace violence) and maintains a tightly controlled perimeter and strict access control, it's unlikely that the 'bad guy' will breech security before the police can arrive.

To answer the threads question, I worked security p/t in NYC from 1983 thru 1990, and started again in New England in 2003 to present. I also have my own security-consulting firm.

[N. A. Corbier]

My company allows physical intervention when an individual is being assaulted or the s/o is in imminent danger of being attacked and cannot retreat. Our duty is to deter, detect, and report. Depending on the site, this may be completely acceptable, in fact, preferred. There is a role for both types of security. It really depends on what provides the client with the security they should have. In some cases, I believe that to deter, detect, and report is the better choice. If a corporate site has sufficient security procedures in place (especially against workplace violence) and maintains a tightly controlled perimeter and strict access control, it's unlikely that the 'bad guy' will breech security before the police can arrive.

To answer the threads question, I worked security p/t in NYC from 1983 thru 1990, and started again in New England in 2003 to present. I also have my own security-consulting firm.

Duties seem to vary from contract to contract, company to company. There are many companies who will only accept contractual duties for protection of property, never for life, it seems. In that case, they instruct the employees that they may never intervene, that only a police officer may intervene for someone else.

The problem I have with companies that do nothing but "observe and report" is that alot of them take it to extremes, like above. They're so liability concious that they will offer up the employee who did something as a scape goat, terminating them for "gross misconduct" and stating their policy is to "never intervene," when they flat told their client that the guard is there to protect them.

We all joke about the warm body in a uniform who runs and hides from trouble, but its a reality in some cases. On a corporate campus, the requirement of physical interaction with an offender is minimal - the enviornment is very controlled, the offender can be routed, channelled, and denied access to areas they wish without having to physically confront them. But, I don't believe in tying an employee's hands behind their back when they have a legal duty to protect the people in that facility, as some companies do, because it destroys trust between the security officers and the client (Why didn't you DO something? I'm not allowed to, I'm only here to call 911), and because people get hurt or killed.

[Mr. Security]

Exactly. For many corporate sites, the deter, detect, and report security method works fine. However, it is NOT the right choice for mall, ER, nuclear, etc. sites. Personally, I have no desire to carry weapons, subdue and arrest criminals, and the like. The police, who are HIGHLY trained to handle such tasks, suffer casualties of well over a hundred per year. If circumstances require it I will defend myself and, to the extent possible, those under my care. Bottom line: Both types of security have their place.

[pfd1615]

I have been in Security on and off for the last 5 years. Have worked armed and unarmed and I can see the need for both.

N.A. Where in WI are you? I used to live in the Northwoods/UP. Good luck with you venture. On that, I see no problem with I payroll deduction for uniform items if it means I get brand new gear and get to keep it when I'm done paying for it.

[N. A. Corbier]

I have been in Security on and off for the last 5 years. Have worked armed and unarmed and I can see the need for both.

N.A. Where in WI are you? I used to live in the Northwoods/UP. Good luck with you venture. On that, I see no problem with I payroll deduction for uniform items if it means I get brand new gear and get to keep it when I'm done paying for it.

Thanks. I'm still tossing the idea around for uniform deduction. I'm located in Kenosha, which puts Metro Racine Safety Enforcement as probally the only real competition I have. :)

Mr. Security: Right. I have worked posts where I have had the option to arrest/detain/intervene, and haven't had a need to. Either there was no risk to the client's interests, or the police were 30 seconds away, etc.

Its the idiots who tell their guards (I kid you not): That gun is just for show, your not allowed to load it. One company issued duty belts, with unloaded firearms, with empty OC and speedloaders, and straight sticks WELDED to the baton rings. They were purely for intimidation.

[Mr. Security]

Mr. Security: Right. I have worked posts where I have had the option to arrest/detain/intervene, and haven't had a need to. Either there was no risk to the client's interests, or the police were 30 seconds away, etc.

Its the idiots who tell their guards (I kid you not): That gun is just for show, your not allowed to load it. One company issued duty belts, with unloaded firearms, with empty OC and speedloaders, and straight sticks WELDED to the baton rings. They were purely for intimidation.

Unbelievable!! How did the company even get a license to operate? Sad... very sad.

[N. A. Corbier]

Unbelievable!! How did the company even get a license to operate? Sad... very sad.
Pay the state some money... :)

[Charger]

Unbelievable!! How did the company even get a license to operate? Sad... very sad.

That's just ridiculous... although, I had to laugh at one of the newer hires my previous company brought onto our patrol staff... HIS side of the story, was that the hiring people never specified if he was going to be doing armed or unarmed patrol... THEY say they told him the rules like they told everyone (which they did, so he was probably full of it), that he had to go through 90 days probationary before he could carry.... All of us in the briefing room on the first night had to stifle our laughter, when he walked in carrying his Sig on his belt, with no magazine in it.... It was like, "Come on man, either you're carrying or you're not... can't sit on the fence on that one"... lol

Anyway, I've been in security for about 8 years now... spent 2 years as the head of security at a shopping mall, and 2 years as a supervisor for a patrol agency... Seen some weird stuff out there ;)

Be safe guys!

[N. A. Corbier]

That's just ridiculous... although, I had to laugh at one of the newer hires my previous company brought onto our patrol staff... HIS side of the story, was that the hiring people never specified if he was going to be doing armed or unarmed patrol... THEY say they told him the rules like they told everyone (which they did, so he was probably full of it), that he had to go through 90 days probationary before he could carry.... All of us in the briefing room on the first night had to stifle our laughter, when he walked in carrying his Sig on his belt, with no magazine in it.... It was like, "Come on man, either you're carrying or you're not... can't sit on the fence on that one"... lol

Anyway, I've been in security for about 8 years now... spent 2 years as the head of security at a shopping mall, and 2 years as a supervisor for a patrol agency... Seen some weird stuff out there ;)

Be safe guys!

ROTFL. Anyone who is stupid enough to carry an unloaded firearm is going to die. What's he going to do when he gets into it? "Stop, Mr. Bad Guy, let me load a mag?" Well, he probally had one in the chamber.

Scary that this individual could afford such an expensive piece of hardware. We're probally going with S&W Tactical for our company guns, or whatever else I find at the gun shows that isn't worthless or stolen. :)

[farscape]

I have been a lurker to this board for sometime. And decided to ?come on board?, although I don?t do much security work anymore. And for good reason. Now before you all pull out the big guns and start lighting your flame throwers please understand I think security work has potential. It just does not seem very intriguing or dynamic work from my own personal experience and accounts. Where I live guard jobs and the companies are a dime a dozen. They have fancy names, titles and window dressing for everything. Most pay lousy wages and have strict guide lines. Along with ridiculous protocols, an absurd grandeurous ideas of duty. Some people may call it a profession. But why are most guard jobs listed under general employment and not professional? From what I have seen being an ?insurance babysitter? or ?do-it-all? guard putting up with verbal abuse, name calling, none related guard jobs and contempt by most everyone is not worth seven to eight dollars an hour. And guessing if you will have a job in 12 months after the bids are done is also a bit much. They give the sale pitch of ?Oh, yes. We don?t pay real high but the benefits are good?. You know, benefits do not pay the electric bill. The car and house payments. And it sure as hell does not put much food on the table nor pay for school and stuff for the kids. I am a graphic artist and webmaster asisstant and with all these rising gas, food and now stamps one needs an extra job or two. With respect I have seen janitors get more respect and pay than most guard jobs around here. (I can guess by now some of you have your fingers on the trigger by now ready to pounce). And yes, I am seriously thinking of getting a part time cleaning job this year this time around. I do part time security work for extra money, but there is no way I would do one full time unless I was about to find myself on the street and needed to put food on the table. My renew time for my license is coming up soon and I am seriously thinking of letting it go. I read where some of you feel you have a good spot in it all. And though I am not into all this security as much as you all are I am curious. Where you guys live and work to feel it?s good enough to stay with?

[N. A. Corbier]

I have been a lurker to this board for sometime. And decided to ?come on board?, although I don?t do much security work anymore. And for good reason. Now before you all pull out the big guns and start lighting your flame throwers please understand I think security work has potential. It just does not seem very intriguing or dynamic work from my own personal experience and accounts. Where I live guard jobs and the companies are a dime a dozen. They have fancy names, titles and window dressing for everything. Most pay lousy wages and have strict guide lines. Along with ridiculous protocols, an absurd grandeurous ideas of duty. Some people may call it a profession. But why are most guard jobs listed under general employment and not professional? From what I have seen being an ?insurance babysitter? or ?do-it-all? guard putting up with verbal abuse, name calling, none related guard jobs and contempt by most everyone is not worth seven to eight dollars an hour. And guessing if you will have a job in 12 months after the bids are done is also a bit much. They give the sale pitch of ?Oh, yes. We don?t pay real high but the benefits are good?. You know, benefits do not pay the electric bill. The car and house payments. And it sure as hell does not put much food on the table nor pay for school and stuff for the kids. I am a graphic artist and webmaster asisstant and with all these rising gas, food and now stamps one needs an extra job or two. With respect I have seen janitors get more respect and pay than most guard jobs around here. (I can guess by now some of you have your fingers on the trigger by now ready to pounce). And yes, I am seriously thinking of getting a part time cleaning job this year this time around. I do part time security work for extra money, but there is no way I would do one full time unless I was about to find myself on the street and needed to put food on the table. My renew time for my license is coming up soon and I am seriously thinking of letting it go. I read where some of you feel you have a good spot in it all. And though I am not into all this security as much as you all are I am curious. Where you guys live and work to feel it?s good enough to stay with?

As you said, there are guard companies around where you are, a dime a dozen. If you wish to look for a higher paying security job, you have many prospects.

That your company gives you benefits and low wage, instead of living wage and no benefits, makes me think your working for one of the super-companies that buys out other companies. Wackenhut, Wells Fargo (Borg, Warner, Loomis), Security Associates (Advance, Metro, ESCO, who knows all else), Weiser (Weiser Security, Weiser Security Police, etc), Securitas, etc.

You have a viable skill, in so far as your license. The thing is, just like a CNA or LPN, you have to shop around to find the best companies to apply to.

I will ask these questions: What "ridiclious protocols" have you faced in your security assignments? Have you worked armed security? Were you there to protect persons, property, or neither (observe/report/non-interference)?

Titles, rank structure, and other such "window dressings" can either be worthless, or they can beneficial. This goes for any profession. There is no real difference between the police title of, say, "Watch Sergeant," the security title of "Site Supervisor," the corporate title "Director of Operations," and the McDonalds title "Shift Manager." They exist for the benefit of the employees, establishing bounds of authority, etc, and for the customers, to determine who is in charge. There is no special power that such a title gives, even in public law enforcement.

If more employees were to shun companies that operate warm body factories (insurance baby-sitters), and publically post WHY they are shunning them, then perhaps it be worthy of public and media attention. Idiots get to operate warm body factories where they send guards out in ill-fitting uniforms with the orders "your not guarding the place, you just observe what happens and report it to us. We'll decide if the police are needed. Bring change, there's only a pay phone," and tell the client that they're sending "highly trained (by the state) professionals who will guard your property and be a highly visible deterrant, at a staggering cost savings to you!" Ie: We're going to underbid everyone else, and send a person who might well be a good employee - but is reduced to the thinking capacity of an idiot by rules and intimidation.

[Mr. Security]

ROTFL. Well, he probally had one in the chamber.


No; not that smart. He had a bullet in his shirt pocket like Barney!:D

[Charger]

No; not that smart. He had a bullet in his shirt pocket like Barney!:D

LOL Nothing would've surprised me with this guy.... he didn't last long.... wonder why? ;)

[EMTGuard]

Been doing it for a couple of years off and on.
Took the job when the Security Company rep stopped by the Fire Station the day we were expecting layoffs. He needed an EMT to work at one of the area chemical plants. I continued to work at the FD part-time about one night a week.
I enjoyed the job which was very similar to being a Corrections Officer, the job I had when I got my EMT cert. Patrol, check doors and on a rare occasion treat a patient. The big plus was not having to deal with inmates. Woohoo.
After about 6 months another company came in and got our contract so I went back fulltime with the Fire Department before finally quiting them completely. I returned to the Security company which now has me posted at a Steel Plant. I get to treat many more patients for all sorts of trauma when I'm not at the gate operating as switch board operator or patroling around in the medical van spotlighting the fenceline.

[Zebra One]

Been in security for two months. Been a Security Officer-First Class for 3 weeks. :D
Boy, be careful bragging about your immense experience. :rolleyes:

You are predisposed to lecture your senior S/O's and place yourself on a false egotistical pedestal in your sophomoric comments about sworn police officers.

Consider this before you hit the submit button on another one of your idiotic posts........many of the professional S/O's on here have been doing the job longer than you have been alive and even the most rookie of police officers has spent more time in the academy than you have patrolling parking lots. ;)

[S/O245]

I have been a S/O for a over a yr now. I was a police explorer 5 yrs. and I have also done some volunteer work with a Cyber Crimes Org which helps educate people and fight cyber crime. I did that 4 yrs. Alot of things happen on the net even terrorist groups committ crime on the net etc. I think Law Enforcement Agencies such as FBI and many others have come a long way since the net started. But I think much more can be improved and more laws need to be tougher.

Stay Safe All :)

[BoxerGuard]

loss prevention for 8 months..i need a raise.

[S/O245]

I seen someone said something about buying equipment. My security company right now gets on my nerves sometimes lol. Im not the only one. some assignments when u are sitting in a primary spot of the place they have a electrict cord so u can run a heater etc. Its also in my contract about the heater. Its so we dont have to run are car when we are sitting. Sometimes many times they dont have the heater. So I went to a store a bought one for 20.00 just because im tired of having to call the 3rd in command boss and complain that i need so & so. This has happend with other equipment as well. They use to have a mag flashlight for each assignment. Then I never seen it again lol. So instead of all the mess i just bought some of my own stuff.

I understand needing a riase currently my assignment pays 7.50 an hr. Im only 10 mins away from it so thats not bad with gas money etc. But if i was further away then i would need more money per hr for sure.

Stay Safe All :)

[N. A. Corbier]

Alot of security companies are very very bad about providing OSHA required personal protective equipment. This includes enviornmental protection devices such as heaters, air conditioners, cool water supplies (gatorade, etc), and exposure to elements, as well as specific items such as safety goggles, steel toed boots, etc.

Many companies will say, "The site must provide these items," however, they are incorrect and simply do not want to spend the money on PPE for something they hope won't bite them in the ass.

OSHA requires that any occupational exposure to hazards must be mitigated by the employer, with accepted equipment to OSHA standards provided by the employer free of charge to all exposed employees. OSHA has been known to shut construction sites down for not having TP in the porta-potty. (I got to witness that, it was hilarious. The general contractor was fined for it, like 10,000 dollars per day of no TP in the potty.) Requiring employees to buy jackets or raincoats, for example, could be considered an OSHA violation, if exposure to cold and rain are an occupational hazard.

I have seen clients who will turn the electricity off in the guard house to prevent the contractor from installing heaters and other high wattage devices, due to the increased bill. Guess who's getting the fine(s), btw?

If the PPE is being stolen by guards, it is up to the company to replace the PPE. Period.

[S/O245]

well i just decided to buy my own heater. like i said that way i dont have any more headaches. at least right now check back sunday when i go back to work lol. from what i was told by my LT, the Operations Boss took all the heaters out of the back of the supervisors cars and even took my work cell phone charger. I have a feeling he did this because he got pissed at Me.

Supervisors come by at end of the shift if your going to be off for 1 or 2 days and pick up the post equipment. Sometimes they are too busy to make it to me and had me hide it in a bag someplace on the property. Then Cap told me we cant do that anymore cause a animal or a person got in the bag and drug the cell phone out. He said we will have to come out early. So i tell the other Supervisors. Well one friday morning i call my shift is over LT is not here. He said im sick bag it up. Keep in mind he is the shift boss at that time. I say ok and i said someone is coming to get it. He said yeah. Well he never came to get it and the stuff got rained on.

But all the equipment worked everything was fine. Then I got kinda jumped up by the Cap. And something was said about having someones ass and i said i wont be given a reprimand for something that is not my fault. It was the Shift OIC. Anyways he said since the the stuff worked fine no one would be wrote up. But then my heater was taken and cell charger. anyways just a job gripe LOL.

[DMS 525]

Did it for 11 years, until my last employer was forced out of business(loss of a major client, with his divorce fanning the fire).

After that, most places either didn't want me, or I wouldn't work for them on a bet. Told a couple who were willing to give me a job that they had to pay me better for me to consider it. May sound conceited, but they knew as well as I did that I have the experience, training, and ability to justify asking for more than their normal starting wage, which they pay someone with no experience whatsoever.

I got into about the only other thing I had any flair for; driving a truck. For 10 years, I've been driving concrete mixers, for much better wages and benefits than any security or even LE job I've ever had could or would offer. When you have a family to provide for as sole breadwinner, that means a lot.

For a part time gig, and during the layoff season, I drive a taxi cab. Not bad money, and I do find the work interesting. And, we serve as the eyes and ears for the PD in a lot of situations. That, and helping them keep drunks off the road, they appreciate us more than they show.

I'm considering becoming a reserve cop, but not at the expense of a lot of my time or own expense, especially for something that only pays a dollar a year.

I recently applied for an armed security position that pays about $14 an hour to start, plus a $3.14 an hour differential of some sort. I'd at least like to know what this involves. Just had to fax my resume to some number I think is in Kansas. Hmmmm? For that kind of money, it is at least worth a look.

[N. A. Corbier]

Did it for 11 years, until my last employer was forced out of business(loss of a major client, with his divorce fanning the fire).

After that, most places either didn't want me, or I wouldn't work for them on a bet. Told a couple who were willing to give me a job that they had to pay me better for me to consider it. May sound conceited, but they knew as well as I did that I have the experience, training, and ability to justify asking for more than their normal starting wage, which they pay someone with no experience whatsoever.

I got into about the only other thing I had any flair for; driving a truck. For 10 years, I've been driving concrete mixers, for much better wages and benefits than any security or even LE job I've ever had could or would offer. When you have a family to provide for as sole breadwinner, that means a lot.

For a part time gig, and during the layoff season, I drive a taxi cab. Not bad money, and I do find the work interesting. And, we serve as the eyes and ears for the PD in a lot of situations. That, and helping them keep drunks off the road, they appreciate us more than they show.

I'm considering becoming a reserve cop, but not at the expense of a lot of my time or own expense, especially for something that only pays a dollar a year.

I recently applied for an armed security position that pays about $14 an hour to start, plus a $3.14 an hour differential of some sort. I'd at least like to know what this involves. Just had to fax my resume to some number I think is in Kansas. Hmmmm? For that kind of money, it is at least worth a look.

Commercial Haulers have unions, powerful ones at that. They're both construction and OTR hauler. I'd do it if I could drive a rig that big. :) Sure, the nights suck, and your never home, but your making a ton of cash and you've got benefits that the Teamsters generations ago fought for.

Shift Differential? It may be Federal, in which that's what your going to pay your "federal employee health benefit" with, or it could be a night differential, or a hazard pay differential.

[DMS 525]

Commercial Haulers have unions, powerful ones at that. They're both construction and OTR hauler. I'd do it if I could drive a rig that big. :) Sure, the nights suck, and your never home, but your making a ton of cash and you've got benefits that the Teamsters generations ago fought for.

Shift Differential? It may be Federal, in which that's what your going to pay your "federal employee health benefit" with, or it could be a night differential, or a hazard pay differential.
Thanks for the info. Figured it had to be something to do with the Feds, and I do believe their main office for hiring and such is in Topeka for this area.

Funny you should mention the Teamsters. I am a Teamster. Local 90 here in Des Moines, although I am on withdraw status right now. I do plan to see about driving for another company with the Teamsters Union, but I will have to get my Class A CDL first.

[ACP01]

Reading back through these posts there was the one about the guy showing up with the Sig and no mag in it.

Several commented about how deadly that could be. I agree, just look at the Marine Barracks in Beirut. Marines without mags in either pistols or rifles because "didn't want to appear to take sides in the civil war". You know what happened there.

BTW, Security experience was in military (no warning shots, shoot to kill, welfare of hostages is not a factor), and airport security police after discharge, worked other places off and on but am starting a security business now.
My brother is a PD Sgt and Iam thinking about seeing if he wants to get involved as he is about ready to retire also.

[N. A. Corbier]

Did I ever put down my history? Hell, recap time.

I got into private security in Florida, when I turned 18. Typical "this sucks" case. Was DEP for USAF, guaranteed Security Forces position. School decides to deny a credit from my first year of high school in Texas. The USAF can no longer guarantee my SF position, nor can they accept me, as I have to take summer school. The State of Florida decides to offer me an out, since I'd of turned 19 in summer school and the school would kick me out (All students must graduate by their 19th birthday. Go Florida!) Get a GED.

So, I get a GED, and get a summer job with a security company, guarding a defense contractor. USAF releases me from my contract as my GED invalidated it (They wouldn't accept GEDs at that time.) So, I continue in the civilian work force, for two warm body companies.

Second WBS I worked for was the USCG Air Station in Clearwater, Florida. This was in the mid 90s, so if anyone is familiar with that area, you know who I worked for and why I hate warm body security. I ran that station, basically, with a site supervisor who was a drunkard (The company authorized him to have beer on post to keep his mouth shut), and a rotating set of night guards who were either retirees or the mentally deficient.

A year of that, with the client giving us more and more authority on base due to a good team at night, the contract company stopped paying us on time. They'd pay about 65% of everyone on time, blame it on ADP, and then refuse to issue a new check till the next 2 weeks. I gave them 2 chances, then quit.

Went to the next company, where I stayed for about 8-9 years. In 2004, I moved up to Wisconsin with my girlfriend, and been up here since. In that time, I've opened a small computer consultant business, lived off it for awhile (Its contract work. We all love contract work, especially when its slow!), the occasional temp job, etc. All while saving money to open a security company.

I've worked armed and unarmed security, primarly uniformed. I was a "survelience operator" for a remote camera monitoring gig that my former employer tried through their PI firm, it sorta failed. Instead of using IP technology, it was some one's closed source proprietary "solution in a box," and required installing 14.4 modems. Low resolution cameras, bad frame rates, etc. Many of the folks working on that all said, "Should of done this with DSL."

[Echos13]

I don't think I ever elaberated on my back goround (deep breath). So here does.

In 1977 a year out of high school I started security only after a few years of being in other departments for the the now long gone Circus World theme park. Put about seven and a half years into that place. The previosu years were food services (shudder) and operations (running rides, etc. - double shudder). The last five where in house security and I raised up in the ranks in just a year. I must admit to this day it was the most enjoyable job I ever had in the private sector. The benefits were almost unlimited and the pay scale kept going up the longer you stayed on. You met every kind of person from around the world along with celebrities and big wigs of other theme parks. I saw this place change owners three times and the third time was not the charm. We all in security got our pink slips in 1985 and some WBC got the job. I don?t remember who they were.

Shortly there after I got on with the also now gone Mass Brothers department stores as a Store Detective and after about two years made corporate Detective. In 1991 a merge that was really a hostile take over by the Burdines outfits had me pounding the streets again. I went into uniform work for some WBCs a while and I honestly have to say I hated it. I was a part time police officer for about five years with a small PD but I did it only to get the experience and street smarts. I was more interested in the forensics and prevention fields of law enforcement rather than intervention work. While working a full time guard job and police work I went to school and got my degree in criminal justice. That was a heard time for me because I was dealing with a terminally ill mother and aging father (they did a lot for me and they deserved as much time and help as I could give them) along with trying to work and go to school. I left the PD on PLOA to focus on the full time security job I had and focus on school better. People ask why didn?t I just go full time LEO and my answer to that was most agencies has a freeze on hiring for along time and those that were hiring wanted people with full time experience and a completed degree. Out of state or other counties were to far away because of my parents. By the time I got done with school and my leave of absence time had elapsed my standards were expired. I failed to renew my standards in time which to this day I keep kicking myself for it.

My last uniform job was in house for a company that made safety devices for cars like airbags, etc. That place got sold in the two short years I was there and needless to say once again a WBC got the job and away we went. Each time a WBC came in they never wanted any of us that worked there. I assume it was because they brought in there own people or they wanted people they could maybe, control? Who knows? I am presently working as an armed security escort officer for a small firm for about five years now. Which once again is being threatened with cut backs and contracts getting eaten up by the WBCs making cheaper bids. Makes you wonder about the security field sometimes to why it is so volatile.

[N. A. Corbier]

They want to replace everyone there because they don't know how you were trained, and they may have to pay you more. But, most importantly, you don't do things their way, you do them the client's way. And they will determine how the client's wishes are carried out - not the client. :)

[wjohnc]

11 years last month. I've done a hell of a lot of things in this business - uniformed and plainclothes guard, LPO, money and personnel escort, bodyguard, site supervisor, managing supervisor, security investigator...

I like to say that I have done just about everything in security that doesn't involve a gun. :D

Right now I'm having a lot of fun as a Security Guard in a retail setting - deterring, arresting, whatever. Love it. A lot.

wjohnc

[ACP01]

11 years last month. I've done a hell of a lot of things in this business - uniformed and plainclothes guard, LPO, money and personnel escort, bodyguard, site supervisor, managing supervisor, security investigator...

I like to say that I have done just about everything in security that doesn't involve a gun. :D

Right now I'm having a lot of fun as a Security Guard in a retail setting - deterring, arresting, whatever. Love it. A lot.

wjohnc

You did unarmed money escort? Not meaning to be a smart@ss but what would or could you have done if an attempt was made? The others I can see but not the money escort.

Sorry if I misread your staement but I don't think I did.

[OccamsRazor]

Did I do this one yet?

Here's the breakdown:

Out of high school, I worked for 2 years in fast-food, ending up in management. Talking to our contract guard one night (this was a rough area), I discovered he was making .25 an hour more than I was for 1/16th of the work, so I joined on with his company.

It was the OG of WBS companies, Wells-Fargo Guard Services. Did that for a year or so before I quit in disgust.

Went to work for a local indian tribe as tribal security, transferring into their casino security division after only a few months because it paid more, and offered lots more benefits. Became a supervisor there, and left after about 2 years.

Worked for the state for a few years in a limited-capacity LE/security position in downtown Seattle, doing battle with the junkies and hookers.

Left there to work for a county sheriff's office in California, initially as a correctional deputy, then into street patrol.

Left there (mostly for pay and lack-of-advancement reasons) to work as a police officer in Alaska.

Left Alaska late last year after some health and family issues forced my hand, now working as a contract officer locally in the Seattle area. It is a WBS company, but I'm assigned to the one decent contract they have, armed officer for the feds.

[wjohnc]

You did unarmed money escort? Not meaning to be a smart@ss but what would or could you have done if an attempt was made? The others I can see but not the money escort.

Sorry if I misread your staement but I don't think I did.


Umm, you did, sort of. Another dude had the money, I looked out for him and the cash. I'd be in soft uniform and looking at everything and everyone else, not him or the cash directly, just the direction they were headed.

Secondly, incidents of robbery in this province are increasing - last year in this city we had about two dozen hold-ups and perhaps 6 or 8 muggings (I know, big deal, but it is when you're used to almost nothing - thank you OxyContin :mad: ). So, while it doesn't take my edge, any risk expected against me or the dude or the cash was minimal.

Thirdly, my direction was that lives, not money, was the primary concern, and that if - IF - somebody got close enough then let them have the money as long as no-one got hurt (not sure if I subscribe to that practice personally, but I do what I'm told, you know?)

wjohnc

----

the purpose of life is to leave this world a better place than it was when you came into it

[Lawson]

At 20 Years old, I have collectively been working in security for almost two years... almost 4 if you include all the volunteer security work I have done for my police department.

I have worked for 4 different companies and now work for Wackenhut, and I think I have found my home. We make a decent wage, get decent benefits, have good training, good advancement opportunities, none of which I have gotten from any other company I've worked for.

I am currently making a wage that pays all my bills at home and leaves me a little left over to tool around with. When I was in Louisiana, I just got my w-2 from the month I was in Louisiana, Wackenhut paid me $9999.45. So I cant cry about money as that is more than I made in a year with some companies. I dont make near that now, and Im looking at getting a promotion soon, but I have not had any problems with this company.

Uniforms are issued, when I need new items, I get them fast w/o charge unless I ruined the old one or am opting to buy. We have a great uniform purchase plan, I just bought a $100 pair of boots, and Wackenhut fronts the money then takes it out of my check little by little at the rate I choose and the boots are mine.

Overall, aside from a little more cash, which I see coming my way in the near future, I couldnt be happier. The only thing that would take me from Wackenhut would be a nice College Campus officer job which Im going out for.

[N. A. Corbier]

At 20 Years old, I have collectively been working in security for almost two years... almost 4 if you include all the volunteer security work I have done for my police department.

I have worked for 4 different companies and now work for Wackenhut, and I think I have found my home. We make a decent wage, get decent benefits, have good training, good advancement opportunities, none of which I have gotten from any other company I've worked for.

I am currently making a wage that pays all my bills at home and leaves me a little left over to tool around with. When I was in Louisiana, I just got my w-2 from the month I was in Louisiana, Wackenhut paid me $9999.45. So I cant cry about money as that is more than I made in a year with some companies. I dont make near that now, and Im looking at getting a promotion soon, but I have not had any problems with this company.

Uniforms are issued, when I need new items, I get them fast w/o charge unless I ruined the old one or am opting to buy. We have a great uniform purchase plan, I just bought a $100 pair of boots, and Wackenhut fronts the money then takes it out of my check little by little at the rate I choose and the boots are mine.

Overall, aside from a little more cash, which I see coming my way in the near future, I couldnt be happier. The only thing that would take me from Wackenhut would be a nice College Campus officer job which Im going out for.

That's the kind of uniform plan I'm after. I will GIVE you equipment. If you screw it up, I will take it out of your pay. If you want to buy your own equipment - I will buy it and give it to you, and you save on shipping - because I negotiate with Galls and the rest to give me free shipping on large orders as an "agency."

But, by God, if you don't take care of it, your paying for it. :)

[histfan71]

That's the kind of uniform plan I'm after. I will GIVE you equipment. If you screw it up, I will take it out of your pay. If you want to buy your own equipment - I will buy it and give it to you, and you save on shipping - because I negotiate with Galls and the rest to give me free shipping on large orders as an "agency."

But, by God, if you don't take care of it, your paying for it. :)

Have you ever thought of giving your employees a uniform allowance instead of issuing them gear?

I wonder what ever happens to all the old uniforms guards turn in?

[N. A. Corbier]

Have you ever thought of giving your employees a uniform allowance instead of issuing them gear?

I wonder what ever happens to all the old uniforms guards turn in?

Thought about it, but then I thought about this:

You have never worked in the security industry before. Someone hands you 1500-2000 dollars to buy gear, including a firearm. What would you do with that? Would you buy what the employer suggests, or would you go down to the army navy store and buy the cheapest crap you can find, and show up with a Rossi, pocketing half the amount?

Every, and I mean every, company I have worked for reissues uniforms. They're laundered, pressed, and put on the rack.

Uniforms aren't my primary concern. My concern is the employee showing up with a wooden straight stick, Ranier duty gear, and a .38 because the guy at the gunshop said "security guards don't need autos, buy this cheap .38 I can't get anyone else to buy instead!", a pair of cheap novelty handcuffs, and no OC because they didn't know where to buy it.

Most companies require you to buy "whatever gear you want," which creates concepts like that. BTW, I have seen that - people outfitted in that fashion. It took the owner of that company providing equipment to change it. But, he required an up-front payment for your gear. 50-500 dollars. If you worked a federal post, it was mandatory - you must be armed with OC, ASP, and Cuffs.

[N. A. Corbier]

I guess I have to ask one more question: What prevents someone from simply taking the money and run? With equipment, that's something easier to recover. The State finds it a criminal act, it seems, under the jurisdiction of DRL to take equipment from your employer if your a security person. It dosen't seem to with cash (Other than the standard theft of cash charge.)

[histfan71]

Thought about it, but then I thought about this:

You have never worked in the security industry before. Someone hands you 1500-2000 dollars to buy gear, including a firearm. What would you do with that? Would you buy what the employer suggests, or would you go down to the army navy store and buy the cheapest crap you can find, and show up with a Rossi, pocketing half the amount?

Every, and I mean every, company I have worked for reissues uniforms. They're laundered, pressed, and put on the rack.

Uniforms aren't my primary concern. My concern is the employee showing up with a wooden straight stick, Ranier duty gear, and a .38 because the guy at the gunshop said "security guards don't need autos, buy this cheap .38 I can't get anyone else to buy instead!", a pair of cheap novelty handcuffs, and no OC because they didn't know where to buy it.

Most companies require you to buy "whatever gear you want," which creates concepts like that. BTW, I have seen that - people outfitted in that fashion. It took the owner of that company providing equipment to change it. But, he required an up-front payment for your gear. 50-500 dollars. If you worked a federal post, it was mandatory - you must be armed with OC, ASP, and Cuffs.

I certainly don't recomend giving a newly-hired guard cash. Give the guard a purchase order that specifies it cannot go over say, $400. Also give the guard AND the uniform supplier a list of required equipment, and which manufactures/models/colors etc. are authorizied.

Say the guard has been in the industry awhile and already has some of the required gear and does not use the entire $400, then he can use whatever remains to maybe replace and/or upgrade his existing gear. Like maybe he already has handcuffs, but needs a new flashlight.

This way you are not stuck with a bunch of used uniforms and equipment that you might not ever get to issue again.

[Lawson]

Every security spot I have worked used re-issued uniforms, I personally have no problem with it if the uniform is clean, I still will wash the uniform thouroughly before using it myself. Our Wackenhut Office is good at making sure everything is in good working order before they hand it out... thank goodness. I have worked for companies that are like "Does this fit you? Good, it's yours now. "

[N. A. Corbier]

I certainly don't recomend giving a newly-hired guard cash. Give the guard a purchase order that specifies it cannot go over say, $400. Also give the guard AND the uniform supplier a list of required equipment, and which manufactures/models/colors etc. are authorizied.

Say the guard has been in the industry awhile and already has some of the required gear and does not use the entire $400, then he can use whatever remains to maybe replace and/or upgrade his existing gear. Like maybe he already has handcuffs, but needs a new flashlight.

This way you are not stuck with a bunch of used uniforms and equipment that you might not ever get to issue again.

Now there's a thought. ;) I'm still used to the "here's two uniform sets. Here's the equipment you have to buy before you go on duty friday. We can order it ourselves, and bill you, or here's a stack of catalogs."

I'ven ever heard of companies buying individual uniforms and then allowing the employee to keep them without payment. Usually the "free uniform" companies, like Weiser, do the round-robin approach. Wackenhut, as well. If you wanted fitted uniforms (I did), you bought your own and had them tailored.

[michael.c.bell]

I have been a casino security officer for 1 year and 3 months. I have had to deal with people in so many different situations. I never get sick of it because I go to work every night not knowing what the night has in store for me.

I deal with thefts, drunks, domestics, medical emergencies, etc...
Of course there positives too. I have met the entire Green Bay Packer team. Most of the guys are pretty cool. Brett don't talk much though. So, if I never get a cop job, at least I have this.

[Dragonfyre024]

I've been in the Security Industry for 10 years as both as an officer, shift supervisor and training supervisor.

[Bill Warnock]

I've been in the Security Industry for 10 years as both as an officer, shift supervisor and training supervisor.
You are still sane with no tics. You have seen most every situation that confronts this profession. Please share with this community the situations you've confronted and after subsequent action reports.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[Sierra 1]

All,

I joined the forum last week and failed to post a reply here-

I have been in LE/security for almost 20 years. I started in the Marine Corps after high school, serving with the Marine Security Force Bn (FAST) in Norfolk,Va. (mos 8151/0311). After my EAS date, I went back home and started college while working full time as a transportation officer for the Sheriff's Dept. After receiving my degree, I joined the police department and served time in patrol, SWAT, and investigations. After almost 12 years, I left LE and entered the security field full time. I am currently a supervisor for the DOE protective forces in Oak Ridge,Tn. I am completing a degree in Security Management and preparing for several security mangagement certifications. I am not sure what I plan to do in the near future, but I know it will be something within the industry.

[岳永星]

I have worked 4 and a half years now at it and still love it! :D
Many of you reading this have worked far longer though, and I humbly tip my hat to you. :cool:

I have been working as security almost 10 years, but still on the become professional security, as you may know the China security industry is the begaining period, and the relevant law of security are not make yet. anyway i think this problem will be solve this year since China will open the security market this year~

[Sierra 1]

Jimmyhat,

I am a Special Response Team Sergeant/Team Leader- Sierras are primarily entry personnel. Obviously, the #1 is the supervisor identifier.

[SgtUSMC8541]

Lets see…..after HS I went to College, Norwich University – Military College of Vermont. Enlisted in the USMCR and went to recruit training. Earned the title and reported to my reserve unit. Got VERY lucky and tried out for STA Plt. (Scout Sniper Platoon)… and made it. :cool: (Spent my entire 14 years in that platoon. Went to many great schools. 2nd Marine Div Scout Sniper, SERE, Sgt’s Course, etc) Next summer did Infantry school. When I got back, needed a job, so where to go? As a highly trained killer of Americas foes, I was overqualified to become….. a 3rd shift security officer watching a locked gate at a nursing home for 5.25 an hour for a contract guard company. I then bounced to valet/security at my apartment building. (Head of security was a former Marine) Then to a corporate security job for a bank. (Head of security and the first shift supervisor were Marines). Ok, bank gets bought and we all get caned. But Wackenhut did offer to let us keep our jobs. If we would take a $5 to $10 pay cut. :rolleyes: So off I go…. Into Field Supervision for a mom and pop company. I quit. They were breaking too many laws. (Later, they were shut down by the state) Next job was as a Site Supervisor for a mid size account. Only 35 officers. After 6 months I was promoted to Operations Manager where I ran about 4000 hours or so. Over the next 3 years, I bounced around, Account Manager, Area Manager, Operations Manager. Never fired, just moved on to better pay and more challenging work. I was then hired to be the Training Manger for the same company that promoted me to Operations Manager. (They were also the company I first worked for. I must have done something right for them to keep bringing me back.) So I did the training for both the guard force as well as the investigation side of the house. CPR/First Aid, OSCAT, etc. Learned a lot there. Eventually I ended up as the Branch Manager for a company in Stamford CT. Next thing I know some idiots decide to crash a plane or three into some buildings and my reserve unit gets the call to stand the wall. Next two years were on AD. Swamp Lejeune, some Bridgeport time in 02, and then the initial invasion of Iraq in 03. Came back, and now I am back a different company as the Branch Manager but with my same boss as when I left for the vacation in the box. He sold his company and bought another.

To finally answer the main question…. 13 years. Oh, picked up my CPO through the IFPO back in 98.

[aphilpot]

Hi All-

I have been in the business for almost seven years. Started watching "mudpiles" and moved up as my bosses gained confidence in me. My last five years has been a blast as site supervisor at a local hospital.

Cheers,

Alan

[SgtUSMC8541]

SgtUSMC8541,

Welcome back from the box, Marine. I'm glad to see some more GRUNT's around here.

I'll trade SERE stories with you in another setting!

It's good to have you here.

Sounds like a plan.

[HotelSecurity]

I took Police Technology in college from 1973 to 1976. In 1975 I took the Emergency Medical Technician-Ambulance course. I also was an auxiliary fire fighter around the same time.

I started working for Pinkerton in the summer of 1974. I worked weekends & summer holidays until I finished school. Worked at a sugar refinery, professional football games (Montreal Alouettes), a physiciatric hospital & as a replacement floater.

When I started in Police Tech. the province of Quebec was bilingual. By the time I finished the offical language became French. I read & speak French but don't write it. I could not become a Police Officer here & did not want to move from my hometown.

I looked for work where I could use my skills. Sugar refineries didin't interest me. Hospitals did but here most were contract. I did not like the idea of "having 2 bosses". In March 1977 Wells Fargo armoured car company & the Windsor Hotel offered me a job on the same day. I figured I would be able to use ALL my skills working at an hotel, a mini city. I stared working at the old Windsor Hotel in downtown Montreal until it closed in 1981. I usually worked alone & was also the Hotel's Fire Marshal.

I started working for a 500 room hotel also in downtown Montreal at the end of 1981. Became Assistant Director in about 1986. In 1992 I was sent to a smaller hotel we owned out by the airport, forced to work the overnight shift. (There is only the overnight shift there!). The Security Director back downtown was over 70 years old & paranoid about loosing his job. He was afraid management would replace him. He couldn't fire me due to Quebec labour laws so he sent me out there to try & make me quit. I stuck it out. He DIED :D . He was never replaced. Our corporate director of security took over as director for the 2 hotels we owned at the time. In 1995 shortly after the old man died I was brought back downtown as Assistant Director but with most of the duties of a Director. (The Director takes care of all the hotels & other real estate we own he is rarely in the hotel). The hotel had gone bankrupt about the same time. It reopened as a different company (with the same owner :D ) but with very reduced staff. Besides being the Assistant Director supervising this hotel, I also had to cover one of the shifts. Since then we have bought another hotel near the airport. I do the scheduling, hiring, firing, payroll etc for all 3 hotels plus still cover one of the shifts downtown. (And our owner is planning to build 2 more hotels soon :eek: ). I am the "in-house expert" for the Kaba electronic locking system. (We have 4 different models in the 3 hotels). We own another hotel across the river from Canada's capital (Ottawa), 1 in the Meadowlands in New Jersey & 1 in Hartford Conn. I have been sent to 2 of the 3 to help. Have not been to the one in New Jersey yet.

As someone else wrote, even after doing this job this long I still enjoy it & at least once a month come upon something interesting that I've never had to deal with before!

[boes1970]

I work as a securityofficer for 15 years now. Last 4 years a was leading a team of 18 officers working in a big eventcentre and now leading 2 teams in total of 10 officers on two different refugeecentres.

[dla4122]

Not really security, but 9 yrs in Corrections. Does that count?

[UCRSO]

I have worked hospital security for about 7 years now. It has been fun and challenging at the same time.

[Bill Warnock]

Not really security, but 9 yrs in Corrections. Does that count?
Don:
In this day and age, safety, security and law enforcement are inextricably linked together, joined at the hip if you will. You lose concentration for a split second the security and safety to your fellow officers and those you are responsible to safeguard are or could be in emanate danger.
Enjoy the day,
Bill

[aka Bull]

Not really security, but 9 yrs in Corrections. Does that count?

In the end we are all in the business of protecting and serving. Now if we could just bridge the chasm that seems to exist between public and private and work as a unified group, mutually supporting each other.

[mallpopo]

I hope S/O245 isn't an English major...Geez, I can't read any of his posts without getting a migraine as I try to remember what the original topic was

[FederalSecurity]

I've only been in the Security Sector for 3 years now.

[Mall Director]

I would have to say, Off and On about 12 years. A variety of different sectors as well, so its been fun and interesting for me.

[truckstop cop]

20 years in the Navy, 4 years security,3 years reserve deputy.

[masterchief]

i starting with my own security company in 1992

and still love the job

security is not what i do
it is what i am

greetings
masterchief

[Jackhole]

Since 2002.

I've worked at:

An auto parts plant
A college (contract officer supplementing the in-house force)
A mall
A school
A Job Corps Center
And now I'm back at a college. I think I've found my place for awhile, I really enjoy working here.

[jeff194307]

I first worked security in October 1962 while in the AirForce I had not yet completed my apprenticeship for jet engine mechanics when the Cuban missile thing went down, so I got picked for augmentee security police and spent the entire crisis guarding the end of the runway. Later, during Viet Nam while TDY to the phillipines, I also worked as an augmentee security police for a couple of years. After retirement from the Air Force in 1982 was as follows:

1982-84 Sacramento Municiple Utility District. Security Officer and Security Sergeant.
1984-1989 Birdcage Walk Shopping Mall, Mobile security officer/shift supervisor.
1989-2002 California Department of Corrections, Pelican Bay State Prison, Corrections Officer.
2004-2005 Security Officer with Securitas
Presently Security Officer with PerMar at Monmouth College, Monmouth Illinois

[1UNDER1]

I was a PEACE OFFICER for 6.5 years, and in the security, investigations, loss prevention, and Bodyguard work fields for 17+ years.......
Old pro, up to date with all the new trends though, this old dog has been there done that, and is still learning everyday.....
remember its never SECURED, just safe.
MIKee :eek:

[jeff194307]

When you stop learning and think you know it all, it is time to retire

[Hank1]

I have been a Protection Officer for the past 10 years now. And with the same Agency as a matter of fact. I started as a unarmed officer due to lack of experience in the industry. Now, I am a Lieutenant with triple digit employees. To be honest, I could not work for any other private Agency.

Be safe,

Hank

[SP1]

Guess its my turn, lets see;

Started back in the 60's in the Marine Corps, assigned to Military Police / CID, left and went to work in MD as a Transportation Police Officer, left there to become a County Police Officer, then PI. (Got my degree) Then to work for US Customs as an investigator, got disillusioned, left there. DOD next for a few years, then decided to go private and landed a job as close security / investigator for the 1992 Libertarian VP candidate.

Co-opened a PI business here in MO., worked on several high profile cases out of state, mostly criminal.

Things got slow here, so took a job as Hotel Security, where I am currently.

In the process now of negotiating with a law firm to become their chief investigator.

So overall about 30 years give or take.

[Bern Wheaton]

Been in security for 18 yrs,

[Maelstrom]

Hmmm... about 18 months all told :D

[N. A. Corbier]

Guess its my turn, lets see;

Started back in the 60's in the Marine Corps, assigned to Military Police / CID, left and went to work in MD as a Transportation Police Officer, left there to become a County Police Officer, then PI. (Got my degree) Then to work for US Customs as an investigator, got disillusioned, left there. DOD next for a few years, then decided to go private and landed a job as close security / investigator for the 1992 Libertarian VP candidate.

Co-opened a PI business here in MO., worked on several high profile cases out of state, mostly criminal.

Things got slow here, so took a job as Hotel Security, where I am currently.

In the process now of negotiating with a law firm to become their chief investigator.

So overall about 30 years give or take.

Not to be mean, but it sounds like you were in law enforcement for awhile, then executive protection, then as a private investigator, then got a job in hotel security.

:)

[echo06]

Too long !!

[HotelSecurity]

Besides being the Assistant Director supervising this hotel, I also had to cover one of the shifts. Since then we have bought another hotel near the airport. I do the scheduling, hiring, firing, payroll etc for all 3 hotels plus still cover one of the shifts downtown. (And our owner is planning to build 2 more hotels soon :eek: ). I am the "in-house expert" for the Kaba electronic locking system. (We have 4 different models in the 3 hotels). We own another hotel across the river from Canada's capital (Ottawa), 1 in the Meadowlands in New Jersey & 1 in Hartford Conn. I have been sent to 2 of the 3 to help. Have not been to the one in New Jersey yet.


UPDATE: He did not build the 2 other hotels & he sold the one in Hartford. We have added Security to the lobby of our head office building & I do the payroll etc for this post too.

[tattedupboy]

On and off since the summer of 2005, but mostly on since August of 2006.

[Hank1]

Thanks. Hopefully, I can hire professional people who I don't have to throttle on a daily basis, and who realize that when I ask them to take 5 bucks out of their pay check for uniforms and duty gear, they're not getting a POS uniform from the dime store, they're getting good uniforms, and good duty gear - complete set. Those that don't want to... I expect my gear and uniforms back in working order.

And after you pay me what I paid for the gear, ITS YOURS. :)

Excellent policy ref., the complete duty rig. Almost unheard of. Good luck !!!!

[CorpSec]

I started when I was 19 and am almost 35. So basically my entire adult life has been spent in security work. I don't plan on going anywhere either.

[The Hussard]

im working in security for about 5 year and military reservist for 1 year

[hawk]

If a security job is that demeaning to you why do it. I have been in security work 20 years. was in the army 8 years. I work for wackenhut security. You can move up in this Field. there are all kinds of opportunity's within wackenhut. To many to list.but if you set on your duff then thats what you get out of it.

http://www.g4s.com/usw/usw-careers.htm