It's All In A Title

[RJ Martin]

Well, I know I'm about to stir up a bit of controversy over this one, but here goes anyway.

I would like your opinions on the use of the title "Security Guard" versus "Security Officer". I have been in guarding for over 20 years and I don't think I have ever seen a more contorversial issue than the title of people who guard (verb - what they do) other people's assets.

I have read numerous "justifications" (more professional, lends respect, puts guards closer to police "officers", etc.) for the use of officer vs. guard and vice versa, yet I still do not understand why people (especially those of us in the industry) have such a problem with the title of security guard.

Let's face it, guarding is the one of the oldest professions since humans have crept out of the primordial ooze. Since the beginning of time, there were those who fed the tribe and those who guarded the tribe and kept them safe! Guarding others, being a security guard, is a noble calling and an age old profession; which among the enlightened, commands respect and a sense of gratitude that goes well beyond quibling over a title.

Your thoughts pease!

[ACP01]

A lot of it is public perception. We have seen Security Guards made to look bad for so long in movies and on TV shows that the average person thinks that is what goes with the name.

He is an interesting side note...in 2004 a company did a "Job Prestige Survey" and in it was listed Fireman and the general response put Fireman in either 4th or 5th place. In 2005 the same survey listed Firefighter instead of Fireman. Firefighter placed 2nd. The only differance was the name. Go figure.

[HotelSecurity]

In Quebec where the offical language is French, we are known as Agents de Sécurité. In English they call us Security Agents. (Just don't call me a Watchman!)

[Special Investigator]

I never liked the word "security". I prefer "Public Safety" officer.

[N. A. Corbier]

It'll be a race between NASCO and the police to see who can use that term in the coming years, state by state. Already, several states have outlawed the term for security.

If we look to Canada, legislation requires one term. Security Guard. It must be placed on the uniform on front and back, in large text. Not having it is illegal.

[Charger]

Something that floats around this area a lot, (PNW, anyway), is a classification for different types of SOs. Granted, there's no differentiation as far as the states are concerned, private security is private security. A lot of people around here though say that any SO that actively patrols, enforces rules/regulations, enforces laws, makes arrests, etc. is considered a Security Officer. The title of Guard is reserved for the poor souls stuck in static jobs like watching a gate, sitting in a shack, etc. or those who only do the standard observe & report duties.

[HotelSecurity]

I never liked the word "security". I prefer "Public Safety" officer.

In the Montreal area we have by-law enforcement units that are called Sécurité Publique. (Public Security or Safety-Sécuirté means both). Some of the units have been forced to stop using it because the police complain that some police forces call themselves Public Security. They are now calling themselves Agents de Surveillance.

[Jackhole]

I prefer security guard, it's less confusing to the (perpetually-confused) general public.

[Jackhole]

I never liked the word "security". I prefer "Public Safety" officer.

Be careful with that one. You tell someone you're a Public Safety Officer here and they'll think you're a sworn police officer working at a university or a sworn police officer/firefighter working for a municipal Public Safety Department.

[Special Investigator]

Be careful with that one. You tell someone you're a Public Safety Officer here and they'll think you're a sworn police officer working at a university or a sworn police officer/firefighter working for a municipal Public Safety Department.

In Wisconsin, we ARE ALLOWED to use 'Public Safety'.

My partner, 16 years ago when he started his first company, was the first one to use the words "Public Safety" in the company name here in WI.

[ACP01]

Be careful with that one. You tell someone you're a Public Safety Officer here and they'll think you're a sworn police officer working at a university or a sworn police officer/firefighter working for a municipal Public Safety Department.

Agreed. Before I retired from the FD if someone were to tellme they were a "Public Safety Officer" my first question would have been "Which Department?" When they answered as some security firm I would have called the PD. There are some things you do not call yourself.

[HotelSecurity]

It seems strange to me to call yourselves Public Security when you are working in Private Security??? Unless like the ones here in Montreal or mentioned in other posts, where you are working for hospitals or universities etc.

[Mr. Security]

I already started a similar thread over a year ago. Not sure why we're doing it again.

[HotelSecurity]

I already started a similar thread over a year ago. Not sure why we're doing it again.

Because some of us are getting old

[GCMC Security]

Because some of us are getting old

WHO?? Not us!! lol