Introduction

  • Security workers may convince clients and stakeholders to take security seriously through effective communication skills
  • Gentle persuasion strategies can help you convince resistant clients to sign up for more robust security measures

Methods that security officer uses for communicating with others

  • Verbal contact
  • Radio communication
  • Communication on telephone
  • Physical or mechanical signal
  • Written communication

  1. Locate, read, and apply standard operating procedures, workplace policies and other written information required to complete work instructions to ensure compliance with legal rights and responsibilities

  • A security officer’s duties and obligations do not stop guarding, monitoring, patrolling, and reporting to authorities in case of any criminal behaviour
  • Understanding the tasks and responsibilities of unarmed security officers

The general security-related policies and procedures include:

  • Access control policies and procedures
  • Arresting policies and procedures
  • Procedures for approaching a person of interest
  • Code of conduct
  • Code of ethics
  • Complaints process

Core Security Officer Responsibilities

A security officer’s duties involve maintaining security systems and ensuring safety:

  • Setting up security controls and systems.
  • Regularly inspecting and patrolling the property.
  • Monitoring security cameras and reporting strange behaviour.
  • Controlling public access and guaranteeing the safety of all employees and guests.
  • Interacting with emergency medical workers, fire departments, and law enforcement.

The documents also note that the initial step in ensuring safety is employing security personnel and partnering with a reputable company to determine security needs.

Communication and Information Skills

Effective communication is key, as security workers use it to convince clients and stakeholders to take security seriously. Gentle persuasion strategies can even help convince resistant clients to adopt more robust security measures.

Receiving and Interpreting Information

Security officers must use listening and observation skills to receive and interpret both spoken and non-verbal information. Information can be received from various sources:

  • Spoken.
  • Observed.
  • Electronic.
  • Diagrammatic.
  • Numerical or statistical.

Non-Verbal Communication and Building Trust

Using oral and non-verbal communication is vital for developing and maintaining positive relationships, mutual trust, and confidence. Ways to read and use non-verbal communication include to listen, communicate, and offer solutions.

Clarifying Understanding

A security officer must be able to converse with individuals of many backgrounds, cultures, and tongues. To ensure accurate understanding of received information, they must use clear and concise language, questioning, and summarising with relevant persons. You must practice and learn effective communication skills to carry out your duty.

Relevant persons from whom you may clarify information include:

  • Clients (including young people).
  • Colleagues.
  • Members of the public.
  • Supervisor.
  • Specialist personnel.
  • Suppliers of equipment or products.

Using the Five Senses

Guards should actively use their five senses during duty to detect unusual activities and security issues:

  • Eye (Sight): Used for visual perception to detect unusual activities.
  • Ear (Hearing): Used to determine abnormal sound in the surrounding area.
  • Nose (Smell): Environmental fragrance can be used to detect unusual occurrences.
  • Skin (Touch): Used to touch surfaces, packages, and people to identify hazards and risks.
  • Tongue (Taste): This method should only be used to detect security issues.
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