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Parking enforcement officer vs security patrol officer

The differences between parking enforcement officers and security patrol officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a parking enforcement officer has an average salary of $38,755, which is higher than the $31,673 average annual salary of a security patrol officer.

The top three skills for a parking enforcement officer include parking enforcement, patrol and motor vehicle. The most important skills for a security patrol officer are patrol, customer service, and security services.

Parking enforcement officer vs security patrol officer overview

Parking Enforcement OfficerSecurity Patrol Officer
Yearly salary$38,755$31,673
Hourly rate$18.63$15.23
Growth rate3%3%
Number of jobs120,053131,574
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%High School Diploma, 37%
Average age4143
Years of experience--

What does a parking enforcement officer do?

A parking enforcement officer is responsible for monitoring parking lots, ramps, and streets to make sure that drivers adhere to the parking laws and regulations. It is their duty to patrol assigned areas and monitor parking meters, issuing citations on improperly or illegally parked vehicles. There are also times when they must call for towing services, assess suspicious vehicles and scan their plates, and testify in courts as necessary. Moreover, a parking enforcement officer must maintain records of all issued tickets and respond to concerns professionally.

What does a security patrol officer do?

A Security Patrol Officer ensures the safety and security of the establishment under guard. The security officer ensures that all facility areas are secured, does regular patrols, routine inspections, and monitors the premises, and logs in daily reports for management to assess. The Security Patrol Officer's role is vital for the continued performance of an establishment as it prevents crime, stealing, and other heinous acts that may severely affect a company's operations.

Parking enforcement officer vs security patrol officer salary

Parking enforcement officers and security patrol officers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Parking Enforcement OfficerSecurity Patrol Officer
Average salary$38,755$31,673
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $52,000Between $25,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CityBellingham, WASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyCity of DetroitUniversity of California, Berkeley
Best paying industryProfessionalUtilities

Differences between parking enforcement officer and security patrol officer education

There are a few differences between a parking enforcement officer and a security patrol officer in terms of educational background:

Parking Enforcement OfficerSecurity Patrol Officer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%High School Diploma, 37%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Bakersfield-

Parking enforcement officer vs security patrol officer demographics

Here are the differences between parking enforcement officers' and security patrol officers' demographics:

Parking Enforcement OfficerSecurity Patrol Officer
Average age4143
Gender ratioMale, 63.1% Female, 36.9%Male, 80.6% Female, 19.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.3% Unknown, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 11.1% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 3.6%Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 23.6% Asian, 5.3% White, 52.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.8%
LGBT Percentage24%6%

Differences between parking enforcement officer and security patrol officer duties and responsibilities

Parking enforcement officer example responsibilities.

  • Work directly with police officers, violations bureau, and court officials to achieve proper responses to valid subpoenas.
  • Develop and manage firearms training programs, including weapons selection and qualification standards.
  • Operate and maintain equipment (weed eaters, blowers, push mowers, chain saws, groomer).
  • Develop technical skills by operating forklifts, skid loaders and tractors regularly.
  • Impound vehicles for state and local violations, train new employees, other duties as required.
  • Utilize CCTV, conduct investigations, work with local police and represent the company in court.
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Security patrol officer example responsibilities.

  • Maintain alertness while on post.
  • Apply patient restraints as needed.
  • Certify CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and a (automate external defibrillator).
  • Remove stall vehicles from highway lanes to the side shoulder or a CHP designate safe area.
  • Respond to medical calls and provide basic first aid, CPR, or a use as needed.
  • Monitor CCTV operations, card access only doors and create identification badges for new employees/visitors at facility.
  • Show more

Parking enforcement officer vs security patrol officer skills

Common parking enforcement officer skills
  • Parking Enforcement, 21%
  • Patrol, 17%
  • Motor Vehicle, 12%
  • General Supervision, 12%
  • Traffic Control, 11%
  • Law Enforcement, 4%
Common security patrol officer skills
  • Patrol, 51%
  • Customer Service, 23%
  • Security Services, 6%
  • Alertness, 3%
  • Emergency Situations, 2%
  • Public Safety, 2%

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