How To Become a Security Patrol Officer

To become a security patrol officer, you usually need a high school diploma and 2-4 years of experience. The most common jobs before becoming a security patrol officer are security officer, security guard, and cashier. It takes an average of less than 1 month of job training to become a security patrol officer.

The Security Guard license requirements vary by state. 30 states require security patrol officers to have licensure for their work.

The national average salary for security patrol officers is $31,673, but with the right certifications and experience, they can make up to $39,000. Getting a certification as a Security 5 Certification will help you to earn more as a security patrol officer.

Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 40,600 job opportunities across the U.S.

How to become a Security Patrol Officer in 6 steps:

  • Step 1: Explore security patrol officer education
  • Step 2: Develop security patrol officer skills
  • Step 3: Complete relevent training/internship
  • Step 4: Obtain the necessary licensing
  • Step 5: Research security patrol officer duties
  • Step 6: Prepare your resume

Key Steps To Become a Security Patrol Officer

  1. Explore Security Patrol Officer Education

    If you're interested in becoming a security patrol officer, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. We've determined that 20.7% of security patrol officers have a bachelor's degree. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 2.5% of security patrol officers have master's degrees. Even though some security patrol officers have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.

    Security Patrol Officer Degrees

    High School Diploma

    37.1 %

    Associate

    26.6 %

    Bachelors

    20.7 %

  2. Develop Security Patrol Officer Skills

    It'll be a good idea to develop security patrol officer skills before applying for a job. Here are some skills commonly requested in security patrol officer job descriptions:

    SkillsPercentages
    Patrol51.49%
    Customer Service22.95%
    Security Services6.19%
    Alertness2.55%
    Emergency Situations2.10%
    Show More

  3. Complete Relevent Training/Internship

    Security patrol officers spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. During this time, new security patrol officers learn the skills and techniques required for their specific job and employer. The chart below shows how much time it takes to gain competency as a security patrol officer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real security patrol officer resumes.

    Average Amount Of Time At Training

    Less than 1 month

    1-3 months

    6-12 months

    1-2 years

  4. Obtain The Necessary Licensing

    Becoming a licensed security patrol officer usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you don't need to pass an exam to become a licensed security patrol officer in most of states. 30 states require security patrol officers to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.

    StateEducationExamLicense Url
    Alabama--Licensed Personal Security Officer
    Maryland--GUARDS
    AlaskaSpecific course required-Security Guard
    ArkansasSpecific course requiredState exam requiredPrivate Security Officer (PSO)
    CaliforniaSpecific course requiredState exam requiredSecurity Guard Registration
    Show More

  5. Research Security Patrol Officer Duties

    When you decide to become a security patrol officer, It's important to know what duties and responsibilities are required for this position. Some common responsibilities are a part of most security patrol officer jobs. Here is a list of the main duties that define the role:

    • 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.

  6. Prepare Your Resume

    Finally, when you already have checked the skills and responsibilities for this role, you can start creating your resume. Everything that goes into creating a perfect resume can take hours, days, or even weeks. No worries, we created a resume builder to make this process as easy as possible with tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and a summary.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Security Patrol Officer Resume templates

    Build a professional Security Patrol Officer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Security Patrol Officer resume.

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    Security Patrol Officer Resume

  7. Apply For a Security Patrol Officer Job

    With your ready resume, it's time to start searching for a new job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

    Security Patrol Officer Jobs

    8. How To Become a Security Patrol Officer
    How To Become a Security Patrol Officer Career Overview
Top Security Patrol Officer Jobs Near You

Average Salary for a Security Patrol Officer

Security Patrol Officers in America make an average salary of $31,673 per year or $15 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $39,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $25,000 per year.
Average Security Patrol Officer Salary
$31,673 Yearly
$15.23 hourly
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Updated November 18, 2022