What does an unarmed security officer do?

An unarmed security officer is primarily responsible for securing an establishment and maintaining the safety of people within the premises. They are typically in charge of conducting patrols, monitoring surveillance cameras and alarm systems, responding to distress reports, keeping an eye on suspicious activities and behaviors, and coordinating with the law enforcement should there be any emergencies. An unarmed security officer may also assist clients and respond to inquiries, all while maintaining a safe and worry-free environment for everyone.
Unarmed security officer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real unarmed security officer resumes:
- Maintain a fully stock first aid, CPR and a pack.
- Check ids and contract of all rental cars going out of budget rental car.
- protect client and client assets, observe and report, CPR train, first aid train ,
- Patrol hospital and grounds to ensure a safe and secure environment for associates, patients and their families and visitors.
- Maintain alertness during duty period.
- Experience dealing effectively with de- escalating aggressive behavior in patients.
- Monitor and patrol corporate facility check points using CCTV equipment.
- Monitor surveillance cameras and security alarms with a constant sense of alertness.
- Patrol and inspect property against illegal activities including theft and vandalism of property.
- Patrol the interior and perimeter of assign sites to observe and identify potential safety and/or security risks and/or undesirable conditions.
- Monitor and investigate suspicious persons and situations including unusual activities which include monitoring close circuit televisions (CCTV) while dispatching.
- Perform personal escorts, VIP services, and experience in controlling and deescalating physical altercations and accidents among customers and personnel.
Unarmed security officer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 17% of Unarmed Security Officers are proficient in Patrol, Customer Service, and Unarmed Security. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Good judgment, and Observation skills.
We break down the percentage of Unarmed Security Officers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Patrol, 17%
Patrol the interior and perimeter of assigned sites to observe and identify potential safety and/or security risks and/or undesirable conditions.
- Customer Service, 15%
Served as the initial contact for incoming visitors and inbound telephone customers, providing customer service and verifying security credentials.
- Unarmed Security, 9%
Provide a proficient professional level of unarmed security services at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum NYCB Live facility for celebrities and entertainers.
- Emergency Situations, 6%
Required to utilize rapid and effective judgment in responding to unusual or emergency situations using appropriate escalation of force level.
- Law Enforcement, 5%
Prevented and responded to attempted violations of detained offenders and released control to other law enforcement.
- CPR, 5%
State of North Carolina certificate Certified through Charlotte Fire Department as control room operator Red Cross CPR certification, expires 2016
Most unarmed security officers use their skills in "patrol," "customer service," and "unarmed security" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential unarmed security officer responsibilities here:
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for an unarmed security officer to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what unarmed security officers do because "security guards and surveillance officers must communicate effectively with others, even in stressful situations." Additionally, an unarmed security officer resume shows how unarmed security officers use communication skills: "maintain order and communication with the law enforcement agencies. "
Observation skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of unarmed security officers is observation skills. This skill is critical to many everyday unarmed security officer duties, as "security guards and surveillance officers must be alert and aware of their surroundings, and be able to quickly recognize anything out of the ordinary." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "write daily specific incident reports & summaries outlining observations. "
The three companies that hire the most unarmed security officers are:
- Metro One LPSG178 unarmed security officers jobs
- Allied Universal169 unarmed security officers jobs
- Brosnan Risk Consultants151 unarmed security officers jobs
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Unarmed security officer vs. Officer
An officer is responsible for managing the daily operations of the assigned area, ensuring its peace and security by monitoring and reporting unusual and suspicious activities. Officers are the ones enforcing strict safety protocols and procedures to maintain the order within the premises. They also coordinate with law enforcement agencies in conducting appropriate investigations for any violating cases. An officer must be highly-knowledgeable of the law policies, as well as possessing excellent leadership skills to manage the members under the officer's patrol.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, unarmed security officer responsibilities require skills like "unarmed security," "law enforcement," "security services," and "fire hazards." Meanwhile a typical officer has skills in areas such as "public safety," "powerpoint," "law enforcement agencies," and "financial statements." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Officers tend to reach higher levels of education than unarmed security officers. In fact, officers are 9.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.7% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Unarmed security officer vs. Security specialist
A security specialist is responsible for maintaining the security of an organization's database, ensuring that it's free from cyber threats and unusual activities. Security specialists' duties include upgrading hardware and software applications, configuring networks to improve optimization, addressing any unauthorized access on the database, troubleshooting system discrepancies, conducting security audits on the system, and improving automated processes. A security specialist must have a strong command of programming languages and system codes, as well as broad experience with technical expertise.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, unarmed security officer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "unarmed security," "law enforcement," "safety hazards," and "fire hazards." Meanwhile, a security specialist has duties that require skills in areas such as "ladders," "security incidents," "physical security," and "security clearance." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Security specialists earn higher levels of education than unarmed security officers in general. They're 5.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Unarmed security officer vs. Security assistant
A security assistant is in charge of performing support tasks in a company or establishment's security department. Their responsibilities typically include monitoring alarm systems and surveillance cameras, organizing equipment such as radios and flashlights, keeping an eye on the inventory of supplies, and liaising with external and internal parties. They may also perform clerical tasks such as preparing and processing documentation, arranging requests, answering calls and correspondence, maintaining records of transactions, and handling paperwork. There are also instances where they must assist clients and employees, adhering to protocols as needed.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an unarmed security officer is likely to be skilled in "unarmed security," "security services," "safety hazards," and "property damage," while a typical security assistant is skilled in "security clearance," "security procedures," "background checks," and "data entry."
Security assistants make a very good living in the government industry with an average annual salary of $45,937. On the other hand, unarmed security officers are paid the highest salary in the utilities industry, with average annual pay of $30,213.Most security assistants achieve a higher degree level compared to unarmed security officers. For example, they're 5.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Unarmed security officer vs. Security/customer service
A security/customer service is primarily in charge of enforcing security protocols in business establishments to prevent theft and protect properties and individuals. Part of their daily responsibilities is to patrol areas, keep an eye out for any suspicious activities or behavior, monitor security systems and cameras, and conduct regular inspections. They may also assist customers by answering inquiries, helping locate offices or stores, responding to distress, and resolving issues or concerns, ensuring customer satisfaction. Moreover, as security/customer service, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with co-workers, coordinating to keep order in the establishment.
Types of unarmed security officer
Updated January 8, 2025











