Businesses have to deal with the reality that is crimes, theft, burglaries and accidents at their workplaces and premises. While it might not be a common occurrence, they are all situations that can be very disruptive to the day-to-day running and operations.

Small stores and departmental stores might be the target of shoplifters and petty thieves, while larger corporations might be on the lookout for sabotage and vandalism. Having a professional dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of the people and premises grants peace of mind, knowing that someone is trained to address and resolve difficult situations. These professional skills do not come out of nowhere, as security officers have to go through patrol officer basic courses to develop a keen eye and expert knowledge in these circumstances. 

1. Security Officers instil order and ensure peace of mind

Studies have shown that the general public is more compliant towards people in uniform and those of perceived authority. That is why having someone dedicated to security can often be more effective than having an employee with no security training and experience handling safety incidents as they happen. Moreover, knowing that someone is trained in taking charge when accidents like fire or security threats happen can grant employees confidence, letting them focus on their job instead of worrying about issues unrelated to their roles.

2. Security Officers take the lead during emergencies and accidents

While most people are aware of emergency contingencies like evacuation routes and where the closest fire extinguishers are, security officers are trained to take charge of the situation when things go wrong. This training allows them to carry out the optimal plan in response to the appropriate scenarios. Be it safely de-escalating or apprehending troublemakers or an evacuation in times of emergencies and accidents, security officers can do so while minimising risk and time spent exposing colleagues and other workers to danger and harm. Those short few seconds or moments of keen observation can often mean the difference between a criminal getting caught or getting away scot-free or a person’s life and death during emergencies.

3. Trained Security Officers act as effective deterrence

Having the mere presence of someone keeping an eye out and being present on the ground can already deter troublemakers from carrying out misdemeanours, but there is still a difference between having someone present and having a trained security officer, as the latter can project greater levels of confidence at their role. That is why mandatory courses for security officers aren’t casually dismissed as a trained security personnel’s competency can in itself prevent some accidents from happening while preventing others from escalating to higher levels of danger. From apprehending individuals with suspicious intentions to keeping an eye out for things like fires or workplace hazards can prevent things going from bad to worse – something all businesses should think about and consider for their employees and assets on the ground.

Conclusion

While it can sometimes be a thankless job, security officers can take pride in knowing that their role makes a credible difference no matter where they are called to. Effectively trained security officers can prevent many dangers and accidents from happening, creating peace and safety at their workplace, saving lives and creating an environment where others can do their best because they know someone is keeping an eye out for them.

So, if you are a business owner, take some time to consider if you need to hire a security officer. While most small businesses or organisations do not require such, larger corporations can take these points into consideration, especially those that deal with retail, valuable products or hold a large premise. Security officers have a lot to offer, and you’ll see what they can do for your business as well.

Security officers help many people and businesses in the world. They have responsibilities that they have to do and a reputation they must uphold, and without these professionals, the world could be very different and much more unsafe. The 3 things listed above are just some of the reasons why security officers are very important and why businesses should have one. Apply for a security license in Singapore now to pursue your dream of becoming a security officer.