Online Security Certificate

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules.

Patrol industrial and commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.

Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.

Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.

Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.

Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.

Circulate among visitors, patrons, and employees to preserve order and protect property.

Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.

Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.

Operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas.

Escort or drive motor vehicle to transport individuals to specified locations and to provide personal protection.

Inspect and adjust security systems, equipment, and machinery to ensure operational use and to detect evidence of tampering.

Drive and guard armored vehicle to transport money and valuables to prevent theft and ensure safe delivery.

Monitor and adjust controls that regulate building systems, such as air conditioning, furnace, or boiler.

Guards, who are also called security officers, patrol and inspect property to protect against fire, theft, vandalism, terrorism, and illegal activity. These workers protect their employer's investment, enforce laws on the property, and deter criminal activity and other problems. They use radio and telephone communications to call for assistance from police, fire, or emergency medical services as the situation dictates. Security guards write comprehensive reports outlining their observations and activities during their assigned shift. They also may interview witnesses or victims, prepare case reports, and testify in court.

Although all security guards perform many of the same duties, their specific duties vary with whether the guard works in a "static" security position or on a mobile patrol. Guards assigned to static security positions usually serve the client at one location for a specified length of time. These guards must become closely acquainted with the property and people associated with it and must often monitor alarms and closed-circuit TV cameras. In contrast, guards assigned to mobile patrol duty drive or walk from location to location and conduct security checks within an assigned geographical zone. They may detain or arrest criminal violators, answer service calls concerning criminal activity or problems, and issue traffic violation warnings.

The security guard's job responsibilities also vary with the size, type, and location of the employer. In department stores, guards protect people, records, merchandise, money, and equipment. They often work with undercover store detectives to prevent theft by customers or employees, and they help apprehend shoplifting suspects prior to the arrival of the police. Some shopping centers and theaters have officers who patrol their parking lots to deter car thefts and robberies. In office buildings, banks, and hospitals, guards maintain order and protect the institutions' property, staff, and customers. At air, sea, and rail terminals and other transportation facilities, guards protect people, freight, property, and equipment. Using metal detectors and high-tech equipment, they may screen passengers and visitors for weapons and explosives, ensure that nothing is stolen while a vehicle is being loaded or unloaded, and watch for fires and criminals.

Guards who work in public buildings such as museums or art galleries protect paintings and exhibits by inspecting people and packages entering and leaving the building. In factories, laboratories, government buildings, data processing centers, and military bases, security officers protect information, products, computer codes, and defense secrets and check the credentials of people and vehicles entering and leaving the premises. Guards working at universities, parks, and sports stadiums perform crowd control, supervise parking and seating, and direct traffic. Security guards stationed at the entrance to bars and places of adult entertainment, such as nightclubs, prevent access by minors, collect cover charges at the door, maintain order among customers, and protect property and patrons.

Armored car guards protect money and valuables during transit. In addition, they protect individuals responsible for making commercial bank deposits from theft or bodily injury. When the armored car arrives at the door of a business, an armed guard enters, signs for the money, and returns to the truck with the valuables in hand. Carrying money between the truck and the business can be extremely hazardous; because of this risk, armored car guards usually wear bulletproof vests.

All security officers must show good judgment and common sense, follow directions and directives from supervisors, testify accurately in court, and follow company policy and guidelines. Guards should have a professional appearance and attitude and be able to interact with the public. They also must be able to take charge and direct others in emergencies or other dangerous incidents. In a large organization, the security manager often is in charge of a trained guard force divided into shifts; in a small organization, a single worker may be responsible for all security.

Public concern about security has never been greater, and this is reflected in the growing demand for trained security specialists to work in law enforcement and the private sector. Security specialists are employed in positions such as:

* Security guards who monitor activity on the premises of government agencies, educational institutions and corporate offices
* Security specialists with government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
* Transit and port security specialists.

An online Certificate Program in Security can help you prepare to enter this important and rewarding field. Typical coursework may include topics such as:

* Securing premises from unauthorized personnel and hazardous materials
* Using video surveillance and other security technologies
* Emergency preparedness for effective response to man-made and natural disasters
* Investigating security breeches, preserving evidence and working with law enforcement agencies
* Preventing theft, industrial espionage and threats to computer systems

The online Certificate Programs in Security offered by our accredited colleges and career training schools can usually be completed within several months. They offer the scheduling flexibility to accommodate your current work and personal responsibilities.

Explore the Security Certificate Programs below and request more information today. The respective college or university will assist you in making sure that a particular program is the best choice for your educational and career goals.