Protective services jobs protect their employer’s investment against fire, vandalism, terrorism, theft, and illegal activity. They enforce laws, policies, and deter criminal activity and other problems. They use radio or other communication methods to obtain fire, police, or emergency medical services assistance. Most protective services jobs work at either a static position or maintain security of their assigned area through a patrol route. 

A security officer must exercise good judgment and common sense and make accurate observations within the company’s policies or guidelines. These policies or guidelines may be very strict based on the establishment enforcement of them. Security officers must also have physical dexterity because often times they are required to stand on their feet for long durations at a time. A typical shift for a security officer would be 8 hours a day within a 40 hour work week, with holiday, evening, and daytime work divided equally between coworkers. Most employers only require a valid driver’s license only as there are no specific educational requirements for this career. Job seekers should also ask questions to have a perception of what duties are essential for the job.

More than half of protective services jobs can be found in investigation and security services including guard and armored car services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is an expected growth among protective services jobs.  For the decade between 2006 and 2016 there will be a 17 percent increase of employment for protective services jobs which will be faster that the average for all occupations. There will be a growing demand for these types of qualified professionals.