Armed security officers guard people and property against thieves and others who want to steal or harm them. Armed security officers are employed in large numbers by national governments. Furthermore, some armed security officer jobs are with private companies that operate transportation services or provide security for companies that handle large amounts of cash.
Security officers are employed by many national governments at locations such as airports, border crossings, and harbors. These people are in charge of preventing criminals, terrorists, and other dangerous people from entering or leaving a country. Most countries have an army and a police force, and members of the armed forces or police are sometimes asked to work as security officers. In some cases, government agencies hire people specifically to work as armed airport screeners or customs officers. Armed security officer positions are frequently filled by retired police officers or soldiers.
Passengers and transportation personnel such as pilots and boat crews are sometimes protected by armed security officers employed by travel operators. Some tour operators arrange trips for travelers to visit war-torn or armed-conflict-plagued areas. Armed security officers are tasked with protecting tourists from the armed groups involved in these conflicts, but they can only act defensively and cannot seek out armed groups. Some shipping companies hire armed security guards to patrol ships passing through international waters known to harbor pirates. These security officials are in charge of making sure that the ship’s cargo and crew arrive safely at their destination.
Criminal gangs frequently attempt to rob banks, casinos, and other businesses that hold large sums of money. Armed security officers are employed by many of these institutions. Furthermore, most banks and casinos keep only a small amount of cash on hand, and any excess funds are transferred to large banks or secure vaults. The money is usually transported in armored vans or trucks. Normally, several armed security officers are stationed in these vehicles.
The exact job requirements for armed security officer jobs vary, but many companies prefer to hire people who have served in the military. Employers are permitted to conduct background checks in many countries, and security firms typically check court records to ensure that prospective employees have not been involved in criminal activity in the past. Because security officers at border crossings, embassies, and international ships frequently require language skills, some employers reserve these positions for people who can speak at least two languages.