Security services, armed or unarmed, are provided by a Custom Protection Officer® (CPO) for facilities, individuals, and events. To be eligible for the CPO certification, security professionals must meet specific requirements, which include parent organization training as well as experience or credentials in security-related topics. Clients can hire security on a project-by-project basis or as part of a larger security plan to address ongoing concerns. The Custom Protection Officer® is a member of the team in charge of security and auditing procedures to ensure that they are consistent and effective.
G4S, the company that runs the Custom Protection Officer® program, requires that applicants have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field, as well as law enforcement experience. This can include work with police departments, sheriff’s offices, and other agencies that require representatives to complete law enforcement training. In addition, program participants must complete in-house training to learn about G4S’ security procedures and protocols.
There are usually both armed and unarmed positions available. Unarmed security guards can conduct surveillance, sweep locations prior to events, and use protection dogs and other tools as part of their duties. They can help control and secure perimeters, as well as monitor stores for theft and other similar tasks. Armed guards provide similar services, but they may be used in more sensitive environments or in situations where armed security is required.
Shifts for a Custom Protection Officer® vary, but in some cases, they may include overnight guard duty. Security personnel may be required to move with their subjects, so some jobs require travel. In the event that a security threat arises, the officer must effectively neutralize it while adhering to all legal requirements. Security officers are not law enforcement officers, and they must follow protocol when dealing with people or situations that appear to be dangerous. The Custom Protection Officer® course covers how to deal with situations in which people may be in danger.
This position is not to be confused with a customs officer. At borders and shipping ports, customs officers represent their governments. They look for signs of contraband in luggage and shipments and may seize dangerous or illegal items. This could include anything from disease-carrying fruit to endangered animals being smuggled for sale. Applicants for government jobs can come from a wide range of backgrounds, as long as they pass background checks and meet basic educational requirements.