A facility security officer’s responsibilities can include everything from controlling access to performing routine security checks on certain critical areas of the property. Typically, the facility security officer communicates with a central command center via radio or telephone. Prior to taking any action in the event of a security breach, the facility security officer is usually required to contact a supervisor. When a security measure is breached, the local authorities are frequently contacted.
Armed, unarmed, and mobile facility security officers are some of the options. Security officers are required to conduct hourly routine and random checks of the area in many facilities. Another type of facility security officer may be required to work out of an office and keep an eye on monitors aimed at various parts of the facility. In either case, keeping a shift log is one of the responsibilities of a typical security officer. The log should include any unusual incidents, including a description of the incident, the time it occurred, and the officer’s reaction to the incident, in addition to routine duties and checks.
Visitors, workers, and other people who enter the facility must be signed in by the security officer in some facilities. The shift log includes checking proper identification, issuing an access badge, and documenting the visitor’s destination. In some facilities, phone calls and deliveries are also left for the security officer to log, document, and deliver. Another area that a facility security officer is frequently assigned to supervise is parking passes.
Most officers conduct routine walking patrols of the facility grounds throughout their shift. This is done to prevent a potential intruder from observing the officer’s habits and devising a scheme to gain unauthorized access to the property. Some facilities are so large that a dedicated officer is assigned to patrol the many buildings and gates by car, golf cart, or bicycle in order to save time and wear on the security officer. Prior to taking any action to correct an actual emergency, the facility security officer is usually required to check in with a supervisor and inform the individual of the occurrence. Following an incident, the facility security officer is frequently required to write a report that details the entire incident, as well as the reaction to it and the final outcome.