Overview of Police and Security
Police and security officers work to enforce laws and protect people and property. Most careers in personal and premises security are in the private sector, while police work is carried out for the government at various levels and in various branches.
Not all jobs in policing and security put you in hazardous situations. Many careers in these areas exist in assisting the operations of police and security officers in support capacities at headquarters. Beginning a police or security career will generally mean starting at a common entry-level, but from here you will be able to make further career directional decisions.
Studying Police and Security
Police officers undergo a special recruitment process at the beginning their careers. Minimum personal requirements must be met and exams passed in order to be eligible for the academy. For support staff jobs with the police force, your personal requirements will depend on the nature of the role and some will require relevant qualifications or experience.
Security guards or officers must gain a qualification relevant to their chosen area of work. Some of the qualifications include the Certificate II – Crowd Controller, or the Certificate III – Armed Security Guard. These courses are provided by privately run training organisations.
Careers in Police and Security
Careers are varied in the police and security forces. Police can work as law enforcement officers, federal and international police, detectives and in any of the administrative roles available at police headquarters. Security officers can work as crowd controllers, security guards for cash in transit, private investigators and bodyguards.
Skills needed in Police and Security
As a police or security officer, your day to day job will largely involve working with other people. Highly developed communications skills such as perceptiveness and empathy, as well as charisma and leadership for working in a team unit, are essential in this career. You must be physically fit for the demands of the job, as well as mentally resilient in order to use continued good judgment in a variety of challenging situations.