Many security officers in 2015 are working for some of the world's busiest and most widely recognized brands, and are often the first person visitors will interact with. People walking into a larger building are probably being monitored on a security camera, check in at the front desk, are provided a visitor's guest badge. Sometimes, when bringing equipment, it can be screen by an X-ray, and subject to inspection. These security measures are implemented to ensure the overall safety of everyone in the building, and requires extensive training. This preparation must be state-of-the-art not only to ensure everyone's safety, but also because society's growing use and comfort of digital systems has drastically change how we monitor and deter security threats. Many of today's security officers are regular computer users, and in order to better accommodate people's schedules, there are many security training classes available online. This is a major convenience that anyone in the security industry should take advantage of in order to increase their skill set, and thus make a more attractive candidate for jobs. Security professionals have many opportunities for upward mobility.

Integration is key:

In the past, we would either see a security guard, or a security camera. Today, more often than not, we see both operating not independently of each-other, but also in conjunction with access control. All of these features integrated together provide an excellent level of security. This also helps the security guard master multi-tasking, and improve his ability to focus on several responsibilities at once. Creating a security solution where all pieces work together, while making sure the security professional is not overburdened and stretched too thin, is essential to creating a secure environment.

Financial Impact:

The increasing use of sophisticated digital systems is not only increasing the need for a better trained workforce, but also creating a corresponding increase in wages. More capital is being expended not only on training, but on recruiting highly-qualified candidates who can be trusted to use the security equipment properly. Cost of service, insurance, benefits, performance tracking, maintenance, and training are all factors that go into planning for a security system. Clearly, the security guard position is not just a job, but a stable, respectable career.