Security Management

When you earn a bachelor degree in security management you are able to break into multiple industries. However, the general fields you will find a security management graduate in are criminal justice, homeland security, and information technology. Unlike more broad subjects of study, this degree is specific in nature to the type of career area and industry you are pursuing. Still you future career opportunities are not limited as there are many to consider. This degree offers students the chance to learn about the principles and theories associated with various types of security – i.e. international security or information security. The focus here is on the protection of assets. Students enrolled learn to maintain composure and forethought when faced with high-stress situations.

Common Career Paths:

Security Guard

Security guards patrol and inspect property with the intent of protecting against any potential fire, vandalism, or theft – as well as terrorism and illegal activity. They are hired to watch over the property of their employer, enforce laws on the property, prevent criminal activity, and any other potentially harmful situation that could arise. If it is called for or necessary, a security guard may be armed with a weapon. It is common practice for a guard to compose a detailed report of their observations and any activity that took place or they participated in while on duty. In the case of interviewing a victim or witness, the report taken can sometimes be used in court. The action a guard may perform depends highly upon if they are on a mobile patrol or stationary. Some security guards are expected to stay put in one certain area for long periods of time, while others are always on the move patrolling more ground. If there is a team of security guards you may have one guard out while another is reviewing security monitors, notifying those who are mobile if there is a specific area they should check out. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008 the median annual wages of security guards were $23,460. With the lowest ten percent earning less than $16,680, and the highest ten percent bringing in more than $39,360. In 2008, the highest paying industry that employed security guards was general medical and surgical hospitals.

Correctional Officers

Correctional officers are in charge of supervising individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial. They also watch over those who have been convicted of a crime and sentenced to serve time in a jail or in a penitentiary. Each year correctional officers admit and process about thirteen million people a year in local jails across America – with about eight hundred thousand offenders in jail at any given time. Correctional officers keep security and inmate accountability as a way of preventing conflicts, attacks, and escapes. Outside of these institutions they work in, every officer has no law enforcement responsibilities. No matter where it is inside of the institution, correctional officers always maintain order and enforce rules and regulations. As a way of ensuring that inmates are orderly and follow the rules, correctional officers monitor the activities and supervise the work assignments of every inmate. Every so often, correctional officers examine the facilities, checking cells and other areas of the institution for dirty conditions, smuggled goods, or fire hazards. They routinely check window bars, doors, gates, etc. for any tampering. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008 the median annual wages of correctional officers were $57,380. With the lowest ten percent earning less than $32,300, and the highest ten percent earning more than $86,970. Beyond the typical benefits, correctional officers are generally granted a clothing allowance to purchase their own uniforms – if uniforms are not already provided. Those correctional officers who are unionized typically have somewhat higher wages and benefits.

Transportation Security Manager

A transportation security manager does a range of supervisory human resources functions such as reviewing officials for performance appraisal purposes, recommending awards and recognition or a promotions or reassignments (or transfer). They counsel other employees regarding discipline, performance, and other matters. They establish priorities, assign work, and observe individual performance while providing constant communication as a way of promoting employee development. All transportation security managers look to identify areas that are in need of process improvement – Whether this has to do with a system that is in place or an individual with a heavy weakness. This position calls for a person to offer strong input to conduct strategic planning and seeks out input from subordinate supervisors and other members of staff. Traffics security managers apply business practice changes to better the security and efficiency and effectiveness of services provided. They are looked to organize national and local crisis management and all incident response procedures. Through recognizing the needs of those traveling, they are able to balance safety and security with comfort. This job calls for a person to work jointly with others and to bring all matters that need attention to the appropriate recipients. This communication with others stretches further as a security manager is always coordinating efforts with others regarding all criminal intelligence and of course security issues. A strong transportation security manager's works to better all communication with others, looking to create strong relationships, as this only improves all safety and security in transportation. A transportation security manager is expected to make and deliver oral and written briefings as well as reports to varying audiences on different topics related to security. According to payscale.com, the average annual salary for a transportation security manager is $54,294.