Police Officer vs Security Guard
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Pay
Police Officer
$69,700 typical, a year
Most Police Officers earn $57,900 to $88,800 a year.
From 78 postings that list pay
693 open jobs now
Security Guard
$40,600 typical, a year
Most Security Guards earn $37,400 to $46,500 a year.
From 5,075 postings that list pay
21,114 open jobs now
Police Officers typically earn about $29,200 more a year than Security Guards.
What each one does
Police Officer
- Patrol assigned areas to prevent and detect crime.
- Respond to emergency calls and requests for assistance.
- Enforce laws and ordinances to maintain public safety.
- Investigate crimes, accidents, and suspicious incidents.
- Make arrests and detain individuals when necessary.
- Prepare and submit written reports of activities.
Summed up from 30 job postings
Security Guard
- Patrol the premises on foot or in a vehicle to monitor for suspicious activity.
- Write clear and accurate incident reports and maintain detailed activity logs.
- Control access points by verifying credentials and screening visitors and employees.
- Respond to emergencies, alarms, and disturbances to ensure safety and security.
- Greet visitors and provide information or assistance in a professional manner.
- Observe and report safety hazards, policy violations, or criminal activity.
Summed up from 30 job postings
Skills employers ask for
Police Officer
Asked for in both
- Law Enforcement 5 in 10 postings
- Emergency Response 1 in 10 postings
More common in Police Officer postings
- Firearm Operation 2 in 10 postings
- Investigations 1 in 10 postings
- First Aid Methods 1 in 10 postings
- Community Policing 1 in 10 postings
Security Guard
Asked for in both
- Law Enforcement 1 in 10 postings
- Emergency Response 3 in 10 postings
More common in Security Guard postings
- Customer Service 4 in 10 postings
- Access Control 3 in 10 postings
- Alarm Systems 1 in 10 postings
- De-escalation 1 in 15 postings
- CCTV Systems 1 in 15 postings
Out of each role's current postings.
Licenses and certifications
Police Officer
- Driver's License 5 in 10 postings
- California POST Academy 1 in 10 postings
- U.S. Citizenship 1 in 10 postings
Security Guard
- Driver's License 6 in 10 postings
- CPR Certification 1 in 10 postings
Open jobs
Police Officer
School Resource Officer
GreatheartsPay not stated Huntersville, NC; Charlotte, NCCrisis InterventionDe-escalationEmergency ProceduresEmergency ManagementDriver's License +2Supervisory Police Officer (Operations Officer)
Central Intelligence AgencyPay not stated Barstow, CA, USDriver's LicenseAEDCPR CertificationLaw EnforcementAccess ControlLead Police Officer
Central Intelligence AgencyPay not stated Barstow, CA, USDriver's LicenseCPR CertificationLaw Enforcement
Security Guard
Unarmed Security Officer (English/Spanish) - Luxury Condominiums
Nation SecurityPay not stated Brickell, Florida, United StatesDriver's LicenseCustomer ServiceEmergency ResponseSecurity SystemsIncident ManagementSafety & Security Officer
Drury HotelsPay not stated 8805 Orion Place, Columbus, OH 43240Access ControlSecurity SystemsSecurity Gaurd
Crc$14.66 - $19.43/hr Employer statedShannondale of Maryville - Maryville, TNDriver's LicenseHVACCDLCustomer ServiceCPR Certification
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