Security Officer vs. Security Guard (2024)

A security officer is a watch person with a wider range of duties and the ability to exercise independent judgment, while a security guard is a watch person who is assigned a particular post or patrol area and has little independent judgment.

A security officer tends to function in a management role and is responsible for an overall security operation. They will assign duties and tasks for security guards to carry out. They are expected to have a wider range of experience and know the scope of work needed. They are responsible for the operation of security work at a location.

A security guard is the face of a security operation. They are the person the public will see performing security duties. They are posted at various checkpoints like doors, gates, and vulnerable areas. They are expected to report suspicious activity and may have to interact with the public. They must follow the details of their security plan,

There are differences between a security officer and security guard including who they report to and their day-to-day duties.

Here are the key differences between a security officer and security guard:

• A security officer is in charge of the security guards and takes on a management role

• A security guard must follow the security plan given to them by the security officer

• A security officer is responsible for the entire scope of the operation

• A security guard is responsible for their post or assigned location only