Security officers play a key role in protecting property and people. For those who want to secure more work hours, there are several strategies that can help them stand out and demonstrate their commitment to the company. One of the main concerns for security officers is maximizing their work hours, and this requires a combination of availability, flexibility, professional attitude, punctuality, and clear communication with dispatch.

In this article, we will provide practical tips on how to increase your chances of getting more hours as a security officer. These tips are designed to help officers become more competitive, improve their relationships with supervisors, and make themselves more indispensable to security teams.

Availability in advance: be proactive

One of the best ways to increase your work hours is to be available in advance. When you are flexible and able to take last-minute shifts or accept additional assignments, you show your commitment and responsiveness.

Why availability is important:

Security companies often face last-minute needs, such as for events, emergencies, or unexpected absences. If you are available, you become an obvious choice when these needs arise.

Practical tips:

Plan your hours: Schedule your work hours and inform your supervisor of your long-term availability. The more proactive you are in managing your schedule, the more likely you are to be called.

Specify available time slots: Indicate specific times when you are available, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. This can be an excellent way to make yourself more accessible.

Stay flexible: If an unexpected assignment arises, be ready to accept it on short notice. If you are already well-positioned in terms of availability, you are more likely to be chosen first.

Flexibility: accept varied assignments

Being flexible with the types of assignments you accept is crucial to getting more hours. If you are willing to work in different environments (events, mobile patrols, guarding commercial sites, etc.), you can open yourself up to a wider range of assignments and work hours.

Why flexibility is essential:

Security companies look for officers who can adapt to different types of assignments. Whether it’s for a one-time event, a long-term site, or mobile security, each type of service requires specific skills and availability.

Practical tips:

Offer your services for various types of missions: If you are capable of working on events, mobile patrols, or guarding sites, make that clear.

Be ready to accept off-hours: Security work often requires working in the evenings, nights, or weekends. If you show that you are available outside of regular working hours, you will be an asset to the company.

Professional attitude: make the difference

One of the keys to getting more hours of work is having an irreproachable professional attitude. As a security officer, you need to be respectful, attentive to detail, and always maintain a positive attitude, whether it’s with your colleagues, supervisors, or clients.

Why professional attitude is crucial:

Supervisors and clients prefer working with security officers who are reliable and have a positive attitude. A professional attitude helps you stand out in a competitive environment. It strengthens the trust of your employer and increases the likelihood that you will be given more responsibilities and more hours.

Practical tips:

Show leadership: Show that you are capable of taking the initiative when necessary without compromising security or procedure integrity.

Demonstrate commitment: Always be punctual, dress appropriately, and follow security procedures carefully.

Stay courteous and respectful, even in stressful situations. A calm, composed, and respectful security officer is always preferred.

Punctuality: always be on time

Punctuality is one of the most appreciated qualities in the security field. Arriving on time demonstrates not only your reliability but also your commitment to your work.

Why punctuality is crucial:

Security assignments are often strict in terms of timing. Failing to be on time can result in security risks, disrupt work schedules, and harm the company’s reputation.

Practical tips:

Respect break times: If you have breaks during your shift, make sure you follow the schedules to maintain constant surveillance without compromising security.

Prepare in advance: Always arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your shift begins to have time to settle in, check the mission-related information, and ensure everything is in place.

Clear communication with dispatch

Clear and effective communication with dispatch is essential to the success of your mission. You need to be able to convey information quickly and concisely, especially when problems or unforeseen situations arise. Responding quickly to dispatch calls and calling back immediately if you missed their call is crucial for smooth coordination.

Why communication is essential:

Effective communication with dispatch allows for better coordination of interventions, optimal resource management, and ensures all officers are on the same page. Not answering a dispatch call immediately or failing to call back quickly can lead to delays in managing security and potentially add risks.

Practical tips:

Use communication tools properly: Ensure you are familiar with the communication systems in use (radios, mobile apps, etc.), and use them professionally. Be attentive and responsive to messages.

Be responsive and clear: When you receive instructions, make sure you understand them and respond quickly. If a problem arises, inform dispatch immediately and provide clear and precise information.

Call back immediately if you missed a call: If you cannot answer at the time of the call, make sure to return dispatch’s call as soon as possible. Do not leave a message unanswered, as this can cause delays or miscommunication.

Show initiative and offer solutions

Being proactive and taking the initiative can earn you the trust of your supervisors and increase your hours. If you identify a problem or a situation that may require intervention, take the initiative to propose a solution before anyone asks.

Why initiative is important:

Security officers who anticipate needs and propose solutions are more likely to be considered for additional or long-term assignments.

Practical tips:

Show willingness to learn: If you have suggestions to improve security processes or procedures, feel free to share them respectfully with your superiors.

Don’t be passive: If you notice a situation that could compromise security, report it or propose a solution quickly.

Build trust with your colleagues and supervisors

Building solid professional relationships with your colleagues and supervisors is essential to creating a harmonious work environment. A united and cohesive team is more likely to call on you for additional assignments because you show your commitment to being part of a team.

Why collaboration is important:

Security companies value officers who can work as part of a team. Good collaboration ensures that missions are carried out efficiently and securely.

Practical tips:

• Be supportive of your colleagues: Help others when they need support, and make sure to always respect the other members of the team.
• Show empathy and respect: Respect for others is essential to maintaining a professional and positive atmosphere, which will lead to more opportunities.
• For more tips on how to successfully work in a team, check out this article: 8 tips for working well in a team.

Conclusion

Obtaining more hours as a security officer is not a matter of luck. It depends on your availability, flexibility, professional attitude, punctuality, and clear communication with dispatch. By applying these practical tips and standing out positively, you will increase your chances of being assigned more hours.

At Charco Sécurité, we value officers who are proactive, responsive, and ready to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Follow these tips to increase your work hours and advance your career in security.

If you want to learn more about the different types of assignments for a security officer, check out our article: 7 different types of missions for a security officer.